How To Import A Car From Japan | Full Price, Documents, Step by Step

[@ridendirtyjzx1004]

Facts James Co doesn’t answer any questions

[@ioriOki]

Yeah, that company was the worst part of the whole experience. He really left me hanging.

[@ridendirtyjzx1004]

@@ioriOki I definitely felt that just did my paperwork a week ago smh why did I pay lol

[@ioriOki]

@@ridendirtyjzx1004 They could have at least let us know how to pick the car up too. You probably couldn't tell, but I was quite stressed in my Miata pickup video.

[@ExcaliburTTP]

thank you for the info!

[@OCDRex11]

This was a great video! Being a car guy I would not think to do what you described. I Google, find it, and then buy. Your way I can get a vacation and see them in person and save a ton of money. I will not forget this video. Thanks for making me think outside the box!

[@ioriOki]

That's the whole point! Tag me on IG if you get anything good!

[@markdevera2342]

Your Miata looks like a smaller version of your RX-7....very similar body curves.

[@2tone.Herson]

I would do the next video on insuring the car. Some people are importing these cars but the insurance companies only see a 90's sh*tbox. So for my Silvia if totaled they were only going to cut me a check for $3k. 😤😭

[@bossbattlejeff]

Go through a classic car insurer. I insure my cars through Hagerty and have an “agreed” value with them if anything bad happens. You 100% don’t want to insure it like your average daily driver.

[@ioriOki]

I certainly can do that. It was actually a very simple process to get them insured!

[@ioriOki]

That is 100% correct. Hagerty is one of many different companies willing to do that.

[@toussantlbisso]

Goonet nsx's mostly say "no repair history" The price has increased much for these within a couple years ! Yes ??

[@michaelemmanuel1144]

Hahahaha 😅

[@challacustica9049]

Thank you. I had no idea it was so cheap to visit personally.

[@Tn_hooligan]

Here to support a fellow AZ car enthusiast!

[@ioriOki]

Thank You! That's what's up! I appreciate you.

[@mushy18100]

I'm from California and obviously registering Japanese import cars that are 25 year old here in the golden state is very costly. Imagine, I imported a 96 Nissan Gloria GranTurismo in 2022 and it would cost me $10,000 so I chose Vermont with only 4% of total value of my Gloria and everything is online, I didn't require to tow my car to Vermont to be physically inspected because VT, MT, Dakotas are " no loop hole states"

[@tristanbw]

That hand stand at the beginning got my subscription immediately

[@xploration1437]

Why?

[@SC2gamertroll]

@@xploration1437 because simp

[@smugpug3093]

Rx7 and a Miata! Two beautiful cars. Love the video.

[@joevergnetti767]

Your intro got the like alone, then I watched the video. Great job!

[@josemarquez86]

A little hint you can get a newer model without the engine. Then import to engine lookup the loophole😊

[@NikkisNugs]

Great video, I did get a Customs Broker and having them ship it directly to my house from port.

[@ioriOki]

That route is a little more expensive, but does save a lot of work on your end in the long run!

[@NikkisNugs]

@@ioriOki it's not as bad as I thought but thank you for the reply

[@NikkisNugs]

@@kankuro4ever960 I used Marine Air Land out of California. JR Lopez took care of me

[@satyamsingh4653]

What car you imported?

[@Mike_44]

Thank you for making this video. Please do list the best jdm websites for finding reputable vehicles, especially those without hidden rust lol

[@PyroGenshi]

Very informative! Thank you for sharing. I'm still a little apprehensive about a manual right hand drive, but I will own an RX-7 again some day. Love your black FD!

[@ioriOki]

I respect that. I'm Japanese so RHD is what I'm use to, but even in the U.S. I would not consider a LHD Japanese Classic car just as I wouldn't consider a RHD American Classic car, but that's only my preference.

[@kylebell2365]

Hi Iori! 👋🏻🤚🏻👋🏻 I grew in Okinawa…well, there was a base called Camp Makiminato until 2nd grade then came to California…I remember my Masa Ojisan have a beautiful Toyota Celica Supra (I think)…it was two-tone black with gold….I was 5 years old I loved that car…wish I could go back and find that car!!!

[@ioriOki]

The island is hard on the old cars, but that would be amazing!

[@dougtexas9075]

I have heard there are Japanese car auctions. Any good ???

[@josephmachado6081]

Love the vids and this is super helpful because I really wanna import an FD one day soon

[@ioriOki]

FD's are getting out of control as far as value goes, but you will likely save a lot of money and getting the full japanese experience doing it yourself.

[@josephmachado6081]

@@ioriOki yeah i know its heartbreaking how expensive they've gotten but its my favorite Japanese car ever and my favorite car that is realistically affordable but I will have one that's my one promise to myself. But yeah importing myself will definitely save me a lot of money glad someone like you made a video like this to help educate!

[@MrTRINHSANE]

Awesome cars! I’m in the process of importing a 94 Eunos RS at the moment. Thanks for the vid!

[@ioriOki]

That's going to be so fun!

[@ralphbuschman3364]

The type , or style I am very interested in the KEI type or ststyle.

[@bionicsasquatch]

Think you this helps me out a lot ! To get into a port most require a TWIC Card if you're really going to import a car it would be best to apply for the TWIC Card that will be a photo of you background check and fingerprints.

[@ioriOki]

I didn't know about the twic until I got there, but definitely next time.

[@roberto200579]

Girl you rock!! very informative video and awesome energy

[@stevegonzales527]

im back again to this video as refence as for some reason my customs broker started ghosting me 1 week before my car lands at the port. trying to figure out all the paper work needed to get my car out :(

[@jotk9440]

How did the process go? Thanks

[@stevegonzales527]

@@jotk9440 my customs broker was mid almost missed my pick up date because they didn’t have anything ready then a day before pick up they said I couldn’t get the paperwork since they haven’t received my payment form which I sent to them. But everything else was smooth. It’s just finding a customs broker

[@0wnToDead]

what ever happened?

[@tonyahrary1693]

How to convert Right handle cars to Left handle cars before exporting them from Japan to other countries? Thats the problem I have.

[@lmc333]

Three years late to thia video thanks to the algorithm.... Subscribed... Love your accent ;). Edit: Holy Sheez that intro...

[@CanvassData]

Same 😂

[@oni5909]

my question is this 2:53 pls i never know where to look for sourcing cars and they all seem terrible when i do even looking for the infamous porsches there

[@joseravelo9353]

Cars from Japan is another good website for cheaper JDM cars

[@oni5909]

legut?

[@goshogun]

So I need to hire someone to get the car ship out of Japan and hire another company to help me get the car out of the port when it arrives to USA? Since I live in California, even I can get the car here how to register it in CA is gonna be painful, that's why I've been wanting a JDM but still haven't take action

[@ioriOki]

Right now is hard. Everything is super expensive!

[@Bzerk69]

I am in Phoenix and hope to buy a FD thanks for the info

[@martinmancillafarias7245]

I’m trying to do with a Porsche, it’s different if is not a JDM?

[@japh3th]

I am still having some trouble figuring out the whole exporter hiring situation. So you need to hire someone to go to the port and do all the customs things done? I have been looking to import a Honda Acty Truck except it is still very confusing even after reading through the forms. I am also confused about the brokers, it is a lot but im just still confused :/

[@ioriOki]

You will need someone with a TWIC card to go through the gates to grab the car. For the brokerage part, yes you will need to hire a company to do all that work.

[@bossbattlejeff]

Nice video! Thank you for taking the time to walk through this for us.

[@ioriOki]

Of course, my pleasure. If there are more questions, just let me know.

[@ryanjackson645]

plz on the exchange i'll wait for added vids

[@AnthonyWrenn]

Hey, Thanks for making this informative video!

[@Portorrro86]

As for insurance, I am using American Collectors Insurance. They work alongside USAA (you don’t need to have USAA) and so they’re really good with imports. Super simple to get as well. I currently have a $19,000 value on the car with 10,000 miles yearly driving limit. All for $1100/yr ($92/mo. approximately). ALL OF THIS CAN BE ADJUSTED to your liking. The value, the mileage per year, plus any add-ons like towing, repairs, windshield replacement, etc. once you select coverage simply submit thorough photos of your import and that’s it. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND HAGERTY… they’re overpriced imo.

[@ioriOki]

I’ve used Grundy and a few others, as I shop for the best rates every year, and I’ll say Grundy does not have mileage limitations and is a good deal cheaper than American Collectors. I’ve had USAA in the past on other cars and they’re awful, so I wouldn’t go with anyone associated with them, but Hagerty, while seemingly overpriced, allows for track days, has no mileage limitations, and even offers to pay you out if you total it AND keep the car. Quite honestly, nobody else is really doing that right now

[@Portorrro86]

@@ioriOki darn, seems like you just have bad luck 🤣. USAA has been awesome to me and all of my cars. Differences in experience I suppose. I’m happy it all worked out for you overall. I’ll try Grundy out for my second import purchase coming this summer.

[@oni5909]

just wish these websites would have the jdm hyped cars down to realistic prices. r34 and nsx were always my dream cars too unattainable

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

Hi, thanks for your video, do you know if Isuzu still makes and sells the Isuzu P’up truck with diesel motor? 1985 or newer? Are they hard to find newer ? Thanks for your video and information.

[@davidk5093]

Most likely you can get a Mazda RX7 for like $5,000 from Japan. If you buy one in America, it's like $55,000.

[@BlueWolfGaming29]

that's wild 💀

[@Mikeandnattravel]

I can’t find your video of picking up at the port .

[@ioriOki]

for which car? I picked them both up at separate times from different ports.

[@sai7341]

Are you able to finance these imported cars?

[@mikedegroote6392]

I keep hearing about a ISF form . Any information would be helpful

[@ioriOki]

Do you have a FORM number? If so I would gladly look into for you.

[@yellowtail70]

Very nice video! Thank you for sharing.

[@kendalgee5808]

Your supposed to turn out if you are falling out of a handstand. If you are going to go head over heels, you need to practice a back bridge. Then you can fall over , it's called a front walk over.

[@mgng3501]

Still looking for the time stamps

[@theothuna9192]

Is goonet reliable and how long does it take to ship a car to your doorstep?

[@daikokunyc]

Great video! Thanks for the information! Could you share some known exporters from the mainland? First time importing a car and trying to do my research as well!

[@ioriOki]

I don't personally know mainland importers and I don't want to vouch for someone because they have good google reviews, but who ever you go with, just comment here your experience so other people know.

[@silverlining6824]

Right hand drive?

[@daledog16]

B&M is the best for assisting everything for your import

[@ioriOki]

They made everything so easy

[@shanyansen8527]

Can you leave a link so I could contact B&M?

[@jgtube]

Thanks for this video. Is the "how to register/smog video out yet?

[@ioriOki]

Not yet, I wasn't expecting the video to do so well, but I'm actually scripting that video now so please subscribe for more

[@jack1990181]

Thanks for the video..can you buy more than one car as privet buyer? Do you have to file ISF form?

[@CHASA]

Does the car have to be a certain amount of years old to import to the U.S.? Or can the car be pretty new ??

[@ioriOki]

Typically, it has to be over 25 years old. There are exceptions, but I am not familiar with them.

[@luisespino6300]

Heard as long as it meets NTTA regulations you should be good

[@Mab0r0shi]

so, 4000$ (just to be sure) for the import + the price of the car. Maybe ill get my hand on a Honda Beat someday

[@ioriOki]

Pretty much, but those prices vary based on the world happenings.

[@vero_nicaasmr]

There’s one on Japan-partner for 2k right now

[@issacrudio989]

That's the car I liked or the autozam. I saw one for sale in Austin for $10,000.

[@chrisgold7924]

How do I find the month of manufacturer Honda Street? I have at port in VA

[@ioriOki]

It's on the top of the title in Japanese title and on the data plate of the car located under the hood.

[@pooksthepossum]

Tilts me that you didn't put Goonet in USD...........

[@torresctt]

Is there any good broker in Texas ?

[@baberwin]

ウェブサイトを教えてください。ありがとうございます Please give me the website location and thank you !!!

[@BigTexF150]

Love the video. Thanks for the awesome info 🥰

[@ioriOki]

You are so welcome! Hope it was helpful!

[@jamesyoung5610]

Website list plz

[@Jam-lk5js]

Does anybody know any good websites/importers?

[@ioriOki]

DM me on IG. Let's find you a car.

[@avgFloridian]

Maybe I should import a Miata instead of buying a beat to death shell here... 🤔

[@jafrettecasillas6547]

What broker do you use in Jacksonville?

[@senseiclip]

What about steering wheel? It is still right side steering wheel?

[@ioriOki]

Yes, that's my favorite way.

[@TheToddFather765]

Been looking on Car from Japan to import. They show a “Car Price” and a “Total Cost” would there be more fees to pick it up from the port that isn’t covered by the “Total Cost”

[@ioriOki]

More than likely, yes. I have not used that particular service, but I would budget a few hundred bucks for incidentals.

[@honda7704]

hey ! I’m stationed in okinawa and Leave in 2026. i am debating on getting a 2012 GT86, I heard it’s not possible to take the car back home unless it’s 20+ years ? Is that true or Can i take it back under 20. The only thing that is stopping me right now is the possibility of me not being able to take it back.

[@honda7704]

adding in to this, i heard if the same car make is in the US, is it able to be shipped if not 20 yrs ?

[@ioriOki]

Yeah, you won't be able to bring it. As far as an equivalent model being offered in the U.S., there may be safety and emissions differences and I believe you have to get a letter of compliance from the manufacturer which won'thappen if you're not rich. I hope that helps. Get something older.

[@JamaalM-m2h]

Did you have to make sure your speedometers are in mph to get through US customs?

[@ioriOki]

No, but I always run WAZE on my phone when I'm driving to make sure I'm going the right speed.

[@alexpoon1358]

Looking for a mr2 how should I used

[@ioriOki]

I don't understand that sentence.

[@astronikolai6910]

How does driving RHD feel in a LHD country, especially with how sketchy the drivers are in America.

[@ioriOki]

I love it. It just gets annoying when people want to record you driving, you know. I can make a video about it

[@astronikolai6910]

@@ioriOki that would be much appreciated, thank you!

[@goshogun]

I have driven in Hong Kong I can say American drivers are relatively much more polite lol

[@realdmoneygunz]

Did you ever make a video of the top 5 websites to source cars ?

[@ioriOki]

I have not. The market has changed so much since this video was released that I often find it easier to avoid listing sites altogether.

[@marcovaladez5714]

Is it the same with motorcycle?

[@ioriOki]

I am not sure. When we imported our Hayabusa, we disassemble everything and shipped in a crate.

[@DatBoiJrSan408]

So I was stationed in Oki (Saw You Oki plates lol) and I brought my GC-8 from Japan. Now I'm trying to figure out the process to get my car drivable in Cali. For now, my car just arrived in LA this week so I'm hyped to pick my baby up but not hyped for the process to get her street legal lol

[@ioriOki]

Register it in Florida! That would be the easiest solution :)

[@JO3haNsum]

Wow could u make a video on your process?

[@notorioussouljur]

South Dakota 😉 look into it

[@honda7704]

@@ioriOkiCan u make a video ! Or how can i get in contact with tou

[@6Activist9]

What are some Japanese car website’s where I could get it cheaper?

[@ioriOki]

I think goonet is the best English friendly site.

[@RONIN1111]

Did you do an AZ registration process video?!

[@ioriOki]

I have not, but I registered in Florida.

[@user-hotrod82]

Can you give me the top five website to source these cars?

[@nikamegrelidze908]

Most beautiful rx7 I have ever seen. And Ive seen many

[@joshuaquintero1604]

will goonet exchange export my vehicle for me?

[@ioriOki]

I have no idea, I'm sure they have companies associated with the site to help you along.

[@genga6]

My broker told me that I need to convert the car into lhd and change the dash into miles from km or else it dmv won’t allow me to register or. Does anyone have opinion on that? The car is 98 rx7

[@ioriOki]

If you're importing under the 25 year rule, that's not true. I don't know about other situations.

[@donniebrasco4114]

Can this method be use for importing a cute JDM girl too?

[@kobeyamaminami2901]

Sugoi video~ what do you think of the Mazda RX-7 Type RZ model?

[@ioriOki]

I don't care about submodels or special editions... they are all basically the same.

[@kobeyamaminami2901]

@@ioriOki ohhhh, but all are awesome models for the Mazda RX-7. Can't wait to see more of your videos~

[@ioriOki]

A new one just dropped today. Check it out.

[@Ruiz_Danny]

Do you know where would be the best site to get a JDM car from Japan and also have you heard of car from Japan?

[@ioriOki]

Goonet is good, very easy to navigate

[@theothuna9192]

Hows the communication with the people selling on goonet? Im interested in importing a car im interested in

[@JohnMarte-d1p]

What about car parts?

[@sgoldens24]

Like like like.......so far.......wow lots of hoops to go through....but the best part is your handstand attempt, now for some handstand pushups !

[@ioriOki]

I am not even a little bit strong, but yes its a lot to do, but worth the experience, I think.

[@CandyChoppaOfficial-ji5ho]

I watched this video with one hand and I found it to be quite enjoyable and quite life-changing especially with the plot development across the timeline of this video with a duration of 16 minutes and 31 seconds. I consider this a video to make me wonder about the illusions of time and how it is fleeting and vanishes as to a cloud of smoke.

[@michaelblurry6559]

You subtracted a USD price vs JPY. Also Top Rank, even though they are ripoffs, registered that car in CA which could cost 10K USD so please add that to the cost. Still cheaper.

[@ioriOki]

Will do!

[@TristonBottorff]

I am currently in Okinawa. And have been struggling to get information on how to import my 2008 Mazda to the states due to it not being 25 years old. I would be eternally grateful for any assistance or help. This is one of my dream cars and am willing to do anything to get this vehicle back without getting crushed at customs😂

[@heem47]

you can’t

[@TristonBottorff]

@@heem47 it’s importable. Just not sure the process. It’s stateside legal. It passes the DOT standards. Has the same crash rating. And passes EPA standards. Just have no clue where to get the paperwork or a good port to ship.

[@cilvia6838]

can you say what you do for work to be able to afford these

[@ioriOki]

Well I bought them before clout killed the car community, so I paid less than $13k for both car together. But at the time I worked marketing for HKS, now I am the sales and marketing manager at Vivid Racing for our VR Tuned brand.

[@cilvia6838]

Thank you

[@calistuskizito6137]

what are the other websites that are cheaper and in Japanese.

[@ioriOki]

The market is kind of all over the place right now, so unfortunately those deals are harder to find.

[@calistuskizito6137]

Thanks for the feedback

[@Portorrro86]

Side note to my first comment: I used the Apple translator to translate the inspection sheets from the websites. Works really well honestly. These inspection sheets are a really good reference point to the vehicles overall conditions but ARE NOT THE “BE ALL”. So keep that in mind.

[@ioriOki]

Absolutely not. A good amount of the inspection sheets are fake as they’re altered by import bros and brokers.

[@Portorrro86]

@@ioriOki it’s all about the experience imo. You said it yourself, your first experience was horrendous. I am fortunate as I lived in Japan as well and so I had some help in the past. However, this time I haven’t had any issues doing it solo by shopping from “Beforward” as their inspection sheets are as raw as it come. They list little things like dents/ tears to oil leaks and even mechanical issues 🤷🏽‍♂️. I also stated that inspection sheets are a good point of reference and are not the “be all” of the purchase 😉.

[@abhinandanscell]

Tell me how to Import to India too

[@zacharyroach6323]

Love the video! Thank u for making this! 🙏

[@ioriOki]

Absolutely! I hope your dream car is your garage soon!

[@chrizplayzgamez]

How do I know Goonet is a real company and will import it for me? Additionally, can I purchase it with cash, or do I need to use a credit card to do so on the website?

[@ioriOki]

The purpose of Goonet in my video is to find the car you want, then take a trip to see it and do the rest of the work in person.

[@theroamingbiker]

How can I purchase a used motorcycle from japan?

[@ioriOki]

I'm not sure actually.

[@JB-fk4do]

Hi, just came across your video, quick question, I'm in the Air Force and we are going to Japan near Tokyo for training for about 3 weeks in summer, my question is: Do you know if it is easier through the military? Any idea? I just haven't had a chance to ask my chain of command, anyway, thank you in advance.

[@ioriOki]

It's much easier but if you do not rate your DMO move, then you may have to do it the long way.

[@JB-fk4do]

@iori Oki ok, I'll get working on the DMO move before our summer deployment and see what happens. Thank you👍

[@FarisShilaimon]

Hi , my name is Faris I’m buying a Acty Honda car from Japan and we’ll shipped next 6 weeks is my first time. In your video you mention a broker to handle paperwork . Can you recommend a good broker in Orangeorange county? Thanks

[@ioriOki]

Hi Faris, I don't have a broker I can recommend since my broker was awful, BUT keep in mind your broker does not necessarily have to be in the state you're importing to.

[@26tokey]

Yes can you make another video

[@ioriOki]

Aww thank you, Jamel.

[@shaheedc9403]

What are some good sites go find cars

[@ioriOki]

For english friendly, I always recommend goonet exchange.

[@Tajo92]

What about importing it to Europe?

[@ioriOki]

I'm not sure as I have never been to Europe.

[@Liberty4Ever]

3:35 - Shipping adds about $1000. A year later, and it's about $2000. :-(

[@ioriOki]

That's awful. I guess I should update this video.

[@Liberty4Ever]

@@ioriOki - I paid $2010 a month ago. My Hijet hasn't shipped yet, but Be Forward seems to be charging $2400 now to ship a Hijet. That price probably includes cleaning the vehicle to pass a USDA inspection. The price of everything has been skyrocketing the past year or so.

[@Nate-bd8fg]

Lol even higher now

[@Carlos.Rivera]

Then why people who imported the cars skyrocket the price?

[@ioriOki]

Because people don't understand the process, and people are willing to pay their insane asking price.

[@waifuthief8173]

I do have one question, would u recommend any reliable places where I could even buy an import car?

[@ioriOki]

A lot of companies exist out there, and some are less reputable than others. That's why I just go get them.

[@waifuthief8173]

@@ioriOki ok thanks

[@WickedGamerCollector]

ok, this is a really awesome video. Thanks for a full tuturial how to import a car 😁

[@ioriOki]

Of course!! Let me know if you have more questions.