Importing a car from Japan yourself (rather buying from an LMVD dealer in NZ)

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Importing a car from Japan yourself (rather buying from an LMVD dealer in NZ)

gzuser

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#307089 18-Sep-2023 21:32

There are various agents online that charge a fee for managing the process of buying a car from Japan auctions direct yourself.
eg. First two google results:
https://japancardirect.com/destinations/new-zealand/
https://importyourcar.co.nz/home

Anyone been through this process recently?
Would be interested in hearing feedback good or bad.
Worth doing in 2023, or only for those after a very particular vehicle (not matter the cost)?
Face value, looks like break even or worse after agent fees, import compliance, GST and clean car fees...

Thunderbird5

13 posts

Geek
+1 received by user: 3

#3129427 19-Sep-2023 15:03

I used Carwebs.co.nz

referred by a neighbour who had got his vehicle that way.

Very simple, fees calculated up front so you know the cost incl. shipping etc. before entering max. bid price.

Only difficult part is you have to wait for successful bid and the delivery boat - around my time there were whole carships being bounced off to Australia due to stink bugs or moths onboard.....some of that might be your risk I was lucky about 6 weeks wait.

I was planning on buying from an established import off Japan owned stocklist dealership / warehouse but they'd folded.

gzuser

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3130265 21-Sep-2023 18:47

Thanks Thuderbird will have a look.