Frequently Asked Questions

We provide a complete Japanese car import service from Japan to the UK. This includes vehicle sourcing, purchase, international shipping, customs clearance, UK compliance, and DVLA registration, ensuring your JDM import is fully road legal and ready to drive.

A typical Japanese car import from Japan to the UK takes around 12–16 weeks. Times can vary depending on shipping, customs clearance, and UK testing requirements. We handle the full process and provide regular updates throughout.

When your JDM car arrives in the UK, we handle unloading, customs clearance, and transport to our facilities. We complete any required MOT or DVSA IVA testing, carry out compliance checks, and manage UK registration. Your vehicle is then delivered to your door or made available for collection.

Simply contact us with details of the car you’re looking for, or let us help you find the right one in Japan. We’ll provide a free consultation and a transparent quote, then manage the entire import process from start to finish until your car is delivered to your door.

We offer two main shipping options — Container Shipping and RoRo (Roll-on Roll-off) — depending on how quickly you’d like your car delivered:

• Container Shipping:
  Your car is securely loaded into a shipping container, sometimes alongside other vehicles. This method offers maximum protection and allows for personal items or spare parts to be shipped with the vehicle if required.
• RoRo Shipping:
  Your car is driven directly onto the ship and secured for transport. It’s a faster and straightforward method, ideal for customers who want their car delivered as soon as possible.

We’ll discuss both options with you and arrange shipping based on your preferences and timeline.

We import a wide range of vehicles from Japan, including:

• Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars
• Sports cars and performance models
• Hybrid and electric vehicles
• Classic and collectible cars
• Vans and 4x4s

If it’s available in Japan, we can source, ship, and register it for you.

Yes. Every vehicle is professionally inspected in Japan before shipping. We work with trusted agents and auction houses who carry out detailed checks, including condition and auction grading reports, odometer verification, and inspections of the engine, bodywork, and interior.

You’ll receive full inspection photos and reports before the car leaves Japan, giving complete transparency and peace of mind.

Costs vary depending on the vehicle, shipping method, and UK import charges. Our quotes are fully transparent and typically include shipping, customs duties, compliance testing, and UK registration, with no hidden fees. You’ll always receive a full breakdown before proceeding.

Yes. Import duty and VAT apply to most vehicles imported into the UK. The amount depends on the vehicle’s age, engine size, and declared value. We manage all customs declarations and payments on your behalf, ensuring full compliance with UK import regulations.

Our car sales service covers ready-sourced Japanese import vehicles that are inspected and prepared for sale.

IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) is a DVSA inspection required for certain imported or modified vehicles before they can be registered for UK road use.

Not all vehicles require IVA. It depends on the age, origin, and registration status of the vehicle. Contact us to confirm your specific case.

Yes, we can transport your vehicle to the IVA test centre and assist throughout the process from preparation to inspection.

Yes, we can assist with the UK registration process following a successful IVA test.

Common issues include headlight beam patterns, rear fog light requirements, MPH speedometer conversion, tyre compliance, and minor safety or labelling adjustments.

Yes, we provide pre-IVA inspections and preparation to help improve the chances of passing first time.

Costs vary depending on the vehicle and required work. Please contact us for a tailored quote.

Click "Start Enquiry" and tell us your budget, preferred make and model, year, and any modifications you want. We use this brief to search Japanese auctions and dealer networks for vehicles that match your criteria exactly.

The deposit secures your place in our search queue and demonstrates serious intent to sellers and auction houses. It is deducted from the final purchase price of your car, and we only begin sourcing once it is received.

Most imports take between 8 and 12 weeks from deposit to delivery. Auction purchases can be quicker, while rare or highly specific models may take longer to locate. We keep you informed if timelines shift.

You need a valid UK driving licence and proof of address. We handle all import paperwork, customs declarations, and DVLA registration on your behalf. We can also advise on insurance options while the car is in transit.

We bid on your behalf or purchase directly from trusted dealers, depending on where the right car appears. You receive full transparency on condition reports, auction sheets, and photographs before we commit any funds.

Yes. We arrange sea freight from Japan to the UK, manage customs clearance, and calculate all duty and VAT so there are no hidden costs. This is included in our standard service.

We arrange the MOT, complete DVLA registration, and carry out any required modifications, such as speedometer conversion or rear fog light fitting. Every car is fully valeted before handover.

You are welcome to collect your car from our premises in Derby, or we can arrange nationwide delivery to your door. Either way, we ensure the handover includes all documentation and a full walkthrough of the vehicle.

You do not need insurance while the car is in transit, but you will need cover before collection or delivery. We can advise on specialist insurers who understand imported and modified vehicles.

Rare models require patience, but our daily auction monitoring and dealer relationships mean we are well placed to find them. We will set realistic expectations on search duration upfront, and we will never pressure you into accepting a car that does not match your brief.

Japanese car auctions are wholesale marketplaces where dealers and exporters bid on vehicles directly from Japan. For UK buyers, they offer access to a far wider selection than any local stockist, often at lower prices. You specify what you want, we search the auctions, and you authorise us to bid on your behalf.

Every auction vehicle carries a condition grade, typically from 4.5 (near-new) down to 1 or R (repair history). The grade reflects overall condition, mileage consistency, and any panel work. We explain these grades in plain English and flag anything that does not match your expectations before you commit.

The inspection sheet is the official report compiled by the auction house. It notes exterior and interior condition, mechanical faults, accident history, and modifications. Since these are written in Japanese, we translate them fully and interpret the details for you, so you know exactly what you are considering.

Yes. Auction listings include multiple photographs of the exterior, interior, and any marked damage areas. We review these with you alongside the inspection sheet and grade, so you have a complete picture before approving a bid.

Generally, yes. You are purchasing at source, without UK dealer mark-ups or storage overheads. Even after shipping, duties, and compliance costs, many customers save money, particularly on rare or high-demand models that command a premium once they reach the UK.

The selection is enormous. From classic Skylines and Supras to kei trucks, rotary-powered Mazdas, and low-mileage garage queens, auctions list thousands of vehicles every week. If it was sold in Japan, it probably passes through auction eventually, which makes them ideal for finding models that rarely appear in the UK.

No. We handle the entire bidding process for you. You simply tell us your maximum budget and any non-negotiable requirements. When a matching car appears, we notify you immediately, translate all documentation, and place the bid only when you give explicit approval.

Once we secure the vehicle, we arrange inland transport in Japan, export documentation, shipping to the UK, and customs clearance. We then carry out all compliance preparation and UK registration. You receive progress updates at every step until the car is ready for collection or delivery.

Click "Request Auction Search" and tell us your target model, budget, grade preference, and any must-have features. We monitor upcoming auctions daily and contact you as soon as suitable candidates appear. There is no obligation to bid until you are completely satisfied with a specific vehicle.

Auctions are trade-only, so private buyers cannot access them directly. As your agent, we provide the licence, expertise, and logistics network needed to purchase, import, and register the car legally in the UK. You get the benefits of direct auction buying without any of the complexity.

The total cost depends on the vehicle price in Japan, shipping fees, import duties, and UK compliance work. At JDM Car Specialist, we provide a fully itemised quote upfront so you know exactly what to expect before committing. Most customers find importing directly is more cost-effective than buying from a UK dealer, particularly for rare or high-demand models.

Typically, the process takes between 8 and 12 weeks from deposit to delivery, though this can vary depending on auction availability, shipping schedules, and UK registration timelines. We keep you updated at every stage, from auction win to the moment your car clears customs.

We can source and import most JDM vehicles, including sports cars, kei cars, and classic models. The car must be eligible for UK road use, which usually means it meets age and compliance requirements. If you have a specific model in mind, tell us your specifications and we will confirm feasibility straight away.

Yes, UK registration and compliance preparation are fully included in our service. We manage all the paperwork, MOT arrangements, and necessary modifications to ensure your car is legally registered and ready for UK roads. You will not need to deal with the DVLA or customs paperwork yourself.

Our Available Now cars are already in the UK, inspected, and ready for immediate reservation. Import to Order is for customers who want a specific model, colour, or specification that we source directly from Japanese auctions on their behalf. Both options include the same quality checks and UK preparation.

Yes, when you work with an experienced importer. We provide detailed auction sheets, condition grades, and photographs for every vehicle we bid on. Our team in Japan inspects cars in person where possible, and we only bid on vehicles that meet our strict quality standards. Transparency is key, so we share everything with you before you approve the purchase.

We require a deposit to secure your vehicle or begin the auction search. The exact amount depends on your budget and the target vehicle, which we will agree with you during the enquiry stage. The deposit is deducted from the final balance, and we only move forward once you are completely comfortable with the plan.

All our Available Now vehicles undergo a thorough pre-sale inspection. For Import to Order cars, we carry out the same rigorous checks upon arrival in the UK. While imported vehicles do not carry a manufacturer warranty, we stand by the quality of our preparation and are always on hand to answer questions after delivery.

You are welcome to collect your car from us in person, or we can arrange delivery directly to your doorstep anywhere in the UK. Either way, we make sure the handover is straightforward and that you have all the documentation you need.

Most JDM cars require minor modifications, such as speedometer conversion or rear fog light fitting, to comply with UK regulations. We handle all of this as part of our standard preparation process, so your car is fully road-legal when you receive it.

IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) is a DVSA inspection required for certain imported or modified vehicles before they can be registered for UK road use.

No. We structure payments in stages to protect both parties. You pay a deposit to secure your search or auction bid, then the balance is due once the car is won and shipping is arranged. We provide a clear payment schedule before anything moves forward, so there are no surprises.

Yes. For auction vehicles, we review the official auction sheet, photographs, and condition grade in detail with you before bidding. Where possible, our team in Japan carries out a physical inspection to verify the car matches its description. If anything does not meet our standards, we will advise you not to proceed and find an alternative.

We act as your advocate throughout the process. If a vehicle arrives with undisclosed damage or mechanical faults, we work with our Japanese partners to resolve the matter, including negotiating refunds or replacements where applicable. Our reputation depends on delivering cars that match your expectations, so we do not cut corners when problems arise.

Yes, shipping and customs clearance are fully managed by us. We arrange container or roll-on/roll-off shipping from Japan, handle all export and import documentation, and ensure your car clears UK customs smoothly. You do not need to interact with freight forwarders or HMRC yourself.

Before we bid, we provide a detailed cost breakdown covering the vehicle price, auction fees, shipping, insurance, UK import duty, VAT, compliance work, and registration. This is a fixed-scope estimate, so you can budget accurately. If your requirements change, we update the quote transparently before any additional spend occurs.

As involved as you want to be. Some customers give us a budget and specification, then trust us to bid. Others want to review every auction sheet and approve each candidate individually. We accommodate either approach and communicate in real time when a suitable car appears.

Deposits are used to secure auction access and begin the sourcing process, so they are generally non-refundable once we have started work on your behalf. However, if we have not yet bid or committed to a vehicle, we will always try to be reasonable. We discuss this clearly at the enquiry stage so you know exactly where you stand.

Yes. We manage all necessary compliance work, including speedometer conversion, rear fog light fitting, and any required structural or emissions checks. The car is fully prepared and MOT-ready before it is registered and handed over to you.

You receive regular updates at every milestone: auction search, successful bid, shipping departure, arrival in the UK, customs clearance, compliance work, and final registration. You are never left wondering where your car is or what happens next.

Importing independently requires fluency in Japanese auction systems, international freight logistics, customs regulations, and UK compliance law. One mistake can be costly. We handle the entire chain professionally, reduce your risk, and often secure better auction prices through our established relationships.

Yes, we work on a wide range of JDM vehicles including performance, Kei, and modified imports.

While we specialise in JDM imports, we can also service other vehicles depending on the work required.

Yes, we provide full routine servicing including oil, filters, and general maintenance.

Yes, we are based in Derby and support customers across the UK.

Yes, simply contact us to arrange a booking.

Yes. We source genuine JDM parts directly from Japanese dealers, dismantlers, and specialist suppliers. Whether you need routine maintenance components, body panels, or discontinued performance parts, we track them down and import them to the UK on your behalf.

Most orders take between 4 and 8 weeks from instruction to delivery, depending on supplier location, shipping method, and UK customs clearance. We consolidate shipments where possible to reduce costs and provide tracking information once your parts leave Japan.

Costs depend on the item price, weight, dimensions, and rarity. We provide a fully itemised quote upfront covering the part itself, domestic Japanese freight, international shipping, import duty, and VAT. There are no hidden fees, and we only order once you approve the total.

We can source parts for any Japanese vehicle, regardless of whether we handled the original import. Simply provide your make, model, chassis code, and a description of the part. Our network covers everything from standard OEM service items to rare Nismo, TRD, and Mugen components.

We verify part numbers and inspect items with our Japanese partners before shipping wherever possible. If a part arrives damaged or does not match the quoted specification, we manage the replacement or refund process directly with the supplier. You do not need to handle international returns or disputes yourself.

Most imports require at least speedometer adjustment and infotainment changes for UK usability.

In many cases, yes — the vehicle must display MPH or be clearly readable in MPH for approval.

Yes, we provide speedometer conversion and adjustment services depending on the vehicle.

Yes, but they may require frequency and language adjustments for full functionality.

It can be done either depending on the vehicle, but many customers complete conversions during IVA preparation.