Import a car from Japan to the USA
If you’re a US based dealer looking to import stock from Japan, look no further. Davey Japan are the expets in sourcing the best quality vehicles.
For over two decades, we’ve been delivering Japanese vehicles to dealerships across the United States, acting as your end-to-end service provider to get the right cars on your lot – fast.
We’ll work as your import specialist, ensuring the vehicle you import meets all necessary regulations and motor vehicle safety standards. We also support you with freight options and navigating US customs clearance.
Looking for an estimated cost to import a car from Japan to USA? Get in touch with our team of experts today to talk through your requirements and the process.
Eligibility for importing vehicles to the USA
The US market represents a massive opportunity for dealers who know how to access it. Japanese vehicles are in high demand across America, and Davey Japan is your competitive edge in sourcing them.
There are two rules you need to be aware of to import Japanese cars to the US:
25 years or older
To import a vehicle into the US, it has to be 25 years old (calculated from its month of manufacture). If you’re looking to buy something slightly younger than 25 years, we can offer charged storage locally in Japan until they become eligible for import. This is a smart option for US dealers who want to buy vehicles at a lower price when demand is lower, and have inventory available for import once the cars turns 25.
Show and Display
Got your eye on something younger and truly special? The NHTSA's Show and Display scheme allows a select number of exceptionally rare and historically significant vehicles to be imported regardless of age. If you're looking to offer something truly unique to your customers, this could be your route in.
Ready to build an inventory that sets your dealership apart?
Talk to the Davey Japan team today.
Davey Japan simplifies importing to the US
01
Source
No matter where your business is based, Davey Japan can help you find the right vehicles at the right price. Register for our exclusive auction platform and get direct digital access to closed auction house listings that aren’t available to the general public.
02
Secure
Our on-the-ground team attends trade-only auctions every day on your behalf. They inspect every potential purchase and send back detailed notes, photos, and video – so you know exactly what you’re buying before you commit. When you’re ready to proceed, we bid for you.
03
Ship
Getting your purchase from Japan to your door is seamless with Davey Japan. Our experienced team works with a global network of shipping partners and customs brokers to handle all the paperwork, customs documentation, clearance, and freight routing – so you don’t have to.
Why work with Davey Japan as your Trade Partner?
Our expert team has exported over 70,000 vehicles all over the world. We work with dealerships and importers across the USA who need a reliable, experienced partner in Japan.
End-to-end import management
We support your business through the complete buying journey – from auction sourcing and vehicle selection through to shipping, compliance, and connecting you with a trusted US customs broker to get inventory on your lot fast.
Vehicle selection
We support your business through the complete buying journey – from auction sourcing and vehicle selection through to shipping, compliance, and connecting you with a trusted US customs broker to get inventory on your lot fast.
Your local experts
We support your business through the complete buying journey – from auction sourcing and vehicle selection through to shipping, compliance, and connecting you with a trusted US customs broker to get inventory on your lot fast.
Stay up to date with auction alerts
Japanese auction houses are closed to the public, but our app gives you real-time access in just a few taps with an exclusive auction tool.
FAQs about importing cars from Japan to the USA
Are vehicles from Japan compatible with American standards?
Aside from a few exceptions, vehicle imports to the USA must be 25 years old or more. This is determined by the month of manufacture for the vehicle (the car will also need to pass emission standards). Our expert sales and sourcing team will guide you to finding cars that are eligible for import to the USA. We will work as your import broker, navigating customs, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and DMV to ensure your vehicle is imported safely and legally. Looking to understand what is classed as an import exemption? Speak to our team today.
How do I know I'm getting a good-quality vehicle?
Davey Japan’s experienced team inspects each vehicle at auction to ensure it meets high-quality standards before purchase. In addition to the initial inspection, we provide detailed inspection reports and high-quality photos of each vehicle to help customers make informed decisions. Our team will guide you through the entire process and answer any questions as they arise.
Can Davey Japan provide a history report of the vehicle?
When you import from Japan, you are relying on an export partner to be your eyes and ears. Davey Japan can provide a detailed report of the vehicle’s history in Japan upon request at an additional cost. These reports include information on previous owners, accidents, repairs, and other important details that may affect the vehicle’s value and reliability.
Can I import a car that is not currently running?
Yes, non-operational vehicles can be imported, but only via container. Please be aware of the additional costs for container transport. Speak to our team today for more information on the costs of shipping your car to the U.S.
Is it possible to request a specific make or model?
Yes, of course. Davey Japan is committed to meeting the specific needs of its customers. We have excellent partnerships and knowledge of the best Japanese auction houses so have access to a wide range of vehicles. If you have a particular make or model in mind, you can provide the details, and the team will use their expertise to locate the best match at an upcoming auction.
What are the most popular make and models that customers import to the US?
There are many popular models that are imported from Japan to the USA, from kei trucks, to sports cars, to 4×4 SUVs. Some of the most popular models we have exported to the USA can be found listed below:
Daihatsu Atrai
Daihatsu Hijet
Datsun Truck
Honda Acty
Honda Beat
Honda CR-V
Honda CR-X
Honda Civic Type-R
Honda Integra Type-R
Honda NSX
Honda Odyssey
Honda StepWGN
Isuzu Elf
Mazda AZ-1
Mazda Cosmo
Mazda RX-7
Mazda Scrum
Mitsubishi Canter
Mitsubishi Delica
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
Mitsubishi Minicab
Mitsubishi Pajero
Nissan Atlas
Nissan Figaro
Nissan Safari
Nissan Silvia
Nissan Skyline GT-R
Nissan Stagea
Rover Mini
Subaru Impreza WRX STi
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Sambar
Suzuki Cappuccino
Suzuki Carry
Suzuki Jimny
Toyota Altezza
Toyota Aristo
Toyota Celsior
Toyota Century
Toyota Chaser
Toyota Crown
Toyota Dyna
Toyota Estima
Toyota Granvia
Toyota Hiace
Toyota Hilux
Toyota Hilux Surf
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Toyota LiteAce
Toyota Mark II
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Sera
Toyota Supra
Toyota TownAce
Toyota Toyoace
How long does it take to receive a car after it has been purchased in Japan
Generally, it takes about 6 to 10 weeks from the date of purchase to delivery at the port in the USA. This can vary depending on many factors, such as shipping routes, congestion, weather conditions and more. We do our best to get your car to you as soon as possible!
Can I import right hand drive (RHD) vehicles into the United States?
Yes, there are no restrictions in the USA regarding the placement of the steering wheel. Right hand drive vehicles are 100% legal in the USA.
Why should I choose Davey Japan when importing a car from Japan to the USA?
We have over a decade of experience shipping cars to the USA and can ensure that your car will get across the Pacific smoothly and safely. Additionally, we have a network of trusted shippers and brokers that we can connect you with, so you’re in good hands throughout the process.
Can Davey Japan handle import customs and brokerage?
We do not handle import customs and brokerage, but we have a network of trusted brokers across the USA that we can connect you with to ensure that your car gets in and out of the port smoothly.