Japanese cars are generally known for their unmistakable stylistic identity, reliability and quality, and if you want to see an example of a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) car, importing it yourself from Japan may be your best option. Importing a car from Japan is relatively straightforward but like most things in life, if you follow a logical procedure you'll minimize the chances of having things going wrong when your new wheels delivered.
Browse the Internet for car exporters based in Japan. It is best to find a company with a proven track record of satisfied clients. Find the car you wish to purchase and notify the company by e-mail. It is best to restrict communication to e-mail to both minimize translation errors and to keep a record of all communications in case revisions are necessary.
Confirm your car purchase by signing and returning a pro-forma invoice after receiving it from the exporter.
Arrange for the car's undercarriage to be steam-sprayed to ensure it is free of potentially dangerous foreign soil.
Wire the deposit for the car to the exporter's bank account. Send the outstanding balance once you have received confirmation that the car is on the ship and on its way to you. You may also be required to pay for carrier costs before the car is shipped.
Consult with a shipping agent who can collect the car on arrival in your country and bring it through customs. Submit all necessary legal documents upon collection including the car's foreign registration, the bill of sale, the carrier's bill of landing, a completed Department of Transport form HS-7 and a completed Environmental Protection Agency form 3520-1. You will need to pay shipping agent fees, import duty, customs duty and import tax.
Purchase road tax and car insurance and register the car so that you can drive your car legally on the road. Organize for a certified mechanic to test the car so that it complies with your country's road worthiness standards.
