Why I'm importing my Golf GTI from Japan...

Blog Post: www.chrisbryson.me.uk/import-...
In this video I do my best to explain why I'm importing a Golf GTI from Japan rather than buying one from the UK.
Please let me know your thoughts below, subscribe to follow what comes next!

[@giotto4321]

This is a very useful, informative video, clearly presented so thanks very much.

[@OC02]

Great video Chris. Looking into getting a MK6 or MK7 from Japan at the moment. This was really useful 👌🏼

[@chr15b]

Need to post the follow up, been driving it for a month or so now.

[@Lou_Kyr]

Enjoyed your video. I have imported 2 cars previously and the process is pretty easy with an agent.

[@chr15b]

Thanks! I may look at another for my wife later on this year if it all goes well.

[@sleeping_sheep_slayer_9000]

i really want the agents that both of you used, Lou and chris

[@ben2155]

Thanks for posting this, my car arrives in a few weeks! - A quick question - did you have to get an independent valuation of your car for the import duty + vat as the commercial invoice value is only valid for 3 months?

[@chr15b]

You don't need an IVA for cars that are 10 years or older, just an MOT. I'm about to kick off another import shortly.

[@ReezwanIslamsavinglives]

Hi Chris! Thanks for the video. It is quite informative. Couple of questions -who does the IVA and speedo conversions? How do you book the car for MOT and V5c? Who is your agent? Thanks!

[@chr15b]

No need for an IVA on this car as it exceeds 10 years old. Speedo conversion can be done by replacing the foil, maybe a specialist can adjust the needle. I've enabled the digital speedometer in MPH with VCDS and changed all the units to Miles and UK MPG through the cars MFD.

[@G_S18]

Hi Chris, i know it was ages ago now but who did you use to pick the car up from port and was it easy with you not being there? Assume it was Newcastle to Glasgow? Im in Glasgow aswell and looking at bringing a mk7 R over. Cheers

[@chr15b]

It was a sole trader that I found via a Facebook group. I joined the group (For car transporters in the UK), posted the details and a bunch of people messaged me quotes. I don't remember the guys name unfortunately. Newcastle to Paisley yeah.

[@Vatiliotis.]

Great video Chris! I would like to ask, did you notice any differences on the Golr R imported from Japan than what Europe gets? I heard American Golf R's do have some differences, especially on sound as they are quieter. Are Japanese Golf R's Eu or Us spec if you know? Thanks!!

[@chr15b]

My understanding is that the Japanese GTI comes with a couple of extras over the European models - couple of examples are the Bi-Xenon Headlights that turn when you corner, the MFD also has an option for Oil Temperature which my UK MK5 GTI didn't have. (Maybe the UK MK6 does, not sure but the MK6 TDI doesn't).

[@AndrewLynch9]

Sounds good Chris. I’ve got a 2011 mk6 s basic but really clean I got as a second car. Think I’ve had it 5 years now. So things to look out for on them. Air con might not be working as I didn’t hear they checked that. I’ve had clutch sensor issues where the car won’t start until it gets a signal the clutch was in. Was a new master cylinder unit. When I got mine the timing chain had stretched luckily the garage done that under warranty. Managed to snap the auxiliary belt that drives to water pump and alternator. Zip ties fixed that to get me to the garage 😂 I swapped the radio to the same one I had in my old Passat 310 or something so I had Sat Nav. They are great cars and I’m happy to send it to the garage to get fixed when things go wrong. Parts are easy to get and reasonable costs. Mines only got 45k so 20k sounds really low for the age 👍

[@chr15b]

Good catch on the stretched chain - it seems to be a really common issue in many VAG cars of this generation. Let's see what it's like when it arrives!

[@user-tr5rv7yh1g]

Hi Chris I’ve just bought a mk 6gti from guy in Glasgow following watching your video thanks you

[@user-tr5rv7yh1g]

Just wondering been told from buyer my golf gti has been rustproofed same as European designed cars in your knowledge will this be the case ? Regards Steve

[@thomaskirkland8391]

Brilliant video, very informative and really giving me the bug to import a car myself! Wish you had an update video regarding the GTI... how did it all go once it arrived and have you still got it?

[@chr15b]

It all went great, if you check my blog I wrote a follow up post there - www.chrisbryson.me.uk Another car came up that caught my eye so I decided to sell it on.

[@thomaskirkland8391]

@@chr15b thanks, will check it out 🙌

[@promo4557]

I just perchased a lovely vw from Japan . its mint with full vw dealer history . I love it , no rust

[@MoeyComps]

Who did you purchase the car from mate? Thinking about doing the same.

[@HungryHungy]

Hi Chris, I'm actually about to do the same thing and import a white mk6 GTI through the same agent. I'm pricing everything up but I don't quite fully understand the process from when the car arrives at Newcastle. I've heard that you should get a shipping agent to do the customs clearance part etc but then I thought I could send the NOVA myself. I'm assuming you already have the car now so would you be able to share a bit about the process from just before the car arrives at the port? Also, I heard cars imported from Japan should be under sealed to protect the car from the salt on the U.K. roads, have you had this done? Hope you're enjoying the car so far! Thanks!

[@HungryHungy]

And how much was the road tax as I heard imported cars pay less?

[@chr15b]

Hi - The shipping agent will inform you with a confirmed date of arrival at port and will produce an invoice for the Fees, Duty & Tax. Once paid they'll provide you with a customs clearance letter and you can arrange a collection slot. The car you are importing from Japan was made in the same factory as UK models and has the same level of underseal - additional underseal won't do any harm but I didn't bother. The tax (VED) is slightly more as the vehicle is taxed as PLG. I've zero regrets and have covered just over a thousand miles, will aim to upload another video in the next week or two. Thanks, Chris.

[@HungryHungy]

Thanks Chris! So once you pay the final invoice to Japan Car Direct, it's just a matter of waiting for the shipping agent to contact you? How long did it take for your car to be shipped once you won the auction? Also, just wondering if yours had an issues with the headliner sagging as I see many listed Golfs have this issue.

[@Ccharlieeee]

You drove it with no plates for the MOT? Did you not need an IVA?

[@chr15b]

You don't need an IVA on cars over ten years old.

[@harryr2308]

Hi Chris, great informative video, thanks. What agent did you use to get your car and would you recommend them? Also, did the agent sort out the HPI type check or did you do that yourself through a separate source?

[@chr15b]

Thanks for the feedback. I worked with Japan Car Direct, I paid extra for some checks.

[@michaellynch1589]

Dsg gearbox is awesome. I've got a seat arona and it's beautiful to drive. Interested to hear the whole journey and follow your story.

[@chr15b]

We had the DSG in our 1.6 TDI Seat Altea XL and it was great. I think it'll be lovely with the 2.0 TSI! Hope you are enjoying the Arona. 🙂

[@michaellynch1589]

@@chr15b read your blog post and the stats on that car are insane.2 litre tsi sounds like a load of fun. Although you had some faff to get the car I think you will have a cracker of a car for what you've spent.

[@sleeping_sheep_slayer_9000]

hi chris, love the video, how much did you spend in total?, and is a japanese golf same insurance price as a british golf, or is it more, much appreciate the reply mate, thanks

[@chr15b]

Spend all in making the car road legal in the UK was around £7,500. I'd have no hesitation doing the same thing again.

[@sleeping_sheep_slayer_9000]

@@chr15b i really enjoyed reading both your blog posts chris and im shocked it only costed £1500 only in duty and tax thats wonderful, and it took 8 months to arrive wow that's fine, but im not sure if im allowed to ask you for a personal question, and if you don't want to share it thats fine, and if you had a registration option in your blog id ask you this in secret by email, who was your agent? and do they have a website, chris again i totally agree if you don't want to share this info mate, take care

[@chr15b]

@@sleeping_sheep_slayer_9000 no problem at all the agent was Yoshi from Japan Car Dirext

[@sleeping_sheep_slayer_9000]

@@chr15b thank you so much chris i highly appreciate it mate you're a life saver

[@hikescotland2360]

Hi Chris, how many cars did you pay to have inspected and how many did you bid on?

[@chr15b]

I paid to have two cars inspected but didn't win the first one, I did have 20+ auction sheets translated though and specifically looked for those in pristine condition.

[@hikescotland2360]

@@chr15b looking forward to seeing the car

[@leemckenna3832]

Looking into getting a gti import myself. Whats the craic in terms of parts and servicing? I've read that japanese cars require different parts that can be hard to source and some places wont service imports.

[@chr15b]

That may be the case for some imports, but not my experience with the Golf.

[@mad_stanley]

did you buy a car already?

[@dalepohl6769]

hi chris i am in process of this myself with an r, have you received your in uk as yet

[@chr15b]

Hi Dave - Yes, mines came last week. Did you get a MK6 R?

[@dalepohl6769]

@@chr15b hi, thats good are you happy with it, yes i have got an r, i just wanted to ask roughly what costs to expect this end as that seems to be the bit that escalates the cost

[@chr15b]

@@dalepohl6769 If you have a look on my website Dave there is a breakdown there.

[@augustepelema1683]

I just bought a bmw 1 series from Japan expecting it second week of December got it through Japan respect motors I’ve bought from Japan before but from Befoward Japan

[@augustepelema1683]

I’m in Glasgow too kindly share the company you used to bring the from Newcastle to Glasgow thanks

[@spencer1789]

Hi I’m looking at buying a mk6 gti that has been imported from Japan it has 40k miles. The seller wants £7000 is that a lot more than the car is worth?

[@chr15b]

I actually sold mines to a trader and got more than that, assuming the car is in good condition I'd say £7K is a great price.

[@adamroutley]

Interested to know if the car arrived well and if it's as expected?

[@chr15b]

Hi Adam - It did, I've posted an update on my blog but yet to record another video.

[@adamroutley]

Ahh good stuff. I'll have a read as most of the GTIs in my budget are JDM@@chr15b

[@chr15b]

@@adamroutley They are way better than every example I've seen in the UK too. If you can accept the wait, it's a great approach to take.

[@Sam-tw2sr]

Did you find@the end of the whole process, you were happy with the car you got once it arrived? Id read somewhere in the comments you have already sold the car, that right?

[@chr15b]

Very happy with it, there is more info on my blog. The car was in mint condition throughout and incredibly low miles. I did sell, but would do the exact same again if I wanted another.

[@zsp123456789]

Hi Chris are you going to upload your cars arrival vid? 😏

[@chr15b]

I really should, it's been ages! I'll get it done soon. Car has been amazing.

[@user-hk7mk8kf2i]

Hi Chris, I am planning to import a car for myself too. I live in Surrey, UK. Can I please get the contact details of the agent you used in Japan? Or some other agents who might be able to help me?

[@chr15b]

Hi - I used Japan Car Direct. I highly recommend them!

[@jonesy66691]

I'm considering doing this for a zc33 Suzuki Swift Sport because they never offered it with the automatic transmission in the UK.

[@chr15b]

Go for it!

[@GarnockReviews]

Oooft I'm reporting this for leading me astray 🤪 Serious question for you though. What's the total cost door to door, and what's a replacement cost in the UK. Curious to see if it is cheaper or more expensive after adding all those fees in 🤔

[@chr15b]

I estimate it’s going to cost me about £7,500 all in to get the car on the road. The cheapest I can find in the UK with similar spec and mileage is £13,690. There is another imported one on AutoTrader for £12,000 with 33,000 miles on the clock.

[@GarnockReviews]

@Chris B that's a massive saving! You could have a little side gig just importing and flipping for profit. I'd pick something you like so if it takes time to sell or doesn't sell, at least you have a toy to enjoy 😉

[@Rilerboy]

@@chr15b This is a really informative video. Your thinking is exactly the same as mine when I started looking for the same spec car last year. £7,500 on the road was the estimate I had for my 2012 GTI mk6 31k DSG that I collected from Bristol in March. It ended up costing over £9k in the end (having won with a bid of £3,200 at auction). Watch out for shipping costs (which have sky-rocketed lately) and transportation in Japan from auction site to the Japan agent yard which ended up being much more than the estimates I was given which was £600 in my case. It's worth accounting for around £1 per mile plus extra shipping/ferry costs if the car needs to be moved from one island to another). It would be worth buying a car from an auction house near the agents yard if you want to keep the costs lower. The UK agent I used is based in the south west of the UK, and whilst they are a friendly bunch, they didn't really provide much guidance or advice during the process, or keep me updated, to the point where I was personally liaising with the berth office at the docks to arrange collection and work out what docs I needed to take. I think they are more into a turnkey service for importing Skylines and Evo's, so my Golf was not a big earner for them. The estimate of costs they provided were low too - for example, £950 for shipping, ended up costing over £1,800. They have since upped their estimates, but I still think they are well off. In regards to the Japanese auction inpection sheets, I can confirm that it was 100% spot on my case. Google translate on my mobile worked really well to translate these. I had the same issue with the sagging headliner. Couldn't see it in the images, and the translation read as "heavenly" something.... so I hadn't a clue. So if you see words like "heavenly closer", or something similar; it's probably the headliner. This cost me £80 to do it myself and was a pig of a job. However, the quotes were around £300 - £400 to replace this, and I now understand why. It's good I managed to save this money though. Other costs to consider - MOT, insurance whilst awaiting V5c, transport/collection in UK (£250 including transporter hire and diesel in my case), service/oil change, minor repairs that might be needed (£130 in my case for MOT). Also, mine had a second set of alloys in the car in the auction pictures. However, these were removed before shipping, and the agent has told me they will cost £280 plus import duty to get them to the uk in their contianer, plus courier fees in the UK when they arrive. I've aksed them to provide pictures of my alloys so I can work out if they are worth paying for, but the agent hasn't bothered doing this having asked them twice. They are very quick to point out when they have forgotten to add something to their invoice though, which is handy.... It all adds up, especially all the smaller £20 and £30 expenses which quickly become £100's. My big learn from this is to add around £2k to the estimates, and if it still looks ok, it's probably worth a punt. Hope my learnings come to some use and best of luck to everyone looking to take the plunge!!!

[@chr15b]

@@Rilerboy Hi Barry - Thanks for sharing all of this. My car arrived last week, I'll need to upload a follow up video. Car sailed through the MOT with nothing but good comments from the tester, I sent the registration form and postal order away on Monday. Zero regrets so far, costs coming in about £8K all in.

[@Rilerboy]

@@chr15b Sound like you've had a result. Hopefully your V5 arrives in good time. Im just into the 5th week of waiting, and it's not possible to get through to DVLA by either phone or their web bot it would seem, which is a bit frustrating as i'm itching to take it for a blast! Good luck with the car - looking forward to seeing the next video.

[@aamirnawaz8981]

Thanks great video.Can I contact you directly to have more information

[@chr15b]

Sure!

[@Prettyeyes1]

Have you realised that road tax on imported cars from Japan is higher to road tax twice the price compare to the same car in uk

[@chr15b]

I was aware before buying, not a huge difference on the GTI.

[@glennsmith1353]

You need to get out more 😂

[@jays6895]

Is there anyway to find out exactly how much more road tax is on an import. I'm looking into importing and would like an idea of the cost of road tax. Also @chr15b did Japan Car direct ask you to pay the initial payment for them to search and bid on cars for you via PayPal? They asked me to send the payment as friends and family which sounded abit dodgy to me.

[@kingston4334]

💪 Promo SM