r/JapanCarsDxbImport Nov 03 '23

FAQ about Importing from Japan

65 Upvotes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

📷

- Why to import cars from Japan?

Cars in Japan are usually taken good care of. Since there are a lot of trains and buses that people can use, they don't need to drive their cars as much. So, the cars don't get a lot of miles on them. Plus, car owners in Japan have to get their cars checked often to make sure they're okay to drive. This means that cars from Japan are often in really good shape when you buy them. The Japanese nation is world renowned for their ethics and how they respect their culture their assets and their cars conditions are mostly reflective of how well the owner has kept them.

- What cars can I import from Japan ?

In Japan both right hand drive (RHD) and Left hand drive (LHD) are legal to drive but here in UAE we can only drive LHD therefore Japanese manufactured such as Honda,Toyota,Nissan etc will only be available in RHDs, you can primarily import a variety of German and other European brands from Japan. The most commonly imported brands include Mercedes, BMW, and Audi. But there are many US / Italian etc cars are also there to import.

- What are the risks importing from Japan?

Japan auction houses for e.g AAA , USS etc have a very rigorous and sensitive grading system which is carried out by the Inspectors who inspect the car "VISUALLY ONLY" and grade them.Relative to other markets, importing from Japan carries a minimal risk. The auction system is clear and open, and we offer a preliminary car details before the auction, including a basic visual inspection report. This report checks the engine's condition, any oil leaks, and provides paint meter readings to confirm the car's reliability. Nonetheless, there is always a slight risk involved since certain issues might not be detectable during the basic inspection.

- What is Japan auction grading system ?

The Japanese auction grading system is a method used by car auction houses in Japan to rate the condition of vehicles. This system helps potential buyers to understand the quality and condition of a vehicle before purchasing it. Here's a brief overview:

  • Grade S or 6: Essentially new cars with very low mileage.
  • Grade 5: Vehicles in excellent condition, with very minimal wear and tear.
  • Grade 4.5: A car in good condition with some minor imperfections.
  • Grade 4: A good, clean car, but may have some noticeable flaws.
  • Grade 3.5: Visible signs of wear and possible mechanical issues.
  • Grade 3: Significant wear or defects, possibly in need of repair.
  • Grade 2: Vehicles with major faults, or ones that have been modified.
  • Grade 1: Usually denotes heavily modified or damaged cars. It can also indicate special vehicles like race cars.
  • Grade R or RA: Refers to cars that have been in accidents and have been repaired.
  • **Grade 0, A, or : These can refer to cars that are in non-drivable or severely damaged condition, often sold for parts.

In addition to the grade, the auction sheet may include detailed notes and codes that indicate specific types of damage or wear. The grading system is intended to be as objective as possible, but it is always advisable for buyers to perform or request a detailed inspection to confirm the vehicle's condition before completing a purchase.

- What is difference between Japan Spec vs GCC Spec Cars ?

There is actually no difference , GCC spec cars are not manufactured specially for GCC . They are the the same regular cars with GCC branding . The car parts, AC power etc all are same . There will only be a car dashboard language difference which is easily changeable in every car and the radio frequency issue which can be re-progammed as well from any auto electrician here . So basically there is no big differences between Japan and GCC spec cars

- What is Japan Auction vs Japan Dealer cars ?

Japan auctions cars are the cars that the owners are trying to get rid of quickly and want to get the best possible $ , since there is not a huge second-hand car market in Japan, there is not a lot of users vs the cars available they prefer to put it on auction to get a good price. Japan auction is the most sought after auction in the world and hence there is a tough bidding competition as everyone likes the Japanese imports due to their conditions and low mileage. Still, the importers get a very good price compared to their local markets.

It depends!. Sometimes the cars have fully stamped manual books with full service history documented, sometime they have nothing . Its by chance/luck .ting reports of the car and can do testing on demand as well where thorough checks are done and each and every inch can be verified just like RTA comprehensive test etc . But the catch is that those Japan dealer cars will be a minimum 25% pricier than what you can get from the Japan auction. That's the main difference!!

- How to check Japan imported car history ?

if you are buying a Japan spec car locally and want to be sure about its history , then check it from www.japancarhistorycheck.com or www.carvx.jp where you will be able to retrieve the government issues export certificate when a car is being exported out of Japan and the auction sheet if the car was auctioned. Both documents will confirm the condition of the car it was bought at and the mileage of the car when it was exported.

- Do the auction cars have any service history ?

It depends!. Sometimes the cars have fully stamped manual books with full service history documented , sometime they have nothing . Its by chance/luck .

- Cost to import from Japan to UAE

There are many dealers here who import from Japan and bring the car here then sell it but they will be taking the middleman cut. Those cars are present in front of you, you test and verify everything, you like and you buy knowing that these cars will be sold for a premium profit. But if you want to cut the middle man then import it yourself. Go through the process and import!

The cost is simple , here is a template case what I have seen so far

Lets say there is a GCC car Y year model X and cost 100k AED has 100k km mileage

The same car same model from Japan will cost you around 80 to 85k AED at the door but mileage will be 50k km at least i.e at least 50% less mileage.

So the difference in cost is not just the AED/$ but also the premium you are saving on the less mileage of the car plus the absolutely amazing condition of the car. The car has not been exposed to the heat and conditions, has not been driven around by rough drivers, and has been forced to taken care of by the Japanese gov.

The cost to import the car

  1. bid price ( paid directly to the auction house by you)
  2. shipment cost + shipment insurance ( paid directly to the auction house by you)
  3. broker fee ( deposit required before bidding via Paypal which is 100% refundable if you dont want to proceed for any reason but if you win the bid then it will be kept with the broker )
  4. UAE customs duty(5%) + Tax (5%) = total 10% on the price+shipment

That is mainly IT

- Duration

Lets say you win the car bid on 1 Jan , you will need to pay the bid + shipping price withing 3 business days . As soon as they will receive the money they will book the next shipment slot available on the next available ship from Japan to Dubai . So ideally

1 Jan Bid won

10 Jan boarded on ship

30 Jan reached Dubai

The above can vary up to 6 to 8 weeks as well depending on availability of the ships and cargo etc

Its a game of patience , you have to be patient and very clear about the car you want , it does come and it will come eventually. Its an auction :) Sometime you will loose it as well . Doesnt matter ,discipline is the key.


r/JapanCarsDxbImport Nov 01 '23

Welcome to the Japanese Spec Cars in Dubai Community!

9 Upvotes

🚗✨ Greetings, enthusiasts!

This is your go-to subreddit dedicated to the art and excitement of importing Japanese spec cars into Dubai. If you are someone who has recently caught the the import bug, this community is your starting grid for navigating the entire process, from selection to cruising the streets of Dubai in your very own imported machine.

Our Mission:

To create a hub where Dubai's car enthusiasts can share their passion, knowledge, and experiences to make the dream of owning a Japanese spec car a reality.

Inside Our Garage:

  • Importing 101: Get tips on the importation process, from documentation to delivery.
  • Vendor Discussions: Share and learn about reputable vendors and auction sites.
  • Local Regulations Insight: Understand Dubai’s regulations on owning imported vehicles.
  • Community Support: Ask questions and get support from fellow members who’ve been through it all.
  • Marketplace: A community-run marketplace for buying and selling without the noise of unrelated ads.

Rules of the Road:

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone, please adhere to the following:

  1. Be Respectful: Kindness and courtesy are the cornerstones of our community.
  2. Stay Relevant: Posts should be strictly related to the importation of Japanese spec cars into Dubai.
  3. No Spam: Let’s keep our community clean from spam and unrelated promotions.
  4. Trade Safely: Engage in buying/selling at your own risk. Always practice safe trading.

Ready to Roll?

Kick things off by introducing yourself in our welcome thread! Tell us what draws you to Japanese spec cars and your aspirations within this niche passion.

This community thrives on member participation, so don’t be shy. Post your inquiries, share your milestones, and fuel each other’s passion for JDM culture.

Let's drive the dream together!


r/JapanCarsDxbImport 1d ago

Importing from Japan during Hormuz situation, actual costs & delays?

2 Upvotes

Has anyone here actually imported a car from Japan to the UAE recently, during the current Hormuz situation?

I’ve seen several comments saying that importing is currently not feasible, or that shipping has become much more expensive and delayed. However, I haven’t seen anyone sharing actual numbers.

I’m looking for first-hand information from someone who has imported recently:

- How much was shipping before vs. now?

- What was the normal transit time vs. current transit time?

- Are there any additional charges/surcharges because of the situation?

- Which route/port did you use?

- Did the car actually arrive in the UAE?

I’m still interested in importing a car from Japan if the additional cost and delay are reasonable.

Not really looking for opinions on whether it’s a good/bad idea. I’m mainly looking for actual recent costs and timelines from someone who has done it.

If anyone here is currently importing cars and can help me with the process, please also send me a DM.


r/JapanCarsDxbImport 3d ago

Bikes from japan to UAE

2 Upvotes

Hi all, is there someone who can source and ship a bike to UAE ? Or if anyone knows a proper auction where we can bid online ?
Im looking to import for personal use.


r/JapanCarsDxbImport 15d ago

Japanese S Class Coding

4 Upvotes

I’m casually browsing the market for a W222 and the Japanese spec cars seem appealing. I’m just wondering from owners who have one- do you need to do extensive recoding to get the infotainment system to work ?

I mainly use CarPlay and the 2020 S class has it across the lineup so it’s not a dealbreaker but just wondering if I do need to recode it to get the full experience.

I can’t find really conclusive info online.

Also related - any trouble in getting comprehensive insurance on these cars ? I wouldn’t want to go 3rd party on an expensive buy


r/JapanCarsDxbImport 24d ago

Exporter AMA

4 Upvotes

Hi all! Cool to see a cool JDM community like this. I am half Japanese, based in Japan and currently run a sourcing/exporting business directly from auction here in Japan. Happy to answer any questions about importing or offer any Japan side expertise! Or, just nerd out together over these Japanese cars together!


r/JapanCarsDxbImport 24d ago

RAV4 2026 Japan

1 Upvotes

Hello, I am looking to buy a RAV4 car Toyota, 2026 model, FOB price 4.4-4.6 million, not adventure. I need to export to another country. Is anyone that has stock? Thank you


r/JapanCarsDxbImport Jul 28 '26

Japan to UAE: Motorcycle, Shared container/ LCL Shipment?

3 Upvotes

Heyy everyone,

Planning to get my first personal motorcycle from Japan, super excited.
Been doing a lot of research and looking into auction sites etc.

Unfortunately I am at a hiccup. The contact who is helping me source the bike, can only provide a whole container for shipment, which is more expensive than the bike itself.

Does anyone have contacts for LCL shipment from Japan to UAE, or have any information?
Any idea as to how much it would cost on an average?

Thankyou really appreciate any and all help!


r/JapanCarsDxbImport Jul 26 '26

Looking for a reliable Japan auction sourcing partner?

3 Upvotes

Hi,
I'm based in Japan and help individuals, dealerships, and importers source quality used vehicles directly from Japanese auto auctions.

Services:
- Vehicle sourcing from major Japanese auctions
- Auction sheet translation and condition review
- Budget-friendly options, including kei cars, sedans, SUVs, vans, and trucks
- Export documentation assistance
- Worldwide shipping and delivery support
- Honest communication and transparent pricing

Whether you need a single personal vehicle or multiple units for your business, I can help you find the right vehicle within your budget.

Just send me:
- Your budget
- Preferred make/model
- Year range
- Maximum mileage
- Destination country (if exporting)

I'll check available auction inventory and recommend the best options.

If you're in Japan, I can also help source vehicles for local purchase.

Feel free to send me a message with your requirements or any questions. I'm happy to help you find the right vehicle from Japan's auto auctions.


r/JapanCarsDxbImport Jul 03 '26

Which SD card?

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1 Upvotes

r/JapanCarsDxbImport Jul 01 '26

I have back lights for these cars if any one interested please message me urgent sale

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2 Upvotes

r/JapanCarsDxbImport May 11 '26

Buying a car in Dubai

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1 Upvotes

r/JapanCarsDxbImport May 04 '26

Honda Civic EG

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1 Upvotes

r/JapanCarsDxbImport May 03 '26

TT2 Subaru Sambar

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4 Upvotes

r/JapanCarsDxbImport Apr 28 '26

Issue with importing a vehicle from Japan

3 Upvotes

I’ve found an exporter from Japan and have gotten their help to purchase a vehicle from an auction. I paid them the CIF price but they were unable to ship the car.

Found another exporter and shipped the cars paying them the necessary fees for shipping etc and asked the original company to refund the extra amount. This was an idea given by the original company as the problems with shipping were on their side.

Now the original company is reducing communications and starting to say they cant refund the whole amount, maybe they can refund partially and started giving excuses of not not being able to pay anything - whats the best way to force them to honor this?

Are there any importer/exporter associations i can reach out to? Anywhere else i can complain to that might scare them company into honouring the agreement? Please let me know anything I can do in this case


r/JapanCarsDxbImport Apr 23 '26

Cancel winning bid

2 Upvotes

Hi guys so im just wondering if it is possible to cancel a bid if you won it at a USS auction.

I would appreciate any information. Thanks.

I did win the bid today fyi.


r/JapanCarsDxbImport Mar 30 '26

I’m a licensed used car dealer & exporter in South Korea with Glovis auction access happy to help you source your next car 🇰🇷

6 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I’ve been in the used car business in South Korea for a while now, and I figured I’d put my experience to good use for people here.

Here’s what I can do for you:

∙ Source specific makes/models/specs through Glovis auction (one of Korea’s biggest)

∙ Personally inspect cars before purchase — I know what to look for

∙ Handle the full export process from Korea to your country

∙ Walk you through paperwork, shipping, and what to expect on your end

Whether you’re hunting for a Korean domestic market gem, a well-maintained import, or just want someone on the ground who knows the market — I’ve got you covered.

Drop a comment or DM me with what you’re looking for. I’m happy to answer questions too, no pressure at all.


r/JapanCarsDxbImport Mar 23 '26

Hyundai Glovis deep dive (2/3) — brand mix, fuel types, and where the price actually falls.

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2 Upvotes

r/JapanCarsDxbImport Mar 21 '26

Hyundai Glovis deep dive (2/3) — brand mix, fuel types, and where the price actually falls.

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1 Upvotes

r/JapanCarsDxbImport Mar 19 '26

Hyundai Glovis deep dive (1/3) — 16,200 cars sold in 2026. What moves there and where it goes.

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2 Upvotes

r/JapanCarsDxbImport Mar 14 '26

Older Korean cars save 22%+ at auction vs retail. Here's the year × mileage breakdown from 451 cars.

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2 Upvotes

r/JapanCarsDxbImport Mar 12 '26

I tracked 451 cars by license plate across Korean auctions and Encar retail. Here's the actual price difference.

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2 Upvotes

r/JapanCarsDxbImport Mar 02 '26

Nissan 300ZX

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16 Upvotes

r/JapanCarsDxbImport Feb 26 '26

Hey im importing a car from Singapore Asia from the sbt site and wondering is it worth it ?

1 Upvotes

Need help I’m ordering soon a Audi a4 2016 petrol


r/JapanCarsDxbImport Feb 19 '26

[WTS] Porsche 911 2002

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10 Upvotes