Common Questions

  • Japan has a vast treasure trove of quality used vehicles from across the globe available for export. Our team of expert enthusiasts boasts an unrivaled knowledge that spans not only popular Japanese brands, but also the thrilling world of European elegance, American muscle, timeless classics, and specialized wonders. While we savor the exhilaration of it all, our primary focus remains steadfast—to connect you with the finest examples of Japanese brands.

  • We offer the following services.

    Japan to USA / UK / Canada / Australia / New Zealand / Ireland + more

    New Zealand to USA / UK / Canada / Australia / Ireland / Europe (Rare Classics)

  • It all depends on where your vehicle is acquired from in Japan but in general to most worldwide destinations around 6-10 weeks is an expected time.

  • As a general rule for low volume purchasing credit is not given, so you can expect to be required to place a $2000 deposit per vehicle you wish to bid on. Then you will be required to pay the full amount outstanding for the vehicle you have won from auction within 72 hours.

  • If you change your mind and decide not to purchase through auction, your deposit will be refunded, provided no vehicle was purchased on your behalf on the day of order cancellation. Vehicles purchased prior to cancellation are expected to be paid for.

  • If, for some reason, you genuinely find yourself unable to proceed with the purchase or if you have a change of heart, we regret to inform you that you will forfeit your deposit. We kindly ask for your understanding as the deposit is intended to cover the expenses associated with returning the car to auction, including auction house fees, administrative fees, inspection fees, and other related costs. This measure helps us mitigate our losses in such circumstances.

  • Only international payment by SWIFT Telegraphic Transfer (TT) or from approved 3rd party providers like WISE or SONY BANK is accepted. Some markets by direct credit dependent on service.

    You can pay the transfer in YEN / NZD / USD and other major currency’s provided the correct amount arrives in the destinations currency.

    We do not accept Cash, Paypal, Gift Cards or Crypto Currencies due to international AML requirements.

    We reserve the right to reject payment from 3rd party finance company at our discretion, this includes a pre approved loan where the finance company pay’s us direct.

  • One of our primary market segments encompasses the facilitation of the provision of contemporary, standardized, and environmentally conscious vehicles through our import to order services. As a result of the limitations imposed on international travel during the Covid19 pandemic, we had the opportunity to dedicate resources to procure specialty vehicles tailored for retail sale in New Zealand. However, our strategic direction has evolved in response to the implementation of the Clean Car Programme in New Zealand, leading us to cease our retail operations in that specific market.

  • We do not offer any services to find and/or import parts. We understand the frustration you may feel with resellers who are now asking extortionate prices on parts they have sourced from Japan. Unfortunately, to search on behalf to buy one-off period items is too time-consuming to be viable.

  • Step-by-Step Guide: What Our Retail Withdrawal from the New Zealand Market Means for Business and Fleet Operators

    1. Japanese Cars Limited one of J-Cars sibling companies has withdrawn its retail offerings from the New Zealand market, signifying a significant change.

    2. Despite this change, there are no immediate changes for business and fleet operators.

    3. As business and fleet operators, you have the option to continue to deal with Japanese Cars Limited for your vehicle supply and payment requirements.

    4. Payments can remain seamless, allowing you to make a single payment for the complete vehicle package in your currency

    5. For Business-to-Business (B2B) sales, vehicles will be sold as a comprehensive drive-away package.

    6. These vehicles will be fully complied following importation from Japan.

    7. The registration and Warrant of Fitness (WOF) and any CCP Co2 fines will be taken care of, ensuring a hassle-free experience for you.

    8. Additionally, Japanese Cars Limited will act on your behalf in all interactions with J-Cars the Japan-based company.

    By following these steps, business and fleet operators can continue to rely on Japanese Cars Limited as a trusted partner for their vehicle procurement needs in New Zealand.

  • Step-by Step Guide: What Our Retail Withdrawal from the New Zealand Market Means For Private Individuals - There are service changes for retail market. (Please read carefully)

    1. Japanese Cars Limited are no longer offering retail services to the consumer. Japanese cars our sibling company will not sell vehicles directly to you. Only assistance will provided landed side as requested in the form of customs collection and NZ side vehicle compliance and preparation services to streamline drive away packages. These are not motor vehicle dealer services, these are payment collection and vehicle preparation services.

    2. We have independently split our companies between the NZ and Japan sides so you will now deal directly with our Japan-based export company that operates this website to select and purchase your desired vehicle. Japanese Cars Limited will not be involved with your vehicle purchase, the sourcing, advice or any part of the sale of any vehicles to you. You will now receive the same services and recourse as other countries do.

    3. The Japan-based export company operates independently of Japanese Cars Limited.

    4. You will pay us/J-cars the Japan-based export company directly for your chosen vehicle. J-Cars will invoice you for the FOB price, which includes the total cost of the vehicle, buyers fees and all Japan side costs to get it ready for shipping and in many cases also the shipping costs known as CIF pricing.

    5. You will make payment to the Us / J-cars which is a Japan-based export company through direct credit. This payment must be made before any vehicles can be shipped to you.

    6. Japanese Cars Limited may act on your behalf to organize the everything beyond the vehicle embarkment process. You will pay Japanese Cars Limited directly for this service, including storage, customs, clearance, GST, and local delivery fees. The charges for delivery vary based on your location (compliance center or business address).

    7. The NZ Clean Car Standard can be complex to deal with. As part of the arrival process, Japanese Cars Limited will manage all Co2 account emission-related compliance on your behalf.

    8. The compliance shop will calculate any compliance Co2 fines applicable to your vehicles. Japanese Cars Limited will invoice you for these fines if applicable dealing with the complex admin.

    9. You must pay these fines in advance of delivery. Failure to do so will result in the vehicles not being accepted onto the account ledger. You cannot register your vehicle after compliance until all fines are paid. In some cases no fines are payable, we will inform you either way.

    10. Payment of all NZ related costs such as compliance and repairs (if we facilitate for you) are required in full for us to either register the vehicle on your behalf or release the paper work for you to do so. Regardless of if we register on behalf or you register vehicles yourself all CCP Co2 fines if applicable are your responsibility to pay either to us or directly to the agent.

    Recap: Japanese Cars Limited is not selling you the car; you are importing the car yourself direct from J-Cars. You are responsible for all costs, this includes the Clean Car program fines.

    Any further questions around this process, please ask via the contact page. We will guide you step by step along the way through this process so you don’t need to understand it all right now if you are a beginner importer, no experience is necessary it will still be streamlined and easy.