The complete guide to
importing a car from Japan
Everything you need to bring your dream JDM car to the USA — from finding the right auction vehicle to driving it off the port. No fluff, no gatekeeping.
Tariff Update: As of April 3, 2025, the US auto import tariff increased to 27.5% (25% Trump tariff + 2.5% base). Our calculator and cost estimates have been updated to reflect this.
Latest JDM Finds
Updated nightly from Japanese auctions — real prices, real cars.
2000 Nissan Silvia S15
S15 · 0 km · Grade N/A
1998 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution
V55W · 21000 km · Grade 4
1989 Toyota Supra
JZA80 · 82000 km · Grade 3.5
1998 Toyota Chaser
JZX100 · 114000 km · Grade 3.5
Can't read the auction sheet?
Upload a Japanese auction sheet and get an instant English translation — grades, damage codes, vehicle info, and inspector notes decoded by AI.
The 6-Step Import Process
A JDM import isn't complicated once you understand each step. We break it all down.
Research Your Car
Learn which JDM cars are legal to import, understand the 25-year rule, and identify the right model, grade, and chassis code.
Bidding at Auction
How Japanese auto auctions work (USS, TAA, JU), understanding auction sheets, grades, and placing winning bids through an exporter.
Export from Japan
Deregistering the vehicle, obtaining a Japanese export certificate, and coordinating with your exporter for port preparation.
Ocean Shipping
Choosing between RoRo and container shipping, selecting a destination port, and understanding transit times and costs.
Import & Customs
Working with a licensed customs broker, paying import duties (27.5% for passenger vehicles), EPA/DOT compliance, and ISF filing.
Port Pickup
Arranging transport from the arrival port, final inspection tips, and getting your JDM car titled and registered in your state.
Typical import: 3–5 months, $8,000–$25,000+ landed depending on vehicle, shipping method, and port.
What will it actually cost?
Use our import cost calculator to get a full landed cost estimate — including auction fees, shipping, customs duty, broker fees, and port handling.
Weekly Newsletter
The 25 Year Rule
Issue #10 · August 31, 2026
August 2001: Cars You Can Import Now
August '01 models cross the threshold this week. Tariff reform hits Japan imports. Three icons you can finally ship stateside.
Read Issue #10 →Featured Cars
JDM & Import News
What's happening in the Japanese car world.
Car and Driver · Mar 23, 2026
Nissan Z NISMO Gets Its Manual Back for 2027 →
Nissan listened. The 2027 Z NISMO returns to a six-speed manual after fan backlash — a win for purists eyeing the JDM-spec variant.
Car and Driver · Mar 18, 2026
Subaru Stops Taking WRX Orders in Japan →
Subaru halted domestic WRX orders in Japan — the current generation is winding down. Could tighten future JDM supply and push prices up.
MotorTrend · Mar 18, 2026
Lexus ES Hybrid and EV Both Under $50K for 2026 →
Lexus keeps the ES accessible at under $50K for both hybrid and new EV variants — a rare value play from Toyota's luxury arm.
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