Frequently Asked Questions

It is impossible to know how much any specific vehicle is going to sell for. We can only provid you with an accurate estimate based on current market conditions and our long history of buying from Japan. This is why we recommend all of our clients have a budget within 10k of the current market price in Australia. 90% of vehicles will end up going cheaper than market price in Australia from auction in Japan. The price a vehicle sells for is based on several factors:

  • Auction Reserve Price
  • Kilometers
  • Auction Grading
  • Overall Condition
  • Transmission Type
  • Mods

The expected costs are below and based on an RX7 we imported:

Pre 1996 vehicles require asbestos testing, this can only be done at the Osaka port. The cost is $350 AUD for the test, if they find asbestos they will charge $75 AUD to remove the part. They will then charge cost price of the part they had to replace. There may be transport costs from the auction house to Osaka.

Please note that we do not include RWC, Rego or Stamp Duty in our breakdown. These costs vary from state to state. The compliance cost does not include these.

We certainly can. If you find a vehicle for sale on Goonet, Beforward, Carfromjapan, etc., we can not only help you buy it but also negotiate discounts.

Often, vehicles listed on these exchanges are very overpriced due to fees. We deal directly with the dealers and can often secure substantial discounts off the advertised prices.

We can assist with inspecting the vehicles, exporting them, importing them, and getting them on the road in Australia.

You can see the full list of approved imports here.

We can also import any vehicle manufactured before 1998 under the rolling 25 year rule.

If a vehicle you would like to import is not on the approved imports list and it was not sold new in Australia we may still be able to import it. If you would like to import a vehicle like this please contact Dyson here for more information.

Here are a few highly sought-after models, note that we can import almost any vehicle that is over 25 years old.

Year Car Model Code
2020 – 2021 Chevrolet Corvette C8 RHD FUMEI
2002 – 2008 Honda Accord Euro Type R CL7
1997 – 2000 Honda Civic Type R EK9
1990 – 1994 Honda NSX NA1
2015 – 2017 Honda S660 JW5
2018 – 2020 Honda S660 JW5
2005 – 2010 Lexus IS 350 GSE21
2007 – 2008 Lexus IS F USE20
2015 – 2017 Lexus LS 460 4.6 V8 UCF45/46
1992 – 2002 Mazda RX7 FD3S
2011 – 2012 Mazda RX8 Spirit R SE3P
1992 – 1994 Mazda/Autozam AZ-1 PG6SA
2013 – 2016 Mercedes-Benz E 350 Avantgarde 212059C
2016 – 2017 Mercedes-Benz S Class S400 H Spec 222057
2013 – 2015 Mercedes-Benz S Class S400 Hybrid 222057
2017 – 2020 Mercedes-Benz S450 3.0 V6 Turbo Hybrid 222058
2015 – 2016 Mercedes-Benz S550 3.0 V6 Plug In Hybrid 222163
2010 – 2011 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 5.5 V8 221174
2008 – 2010 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG 6.2 V8 221177
2018 Mitsubishi Delica 2.2 Diesel Active Gear CV1W
1998 – 1999 Mitsubishi EVO 5 CP9A
1999 – 2000 Mitsubishi EVO 6 CP9A
1999 – 2001 Mitsubishi EVO 6 TM Edition CP9A
2001 – 2002 Mitsubishi EVO 7 CT9A
2001 – 2002 Mitsubishi EVO 7 GT-A CT9A
2003 – 2004 Mitsubishi EVO 8 GSR CT9A
2003 – 2004 Mitsubishi EVO 8 MR CT9A
2005 – 2006 Mitsubishi EVO 9 GSR CT9A
2005 – 2006 Mitsubishi EVO 9 MR CT9A
2007 – 2008 Mitsubishi EVO X CZ4A
1996 – 1998 Mitsubishi GTO/3000GT 3.0 V6 Turbo Z15A
1990 – 1995 Mitsubishi GTO/3000GT 3.0 V6 Turbo Pop Up Z16A
1989 – 1997 Nissan 300zx Twin Turbo GZ32
2016+ Nissan Note e-POWER HE12
1998 – 2000 Nissan Silvia S15 Spec R S15
1998 – 2000 Nissan Silvia S15 Varietta S15
2013 – 2019 Nissan Skyline 3.5 Hybrid HV37
2001 – 2006 Nissan Skyline 350GT Coupe V35
2007 – 2012 Nissan Skyline 370GT Type SP Manual CKV36
2019+ Nissan Skyline 400R 3.0 V6 Twin Turbo RV37
2009 – 2011 Nissan Skyline Crossover 370GT NJ50
1989 – 1994 Nissan Skyline R32 GTR Series 1 & 2 BNR32
1989 – 1994 Nissan Skyline R32 GTR Series 1&2 V Spec BNR32
1989 – 1994 Nissan Skyline R32 GTR Series 3 BNR32
1989 – 1994 Nissan Skyline R32 GTR Series 3 V Spec BNR32
1989 – 1997 Nissan Skyline R32/33 GTST ECR32/33
1995 – 1998 Nissan Skyline R33 GTR Series 1&2 BCNR33
1995 – 1998 Nissan Skyline R33 GTR Series 1&2 V Spec BCNR33
1995 – 1998 Nissan Skyline R33 GTR Series 3 BCNR33
1995 – 1998 Nissan Skyline R33 GTR Series 3 V Spec BCNR33
1998 – 2002 Nissan Skyline R34 GTR BCNR34
1998 – 2002 Nissan Skyline R34 GTST ECR34
2007 – 2008 Nissan Skyline R35 GTR R35
2002 – 2007 Subaru Forester Cross Sport XT SG5
2002 – 2007 Subaru Forester STI SG9
2007 – 2014 Subaru Impreza WRX STI 2.0 Turbo GVB
2005 – 2007 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Hawkeye 2.0 Turbo GDB
1998 – 2000 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Type R Coupe GC8
1998 – 2000 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Version 5 Sedan GC8
1998 – 2000 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Version 6 Sedan GC8
2013 – 2017 Subaru XV Hybrid GPE
1991 – 1998 Suzuzki Cappucino EA11R/EA21R
2012 – 2013 Toyota Alphard/Vellfire 2.5 Hybrid ATH20
2015 – 2017 Toyota Alphard/Vellfire 2.5 Hybrid AYH30
1999 – 2002 Toyota Altezza Gita GXE10W
1999 – 2005 Toyota Altezza RS200 SXE10
1997 – 2004 Toyota Aristo V300 JZS161
2007 – 2012 Toyota Blade Master G GRE156H
1994 – 1999 Toyota Celica GT-FOUR ST205
1997 – 2006 Toyota Century V12 GZG50
1992 – 1996 Toyota Chaser Tourer V JZX90
1996 – 2002 Toyota Chaser Tourer V JZX100
2016 – 2019 Toyota CH-R ZYX10
2016 – 2018 Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid Sedan NKE165
2013 Toyota Crown Athlete 2.5 V6 Hybrid AWS210
2006 – 2008 Toyota Crown Athlete 3.5 V6 GRS184
2008 – 2012 Toyota Crown Athlete 3.5 V6 GRS204
2008 – 2012 Toyota Crown Athlete 3.5 V6 Hybrid GWS204
1999 – 2003 Toyota Crown Athlete V 2.5 Turbo JZS171
1999 – 2003 Toyota Crown Majesta 4.0 V8 UZS171
2006 – 2008 Toyota Crown Majesta 4.3 V8 UZS186
2008 – 2012 Toyota Crown Majesta 4.6 V8 URS206
2018 – 2022 Toyota Crown RS Hybrid GWS224
2015 – 2016 Toyota Hiace 3.0 TD 2WD KDH201
2016 – 2016 Toyota Hiace 3.0 TD 4WD KDH206
1998 – 1999 Toyota Landcruiser 100 Series 1HD-FTE HDJ101K
1995 – 1999 Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series 1HDFT HDJ81V
2000 – 2007 Toyota Mark II IR-V Fortuna JZX110
1990 – 1998 Toyota MR2 Turbo SW20
1996 – 1999 Toyota Starlet Glanza V Turbo EP91
1990 – 1995 Toyota Starlet GT EP82
2017 – 2020 Toyota Vitz Hybrid NHP130

We can only import vehicles with “minimal” modifications. Anything highly modified will not pass compliance in Australia.

“Minimal” meaning

  • Rims
  • Coilovers
  • Front Mount Intercooler
  • Exhaust

If you are wanting to import a heavily modified vehicle we can import it under the race/rally criteria for use in racing and track events only. You can import it under this rule and return it to stock to have it complied in the future.

We sure can. I have contacts in New Zealand, America & the United Kingdom. I can get vehicles inspected on your behalf in these locations.

Can see more info on importing from America here.

Can see more info on importing from the UK here.

No, you only make payment when the invoices are due. Everything is charged to you at cost.

1 – Pay Our Deposit Fee $1190
2 – Pay Auction House On Vehicle Win + Balance Of Our Fee If Required
3 – Shipping, Customs & GST Just Before Arrival
4 – Transport To Compliance
5 – Compliance
6 – RWC, Rego & Stamp Duty

Yes, we can assist with finance. Keep in mind that no finance company in Australia can use a vehicle in Japan as security. This means personal loans or business loans are the only option. You will be making repayments on the loan for the 12-16 weeks it takes for the car to arrive.

We can get you a pre approval and then begin searching at auction.

We strongly reccommend against financing the full amount and having at least 10k in savings.

Japan

It typically takes 12-16 weeks for a vehicle to be road ready in Australia once it has been purchased from auction in Japan.

United Kingdom

Once the vehicle leaves the UK it takes around 8 – 10 weeks to arrive in Australia. Once it has arrived it will be road ready in around 4 – 6 weeks.

America

Once the vehicles leaves America it takes around 8 – 10 weeks to arrive in Australia. If the vehicle needs to go to Sri Lanka for the LHD > RHD conversion you need to allow 5 – 6 moths before the vehicle is landed and in Australia. Once it arrives it will be road ready within 4 weeks.

New Zealand

The boats coming from New Zealand are often the same ones that bring in Japanese cars. Once it leaves New Zealand it will be in Australia within 4 weeks. Once it has arrived allow 4 – 6 weeks until it is road ready.

Below are the ports we have access to. Prices are an example only, please reach out for an accurate shipping quote.

Our deposit amount is $1190 AUD and covers the below:

  • Real-time internet support
  • Translation of auction sheets
  • Arrangement and direction of pre-bidding inspections
  • Transcription of inspection reports
  • Auction bidding
  • Inquiry and negotiation
  • Arrangement of vehicle delivery to the nearest port for export
  • Maintenance estimates
  • Making a booking on the next available ship
  • Vehicle de-registration
  • Making and Translation of the export certificate
  • Domestic mailing and courier service of import documents
  • Compliance & roadworthy assistance

The deposit is payable before we begin the search. The balance is due upon winning the vehicle at auction.

Under 30k AUD = $1190
30k-60k AUD = $1490
60k-90k AUD = $1990
90k+ AUD = Based on vehicle.

Discounts available for multiple purchases and repeat customers.

Prestige Car Imports have inspectors stationed at all major auction houses in Japan. They will provide vehicle evaluations and in-person inspections on your behalf. We will be providid a condition report before we place any bids.

We send the auction listings for your desired vehicle each night through our Facebook business page or Whatsapp, we have found this is the quickest method. We cannot grant our clients direct access to the auction system, we pay a premium for exclusive access. If you prefer to recieve the listings by email or text please let us know.

In Japanese auctions, the bidding window lasts only 10-40 seconds, leaving no time for discussion; thus, our clients must set a maximum budget for their chosen vehicle and hope to secure the vehicle below the max bid amount. Auctions feature multiple “lanes” where cars are put up for auction approximately every 20 to 30 seconds throughout an extensive 8 to 12-hour period; furthermore, a significant number of bidders participate remotely, not physically present at the auction site.

Auction Grades Explained

Prestige Car Imports has a minimum standard of 3.5 grading for the vehicles they purchase unless the client is willing to purchase a lower grade.

  • 5 – a car that looks brand new and has no blemishes.
  • 4.5 – excellent condition and could pass for a new one, with only minor imperfections that only the most meticulous buyer would notice.
  • 4 – indicates a vehicle with better-than-average wear and tear, in clean overall condition despite a few minor marks.
  • 3.5 – cars with normal wear and tear based on their age and mileage, and may need some cosmetic work such as paint touch-ups or minor repairs to interior parts.
  • 3 – Vehicle is in poor overall condition. Expect paint fade, scratching, rust, chassis cutting and more.
  • A – represents a brand new car with no signs of wear or tear.
  • B – is very clean and has better-than-average wear and tear.
  • C – signifies a car with typical wear and tear based on its age and mileage, which may include some marks or tears on the seats. However, significant issues are usually mentioned separately in the auction notes.
  • D – denotes a car that is very rough or has been stripped as part of a weight loss program for racing.
  • E – indicates a vehicle that is in very poor condition

 

We use Top Secret Imports for compliance and have done for a long time.

If you have any questions about the registration or compliance process please contact them here.

Please note that the compliance cost does not include the RWC, Rego or Stamp Duty. They can however sort these out for you.

Rust & Corrosion remain significant worries for buyers, yet with the right knowledge, they can be effectively circumvented. Firstly, by avoiding purchases from north Japan, and secondly, by relying on a well-trained team capable of physically inspecting vehicles with a keen eye for identifying potential issues.

In the past 8 years of importing cars to Australia and New Zealand, we have never purchased a vehicle that couldn’t meet compliance standards.

Japanese cars undergo an annual roadworthy/warrant of fitness examination, ensuring they are in optimal condition and comply with safety and emission regulations.

 

For Australian buyers, this offers the advantage of having the government document odometer readings annually, providing a level of assurance that is not easily attainable when purchasing cars within Australia.

 

We don’t buy vehicles that show any signs of odometer tampering.

The luxury car tax in Australia has just increased for the 2023-24 Financial year. It is $89,332 for non performance vehicles and $76,950 for performance vehicles.
For every dollar over these amounts you pay a 33% tax. Example below:

Step 1: work out the LCT value:

  1. Customs value of the car is $90,000
  2. Add GST applied at import is $9,000 (10% of $90,000)
  3. Add import costs (GST inclusive) of $2,500
  4. $101,500 (LCT value).

Step 2: calculate the LCT (LCT value − LCT threshold) × 10 ÷ 11 × 33%:

  1. ($101,500 − $76,950) × 10 ÷ 11 × 33%
  2. $24,550× 10 ÷ 11 × 33%
  3. $7,365

If we have not procured a vehicle for you yet and you decide you do not want to purchase from Japan, we will refund your full deposit amount minus $300 for our time and effort. We acknowledge that there might be instances where you may have to delay or terminate your search, even after we have been actively looking for a while.

In the event that we have already purchased a car for you at a Japan auction and you choose to cancel the purchase, you will not be eligible for a refund, and any associated losses will be your responsibility. It is essential to note that the cost of re-auctioning a car can exceed $1,000 AUD, making cancellation at this point unwise.
Once the car has been bought and transported from Japan, it is not possible to cancel the order, and no refunds will be provided.

See our T&C’s for more information.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

By accepting the services of Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD, you agree to be bound by and accept these terms and conditions whether you have read them or not.

Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD act on your behalf as an import agent only. They are not liable for any expenses incurred through the purchase, export, shipping, import, compliance, or roadworthiness of the vehicle. Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD are not a motor vehicle dealer. Dealer lot cars and the cars from overseas or auction are not in the possession of Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD. The assessment of the overseas cars, auction cars and writing of the auction sheets is done by the staff employed by the auction houses, and has no direct connection to Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD. Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD will have an additional inspection of each vehicle completed by a professional third party vehicle inspector, but do not offer any warrantee or guarantee of vehicle condition, and the buyer purchases at his or her own risk. Any price quoted by Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD is an estimate only, these estimates do not include state specific roadworthiness, rego or transfer/stamp duty unless otherwise stated.

A deposit of $1190 AUD is required to secure the services of Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD. The balance of our fee is payable upon securing the vehicle and you paying the seller for said vehicle. The total fee charged is based upon the estimated landed and complied price of the vehicle and the country we are importing it from. The fee is nonrefundable.

The customer’s bid is based on the information available at the time the bid is made and is ultimately the decision of the customer to proceed with said bid. If the customer chooses to withdraw their bid for any reason, Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD staff will make every effort to do so. In the case that the bid deadline has passed, and the bid cannot be withdrawn, the customer will be responsible for payment in full when the bid is successful.

Should the customer choose to have a vehicle re-entered into auction after a successful win, a cancellation fee of $2000 AUD will be charged to cover the cost of time and labour involved with re-entry, in addition to all other additional costs (inland transport, auction fees, storage fees etc.). If a profit is made on the resale at auction, then that amount will be Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD.

The customer is responsible for any and all additional inland transportation costs due to but not limited to: auction house location not listed in estimate, vehicle being non drivable or not being able to load, vehicle repairs due to break down or inoperability during transport, custom and or singular transport, other carriers being used due to availability, size and or ground clearance of vehicle, outlying auction houses dealers and private locations, and availability of ships to the destination country from the nearest port.

The customer is responsible for all additional storage costs that may accrue at the export yard out of Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD control. These costs may be due to but are not limited to; shipping company schedule changes, inoperability of the vehicle upon vessel loading, changes in vessel loading restrictions, and lack of vessel space for an extended period.

The full value of the proforma Invoice must be paid to the account on the bottom of the invoice within seven business days of receiving it. The customer is also responsible for any difference due to fluctuation in the exchange rate when payment arrives at our bank more than five banking days from the date the proforma invoice was sent. If payment does not come through within the five banking days a $20 AUD penalty will be charged daily until the payment is received. After 30 days, if payment is not received in full the customer’s deposit is forfeited and the vehicle becomes the property of Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD.

It is the sole responsibility of the customer to research and remain in compliance with all regulations and restrictions connected with importing the vehicle into the country specified by the customer prior to bidding. Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD will not be responsible for carrying out any of this research or taking any measures necessary to ensure this compliance. Furthermore, Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD does not warrant the accuracy of any information on the prestigejdm.com website, or any written or verbal advice that might otherwise be given to the customer regarding the nature of any import regulations and restrictions.

Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD cannot be held liable for anything beyond its control. This includes but is not limited to: errors or damage caused by auction houses, transporters, shipping companies and shipping agents; shipping availability and schedules; any costs incurred by the buyer (duty, taxes, etc); mechanical and or electrical failure; corrosion; non delivery of parts from Japan side supplier post payment; failure of buyer to receive posted items in their country and the costs involved in resending those items; missing parts and inner cargo; exchange rates, force majeure (war, strikes, and floods,) etc..

The customer should be aware that the vehicles usually require a thorough cleaning, and that “consumable” items such as brake pads, tires, oil, and the like, may require replacing upon arrival at the country of import. Also, the customer is strongly urged to take reasonable care when starting the vehicle upon arrival, since cold starting after a long period of inactivity can result in severe damage to the engine, and other parts of the vehicle.

Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD retains the right to use photos taken at the port of export for site content, publicity, and other purposes within reason. Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD will never disclose the buyer, price, or vehicle details of any transactions without prior consent of the buyer.

Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD and the customer undertake to make reasonable efforts to resolve any disputes arising in their relationship following the provisions of these terms and conditions. If the issues in question are not covered by these terms and conditions, Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD and the customer agree to make every effort to resolve the dispute through mutual negotiation in good faith. If reasonable attempts at negotiation fail and one or both parties decide to take recourse to legal action, this legal action shall be brought under Australian Law.

If any part of these terms and conditions that is not fundamental is found to be illegal or unenforceable, such findings will not affect the validity or enforceability of the remainder of these terms and conditions.

Prestige Car Imports PTY LTD reserves the right to modify these terms and conditions at any time without notice.

PRIVACY POLICY

The following statements define Prestige Car Imports privacy policy for website visitors.

  • Prestige Car Imports does not collect personal information from visitors
  • Prestige Car Imports does not use cookies to track visitor information
  • No visitor information is released to 3rd parties
  • Prestige Car Imports is not responsible for external links


Visitors’ Personal Information
Prestige Car Imports does not require any information from its visitors to browse or navigate its website.

 

Cookies
Prestige Car Imports does not use cookies to track visitor information.

Visitor Communications
The Prestige Car Imports homepage gives visitors several options for contacting us. Visitors can contact us through our Contact Us form (link to contact us page) Any and all communications received by Prestige Car Imports from visitors are held in the strictest confidence and are never released to 3rd parties.

External Links
Prestige Car Imports homepage contains links to some 3rd party sites not under the control of Prestige Car Imports. Prestige Car Imports can assume no responsibility for the information or privacy of 3rd party sites.

Contact Prestige Imports
If you have further questions regarding Prestige Car Imports privacy policy or other questions, please contact Prestige Car Imports at:

Contact Information:

PrestigeJDM.com
15 Blackwood Parade
Romaine, Tasmania, 7320
Ph. +61 456 782 466
Email: info@prestigejdm.com

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