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Frequently asked questions
General
We believe in absolute transparency. Every single cost—from the initial Japanese auction hammer price to international freight, UK taxes, and final registration—is fully itemized with zero hidden markups.
The total investment typically breaks down into:
● The Vehicle Cost: The actual winning bid price at the Japanese auto auction.
● Logistics & Shipping: Inland transport within Japan, export documentation, and ocean freight to the UK.
● UK Import Duties: Customs clearance, UK Import Duty, and VAT managed directly on your behalf.
● Compliance & Registration: Cost of UK modifications (e.g., speedometer conversion), MOT/IVA testing, and DVLA registration fees.
● Our Fixed Service Fee: A single, transparent fee for managing your entire end-to-end import journey.
●Our Promise: You will receive a comprehensive cost breakdown before we place any live bids. The price we agree on for our services is the price you pay—no surprises, no sudden markups.
On average, the entire end-to-end import process takes approximately 10 to 13 weeks (roughly 3 to 4 months) from the day we win the vehicle at auction.
While timelines can vary slightly due to shipping schedules and UK administrative processing times, a typical journey follows this timeline:
● Weeks 1–3 (Japan): Auction payout, inland transport to the Japanese port, and export customs clearance.
● Weeks 4–8 (Ocean Freight): Marine transit from Japan to the UK destination port.
● Weeks 9–11 (UK Customs & Port): Highly efficient customs clearance, VAT/Duty processing, and transport to our compliance center.
● Weeks 12–13 (Compliance & Handover): Completing UK road-legal modifications, MOT/IVA testing, and final DVLA registration.
●Note: We provide comprehensive tracking updates at every major milestone of the voyage, ensuring you are kept informed throughout the journey.
We handle all required technical adjustments at our dedicated compliance center to ensure your vehicle complies fully with UK road safety regulations and passes its DVLA registration smoothly.
Standard modifications and compliance steps include:
● Speedometer Conversion: Converting the instrument cluster to display and record in MPH rather than km/h.
● Rear Fog Light Installation: Fitting a compliant rear fog light (often integrated seamlessly into original light clusters) to meet UK MOT/IVA standards.
● Testing & Plates: Completing official IVA/MOT testing and fitting your brand-new, legal UK number plates.
Yes, absolutely. We operate under a strict "No Win, No Risk" policy.
Your initial sourcing deposit is held securely. If a bid is unsuccessful, or if a vehicle does not pass our rigorous pre-auction physical inspection in Japan, you have two flexible options:
1. Roll-over: Keep the deposit active to bid on the next suitable vehicle on your wishlist.
2. Full Refund: Request a full, prompt refund of your deposit—no questions asked and no administrative fees deducted.
It is much easier than most buyers expect. Because we specialize in popular Japanese domestic models (like high-end MPVs and performance icons) and global flagships (like Audi or Range Rover), regular maintenance is entirely straightforward.
● Routine Servicing: Any reputable UK garage or main dealer can perform standard servicing (oil changes, brake pads, filters), as these vehicles share major mechanical DNA with European equivalents.
● Sourcing Spare Parts: For everyday consumable parts, mainstream UK automotive factors stock them directly. For JDM-exclusive components, we have established a robust supply chain and can assist our clients in sourcing genuine OEM parts directly from Japan whenever needed.
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