How do I gain access to Japanese auctions?

Simply reach out through our contact form with the vehicle make, model, or specifications you are looking for. We will set you up with direct access to our 3rd-party live Japanese auction portal so you can browse thousands of real-time listings.

Are Left-Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles available from Japan?

Yes! European luxury and performance brands (such as Porsche, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Ferrari) are frequently imported into Japan as Left-Hand Drive (LHD). In Japan, driving a European LHD vehicle is considered a major status symbol. These vehicles are usually garage-kept, meticulously maintained, driven low miles, and preserved in exceptional condition.

How does the deposit work, and how much is required?

Your deposit unlocks translated auction sheets, vehicle history, and active bidding. Deposit amounts are tiered based on your maximum custom-cleared budget cap to the Port of Vancouver:

• Up to $20,000 CAD Budget Cap: $1,500 deposit

• $20,001 to $40,000 CAD Budget Cap: $3,000 deposit

• $40,001 to $100,000 CAD Budget Cap: $6,000 deposit

• Above $100,000 CAD Budget Cap: 6% of your target budget cap

Key Deposit Terms:

• 100% Refundable: If we do not win a bid, or if you decide not to proceed after reviewing a vehicle inspection report, your deposit will be refunded in full.

• Applied to Purchase: Once a bid is successfully won, your deposit is credited directly toward your total vehicle invoice.

How do you determine my bid limit?

You specify your maximum custom-cleared price to the Port of Vancouver. We calculate all estimated Japanese auction fees, ocean freight, port charges, GST, and service fees backward to ensure your total landed cost does not exceed your target cap.

What happens if we win the auction for less than my max bid?

You keep 100% of the savings. We do not mark up auction bids. If we secure your vehicle below your maximum cleared-price budget, the cost savings are passed directly back to you on your final invoice.

Can I get a physical inspection before bidding?

Yes! You can choose to rely on the official auction sheet, or you can request an additional independent 3rd-party physical inspection for $50 CAD. An inspector will check the car on-site prior to the auction to give you complete peace of mind before placing your bid.

How quickly do I need to pay once an auction is won?

Once we win your vehicle at auction, your final invoice (with your deposit applied) will be generated. Payment must be made in full within 3 business days.

Will I get to see photos of my car after it's bought?

Yes. Once purchased, your vehicle is transported to our secure Japanese storage port facility. Here, we take and send you a comprehensive gallery of additional high-resolution photos while we handle export certificates and book ocean transit.

How long does the entire import process take from start to finish?

On average, total transit time from winning the auction to customs clearance in Vancouver is up to 4 months. While we work as fast as possible to process your vehicle, vessel booking schedules and ocean shipping timelines are determined by shipping lines and are outside of our direct control.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of the estimated duration:

• 1. Auction to Storage Yard (Up to 2 weeks): The vehicle is transported to our secure Japanese storage facility and prepped for export. High-res photos are taken and sent to you during this stage.

• 2. Ocean Freight Booking (1 to 3 months): The vehicle remains safely in secure storage while awaiting an open RoRo (Roll-On/Roll-Off) vessel booking slot.

• 3. Ocean Transit to Vancouver (Approx. 2 weeks): The vehicle travels across the Pacific ocean directly to the Port of Vancouver.

• 4. CBSA Customs Clearance (Approx. 1 week): Once the ship docks, customs processing takes place and your official CBSA Form 1 is issued.

Note: We make every effort to expedite shipping and secure the earliest possible booking. However, ocean carrier schedules, port congestion, and seasonal vessel availability remain strictly under the control of the shipping companies.

Whose name is the car cleared in?

We handle all Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) customs processing to clear the vehicle directly in your name. We take care of the import paperwork, duties, taxes, 15-year rule exemptions, and secure your official CBSA Form 1.

How do I pick up my vehicle from the Port of Vancouver?

Once cleared by customs, your car is stored in a secure bonded storage yard. You have two options:

1. Option A (Self-Pickup): You can pick up the vehicle yourself. (Please note: Port security regulations prohibit driving vehicles off the lot—it MUST be towed out of the bonded yard by a flatbed or trailer).

2. Option B (Inland Delivery): Have an overland shipping carrier pick it up and transport it straight to your province or doorstep.

Note: Final port pickup release, yard coordination, and inland transportation costs/arrangements are solely the responsibility of the buyer. However, we are happy to recommend trusted, reputable shipping companies to handle this for you.

What translation documents are provided, and do I need an ATIO translation in Ontario?

We provide an official translated copy of your Japanese Export Certificate as part of our service. However, if you are registering the vehicle in Ontario (ServiceOntario), local offices may specifically demand an ATIO-certified translation (Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario). Obtaining an ATIO-certified translation (if requested by your local branch) is the responsibility of the buyer.

Can I register a Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicle in Quebec?

Important Quebec (SAAQ) Rule: In Quebec, Right-Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles must be at least 25 years old (calculated by model year) to be legally registered and driven on public roads.

Standard 15-year-old JDM imports can be imported into Canada under federal law, but Quebec SAAQ road regulations restrict RHD registration to 25+ years. Left-Hand Drive (LHD) Japanese imports, however, only require the standard 15-year age exemption.

What are the final steps to get my car registered and plated?

Once your vehicle arrives locally:

1. Insure: Arrange temporary insurance coverage.

2. Inspect: Take the vehicle to pass its required provincial safety or out-of-province inspection (e.g., SAAQ in Quebec, MTO in Ontario).

3. Register & Plate: Bring your completed CBSA Form 1, bill of sale, Japanese export certificate (and provincial translation if required), and passed safety inspection to your local vehicle registry to pay provincial taxes, get registered, and receive your plates!

4. Enjoy & Share: Hit the road in your new import—and don't forget to send us a photo of your vehicle!