Import a JDM from Japan to Hamilton

JDM cars can be shipped to a local distribution node or directly to your door anywhere in Canada, provided they meet federal import laws. This includes Victoria, Nanaimo, Vancouver, Kamloops, Kelowna and Terrace, British Columbia; Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge and Grand Prairie, Alberta; Regina and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan; Winnipeg and Brandon, Manitoba; Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton, Mississauga, London and Windsor, Ontario; Montréal and Québec City, Quebec; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Fredericton, New Brunswick; St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador; Whitehorse, Yukon; Yellowknife, Northwest Territories; Iqaluit, Nunavut.

We can also ship across the entire United States for vehicles over 25 years old.

With our extensive experience importing Japanese vehicles, and our hundreds of satisfied clients, we can confidently say that there is little risk to purchasing your next JDM from Japan. We have developed a network of trusted contacts in Japan, and coupled with the auction sheet and second checks, the vehicle you buy is the one that will be delivered to your door.

The standardized auction sheets are a thorough examination of the car's status, including an overall grade and notes on any blemishes, dents, or rust. Once a bid is placed, we can apply for a second check by a third party for extra pictures and detail.

Insurance options for Ontario residents include Mitch Insurance and Intact Insurance and Hagerty. Coverage depends on the vehicle, individual, and insurer, so we recommend contacting your broker before buying.

Parts availability depends on the vehicle. Some Japanese models have North American counterparts, with many body panels and other parts being available. Others from global manufacturers may have used the same engine and mechanical parts in many other vehicles, with parts ready over the counter.

There are established supply chains from tuning houses to online auctions like eBay and Yahoo Auctions Japan, and brokers who help search for small used parts or whole front-end cuts. We can often point you in the right direction.

• No, it's very easy — you get used to it quickly.
• Pedal configuration is the same, gearbox configuration is the same. You're basically just sitting a few feet over.
• Customers worried about getting used to RHD almost always report back within a few days that it's a piece of cake.
• When turning left, if you can't see, don't go — same as with LHD.
• Give yourself lots of time to pass on the highway, you get used to it.

• We have access to every dealer in Japan — check our inventory, or if you see something elsewhere, we can access and import it for you.
• We have access to all 120 auctions in Japan. Browse our auctions, or set up a custom order and we'll hunt daily for options.
• We have access to private-sale vehicles through Yahoo Auctions Japan.
• If you see something you like anywhere, just send us the link and we'll get you a quote.

• The vehicle must be 15+ years old to the manufacture month.
• It must pass the radioactivity check (we've never failed this).
• It must have an undercarriage steam clean in Japan before shipping, to pass the CFIA soil exam (we've never had one fail).
• It must successfully clear customs and have a translated export certificate, which we supply.

We arm you with all the import papers you need to successfully plate the vehicle in Ontario.

• We send electronic copies of the export certificate, translation, customs B3 coding form, bill of sale, etc.
• We courier the originals to make sure you have your bases covered.
• If you ever struggle at Service Ontario, you can call me directly and I'll help — 403-481-1065.

Cars in Japan are often cheaper because of strict inspection laws, high taxes, and the cost of keeping older cars on the road. Most people in Japan prefer buying new cars, which means there’s a huge supply of well-maintained used vehicles with low demand locally. This oversupply, combined with rapid depreciation, makes Japanese cars more affordable for export buyers.

It’s not uncommon to see 15+ year old vehicles with 60,000 km.

• Tokyo, for example, is the largest metropolitan city on earth at 35m+ people — it’s much faster to take public transit than to drive
• Parking is hard to find in Tokyo
• Toll bridges are expensive
• Fuel is more expensive