New Zealand runs on Japanese imports. A large share of the used cars on NZ roads first went through a Japanese auction. You can buy the way NZ dealers do, direct from Japan. This guide covers compliance, costs and what to choose.
RHD and JDM cars for sale in New Zealand
NZ drives on the left, so Japanese cars are right-hand drive and ready for NZ roads. There is no blanket age limit, but a car must meet NZ's entry standards, including frontal impact and electronic stability control requirements for many used light vehicles. We check that before you buy. 186 cars in our stock can be offered for NZ today.
Japanese used cars that suit NZ buyers
- Hybrids: the 2021 Corolla Touring Hybrid WxB, the 2021 Honda Vezel Hybrid Z and the 2019 C-HR Hybrid G.
- Used SUVs for sale in New Zealand: the 2020 Toyota RAV4 X Limited 4WD and the Mazda CX-5 and CX-8 diesels.
- Family people carriers: the Toyota Noah and Voxy.
Toyota, Honda and Nissan used cars in NZ
See Toyota, Honda and Nissan. NZ-new and JDM versions share most parts.
Car shipping from Japan to Auckland
Cars ship RoRo to the Port of Auckland in about 25 to 35 days. The Japan to New Zealand shipping cost is quoted per car. Press Inquiry on any car.
Import compliance, GST and the landed cost of a car in NZ
- MPI biosecurity: every vehicle is inspected and, if needed, cleaned before it leaves the port.
- GST: NZ Customs charges 15% GST on the value plus freight and insurance, plus entry fees. Most cars carry no tariff.
- Import compliance (NZTA entry certification): an entry certifier checks the car against NZ standards and inspects it before first registration, then it gets NZ plates and a WoF.
- Clean Car Standard: importers must account for the car's CO2 emissions, and low-emission hybrids and EVs are the easiest.
Landed cost of a car in New Zealand = car + freight + insurance + GST + biosecurity + compliance + registration.
Japan car auction: same source as NZ dealers
Our cars come from the same Japanese car auctions NZ dealers buy from, each with an auction sheet grading the condition and recording the mileage. Ask for it on any car.
Buying a Japanese used car online from NZ
Press Buy Now for a proforma invoice with the car price, and we add freight to Auckland on WhatsApp. After payment we ship and send the Bill of Lading and Commercial Invoice.
Best JDM import dealer in NZ, or import yourself?
A car dealer in Auckland has already done compliance and sells the car ready to drive. Importing yourself from a Japan car exporter can save money if you manage compliance through a certifier. If you are searching "used cars near me" in Auckland, compare the dealer price with the full 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: New Zealand import page
