Importing a car from Japan — explained properly
Everything you need to understand before importing a car from Japan, without the confusion.
What importing a car from Japan really involves
Importing cars from Japan to Ireland has become far more common in recent years, especially as prices in the Irish market continue to rise. But for most buyers, the process still feels unclear. Between shipping, VRT, VAT, and paperwork, it's easy to underestimate what's actually involved. This site breaks down the full process — clearly, realistically, and based on how it works in Ireland.
Full cost breakdown — no hidden fees
Cost to import a car from Japan to Ireland
One of the biggest questions is how much does it actually cost to import a car from Japan to Ireland?
The answer depends on the car, but also on shipping, VRT, VAT, and a few often overlooked fees that catch people off guard.
Understanding the full cost upfront is what separates a good import from an expensive mistake.
How to import a car from Japan to Ireland (step by step)
Step-by-step import process
The import process might seem complicated at first, but it becomes straightforward once you understand each stage.
From buying at auction in Japan to clearing customs and registering the car in Ireland, every step follows a clear structure — if you know what to expect.
Is importing a car from Japan worth it?
What changes when you compare Japanese imports to what's available locally.
For many buyers in Ireland, importing directly from Japan offers better value, higher spec cars, and cleaner history compared to local options.
But it's not always the right choice. Costs, waiting time, and risk all need to be considered before deciding.
Common mistakes when importing a car
Where people go wrong — and how to avoid expensive surprises.
Most problems with Japanese imports don't come from the cars themselves — they come from poor planning.
Underestimating VRT, choosing the wrong exporter, or misunderstanding auction grades can turn a good deal into a costly one.
Common questions about importing
Clear answers to the things most buyers are unsure about.
f you're considering importing, you probably have questions about costs, taxes, timelines, and whether it's worth it in Ireland.
Here you'll find clear answers based on real import scenarios — not guesswork.
See what cars you can import from Japan
Once you understand the process and the costs, the next step is seeing real cars available to import — based on your budget and preferences.