How To Import A Car From Japan | Full Price, Documents, Step by Step
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- Опубликовано: 28 июн 2024
- After finally getting everything in order, I have made my most requested video yet.
All information in this video is based off of market values at the time of export in December 2020. The price I mention is what I paid including all transport and broker fees. As these fees and availability vary, your rates will likely vary as well, so always check with the proper authorities first. My price should be a ballpark of what you will expect to pay.
If you want to help me on my way to racing greatness, please check out my website and grab some merch from
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If you have a performance car you need parts for, see me at work at
www.vividracing.com/iori-arat...
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apexi-usa.com
For everything else, oreillyauto.com has you covered.
If you have anymore questions, please feel free to comment below and I will answer as soon as possible.
Time Stamps:
0:50 - Wind Stops
1:25 - Finding a Car/Price Comparison
7:30 - Vehicle, EPA, and Border Patrol Requirements and Paperwork
9:05 - Importers, Exporters, and Brokers
12:05 - Port Locations
13:15 - Delivery Timelines
14:15 - Full Cost Average
15:35 - Wind Returns
Miata Import Video:
• Importing A Modified ...
Video B-Roll Credits:
Leap Across the World : • Top 10 Best Things to ...
Port of Los Angeles : • Port of Los Angeles: A...
Tech Ninja Productions : • B&M Drift Racing Team ...
Music Credits:
Revival - Fertilizer : • Fertilizer
Find me on IG @iori_Oki
Find B&M on IG @ BandMOkinawa
Thank you for your time. 
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Facts James Co doesn’t answer any questions
Yeah, that company was the worst part of the whole experience. He really left me hanging.
@@ioriOki I definitely felt that just did my paperwork a week ago smh why did I pay lol
@@ridendirtyjzx1004 They could have at least let us know how to pick the car up too. You probably couldn't tell, but I was quite stressed in my Miata pickup video.
This was a great video! Being a car guy I would not think to do what you described. I Google, find it, and then buy. Your way I can get a vacation and see them in person and save a ton of money. I will not forget this video. Thanks for making me think outside the box!
That's the whole point! Tag me on IG if you get anything good!
I would do the next video on insuring the car. Some people are importing these cars but the insurance companies only see a 90's sh*tbox. So for my Silvia if totaled they were only going to cut me a check for $3k. 😤😭
Go through a classic car insurer. I insure my cars through Hagerty and have an “agreed” value with them if anything bad happens. You 100% don’t want to insure it like your average daily driver.
I certainly can do that. It was actually a very simple process to get them insured!
That is 100% correct. Hagerty is one of many different companies willing to do that.
Goonet nsx's mostly say "no repair history" The price has increased much for these within a couple years ! Yes ??
Hahahaha 😅
Nice video! Thank you for taking the time to walk through this for us.
Of course, my pleasure. If there are more questions, just let me know.
Girl you rock!! very informative video and awesome energy
Here to support a fellow AZ car enthusiast!
Thank You! That's what's up! I appreciate you.
Thank you. I had no idea it was so cheap to visit personally.
Awesome cars! I’m in the process of importing a 94 Eunos RS at the moment. Thanks for the vid!
That's going to be so fun!
Love the video! Thank u for making this! 🙏
Absolutely! I hope your dream car is your garage soon!
Love the vids and this is super helpful because I really wanna import an FD one day soon
FD's are getting out of control as far as value goes, but you will likely save a lot of money and getting the full japanese experience doing it yourself.
@@ioriOki yeah i know its heartbreaking how expensive they've gotten but its my favorite Japanese car ever and my favorite car that is realistically affordable but I will have one that's my one promise to myself.
But yeah importing myself will definitely save me a lot of money glad someone like you made a video like this to help educate!
Love the video. Thanks for the awesome info 🥰
You are so welcome! Hope it was helpful!
Very informative! Thank you for sharing. I'm still a little apprehensive about a manual right hand drive, but I will own an RX-7 again some day. Love your black FD!
I respect that. I'm Japanese so RHD is what I'm use to, but even in the U.S. I would not consider a LHD Japanese Classic car just as I wouldn't consider a RHD American Classic car, but that's only my preference.
Very informative, thankyou
I wish I had seen this video sooner. I am half Okinawan and also live in Phoenix. My wife, kids and I visited the island along with Mainland Japan last year in March 2023 and will be doing a similar trip in November this year. I love cars and have been scouting about for a daily driver replacement for my 06 XB daily driver, and if I had seen this video sooner I could have booked a different stay in Tokyo to include time to look at and ship a car back. Haisai!
Great content thank you 🙏🏽
Thank you for commenting and helping me grow.
ok, this is a really awesome video.
Thanks for a full tuturial how to import a car 😁
Of course!! Let me know if you have more questions.
Very nice and informative... Thanks! 👍🏽🙂
Absolutely, I tried my best to cover it all!
@@ioriOki definitely a lot more helpful information than some people have, that they didn't have before.
Love the vids
Thank you! comments like this make it all worth it.
Great video! Thanks for the information! Could you share some known exporters from the mainland? First time importing a car and trying to do my research as well!
I don't personally know mainland importers and I don't want to vouch for someone because they have good google reviews, but who ever you go with, just comment here your experience so other people know.
thumbs up for the kuchi shot
I'm a little bit confused.
Great video, I did get a Customs Broker and having them ship it directly to my house from port.
That route is a little more expensive, but does save a lot of work on your end in the long run!
@@ioriOki it's not as bad as I thought but thank you for the reply
@@NikkisNugs
Which company or broker did you go with?
@@kankuro4ever960 I used Marine Air Land out of California. JR Lopez took care of me
I am in Phoenix and hope to buy a FD thanks for the info
Hi Iori! 👋🏻🤚🏻👋🏻 I grew in Okinawa…well, there was a base called Camp Makiminato until 2nd grade then came to California…I remember my Masa Ojisan have a beautiful Toyota Celica Supra (I think)…it was two-tone black with gold….I was 5 years old I loved that car…wish I could go back and find that car!!!
The island is hard on the old cars, but that would be amazing!
Thanks for this video. Is the "how to register/smog video out yet?
Not yet, I wasn't expecting the video to do so well, but I'm actually scripting that video now so please subscribe for more
Love your voice...and asain babes ( especially Japanese) hope to meet you one day😉😎
Think you this helps me out a lot ! To get into a port most require a TWIC Card if you're really going to import a car it would be best to apply for the TWIC Card that will be a photo of you background check and fingerprints.
I didn't know about the twic until I got there, but definitely next time.
You are the best
Thank you so much.
Yes can you make another video
Aww thank you, Jamel.
I like your cars!
Thank you.
Cars from Japan is another good website for cheaper JDM cars
Like like like.......so far.......wow lots of hoops to go through....but the best part is your handstand attempt,
now for some handstand pushups !
I am not even a little bit strong, but yes its a lot to do, but worth the experience, I think.
I am still having some trouble figuring out the whole exporter hiring situation. So you need to hire someone to go to the port and do all the customs things done?
I have been looking to import a Honda Acty Truck except it is still very confusing even after reading through the forms. I am also confused about the brokers, it is a lot but im just still confused :/
You will need someone with a TWIC card to go through the gates to grab the car. For the brokerage part, yes you will need to hire a company to do all that work.
Is goonet reliable and how long does it take to ship a car to your doorstep?
Did you ever make a video of the top 5 websites to source cars ?
I have not. The market has changed so much since this video was released that I often find it easier to avoid listing sites altogether.
Wow what an informative video. Plus what a Bae omg 😳 al this info will be helpful on my next buy I love you ❤️
im back again to this video as refence as for some reason my customs broker started ghosting me 1 week before my car lands at the port. trying to figure out all the paper work needed to get my car out :(
Iori, I’ve had the thought of importing cars from Japan and turn it into a business for a while now. If you have any advice for me please write me back. Thanks for making this video, and I think if you made the video of the best sites would also be a good idea. Again thanks and good luck with your channel.
Thank you Dezmond! Unfortunately, I'm not really into the business aspect as that is a big reason the market has become so overvalued. I make videos like this so that regular people can go get their dream car and cut out the middle man and save thousands. But for translation and whatnot, I'm more than willing to help!
As for best sites, I was waiting until this video gets about 10k views to gauge interest before creating that video.
We need the top 5 video!
This video actually isn't doing too well, unfortunately, but I'm down. Top 5 JDM websites or something else?
@@ioriOki you’d be surprised at how valuable it may be to someone. Answered many questions that I have and opened my eyes to possible obstacles/challenges that may come my way in the near future when I start my dream business. Top 5 websites would be super valuable but I guess only you know if it would be worth your time or not. Look at it this way, one more video that will bring traffic to your channel won’t hurt right? 😅 best of luck. Glad to see you adapting very rapidly to the lifestyle here in America, I imagine it’s night and day compared to where you’re from.
Hey just seen your video rn would it be possible to email you and ask some other questions like what brokers you used and what dealer you went to. I’m trying to import an fd in the next month and a half and I wanna find a few people with different options in where to get a car from and who to go to to figure everything out
I keep hearing about a ISF form . Any information would be helpful
Do you have a FORM number? If so I would gladly look into for you.
B&M is the best for assisting everything for your import
They made everything so easy
Can you leave a link so I could contact B&M?
I can’t find your video of picking up at the port .
for which car? I picked them both up at separate times from different ports.
Did you have to make sure your speedometers are in mph to get through US customs?
No, but I always run WAZE on my phone when I'm driving to make sure I'm going the right speed.
What broker do you use in Jacksonville?
Sugoi video~ what do you think of the Mazda RX-7 Type RZ model?
I don't care about submodels or special editions... they are all basically the same.
@@ioriOki ohhhh, but all are awesome models for the Mazda RX-7. Can't wait to see more of your videos~
A new one just dropped today. Check it out.
Commodore ute yay!! AUDM full skid spec. I know a few Holdens made it to Japan but that must be fresh out of 'straya.
Those are so cool.
@@ioriOki hah they're definitely great fun. The one in your video was an older 308 cubic inch V8. Later on they had LS motors and things got a little more serious. It's nice having something to ourselves that the rest of the world covets for a change!!
Does the car have to be a certain amount of years old to import to the U.S.? Or can the car be pretty new ??
Typically, it has to be over 25 years old. There are exceptions, but I am not familiar with them.
Heard as long as it meets NTTA regulations you should be good
Who do you recommend to use for export out of Okinawa? I think you said the name, but I didn't catch it. Also, do you know a good broker to use in Florida? Thanks for the video!
I used B&M but they may be getting out of the game. I'm unsure though.
@@ioriOki Thank you, I'll check it out.
Cute lady and personality you 😅
Great video. Easy to understand
Thank you!!
Can you give me the top five website to source these cars?
Good info, thank you… you so cute!!!!
As for insurance, I am using American Collectors Insurance. They work alongside USAA (you don’t need to have USAA) and so they’re really good with imports. Super simple to get as well. I currently have a $19,000 value on the car with 10,000 miles yearly driving limit. All for $1100/yr ($92/mo. approximately). ALL OF THIS CAN BE ADJUSTED to your liking. The value, the mileage per year, plus any add-ons like towing, repairs, windshield replacement, etc. once you select coverage simply submit thorough photos of your import and that’s it. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND HAGERTY… they’re overpriced imo.
I’ve used Grundy and a few others, as I shop for the best rates every year, and I’ll say Grundy does not have mileage limitations and is a good deal cheaper than American Collectors. I’ve had USAA in the past on other cars and they’re awful, so I wouldn’t go with anyone associated with them, but Hagerty, while seemingly overpriced, allows for track days, has no mileage limitations, and even offers to pay you out if you total it AND keep the car. Quite honestly, nobody else is really doing that right now
@@ioriOki darn, seems like you just have bad luck 🤣. USAA has been awesome to me and all of my cars. Differences in experience I suppose. I’m happy it all worked out for you overall. I’ll try Grundy out for my second import purchase coming this summer.
Do you know where would be the best site to get a JDM car from Japan and also have you heard of car from Japan?
Goonet is good, very easy to navigate
Hows the communication with the people selling on goonet? Im interested in importing a car im interested in
How do I find the month of manufacturer Honda Street? I have at port in VA
It's on the top of the title in Japanese title and on the data plate of the car located under the hood.
Did you do an AZ registration process video?!
I have not, but I registered in Florida.
What about steering wheel? It is still right side steering wheel?
Yes, that's my favorite way.
Cold hard facts.
Just doing my best to help.
YES WE ATEN!
I don't understand your comment.
Hi, just came across your video, quick question, I'm in the Air Force and we are going to Japan near Tokyo for training for about 3 weeks in summer, my question is:
Do you know if it is easier through the military? Any idea?
I just haven't had a chance to ask my chain of command, anyway, thank you in advance.
It's much easier but if you do not rate your DMO move, then you may have to do it the long way.
@iori Oki ok, I'll get working on the DMO move before our summer deployment and see what happens. Thank you👍
So I was stationed in Oki (Saw You Oki plates lol) and I brought my GC-8 from Japan. Now I'm trying to figure out the process to get my car drivable in Cali. For now, my car just arrived in LA this week so I'm hyped to pick my baby up but not hyped for the process to get her street legal lol
Register it in Florida! That would be the easiest solution :)
Wow could u make a video on your process?
South Dakota 😉 look into it
@@ioriOkiCan u make a video ! Or how can i get in contact with tou
Looking for a mr2 how should I used
I don't understand that sentence.
Omg I like that you leave in the bloopers 😭😭😭
Its to add a little bit of comedy to an otherwise dry video lol
@@ioriOki lol guuuurll staaawp
What’s the brokers name that you use?
John S. James Co out of Jacksonville FL. I wouldn’t recommend him though. He was not responsible at all and I had to reach out to my importer and exporter for really easy answer.
What are some Japanese car website’s where I could get it cheaper?
I think goonet is the best English friendly site.
no need to apologize for squinting
You liked 1 of my post on IG so going to help you out on youtube as well nice video as im looking for a Fd myself i have 2 first gen rx7 that im building
Oh I go wild on the IG discovery page.
What's your IG?
Thank you for helping me on the RUclips!
@@ioriOki Jaysbrappingbbq 84 you need to get a Gracingshifter in your fd i have 1 in my fb best short shifter in the market
@@jaysbrappingbbq842 followed, but nah, I love the shifter currently in there. I'm gonna hold onto that for a while, unless GRacing is trying to sponsor something. lol
Nice car 🚗.
Thank you. I love them both so much.
I’m waiting for a 350z
So that should be around 2028
Does anybody know any good websites/importers?
DM me on IG. Let's find you a car.
Been looking on Car from Japan to import. They show a “Car Price” and a “Total Cost” would there be more fees to pick it up from the port that isn’t covered by the “Total Cost”
More than likely, yes. I have not used that particular service, but I would budget a few hundred bucks for incidentals.
I do have one question, would u recommend any reliable places where I could even buy an import car?
A lot of companies exist out there, and some are less reputable than others. That's why I just go get them.
@@ioriOki ok thanks
So I need to hire someone to get the car ship out of Japan and hire another company to help me get the car out of the port when it arrives to USA?
Since I live in California, even I can get the car here how to register it in CA is gonna be painful, that's why I've been wanting a JDM but still haven't take action
Right now is hard. Everything is super expensive!
I am currently in Okinawa. And have been struggling to get information on how to import my 2008 Mazda to the states due to it not being 25 years old. I would be eternally grateful for any assistance or help. This is one of my dream cars and am willing to do anything to get this vehicle back without getting crushed at customs😂
you can’t
@@heem47 it’s importable. Just not sure the process. It’s stateside legal. It passes the DOT standards. Has the same crash rating. And passes EPA standards. Just have no clue where to get the paperwork or a good port to ship.
Is it the same with motorcycle?
I am not sure. When we imported our Hayabusa, we disassemble everything and shipped in a crate.
Is alibaba a good place to import a car from? To the United States
I don’t know. I’m not familiar with Alibaba
What are some good sites go find cars
For english friendly, I always recommend goonet exchange.
I live in Jacksonville and I would’ve told you to stay clear 😂
I wish I've known lol
so, 4000$ (just to be sure) for the import + the price of the car. Maybe ill get my hand on a Honda Beat someday
Pretty much, but those prices vary based on the world happenings.
There’s one on Japan-partner for 2k right now
That's the car I liked or the autozam. I saw one for sale in Austin for $10,000.
What about importing it to Europe?
I'm not sure as I have never been to Europe.
You are so beautiful thank you for explaining this but can I just buy for fd?
Thanks, and yes you can just buy one.
How does driving RHD feel in a LHD country, especially with how sketchy the drivers are in America.
I love it. It just gets annoying when people want to record you driving, you know. I can make a video about it
@@ioriOki that would be much appreciated, thank you!
I have driven in Hong Kong I can say American drivers are relatively much more polite lol
How to transport it into Japan from an another country
I have no idea.
How do I know Goonet is a real company and will import it for me? Additionally, can I purchase it with cash, or do I need to use a credit card to do so on the website?
The purpose of Goonet in my video is to find the car you want, then take a trip to see it and do the rest of the work in person.
Me watching yahoo auctions everyday 🥺🥺
Dont worry, you got this. You'll have your JDM dream soon.
what are the other websites that are cheaper and in Japanese.
The market is kind of all over the place right now, so unfortunately those deals are harder to find.
Thanks for the feedback
What about car parts?
will goonet exchange export my vehicle for me?
I have no idea, I'm sure they have companies associated with the site to help you along.
Then why people who imported the cars skyrocket the price?
Because people don't understand the process, and people are willing to pay their insane asking price.
❤
My broker told me that I need to convert the car into lhd and change the dash into miles from km or else it dmv won’t allow me to register or. Does anyone have opinion on that? The car is 98 rx7
If you're importing under the 25 year rule, that's not true. I don't know about other situations.
hey ! I’m stationed in okinawa and Leave in 2026. i am debating on getting a 2012 GT86, I heard it’s not possible to take the car back home unless it’s 20+ years ? Is that true or Can i take it back under 20. The only thing that is stopping me right now is the possibility of me not being able to take it back.
adding in to this, i heard if the same car make is in the US, is it able to be shipped if not 20 yrs ?
Yeah, you won't be able to bring it. As far as an equivalent model being offered in the U.S., there may be safety and emissions differences and I believe you have to get a letter of compliance from the manufacturer which won'thappen if you're not rich. I hope that helps. Get something older.
can you say what you do for work to be able to afford these
Well I bought them before clout killed the car community, so I paid less than $13k for both car together. But at the time I worked marketing for HKS, now I am the sales and marketing manager at Vivid Racing for our VR Tuned brand.
Thank you
You subtracted a USD price vs JPY. Also Top Rank, even though they are ripoffs, registered that car in CA which could cost 10K USD so please add that to the cost. Still cheaper.
Will do!
Hi , my name is Faris I’m buying a Acty Honda car from Japan and we’ll shipped next 6 weeks is my first time. In your video you mention a broker to handle paperwork . Can you recommend a good broker in Orangeorange county? Thanks
Hi Faris, I don't have a broker I can recommend since my broker was awful, BUT keep in mind your broker does not necessarily have to be in the state you're importing to.
2:50 - Haha story of my life! I can never get the US metric down for lbs to kg 😅
One day the U.S. will catch up.
Hey, all our tools are in SAE (Stubborn American Equivalent?) already... World, YOU change! 😂
I am just gonna get a good broker/exporter that can go in person or send someone in person to make sure the cars i am interested in dont have rust or have any major issues. I dont see the point of flying to japan if i can just spend that money on broker fees + i would be unable to export it soon after purchase. Just to clean it up and make sure it looks presentable for port authority in the US.
Edit: getting importer broker when it arrives. That and i dont see the point of traveling to japan if you are gonna get a importer/broker in japan.
Traveling is for the experience and to see it first hand. Even with a broker, you're still depending on someone else to make a decision for you.
Haha love the intro. I would like the video but its at 420...
But dont tell all the secrets! Lol
I'm not sure what you're saying, but thank you for complimenting the intro
Side note to my first comment: I used the Apple translator to translate the inspection sheets from the websites. Works really well honestly.
These inspection sheets are a really good reference point to the vehicles overall conditions but ARE NOT THE “BE ALL”. So keep that in mind.
Absolutely not. A good amount of the inspection sheets are fake as they’re altered by import bros and brokers.
@@ioriOki it’s all about the experience imo. You said it yourself, your first experience was horrendous. I am fortunate as I lived in Japan as well and so I had some help in the past. However, this time I haven’t had any issues doing it solo by shopping from “Beforward” as their inspection sheets are as raw as it come. They list little things like dents/ tears to oil leaks and even mechanical issues 🤷🏽♂️. I also stated that inspection sheets are a good point of reference and are not the “be all” of the purchase 😉.
Did you had to do anything for inspection
They are registered in Florida, so no inspection.
@@ioriOki thanks I will be definitely looking at something off of your guys site