How to Import a Vintage Car From Japan?

People have a real affection for cars. Some people are passionate about buying vintage cars or sports cars.

Buying a used vintage vehicle seems cool, but you need to understand the process and its legalities.

It is all about their interest and ambition. However, if you are someone who enjoys driving a vintage car, then this blog is for you.  Each country has its own legal compliances, and before buying a vintage car, you should understand the compliances requirements of your country.

Moreover, if you are looking for good Japanese cars, Find good Japanese used cars dealers. The dealers have some premium quality vehicles.

Buying a vintage car is not easy but don’t worry; Japanese dealers are always ready to negotiate.

Japanese Vehicle Import Process

Japan is home to some of the classiest cars in the world. All the premium quality cars are available in Japan. However, in order to buy them, you need to first check the history of the vehicle, its condition, and your own country’s compliance. The reason is that certain countries follow the pollution and safety requirements.

Once you understand the legalities of importing a car in your country, you can follow the steps given below to import the vintage car of your choice from Japan.

1.     Choose a JDM Importer

The process of vehicle importing starts when you choose a JDM importer. The reason is that the JDM importer solves the hassle of buying a vehicle. Moreover, they ensure that the vehicle you wish to import into your country is legal.

They arrange the local delivery for your vehicle when it lands. Also, they take care of your paperwork as well. Other than that, JDM importers also help the clients access those auction cars that the individual buyers cannot access.

2.     Choose the Right Vehicle

Once your registration is complete, you are free to choose any vehicle you like. The vehicles can be chosen from the available stock. You have the option of choosing the price range, model, mileage, and checking that the vehicle is legal in your country or not.

Thus, you need to choose the vehicle after proper inspection to avoid issues.

3.     Your Mode of Purchase

You have two modes of options to choose from, such as auctioned vehicles and private sale vehicles.  It all depends on your choice of which mode of purchase is suitable for you.

Moreover, you should have a clear idea about the auction and private sales work.

1. Vehicle Auctions

If you buy a vehicle from an auction, you should know how it works. Car auctions are very common in Japan because buyers look for quality vehicles.

Moreover, car auctions are also increasing because the whole world is inflicted with inflation. As a result, buyers who could afford a brand new vehicle now prefer purchasing the vehicle from an auction.

2. Private Sale

If you don’t want to buy a vehicle from an auction, look for an automotive dealer. First, the automotive dealer presents a stock to you. Then, when you choose a vehicle, the dealer quotes you.

Thus, the purchase depends on your final call. After the deal is set, an invoice will be generated for you.

4. Shipment Process

Your shipment process will begin once you clear the dues. Your auto dealer will ship the vehicle at their earliest. The final bill of lading is issued after a week when your vehicle is shipped.

Apart from the bill of lading, several other documents include the final invoice, export certificate, marine insurance deregistration certificate. Moreover, you need to check these documents. If something is missing, you should immediately claim it.

5. Vehicle Port Clearance

When your vehicle arrives at the port, it is important to take all the documents with you.  After you submit all the documents, then you can take your vehicle home.

Do not miss out on any documents because your vehicle will not be released. Moreover, you will be charged extra for leaving the vehicle at the port after the due date.

Things to Consider

There are several things you should take into account when you plan to buy a classic car.

1. Check the VIN

When you plan to buy a classic car, you should know its history. Hence, check the market value of the car, its cost of renovation, and even the resale value.  For this purpose, you need the VIN of the vehicle.

Thus, before you close the deal, you need to ask for the vehicle’s VIN from the seller. Then, please read the report because it will tell you everything about the vehicle in one go.

You will get to know whether it is a fraudulent car or not and the major damages that occurred to the car during the accidents.

2. Check the Service Record

It doesn’t matter how old your car is.  All you need is a reliable vehicle that offers a comfortable ride. Before buying a vehicle, you should check whether the owner took proper care of the vehicle or not.

To buy a good car, it is important to check its service records. If only one owner has owned the car, you should definitely buy it. But if several owners have owned it, our suggestion is to leave the car.

3. Maintenance Cost

Before you buy a vehicle, you must check its maintenance cost.  Always remember that when you purchase a vintage car, you have to spend money to rebuild its engine and several other dents and rusts. So make sure you keep some amount for its services.

The trusted Japanese dealers will tell you everything about the vehicle.

Shipping Vehicles

Most people like to import cars from Japan because it offers feasible shipping methods. The c customers have the option of choosing the method they like.

Japan offers two types of shipment methods: RORO shipping and container shipping.

1. RORO Shipping

RORO shipping is known as the roll-on. Roll-off shipping.  First, your vehicle is loaded in the ramp in this type of shipping. Then it is taken to the cargo space.

Moreover, there are several other vehicles as well. Your vehicle is tied to the safety lashes, so it doesn’t move when the ship sails. People find RORO shipping feasible because it is a cost-efficient solution.

RORO shipping is not offered in various countries due to the differences in the legal compliances. Therefore, it is advisable to check which shipping method is available in your country.

2. Cargo Shipping

In cargo shipping, your vehicle is put in a separate container. No strap or safety lashes are needed because the container is compact. Most people who import vintage cars opt for cargo shipping.

In cargo shipping, the car is lifted or loaded with the help of cranes. It is more expensive than RORO shipping because separate containers are given. Moreover, cargo shipping takes a lot of time to deliver your vehicle.

It’s on you to decide which type of shipping method suits you. Always check the cost, delivery time, and your convenience. In the end, it all depends on your choice.

Benefits of Importing Vintage Cars From Japan

There are several benefits of importing vehicles from Japan.

• The risk of fraud or theft is minimized as strict policies exist.
• Japanese automobile dealers take great care of the vehicle, and it is only advertised after proper inspection.
• VIN is easily provided without any hassle.
• You don’t have to deal with extra taxes on imports.
• The shipment rules of your country are also taken into consideration.

Wrap Up

In conclusion, it can be said that if you love vintage cars, then import them from Japan.

It is home to some premium quality vintage cars. Moreover, there are a lot of reasons to buy a vintage car from Japan.  Also, check out the page of Japanese used cars dealers and choose a reliable dealer for your purchase.

We hope you understood the whole process in detail. Follow the process, and your purchase will be successful.

Lastly, don’t forget to check the legal requirements of importing a vehicle in your country. Understand the criteria and then purchase your dream car.