Lexus
Performance
IS F · IS500 · RC F · GS F · LC500
Saloon & luxury
IS350 · GS350 · LS · RX
Japanese car discovery for UK buyers.
JDM cars.
Made clearer.
Explore Japanese cars, model guides, auction insights and practical UK import information before deciding what to source.
01 / EXPLORE JDM CARS
Find your
kind of Japan.
Start with a maker, then compare the models and specifications that suit how you actually drive.
Toyota
Performance icons
Supra A80 · GR Supra · AE86 · Chaser JZX100 · GR Yaris · GR86
Daily & family
Crown · Alphard · Vellfire · Land Cruiser · HiAce
Honda
Performance icons
NSX · S2000 · Civic Type R · Integra Type R · CR-Z
Daily & family
Fit RS · Stepwgn · Odyssey · N-BOX
Nissan
GT-R lineage
Skyline GT-R R32 · R33 · R34 · Nissan GT-R R35
More Nissan icons
Silvia S13 / S14 / S15 · 180SX · Fairlady Z · Stagea · Elgrand
Subaru
Performance
Impreza WRX STI · WRX S4 · BRZ · Legacy B4
Daily & touring
Levorg · Forester · Outback · Exiga
Mazda
Performance icons
RX-7 FD · RX-8 · Roadster (MX-5) · Eunos Cosmo · Autozam AZ-1
Daily & touring
Axela (Mazda3) · Atenza (Mazda6) · CX-5
Mitsubishi
Performance icons
Lancer Evolution I–X · Galant VR-4 · GTO · FTO · Colt Ralliart
Utility & 4x4
Delica D:5 · Pajero · Pajero Mini · Outlander PHEV
Suzuki
Small legends
Jimny · Swift Sport · Alto Works · Cappuccino · Escudo
Kei & family
Hustler · Wagon R · Spacia · Every
02 / POPULAR MODELS
The shortlist
starts here.
From attainable daily drivers to weekend legends. These are models to research, not a live stock list.
LEXUS / V6 SALOON
IS350
Compare trim, condition and the full landed cost before choosing an example.
HONDA / COMPACT
Fit RS
A small car with plenty of character. Check the exact grade and any modifications.
HONDA / HYBRID COUPE
CR-Z
Distinctive shape and a different take on the everyday Japanese coupe.
TOYOTA / SPORTS CAR
Supra A80
An icon worth researching carefully, especially its condition and history.
TOYOTA / HOT HATCH
GR Yaris
Modern performance in a compact package; specification matters.
LEXUS / V8 SALOON
IS500
A compelling performance saloon for buyers comparing rarity and running costs.
Toyota Crown
Generations, powertrains and trim.
Nissan Skyline
Choose the era and model code first.
Toyota Alphard
Space, seating and equipment.
Honda Stepwgn
Family practicality and layout.
Nissan Elgrand
Cabin, size and specification.
Nissan GT-R
Skyline GT-R R32 / R33 / R34; GT-R R35.
Photo credits: IS 500 — Tokumeigakarinoaoshima (CC BY-SA 4.0); Fit RS — Tokumeigakarinoaoshima (CC BY-SA 4.0); Supra — Tokumeigakarinoaoshima (CC0); GR Yaris — Mr.choppers (CC BY-SA 3.0). Images cropped for cards. CC BY-SA 4.0 · CC BY-SA 3.0
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03 / BUYING GUIDES
Buy with your
eyes open.
Start with the questions that make a real difference to a UK buyer.
01 / LEXUSIs an IS350 worth importing to the UK?
Compare the exact Japanese specification with UK alternatives before you judge the purchase price. Then check the individual car, not just the model.
- Confirm year, trim, mileage and service evidence.
- Read condition notes and inspect photographs alongside the auction grade.
- Price shipping, taxes, UK preparation and registration before deciding.
02 / HONDAHonda Fit RS: what should you check?
Fit RS cars vary by year, transmission and equipment. A Mugen badge or body kit is not proof of a particular factory grade.
- Verify the model code, specification and fitted parts.
- Review maintenance, accident notes and any modifications.
- Check how the car's condition and UK costs compare with the alternatives.
03 / TOYOTAToyota Crown generations, explained.
“Crown” covers very different saloons across many generations. Settle on the generation, engine and equipment you want before searching for an individual car.
- Compare size, powertrain and cabin equipment.
- Check parts and insurance questions for the exact variant.
- Keep a separate budget for import and UK preparation.
04 / OWNERSHIPJDM vs UK specification: what changes?
Japan-market features can be part of the appeal, but they deserve a practical check before purchase.
- Look at instruments, lighting, media and navigation.
- Confirm insurance, servicing and parts for the exact vehicle.
- Check the applicable UK approval and registration route early.
04 / JAPAN AUCTIONS
Read the sheet.
Then the car.
Learn how Japanese car auctions work, how grades are used and what to check before committing to a vehicle. A grade is a starting point; the notes, photos and supporting history add context.
Auction grade
Understand the summary, then look beyond it.
Sheet notes
Review written remarks and marked condition areas.
Photos & checks
Compare images, records and the car's identity.
Total budget
Plan for the complete UK landed cost, not only the bid.
05 / IMPORT TO THE UK
From Japan
to the UK.
Shipping, duty and VAT, NOVA, vehicle approval, registration and timing all affect the decision. The route depends on the individual vehicle.
Check current GOV.UK guidance- 01
Shipping & export
Confirm the export paperwork, shipping method, insurance and arrival arrangements.
- 02
Duty & VAT
Include any applicable customs duty, VAT and handling charges in the budget.
- 03
NOVA
Check how the arrival is reported to HMRC before UK registration.
- 04
MOT / IVA
Check which roadworthiness and vehicle approval steps apply to this particular car.
- 05
DVLA
Allow for registration, documents, insurance and number plates.
- 06
Landed cost & timelines
Add the car, shipping, taxes and UK preparation to a single estimate, with room for delays.
FOUND A CAR YOU WANT?
Take the next step
with Japan Motor Hub.
Research the model here. When you are ready to source an individual car, Japan Motor Hub can help with the buying and import conversation.
Source with Japan Motor Hub