Australia drives on the left, so Japanese cars are right-hand drive and a natural fit. But Australia has the strictest used-car import rules of any market we ship to. Most searches for "Japanese import cars Australia" end up asking one question: which cars can actually be imported?
The 25-year rule
Under the Road Vehicle Standards scheme, a vehicle 25 years or older (by date of manufacture) can be imported with a simpler personal import approval. In 2026 that means cars built in 2001 or earlier. Anything newer is much harder.
In our stock today, 5 vehicles meet that rule, including the 1996 Nissan Mistral 2.7 R (a JDM Terrano II 4x4), the 1991 Toyota Dyna truck and classic 1996 Suzuki Carry kei trucks. The live list below only shows cars that pass the 25-year rule.
SEVS import approval for newer JDM cars
Cars under 25 years old can only come in through the SEVS route (the Register of Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles). The model must be on the register, and the car goes through a Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) that modifies and certifies it before it can be registered. It is a specialist, slow and expensive route. If you want a newer JDM model, message us the model and we will check it against the register first.
Toyota, Honda and Nissan used cars from Japan
Nissan and Toyota 4x4s and trucks from the 1990s are the most popular 25-year imports. See Toyota, Nissan and Honda for everything we hold.
Car shipping from Japan to Melbourne
Cars ship to the Port of Melbourne (and other ports on request) in about 18 to 25 days, the shortest route we run. Every vehicle must be clean and pass biosecurity inspection, and dirt or seeds mean costly cleaning at the port. We quote the Japan to Australia shipping cost per vehicle.
Import approval, taxes and the landed cost of a car in Australia
- Import approval before shipping: apply for a vehicle import approval through ROVER (the government's online system) before the car leaves Japan.
- Customs charges: the Australian Border Force charges 10% GST, Luxury Car Tax above the threshold and customs duty where it applies (Japanese-made cars may qualify for relief under the Japan–Australia trade agreement), on the customs value.
- Biosecurity inspection and any cleaning.
- State registration and roadworthy.
Landed cost of a car in Australia = car + freight + insurance + GST (and LCT or duty if they apply) + biosecurity + registration.
Japan car auction for classic imports
Our older cars come from Japanese auctions and specialist dealers, with an auction sheet where available and full photos, including the underside, which matters for rust on 25-year-old cars.
Buying a Japanese used car online from Sydney or Melbourne
Pick an eligible car below and press Buy Now for a proforma invoice. You will need it for the import approval. We confirm freight on WhatsApp and ship once your approval is granted.
Best JDM import dealer in Australia, or import yourself?
A JDM import dealer in Sydney handles approval, compliance and registration and sells the car ready to drive. Importing yourself costs less but you manage ROVER, biosecurity and registration. If you are searching "used cars near me" in Melbourne, compare the dealer price with the total landed cost.
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: Australia import page
