Japan and the UK both drive on the left, so a Japanese import needs no steering conversion. Japanese domestic (JDM) cars are often better equipped and lower-mileage than UK cars of the same age. This guide explains what it actually takes to bring one in, and the costs that catch people out.
RHD cars for sale in the UK, straight from Japan
Every car we list is right-hand drive, and there is no age limit on personal imports. That gives you a much wider choice than UK used-car stock: kei cars, hybrid people carriers like the Toyota Noah and Voxy, and JDM-only models the UK never got. We have 186 cars available today. The live list is at the bottom of this page.
JDM cars for sale that make sense in the UK
- Hybrid people carriers: the 2018 Toyota Voxy ZS Kirameki (7 seats, sliding doors) is a popular alternative to UK MPVs.
- Used SUVs for sale in the UK: the 2018 Toyota Harrier Progress Metal & Leather (a JDM sister to the Lexus RX size class) or the 2018 Mazda CX-8 XD 4WD, a 7-seat diesel never sold in the UK.
- Cheap run-arounds: kei vans and hatchbacks, such as the 2019 Suzuki Every Join Turbo 4WD.
Toyota, Honda and Nissan used cars from Japan
Browse Toyota, Honda and Nissan. Many models share parts with UK-market versions, which makes servicing easy.
Car shipping from Japan to the UK
Cars ship RoRo from Japan to Southampton or Bristol in about 30 to 40 days. There is no fixed per-m³ rate for the UK on the site yet, so we quote the Japan to UK shipping cost per car. Press Inquiry on any car and we will reply the same day.
Duty, VAT, NOVA and the landed cost of a car in the UK
- Customs duty and import VAT: HMRC charges customs duty (normally 10%, possibly less under the UK–Japan trade agreement if origin can be proved) and 20% import VAT on the CIF value.
- NOVA: the arrival must be notified to HMRC through NOVA within 14 days, or DVLA won't register the car.
- Approval: cars under 10 years old generally need an IVA test (Individual Vehicle Approval, run by DVSA) before first registration, because JDM cars lack UK type approval. Cars over 10 years old need an MOT instead. Budget for things like a mph speedometer and rear fog light.
- DVLA first registration, then road tax and insurance.
Landed cost of a car in the UK = car price + freight + insurance + duty + VAT + IVA or MOT costs + registration. Put all of these in your budget before you buy.
Japan car auction: what you get
Most of our cars come from Japanese auctions, with an auction sheet that grades the body and interior and records the real mileage. For UK buyers, it is also the best defence against clocked cars.
Buying a Japanese used car online from the UK
Press Buy Now on a car below to get a formal proforma invoice with the car price, and we add the freight to Southampton on WhatsApp. After payment we ship the car and send the Bill of Lading and Commercial Invoice for NOVA and customs.
Best JDM import dealer in the UK, or import yourself?
A UK JDM import dealer (in London, Manchester or elsewhere) handles the IVA and registration for you and sells the car UK-registered, at a price that reflects that work. Importing yourself from a Japan car exporter costs less but leaves the paperwork to you. If you are searching "used cars near me" in London, compare the dealer's price with our price plus all the costs 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: UK import page
