Japan car import guides & comparisons

Plain-English guides to importing a used car from Japan — model-vs-model comparisons, shipping and cost breakdowns, and how the auctions actually work.

A Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 waiting at a Japanese port for export to the United States under the 25-year import rule.

JDM imports8 min read

JDM Cars Turning 25 in 2026: The 25-Year Import Rule Explained (US Legal List + Import Cost)

Cars built in 2001 clear the US 25-year rule through 2026, build month by build month: late R34 GT-Rs, the S15 Spec-R, the Evo VII. Here is the list, and what importing one actually costs.

18 July 2026

A Suzuki Carry and a Daihatsu Hijet kei truck parked side by side on a farm track in rural Japan.

Car comparisons8 min read

Suzuki Carry vs Daihatsu Hijet: Which Kei Truck Should You Import?

Japan’s two best-known kei trucks go head to head: the Carry DD51T with its cult US following against the Hijet, the simplest and often cheapest working truck at auction.

18 July 2026

A Toyota Aqua hybrid parked beside a petrol compact car, illustrating the choice between the two.

Buying tips8 min read

Hybrid vs petrol: which Japanese car should you import?

Japan exports cheap hybrids by the thousand — but a hybrid is not always the right buy abroad. Here’s how to weigh fuel savings against battery, parts and support in your country.

1 July 2026

A car odometer beside a Japanese auction sheet, contrasting mileage with the inspector’s condition grade.

Buying tips7 min read

Mileage vs auction grade: which matters more?

Low mileage looks reassuring, but the auction grade — the inspector’s condition score — often matters more. Here’s how to read the two together and avoid a cheap-looking trap.

1 July 2026

A buyer reviewing a Japanese exporter’s company registration and auction sheet before committing to a purchase.

Buying tips8 min read

How to spot a trustworthy Japanese car exporter

Importing from Japan is safe with the right partner and risky with the wrong one. Here are the red flags to walk away from, the green flags to look for, and a checklist before you pay.

1 July 2026

A row of clean used Japanese hatchbacks, sedans and SUVs lined up at an export yard.

Buying tips8 min read

Best Japanese cars to import in 2026

The smartest imports aren’t the flashiest — they’re the ones with cheap parts, strong resale and small, tax-friendly engines. Here are the best picks by category for 2026.

1 July 2026

A clean right-hand-drive Toyota sedan on a Nairobi street, the kind commonly imported from Japan.

Country guides8 min read

Best cars to import to Kenya from Japan (2026)

Kenya caps imports at 8 years old and taxes big engines hard. Here are the age-compliant, cheap-to-run Japanese models that make the most sense — and where to price them.

1 July 2026

A right-hand-drive Toyota unloading at Dar es Salaam port, a common import route from Japan.

Country guides8 min read

Best cars to import to Tanzania from Japan (2026)

Tanzania has no hard age ban, but an age surcharge makes old cars expensive. Here are the newer, small-engine Japanese models that make the most sense — and where to price them.

1 July 2026

A Toyota Aqua, Honda Fit and Nissan Note hybrid hatchback parked side by side at a Japanese used-car yard.

Car comparisons8 min read

Toyota Aqua vs Honda Fit vs Nissan Note: best budget hybrid to import (2026)

The three most-imported budget hybrid hatchbacks from Japan, compared on economy, space, parts and resale — plus a straight answer on which one to buy.

1 July 2026