Brian of B-Pro Imports: The Basics of Importing JDM Cars in 2024, Full interview

We organized a video call with Brian Stephenson of B-Pro imports, one of Canada's most prolific importers to review all of the questions he had before we imported our first JDM cars from Japan. We discusses current laws, trends, shipping delays, the process of how to buy and some of the pros and cons of owning a JDM vehicle in Canada in 2024.
Links:
Brians website: b-pro.ca/
Parts: rockymountainimports.net/
East coast insurance broker: www.westlandinsurance.ca/loca...
Locksmith in Vancouver: 1-778-858-6166, [e-mail]

[@sterlingparkway]

Went thru Brian and got myself an 04' Forester Cross Sports awd, 5spd. Very easy process, questions asked and answered. Thanks Brian! Also our son got his WRX and a Forester as well. Add in a few friends thru BPro. Cheers Stumpr1

[@gearheadsyndrome]

I just got another JDM vehicle through him just last week. Waiting our turn for a spot on a boat as we speak. Will be doing more videos him in the future as well! Thanks for watching!

[@RyanLarivee]

I ordered a 99 Hijet with Brian was supposed to land in Vancover two days ago. Has been a smoothe process

[@gearheadsyndrome]

He does have a strong reputation across canada. I know who I'm going to for my Kei Truck. How much is your Hijet running you? 4wd? Manual? Kms?

[@zacapps5029]

How'd it go?

[@RyanLarivee]

Awesome experience. This was my first. He keeps you updated. Took 4 months to the day. I found the truck and the thing is absolutely mint. I am so happy with the truck. With the receipts from Japan the truck worked out to be 6kCdn and he charged me 8400 but that was shipping from Japan insurance custom fee and his fee. Then he set me up with shipping 3k tax in to Pei. So 11400 to my door. The thing is mint I got lucky. The thing only has 14k km on and is so awesome. I will never sell it. I posted it on reddit kei truck. But ya it was a great experience tracking the ship on the website he gives you. It was deff nerve racking waiting to know what you just bought for 11400 but I am 100 percent happy. I wish I could post a few pics of it here.

[@zacapps5029]

@@RyanLarivee thanks for sharing buddy. I'm on the fence with what car to choose. Glad to hear you were taken care of well by B-Pro

[@improbablesafari1491]

Ok that was incredibly helpful. I am going to contact Brian. I’m looking at wagons, and leaning toward the s170 chassis Crown Estates with the 1JZ or 2JZ.

[@gearheadsyndrome]

Just today Brian messaged me saying a few new buyers mentioned the video was helpful and we discussed doing more in the future! So glad you found it helpful too!

[@RyanLarivee]

So it is a 99 2wd Hijet with 13k km. I found it on my own and sent the link to to Brian. The truck with all fees shipping insurance and Brian's cut was 8400 to Vancouver. I am on Prince Edward Island so the complete other side of the country he said roughly 3k. Then I need drl lights and dot tires...I'm gonna say 13k all in will be close. It's been pretty neat process first time. I paid November 20th the around two weeks later he said it made nit to the Japanese port. He gave me the ships name on Jan 10th. The ship left Japan Jan 16rh and arrived in Vancouver Feb 10th. Waiting for customs clearing then shipping. Should be to me in about 4 weeks I would say. About 3.5-4 months total.

[@gearheadsyndrome]

That's awesome. I'm in Moncton and had both my JDM sent to Halifax via train for about $2400 each. Luckily here they don't seem to care about DRL and DOT tires....although that may just depend on who does your safety inspection, whether they're a stickler for the fine print or just care if its safe.

[@AmericanJoe95]

@@gearheadsyndromewould you recommend a crown as a first car?

[@gearheadsyndrome]

@@AmericanJoe95 In Canada? A JDM car is a bit of a challenge in Canada as a first car as they do require more care and attention with parts requiring sourcing and insurance being more difficult/expensive. I'd be very reserved.

[@user-bm1hp1pr6q]

I paid 2nd of otc but still have not update for shipping :(

[@RyanLarivee]

I heard a few ppl say that. I think it must depend where in Japan the vehicle is bought. I must have got lucky

[@dwoods4251]

Just curious why Halifax stopped letting them in there? Thanks for any info

[@gearheadsyndrome]

They just stopped running that type of boat up that far. Not sure if it's the shipping Companies or because of a a change at the port. Maybe Brian can answer that.

[@zacapps5029]

Fellas in Ontario, where are you getting your insurance from for a RHD car?!

[@gearheadsyndrome]

I've heard these guys are reasonable. mitchinsurance.com/auto-insurance/rhd/

[@zacapps5029]

@@gearheadsyndrome thanks pal, I gave them a call earlier today, and they only have one option, around $5000 annually. Too steep. Still looking for another insurer

[@penvon]

@@zacapps5029$5k? Do you have any tickets or are you a younger driver? I got quoted $1900 2 days ago for an Altezza

[@SpeedStik]

Oh damn that's too bad RoRo isn't available for Halifax anymore. I'm looking into importing a GS350. My last car was a JZX100 Chaser 12 years ago and picking it up at Ceres container terminal in Halifax was simple. I don't wanna deal with shipping it across the country.

[@gearheadsyndrome]

The container option that Brian is working on seems to run about $1200-1600 more than the landed Vancouver option. Roughly $1000 less than if you were to use the train to halifax. Depends on vehicle obviously but you can always check with him when you have something in mind.

[@SpeedStik]

@@gearheadsyndrome Ok awesome, I've emailed him this morning. Container sounds like a better option for us out here.

[@gearheadsyndrome]

He has done a couple test containers already and looks to start officially offering it as an option to us on the east coast in a couple months

[@kartracing6]

Get yourself a kei truck Jason!

[@gearheadsyndrome]

Haha! I vow to put every penny this video makes towards a kei truck! Please like and comment!

[@zacapps5029]

I've seen plenty of videos of shipping containers falling off of ships! Has that ever happened to Brian's clients? Someone lost a car at sea?!

[@gearheadsyndrome]

Maybe he'll see this and respond, but I haven't heard of that happening. From my discussions with him, he only does full insurance, even for container shipping.