Fair questions

The total is the car’s winning bid at auction plus Japan-side costs (auction fees, transport to the port, export paperwork), sea shipping, UK port handling, import VAT and any duty, vehicle approval or MOT and any modifications, DVLA registration, number plates and our fee.

Our price guide and calculator show estimated totals for typical cars. For a specific car you want us to bid on, we give you a written quote first, and you agree it before you pay a deposit.

See every cost we include

Import VAT at 20% is due on almost every car, charged on the car’s value plus shipping and any duty.

Import duty depends on origin. Under the UK–Japan trade agreement, a car that qualifies as originating in Japan, with the right proof of origin, pays 0% duty. Without that proof, the standard rate is 10%. Not every car built by a Japanese brand qualifies, so we check this before you commit and tell you which rate we expect.

Cars over 30 years old that are unmodified may qualify for reduced historic rates (5% VAT, no duty). HMRC sets conditions, so we confirm eligibility car by car.

It depends on how quickly we find the right car, shipping schedules, and how soon the car can be tested and registered in the UK. Sea shipping alone typically takes several weeks.

We won’t promise a date we can’t control. We’ll give you a realistic idea when you ask us to bid, and update you as the car moves through each stage.

Most Japanese imports can be insured, but not every mainstream insurer covers them, and premiums vary by model. Some insurers specialise in imported cars.

Get an insurance quote before you ask us to bid. We can give you the model, engine and chassis details an insurer will ask for.

Many Japanese-market cars share engines and parts with models sold in the UK, so servicing is straightforward at most garages. Some models were only sold in Japan, and certain parts may need to come from a specialist or from Japan, which can take longer.

Ask us about a model before you decide. We’ll tell you honestly if parts are likely to be harder to get.

Each car is inspected at auction and given an overall grade, from S or 6 (as new) down through 5, 4.5, 4 and 3.5 (average for its age). R or RA means the car has had accident repairs to its structure. There is also a separate interior grade, usually A to E.

Grades are a helpful starting point but not the whole story, so we translate the full auction sheet for every car we shortlist.

Read the full grade guide

We work to reduce that risk before you bid. We translate the full auction sheet and the inspector’s notes, study the auction photos and, where it’s available, ask our export partner in Japan to inspect the car and send extra photos or video.

Even so, an auction inspection is a snapshot and can miss things. We’ll explain exactly what is and isn’t covered, and what happens if a car arrives with a problem the sheet didn’t show, in writing before you commit.

Yes. Before we bid on a car for you, we ask for a deposit, because a winning bid at auction is binding.

We’ll set out the amount, what it covers and what happens to it if we don’t win the car, in writing, before you pay anything.

Not in person, as the car is in Japan. You’ll see the auction photos and the translated auction sheet for every car on your shortlist.

Where available, our export partner can inspect the car before the auction and send extra photos or video. Inspection isn’t possible for every car or auction, and we’ll tell you when it isn’t.

Yes. Japan drives on the left, like the UK, so Japanese-market cars are right-hand drive and the headlights are already set for driving on the left.

Usually a few. Common ones are an mph speedometer (or dual mph and km/h markings) and a rear fog light. Cars under 10 years old need a vehicle approval test; older cars need an MOT before registration.

We do this as part of UK preparation, and our estimates include a typical allowance for it. Some models need more work than others, and we’ll tell you before you commit.

Japanese FM radio uses a different frequency range, so a factory radio may only pick up part of the UK band, and built-in navigation is usually in Japanese with Japanese maps.

A band expander or a replacement head unit usually solves this. We can talk you through the options for your car.

No. We source each car to order from Japanese dealer auctions, based on your brief. The models and prices on this site are estimates from recent auction results, not cars for sale.

Browse the price guide

Carl or Moggy, the two people behind Coggy Cars. One of us will reply to your enquiry and stay with you through to handover.