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Import Guides

Import Guides

Complete JDM import process: 25-year rule, customs, legal compliance, shipping, and import brokers

32 articles8 products
JDM Insurance Guide: Insuring Your Right-Hand Drive Import
Updated 2mo ago

JDM Insurance Guide: Insuring Your Right-Hand Drive Import

How to insure a JDM right-hand drive import in the US. Covers Hagerty, American Modern, agreed value policies, and typical annual costs for R34 GT-R, Supra, and more.

eBay vs Bring a Trailer vs JDM Auctions: Where to Buy a JDM Car
Updated 2mo ago

eBay vs Bring a Trailer vs JDM Auctions: Where to Buy a JDM Car

eBay vs Bring a Trailer vs Japanese auctions for buying a JDM car. Fees, pros and cons, total cost breakdown, and which platform suits your budget and timeline.

How to Get Your JDM Car Through Emissions Testing
Updated 2mo ago

How to Get Your JDM Car Through Emissions Testing

A practical guide to getting your JDM car through state emissions testing. Covers exemptions, test types, OBD-II solutions, and strategies for passing.

JDM Car Insurance: What You Need to Know
Updated 2mo ago

JDM Car Insurance: What You Need to Know

Everything you need to know about insuring a JDM import. Covers agreed vs stated value, JDM-friendly insurers, rate tips, and claims guidance.

JDM Car Shipping Costs Breakdown: Japan to USA in 2026
Updated 2mo ago

JDM Car Shipping Costs Breakdown: Japan to USA in 2026

A detailed breakdown of every cost involved in shipping a JDM car from Japan to the US, with phase-by-phase pricing and total cost examples.

How to Read a Japanese VIN (Chassis Number)
Updated 2mo ago

How to Read a Japanese VIN (Chassis Number)

Learn how to decode Japanese VINs and chassis numbers for JDM cars. Covers format differences, common codes, export certificates, and fraud detection.

How to Finance a JDM Import Purchase
Updated 2mo ago

How to Finance a JDM Import Purchase

A practical guide to financing JDM car imports, covering specialty lenders, personal loans, HELOC, importer programs, and self-financing strategies with total cost breakdowns.

Complete Guide to Importing a JDM Car to the United States
Updated 2mo ago

Complete Guide to Importing a JDM Car to the United States

A step-by-step walkthrough of the entire JDM import process, from Japanese auctions to US customs clearance and state registration.

Japanese Car Auctions: How to Buy Direct From Japan
Updated 2mo ago

Japanese Car Auctions: How to Buy Direct From Japan

USS, HAA, TAA — understanding Japanese car auction houses, grading systems, and how to bid through a broker.

How to Register a JDM Import in Your State
Updated 2mo ago

How to Register a JDM Import in Your State

Title, registration, and plates for a right-hand drive import vary wildly by state. A practical guide covering the most common scenarios.

How to Read a Japanese Auction Sheet: Grades, Conditions, and Red Flags
Updated 2mo ago

How to Read a Japanese Auction Sheet: Grades, Conditions, and Red Flags

Auction sheets are your first line of defense when buying from Japan. Learn to decode grades, damage codes, and condition notes like a pro.

How to Find a Trustworthy JDM Import Dealer
Updated 2mo ago

How to Find a Trustworthy JDM Import Dealer

The JDM import market has its share of shady operators. Red flags to watch for and how to verify a dealer's reputation before sending money.

Importing a Car From Japan: Costs, Timeline, and Logistics
Updated 2mo ago

Importing a Car From Japan: Costs, Timeline, and Logistics

From auction purchase to your driveway — the complete cost breakdown of importing a JDM car including shipping, customs, and compliance.

JDM Car Financing: Can You Get a Loan for an Import?
Updated 2mo ago

JDM Car Financing: Can You Get a Loan for an Import?

Traditional lenders shy away from JDM imports. Here are the specialty lenders, credit unions, and creative options for financing your dream car.

How to Ship a Car from Japan: Complete Logistics Guide
Updated 2mo ago

How to Ship a Car from Japan: Complete Logistics Guide

A step-by-step guide to shipping a car from Japan to the US. Covers RoRo vs container, customs clearance, duties, documentation, and common pitfalls.

How to Inspect a JDM Car Before Purchase
Updated 2mo ago

How to Inspect a JDM Car Before Purchase

A complete pre-purchase inspection guide for JDM cars. Covers documentation, body, engine, drivetrain, electrical, and test drive with a printable checklist.

JDM Car Emissions Compliance: State-by-State Guide
Updated 2mo ago

JDM Car Emissions Compliance: State-by-State Guide

California is the toughest, but many states have their own emissions requirements for imported vehicles. Know your state's rules before importing.

How to Inspect a JDM Car Before Buying: The Complete Checklist
Updated 2mo ago

How to Inspect a JDM Car Before Buying: The Complete Checklist

Rust, accident damage, and odometer tampering are common issues with JDM imports. This 50-point checklist helps you avoid expensive mistakes.

Shipping a Car From Japan: Container vs RoRo Explained
Updated 2mo ago

Shipping a Car From Japan: Container vs RoRo Explained

Container shipping protects your car but costs more. Roll-on/Roll-off is cheaper but riskier. How to choose the right method.

Best JDM Cars That Are Legal to Import in 2026
Updated 2mo ago

Best JDM Cars That Are Legal to Import in 2026

Cars turning 25 in 2026 include the Nissan R34 Skyline, Toyota Altezza, and Honda Integra Type R DC2. The complete list of newly legal imports.

How to Register an Imported JDM Car in the US: State-by-State Guide
Updated 2mo ago

How to Register an Imported JDM Car in the US: State-by-State Guide

How to register an imported JDM car in the US by state. California, Texas, Florida, and more — required documents, VIN inspection, odometer conversion, and RHD insurance tips.

Understanding Japanese Auction Grades
Updated 2mo ago

Understanding Japanese Auction Grades

A complete guide to Japanese auto auction grades. Learn to read auction sheets, understand the grading scale, and spot red flags before buying.

JDM vs USDM: What's the Difference and Why It Matters
Updated 2mo ago

JDM vs USDM: What's the Difference and Why It Matters

JDM vs USDM explained: what Japan Domestic Market means, power differences, right-hand drive, JDM-exclusive models never sold in the US, and why it matters.

25-Year Import Rule Explained: Which JDM Cars Are Legal to Import in 2026
Updated 2mo ago

25-Year Import Rule Explained: Which JDM Cars Are Legal to Import in 2026

Which JDM cars become legal to import in 2026 under the 25-year rule. The R34 GT-R leads the class plus Evo VII, STI, Integra Type R, and more 2001-model cars.

State-by-State JDM Registration Guide
Updated 2mo ago

State-by-State JDM Registration Guide

A comprehensive state-by-state guide to registering JDM imports in the US. Covers easy states, difficult states, required documents, and insurance.

Best JDM Cars to Import Right Now: Under $15k, $30k, and $50k
Updated 1mo ago

Best JDM Cars to Import Right Now: Under $15k, $30k, and $50k

The best JDM cars to import by budget in 2026: under $15k, $30k, and $50k. Current prices, what to watch for, import eligibility, and ownership costs for each pick.

Complete JDM Import Guide 2026: How to Legally Import a Car from Japan
Updated 2mo ago

Complete JDM Import Guide 2026: How to Legally Import a Car from Japan

Step-by-step guide to legally importing a JDM car in 2026: 25-year rule, Japanese auctions, RoRo vs container shipping, US Customs, compliance mods, and full cost breakdown.

How to Find a Trustworthy JDM Importer
Updated 2mo ago

How to Find a Trustworthy JDM Importer

How to vet a JDM importer before spending thousands. Covers red flags, what to ask, cost breakdowns, and a list of well-known importers.

How to Maintain a JDM Import: Parts, Service, and Common Issues
Updated 2mo ago

How to Maintain a JDM Import: Parts, Service, and Common Issues

Owning a JDM import is one thing — keeping it running is another. From sourcing parts to finding mechanics, here is your maintenance survival guide.

The 25-Year Import Rule: How to Legally Import a JDM Car to the US
Updated 2mo ago

The 25-Year Import Rule: How to Legally Import a JDM Car to the US

The 25-year exemption is the gateway to owning a true JDM car in the US. Step-by-step guide covering EPA, DOT, customs, and registration.

2026 Import Eligibility: Which JDM Cars Become Legal This Year?
Updated 2mo ago

2026 Import Eligibility: Which JDM Cars Become Legal This Year?

The 25-year import rule makes 1999-2001 JDM legends legal in 2026. Discover which cars you can finally import: R34 GT-R, DC5 Integra Type R, Evo VII, S15 Silvia, and more. Includes pricing, specs, and import timelines.

How to Import a JDM Car: Complete Legal Guide for 2026
Updated 2mo ago

How to Import a JDM Car: Complete Legal Guide for 2026

Dreaming of importing a Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Supra, or Honda NSX from Japan? This comprehensive legal guide covers everything you need to know about the 25-year import rule, EPA emissions compliance, customs requirements, state registration, and total cost breakdown. Learn how to legally i...

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