Import Vehicle Guide

We specialise in sourcing, importing, and delivering high-quality Japanese vehicles to Australian clients. From vehicle sourcing, auction bidding and inspections to shipping, compliance, and final delivery, we handle the entire process so you don’t have to.

We also offer a selection of showroom stock vehicles that are already landed, complied, and ready for immediate purchase.

We can help you import a wide range of vehicles, including:

• JDM performance models (e.g. Evo, GT-R, WRX, Type R)
• Kei cars and small city vehicles
• Luxury sedans and wagons
• 4WDs and SUVs
• Vans and utes
• Classic or collectible vehicles
• Have a specific model in mind? We’ll help you find it.

Absolutely. Whether it is a low kilometre collector car or a niche JDM model, we can use our extensive network to locate hard to find vehicles through auctions, dealers, or private sales in Japan.

On average, the full process takes 10–20 weeks from purchase to final delivery in Australia. This includes auction sourcing, shipping, customs clearance, compliance work, and registration support.

Typical costs include:

• Purchase price (FOB) of the vehicle (FOB = Free on board)
• Shipping (RORO or container) RORO = Roll on Roll off the ship
• GST and import duties
• Customs and quarantine fees
• Compliance and workshop costs
• Local delivery or pickup
• Our sourcing & service fee
• We provide a full cost breakdown upfront — no surprises.

FOB stands for “Free on Board”, and it refers to the price of the vehicle up until it is loaded onto the ship in Japan.

The FOB price includes:

• The cost of the car
• Domestic transport within Japan
• Export paperwork and processing
• Port handling and customs clearance in Japan

However, FOB does not include:

• International shipping to Australia
• GST, import duties, or Australian customs fees
• Compliance or registration costs
• Local transport within Australia

In short, FOB is the base vehicle cost before shipping and import expenses are added. It is the starting point for calculating your total landed cost.

Yes. All vehicles are inspected in Japan before purchase. We provide:

• Auction inspection reports
• Grading and condition summaries
• Photos, Videos and translations
• We only recommend vehicles that meet our quality standards
• If we cannot verify its condition firsthand, we simply will not bring it in, that is James’ non-negotiable
• No inspection, no purchase. It is that simple.

We assist with post-import compliance and registration. While we do not provide warranty, we partner with compliance workshops and offer guidance to ensure your vehicle is road-ready and supported.

Yes and No

25 years or less

Only vehicles that meet the Federal Government’s SEVS (Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme) standards can be legally imported. We will only source vehicles that are eligible and comply with Australian regulations.

25 years or more

The 25 Year Rule allows vehicles that are 25 years or older from their build date to be imported into Australia outside of the SEVS scheme. This is done via the Older Vehicle Import Option, subject to state-based registration approval and roadworthiness. You can find the SEVS list here.

Yes. Occasionally, we have a selection of Showroom vehicles that have already been imported and complied, ready for immediate sale. Check our current Showroom stock page or contact us to see what is available.

Yes, we would be glad to assist with selling your car. We manage the entire process for you from marketing to sale. While ensuring you get the best possible result. Please note that we have clear standards and expectations for vehicles we consign, so each car must meet our quality criteria before being accepted.

No stress at all. If we do not secure the vehicle, we simply move on to the next suitable option. Your sourcing fee deposit remains on file.

Our focus is not just winning, it is winning the right car at the right price. We stay patient, strategic, and disciplined to protect your budget.

We keep the process fully transparent and structured.

Once we have agreed on a vehicle and budget, a deposit is required to secure and begin sourcing. Payment is made after the vehicle is successfully secured. Funds are transferred through secure, traceable banking channels.

You will receive invoices and supporting documentation at every stage so you can see exactly where your money is going.

We treat every purchase as if it were our own — transparency and accountability are key at The Import Yard.

If a vehicle does not meet compliance requirements, we work directly with our compliance partners to rectify any issues before registration. We only source vehicles that are eligible under current import regulations, so there are no surprises. Our job is to manage the risk before you commit.

Yes. We work with finance brokers who understand imported and JDM vehicles. They are familiar with the import process and can structure loans specifically for vehicles sourced from Japan, making the process smooth and straightforward.

Yes. Marine insurance can be arranged to cover the vehicle from Japan to Australia. We will explain your coverage options so you are protected the entire journey.

Absolutely. We regularly source factory performance models and tastefully modified vehicles. We will always advise you if modifications may affect compliance or registration in Australia.

Importing sounds simple — until it is not. Regulations, eligibility, shipping logistics, compliance, and risk management can be overwhelming. We manage the entire process end-to-end, protect you from costly mistakes, and often secure better vehicles through our network.

Yes. While we are based in Sydney, we can guide clients Australia-wide through the registration process once compliance is complete.

It is easy. Just contact us to discuss what you are looking for. We will guide you through:

• Setting a budget
• Finding the right vehicle
• Understanding auction reports
• The import and compliance process