JDM cars

Have you ever been searching for your JDM dream car, only to find out that it’s not sold in the United States? Luckily, if you’re looking for a Japanese domestic market (JDM) car. The good news is that they can be found in America! Before you get too excited and go hunting down your dream JDM ride, however, remember that some special modifications may be required before your car will pass an emissions test on American soil. Here’s what you need to know about buying JDM cars in America.

What are Japanese Domestic Market Cars (JDM)?

Technically, JDM refers to any car that’s intended for use on Japan’s roads and highways. In practice, however, it almost always refers to Japanese-built versions of vehicles designed by a foreign manufacturer. For example, there aren’t any JDM Subaru WRXs (Subaru is a Japanese company).

But there are versions of Toyota’s GT86 that have been specifically tuned for driving conditions in Japan. And some folks might refer to those as JDM cars even though they’re technically just high-performance Toyotas.

What makes Japanese Cars Special?

Japan has a long tradition of handcrafting things with great attention to detail. So it’s no surprise that its engineers create some of the most unique and distinctive cars on earth. These are more than simply vehicles for getting from point A to point B.

They’re works of art that reflect hundreds of years of history, culture, and style. Whether you prefer sports models or everyday sedans, JDM cars have something for everyone. Check out our guides below to find out where you can get your hands on one.

Difference between JDM and American Cars

Japanese domestic market (JDM) vehicles and vehicles sold to Americans are completely different. Most of these differences come from cost, quality, fuel efficiency, emissions standards, and powertrain options. For example, most American automobiles don’t come with a manual transmission or an option for one.

Power and acceleration for most American-market cars also tend to be stronger than comparable JDM vehicles. Another key difference is emissions standards in Japan which mean most Japanese automakers make their engines smaller.

So they consume less fuel and produce fewer emissions. This is why many of them are underpowered compared to American vehicles—but that doesn’t mean you can’t tune them up!

Buying JDM cars in USA vs. Japan

Buying a JDM car from Japan can be tricky, and it’s not uncommon for problems to arise. Borrowing a vehicle in another country (or even another state) is called cross-border buying.

It’s more common than you think and not just among Americans looking to get their hands on some sweet Japanese rides. For example, Americans living near military bases on Okinawa can purchase vehicles at significantly lower prices due to Japan’s national laws regarding those military bases (which makes them nearly tax-free).

Some importers prefer private sellers over dealerships because they feel they are given more attention by private sellers who want to sell their cars.

Regulations on importing vehicles into the USA

When it comes to importing a vehicle, there are several things you need to consider:

• All imported vehicles must comply with federal safety standards (or FMVSS).
• All imported vehicles must also meet U.S. emissions and state or local requirements for smog inspection and registration.
• Some states require that owners of foreign-plated vehicles pay personal property taxes on those vehicles before they can be licensed for use on public roads.

Potential importers should check with their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regarding titling and licensing procedures to avoid these costs.

While regulations vary from state to state, many DMVs have streamlined their procedures so that only one form is required to title an imported vehicle in your name.

This means you will only have to fill out one form—regardless of how many countries your car has been registered in—and pay one fee for each country where your car was previously registered.

Why import an older car instead of buying locally?

If you’re looking for a used car that has been imported from Japan. Then a good place to start is with your friends. You can find plenty of other people who have had good experiences importing their vehicles and are likely happy to refer others to reliable dealers.

In addition, several Facebook groups are dedicated to connecting buyers and sellers of imported cars. On top of that, websites like Craigslist make it easy to search nearby listings for used imports by make and model.

Many exporters will also list their inventory on sites like eBay Motors or AutoTrader to attract buyers who aren’t necessarily familiar with where they import from or how their pricing works.

Where to get a used car imported from Japan?

To buy a car imported from Japan, you’ll need to find a licensed importer who can help you navigate local laws and regulations. Your best bet is to do an internet search for importers and your city or state.

You can also contact local used-car dealerships to see if they import vehicles from overseas. The good news is that used Japanese imports tend to be cheaper than new American vehicles. So you should find a decent selection of affordable makes and models.

Final Words

Many people are unaware that there is a thriving Japanese used car market, with hundreds of thousands of high-quality Japanese vehicles available for import into North America. Now you might be thinking. I don’t want to cross the ocean to get my dream car. And you’re right—you shouldn’t have to. A big advantage to buying a used JDM vehicle is that they come already inspected and certified. So you know exactly what you’re getting before ever leaving your driveway. For example, if it passes a visual inspection and has papers stating that it meets or exceeds all safety standards for driving in Japan, it’s ready for sale or import right now!