Back in the late 90s, anyone interested in buying a car was talking about the extensive variety and affordable prices of cars in Japan, which sparked my curiosity to witness it firsthand.
In 1998, I took my first trip to Japan on my father's cargo ship, where I was a passenger. Thanks to my father being a commercial sea captain, I had a free ride. The objective? To buy a car. As we approached the Japanese Islands, I was filled with excitement about visiting Japan for the first time, and not just as a tourist, but with a mission. On my first day, I explored the car yards in Toyama city, a surreal experience with vast areas packed with thousands of cars, open and with keys inside, and prices displayed on the windshields. Remarkably, the prices were up to $5,000+ less than back home! It was a moment of revelation for me.
I bought two cars: a 1994 Mazda MX6 2500V6 in red and a Toyota Caldina TZ 1992 2L-4WD for resale. This marked the beginning of my journey in car dealing, and I knew it was just the start.
The entire process, from buying to customs clearance, took two weeks and was a thrilling adventure. It was 1998, and everything was done manually. I watched as cars were loaded onto the boat by a crane, right before my eyes. I traveled on the same boat as the cars and visited them just to sit inside. All customs clearance procedures had to be completed manually as well, and it was a chaotic and somewhat of a nightmare experience for a first-timer. Fortunately, it all went well and I sold the Caldina swiftly, making a nice profit, and I had a fantastic time driving the MX6, and managed to sell it for a good price later on. At that time I've visited Japan about 10 times on cargo boats gaining experience in selecting quality cars, exploring all four islands at the same time. I absolutely loved my visits to Japan, each trip felt like a new adventure. The Japanese people impressed me with their prudence, honesty, and strong work ethic.
I also appreciate the freedom that importing gave me. I no longer need to be attached to the car yard, and it gives me the opportunity to travel more. With one thing always in focus - we're alway here and available online to assist with your import needs.
In 2006, I discovered online auction systems, a game changer that meant no more trips to Japan. Can buy cars online! By 2009, I had opened my own company, continuing to import cars from Japan to New Zealand.
By 2014, realizing the frequent inquiries about special cars from Japan, I launched a service for importing cars directly from Japanese Auctions, 'IMPORT YOUR CAR'. Our team helps people select cars from these auctions, handling 90% of the work. Our clients start with practice bidding, an essential part of our process to understand their preferences.
We all know that finding low mileage, sought-after cars at a reasonable price can be challenging when done locally. And despite most cars originating from Japanese auctions anyway, the process of importing remains a mystery to many. Importing can reveal a vast difference in selection and prices. If you're open to new opportunities, importing could be ideal for you.
Our customers have purchased exceptional cars using our service. As time progresses, mainstream cars become even more affordable, while rare models like JDMs, 4x4 like Prados or exotics only increase in value. By importing now, you can benefit from this appreciation or enjoy a buffer against depreciation when you decide to sell.
We simplify the process of buying a car directly from Japan's auctions and handle the importation for you. We ship to major cities like Auckland, Wellington, Nelson, and Christchurch, and can transport to any other city nationwide. Imagine buying a car in Japan and having it delivered right to your doorstep, all managed by us.
To get started, here's what you need to do:
- Register and view auctions to get a feel for what's available.
- Check our 'HOW TO BID' page and watch our training videos.
- Please place PRACTICE BIDS to help us understand your preferences so we can advice you better.
Remember, our service initially requires your active participation. We'll wait for you to place practice bids and might reach out with additional information, especially if you provide detailed car specifications.
We'll translate auction lists, inform you about market prices, and suggest similar cars for bidding. When you find a car you're keen on, make a deposit to our ANZ account.
Invest about 30 minutes on your computer to familiarize yourself with these steps, and don't forget to watch the training video.
Most importantly, your Practice Bids are crucial. They give us insight into your preferences, enabling us to assist you more effectively.
Looking forward to seeing you in the auctions!