Over the last few decades, blockbuster film franchises such as The Fast and the Furious have helped fuel UK demand for Japanese domestic market (JDM) cars.
What was once a relatively niche market has grown into a thriving import scene, with vehicles arriving via licensed importers and private buyers alike.
But what does it actually take to get a slice of JDM culture parked on your driveway? From regulations and costs to reliability and resale value, we explore what’s involved — along with the key pros and cons of importing a car from Japan to the UK.
How do you import a Japanese car to the UK?
So, you’ve found your dream
Supra,
Skyline, or
Impreza, and want to import it to the UK. The first step is deciding whether you want to leave the importing to a specialist agent or handle the paperwork yourself.
If you opt to leave it to the experts, they'll handle all the confusing forms, shipping, and taxes for you, though you'll have to pay extra for the convenience.
How to import a JDM car independently
Those looking to save some money might feel confident tackling the import process themselves. However, it’s a fairly complex system with rules which must be strictly followed to stay on the right side of the law.
Here’s a handy how-to guide: