Carros usados importados de Japón are popular in the Dominican Republic because Japanese cars are well maintained and hold their value. But two rules decide what you can import: the 5-year age limit and the drive side. This guide covers both, plus the shipping cost and duty to Santo Domingo.
The 5-year rule (Law 12-16)
The Dominican Republic caps imported used passenger vehicles at 5 years old. In 2026 that means 2021 models or newer. A cheap used car on a Santo Domingo lot may be near the end of that window, which is one reason buyers import direct and choose the exact registration date.
LHD used cars for the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic drives on the right, so you need a left-hand-drive car. The cars listed on our site are right-hand drive, because Japan drives on the left, so we source a left-hand-drive car to order. Japan's domestic market includes LHD versions of European and some American models, and we find one that meets the 5-year rule, inspect it, and quote it to you before you pay.
Toyota, Honda and Nissan used cars in the Dominican Republic
Toyota, Honda and Nissan are the most requested brands in the Dominican Republic. Tell us the model and year range and we will check LHD availability in Japan and any rules on converted vehicles with you.
Reconditioned Japanese engines
For older cars already on Dominican roads, reconditioned Japanese engines and used parts are often the better buy. Browse our engines and parts or send us the engine code.
Car shipping from Japan to Santo Domingo
Cars ship to Puerto Río Haina, near Santo Domingo, in about 30 to 40 days. The Japan to Dominican Republic shipping cost is quoted per car. Send us the model and we reply the same day.
Import duty and landed cost of a car in the Dominican Republic
The DGA (Dirección General de Aduanas) charges customs duty, ITBIS and the selective consumption tax on the CIF value, and the first registration adds its own charges. Together these are a large share of the landed cost, so get an estimate from an agente de aduanas before you buy. Documents: Bill of Lading, Commercial Invoice, Certificate of Origin and the DGA customs declaration.
Japan car auction sourcing
We buy at Japanese car auctions and from dealers, filtering by first-registration date for the 5-year rule and checking the auction sheet (condition grade, repairs) and the real mileage.
Buying a used car online from Santo Domingo
Press Inquiry Now with the model, year and budget. We send matching LHD options with photos and a price delivered to Haina. When you choose one, you get a formal proforma invoice and pay only against it.
Car dealer in Santo Domingo or direct import?
A car dealer in Santo Domingo has cars cleared and ready to drive. Importing direct lets you pick the exact car and skip the dealer's margin, but you handle clearance through an agent. If you are searching "used cars near me" or carros usados baratos in Santo Domingo, compare the two on the full landed price.
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: Dominican Republic import page