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. New Zealand and Japan 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 companies (even with an established presence targeting clients domestically)

  • 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 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 will still continue to deal with Japanese Cars Limited for your vehicle supply and payment requirements.

    4. Payments will remain seamless, allowing you to make a single payment for the complete vehicle package.

    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 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 will not sell you vehicles directly. We will only provide assistance as requested in the form of shipping and NZ side vehicle compliance and preparation services.

    2. We have independently split our companies between the NZ and Japan sides so you will be referred to Deal directly with the Japan-based export company 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 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 the Japan-based export company directly for your chosen vehicle. They 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.

    5. You will make the first payment to the Japan-based export company through direct credit. This payment must be made before any vehicles can be shipped to you.

    6. Japanese Cars Limited will act on your behalf to organize the shipping 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 shipping 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 CCD Co2 fines if applicable are your responsibility to pay either to us or directly to the agent. If you are entitled to a rebate under the CCD for importing a low emission vehicle we will assist you to apply for it.

    Note: Japanese Cars Limited is not selling you the car; you are importing the car yourself direct from the Japan side company. You are responsible for all costs, this includes both the Clean Car Standard Co2 and Clean Car Discount Co2 fines (yes a NZ government double tax on the same thing) that make up the NZ governments Clean Car Programme.

    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.