Ireland drives on the left, so Japanese cars arrive right-hand drive and register without any conversion. Irish buyers have imported Japanese cars for years, and hybrids like the Toyota Aqua and Prius are common on Irish roads. Since Brexit, importing direct from Japan rather than via the UK avoids a second round of taxes. Here is what it involves.
RHD and JDM cars for sale in Ireland
There is no age limit on imports, so our whole stock (186 cars today) can go to Ireland. Low-CO2 cars are the smart choice, because VRT is based on emissions:
- Hybrids: the 2020 Corolla Touring Hybrid S estate, the 2019 Toyota Aqua G and the 2019 Honda Vezel Hybrid Z.
- Electric: the 2018 Nissan Leaf has zero tailpipe CO2, which puts it in the lowest VRT band.
- Used SUVs for sale in Ireland: the Toyota C-HR Hybrid and the Mazda CX-5.
Toyota, Honda and Nissan used cars from Japan
See every Toyota, Honda and Nissan car in stock. Most models have Irish or European equivalents, so parts are easy to find.
Car shipping from Japan to Dublin
Cars ship RoRo to Dublin Port in about 33 to 43 days. We quote the Japan to Ireland shipping cost per car. Press Inquiry on any car.
Customs duty, VAT, VRT and NCT
- Customs duty and VAT: Revenue charges customs duty (normally 10%, and potentially reduced under the EU–Japan agreement with proof of origin) and 23% VAT on the CIF value.
- VRT registration: book a VRT appointment at an NCTS centre after arrival, where the car is inspected and registered.
- VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) is based on the car's Open Market Selling Price in Ireland and its CO2 and NOx emissions. Revenue's VRT calculator gives the figure for your model.
- NCT for an imported Japanese car: cars over four years old need an NCT (roadworthiness test), which checks items like lights and speedometer units for Irish roads.
Landed cost of a car in Ireland = car + freight + insurance + duty + VAT + VRT + NCT + registration. Check VRT first, because it can make or break the deal.
Japan car auction sheets
Our cars come mostly from Japanese auctions. The auction sheet grades the condition and confirms the mileage, which also helps you estimate the Open Market Selling Price for VRT.
Buying a Japanese used car online from Dublin
Press Buy Now to get a proforma invoice for the car, and we add the freight to Dublin on WhatsApp. After payment we ship and send the Bill of Lading and Commercial Invoice for Revenue.
Best used car dealer in Ireland, or import yourself?
A car dealer in Dublin sells the car already registered, with VRT paid, and may offer a warranty. Importing yourself from a Japan car exporter usually costs less but means you handle Revenue, VRT and the NCT. If you are searching "used cars near me" in Dublin, compare the dealer price against the full landed cost above.
Ready to buy? Pick a car in the list below and press Buy Now, or Inquiry Now on WhatsApp. Tell us your budget and the car you want and we reply 24/7.
See also: Ireland import page
