Frequently Asked Questions
Once you inquire about a vehicle or we help you find one, we can provide detailed information about the car, including its condition and history.
After confirming your interest, you can place a bid or purchase the vehicle directly. Once the sale is finalized, you’ll pay for the vehicle along with any export-related fees.
The vehicle is then shipped from Japan in a container. Shipping and processing typically take 3 to 6 months, depending on the schedule and port conditions.
When the vehicle arrives in Canada at the Vancouver port, it must go through customs clearance. At this stage, you'll be responsible for paying import duties, GST/HST, and any applicable port fees. Key documents required include the bill of sale, export certificate, and customs paperwork.
After clearing customs, the vehicle will be shipped to Edmonton for final delivery.
To register and insure the vehicle, an out-of-province inspection is required to ensure it meets provincial safety and compliance standards.
Our vehicle purchase process begins with a $1,000 deposit, which secures our services and initiates the vehicle search.
You may choose from our in-stock inventory or request a specific make and model. Based on your preferences, we will present available options that best match your criteria. Once a suitable vehicle is identified, a secondary inspection is conducted to ensure there are no major issues before finalizing the purchase.
Payment Options:
1. Full Payment Option
The remaining balance, including vehicle cost and shipping, must be paid in full within 14 days of purchase and before the vehicle leaves Japan.
2. Financing Option
Financing is available for a maximum term of one year. Please note that the vehicle must be fully paid off before pick-up.
Delivery Options:
Once your vehicle arrives at the Port of Vancouver, you may choose to:
Have it shipped directly to your location, or
Pick it up in person and drive it home.
If you have any questions about the process, payment options, or vehicle selection, feel free to contact us for assistance.
Cars must be at least 15 years old to the month of manufacture for most of Canada. Quebec and PEI have enacted their own rules, requiring JDM vehicles to be at least 25 years old to the month of manufacture to be operated on public roads.
JDM cars often have surprisingly low mileage compared to similar-age vehicles from other countries. This is due to a combination of cultural, regulatory, and economic factors in Japan. Here's why:
1. Strict Shaken Inspection System
Japan has a rigorous vehicle inspection system called "Shaken", required every 2–3 years:
* It's expensive and gets more costly as the car ages.
* Many owners find it cheaper or more convenient to sell their car rather than pay for the
inspection and repairs.
* This results in relatively young, low-mileage cars being taken off the road and sold or
exported.
2. Excellent Public Transportation
* Japanese cities have top-tier public transit, so people often don't drive daily.
* Cars are used less frequently, especially in urban areas, leading to lower mileage
accumulation over time.
Each vehicle consigned to a Japanese auction house receives a standardized auction sheet—a comprehensive report detailing the car’s condition. This sheet includes an overall grade (with grades like 4 or 3.5 generally considered good for used vehicles), and it highlights any cosmetic or mechanical issues such as scratches, dents, rust, or blemishes. The inspector may also note oil leaks, unusual noises, or the presence of aftermarket parts. For vehicles our clients are interested in, we provide English translations of these sheets.
After placing a bid, we can request an optional secondary inspection from a third-party specialist. This inspection may include additional photos and a more detailed description of any potential issues. If any unexpected problems are discovered during this process, we can either cancel the bid or adjust it accordingly.
Insurance coverage options typically include full coverage, third-party liability, comprehensive, and collision-only policies. Availability varies by vehicle, driver profile, location, and insurer, but in most cases, some form of coverage is accessible nationwide.
Parts availability largely depends on the specific JDM vehicle. Some models share platforms with North American versions, making body panels and other components relatively easy to source. Others, especially from global manufacturers, often use engines and mechanical parts that are common across multiple models—many of which are readily available over the counter.
Today, established supply chains make it even easier to find what you need. From tuning shops and brokers to online marketplaces like eBay and Yahoo Auctions Japan, it's possible to track down anything from small used parts to complete front-end cuts. If you’re having trouble finding something specific, we’re always happy to assist.