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!

[@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"

[@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!

[@challacustica9049]

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

[@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 😅

[@Tn_hooligan]

Here to support a fellow AZ car enthusiast!

[@ioriOki]

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

[@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😊

[@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.

[@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?

[@joseravelo9353]

Cars from Japan is another good website for cheaper JDM cars

[@oni5909]

legut?

[@markdevera2342]

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

[@roberto200579]

Girl you rock!! very informative video and awesome energy

[@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!

[@Mike_44]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@Bzerk69]

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

[@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.

[@lmc333]

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

[@CanvassData]

Same 😂

[@torresctt]

Is there any good broker in Texas ?

[@peytonfaas9349]

i am interested in importing a r34so i really need to know some good price ranged importers

[@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

[@ayoooooodaniel]

Your voice is literally ASMR

[@AnthonyWrenn]

Hey, Thanks for making this informative video!

[@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.

[@yellowtail70]

Very nice video! Thank you for sharing.

[@dougtexas9075]

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

[@goofballbiscuits3647]

Awesome! Thank you so much 😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ralphbuschman3364]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@johnmarengo3919]

I wish I had seen this video sooner. I am half Okinawan and also live in Phoenix. My wife, kids and I visited the island along with Mainland Japan last year in March 2023 and will be doing a similar trip in November this year. I love cars and have been scouting about for a daily driver replacement for my 06 XB daily driver, and if I had seen this video sooner I could have booked a different stay in Tokyo to include time to look at and ship a car back. Haisai!

[@theothuna9192]

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

[@geoleo2597]

Cute lady and personality you 😅 Great video. Easy to understand

[@ioriOki]

Thank you!!

[@tonyahrary1693]

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

[@jeffreyng-h5k]

Here's something NOT mentioned in the video nor did anyone ask: What in the world does the broker do? If the dealer already send all the paperwork to you before shipping then wtf.

[@JonBonazza]

as someone who has two jdm imports, one of which i imported myself, i assure you it is not easy. its actually annoying. especially if you dont live near a port.

[@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.

[@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 💀

[@BigTexF150]

Love the video. Thanks for the awesome info 🥰

[@ioriOki]

You are so welcome! Hope it was helpful!

[@martinmancillafarias7245]

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

[@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.

[@ryanjackson645]

plz on the exchange i'll wait for added vids

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@workinonit114]

Great video good to know information

[@nikamegrelidze908]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@sai7341]

Are you able to finance these imported cars?

[@avgFloridian]

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

[@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.

[@senseiclip]

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

[@ioriOki]

Yes, that's my favorite way.

[@zacharyroach6323]

Love the video! Thank u for making this! 🙏

[@ioriOki]

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

[@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

[@RONIN1111]

Did you do an AZ registration process video?!

[@ioriOki]

I have not, but I registered in Florida.

[@26tokey]

Yes can you make another video

[@ioriOki]

Aww thank you, Jamel.

[@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

[@richardskates3206]

Hey just seen your video rn would it be possible to email you and ask some other questions like what brokers you used and what dealer you went to. I’m trying to import an fd in the next month and a half and I wanna find a few people with different options in where to get a car from and who to go to to figure everything out

[@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.

[@mgng3501]

Still looking for the time stamps

[@abhinandanscell]

Tell me how to Import to India too

[@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.

[@dezmondwise8477]

Iori, I’ve had the thought of importing cars from Japan and turn it into a business for a while now. If you have any advice for me please write me back. Thanks for making this video, and I think if you made the video of the best sites would also be a good idea. Again thanks and good luck with your channel.

[@ioriOki]

Thank you Dezmond! Unfortunately, I'm not really into the business aspect as that is a big reason the market has become so overvalued. I make videos like this so that regular people can go get their dream car and cut out the middle man and save thousands. But for translation and whatnot, I'm more than willing to help! As for best sites, I was waiting until this video gets about 10k views to gauge interest before creating that video.

[@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.

[@silverlining6824]

Right hand drive?

[@jafrettecasillas6547]

What broker do you use in Jacksonville?

[@donniebrasco4114]

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

[@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

[@matt_hayward]

Commodore ute yay!! AUDM full skid spec. I know a few Holdens made it to Japan but that must be fresh out of 'straya.

[@ioriOki]

Those are so cool.

[@matt_hayward]

@@ioriOki hah they're definitely great fun. The one in your video was an older 308 cubic inch V8. Later on they had LS motors and things got a little more serious. It's nice having something to ourselves that the rest of the world covets for a change!!

[@jamesyoung5610]

Website list plz

[@justmechanicthings]

Very informative, thankyou

[@pooksthepossum]

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

[@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

[@6Activist9]

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

[@ioriOki]

I think goonet is the best English friendly site.

[@theothuna9192]

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

[@okibrian]

Who do you recommend to use for export out of Okinawa? I think you said the name, but I didn't catch it. Also, do you know a good broker to use in Florida? Thanks for the video!

[@ioriOki]

I used B&M but they may be getting out of the game. I'm unsure though.

[@okibrian]

@@ioriOki Thank you, I'll check it out.

[@victora7399]

Great content thank you 🙏🏽

[@ioriOki]

Thank you for commenting and helping me grow.

[@Ls60ett_s30]

Omg I like that you leave in the bloopers 😭😭😭

[@ioriOki]

Its to add a little bit of comedy to an otherwise dry video lol

[@Ls60ett_s30]

@@ioriOki lol guuuurll staaawp

[@austinblackstone-uv9yw]

You are so beautiful thank you for explaining this but can I just buy for fd?

[@ioriOki]

Thanks, and yes you can just buy one.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@DiabloDeezy]

We need the top 5 video!

[@ioriOki]

This video actually isn't doing too well, unfortunately, but I'm down. Top 5 JDM websites or something else?

[@DiabloDeezy]

@@ioriOki you’d be surprised at how valuable it may be to someone. Answered many questions that I have and opened my eyes to possible obstacles/challenges that may come my way in the near future when I start my dream business. Top 5 websites would be super valuable but I guess only you know if it would be worth your time or not. Look at it this way, one more video that will bring traffic to your channel won’t hurt right? 😅 best of luck. Glad to see you adapting very rapidly to the lifestyle here in America, I imagine it’s night and day compared to where you’re from.

[@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

[@alexpoon1358]

Looking for a mr2 how should I used

[@ioriOki]

I don't understand that sentence.

[@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👍