7 Best JDM Importers in USA: How to Buy Your Dream Car from Japan
If you are a fan of Japanese classic cars, you might have wondered how to buy one from Japan and import it to the USA. JDM, or Japanese Domestic Market, refers to the vehicles that are made and sold exclusively in Japan. These cars are often different from their counterparts in other markets, either in terms of performance, design, or features.
JDM cars have a loyal following among enthusiasts who appreciate their unique style, reliability, and driving experience. However, buying a JDM car from Japan and importing it to the USA is not a simple process. There are many factors to consider, such as legal regulations, shipping costs, taxes, inspection requirements, and more.
Fortunately, there are some companies that specialize in importing JDM cars to the USA. These JDM importers can help you find your dream car from Japan, handle all the paperwork and logistics, and deliver it to your doorstep. In this article, we will introduce you to seven of the best JDM importers in the USA and explain how they can help you buy your dream car from Japan.
1. JDM Auto Imports LLC
JDM Auto Imports LLC is a licensed, bonded, and insured import dealership located in Janesville, Wisconsin. They specialize in importing only the best quality 25+ year old vehicles, direct from Japan. All their vehicles are inspected by the Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC) and come with certificates of odometer authenticity. They have a brick and mortar showroom where you can view their inventory of JDM classics, such as Nissan Skyline GT-R, Toyota Supra, Mazda RX-7, Honda NSX, and more. They also offer financing options with zero down payment and vehicle shipping across the USA.
2. The Import Guys
The Import Guys is a JDM importer based in Ferndale, Washington. They have a large selection of JDM cars for sale on their website, ranging from sports cars to vans to trucks. They also offer custom orders where you can choose your desired make, model, year, color, and condition of your JDM car from Japan. They handle all the importation process for you, including customs clearance, EPA/DOT compliance, titling, and registration. They also provide nationwide shipping and financing options for their customers.
3. Lion JDM Imports
Lion JDM Imports is an established JDM dealership located in South Florida since 2019. They specialize in importing and selling high quality RHD imports in the USA. They have a wide array of right hand drive Japanese classic imports for sale on their website, including JDM sports cars, SUVs, and vans. They have a long-standing partnership with an expert exporter in Japan who helps them source the best JDM cars available. They also offer inspection services, warranty plans, financing options, and nationwide delivery for their customers.
4. Duncan Imports & Classic Cars
Duncan Imports & Classic Cars is one of the largest JDM importers in the USA, with over 800 vehicles in stock at their showroom in Christiansburg, Virginia. They have a diverse inventory of JDM cars for sale on their website, including rare models like Nissan Figaro, Toyota Sera, Honda Beat, Suzuki Cappuccino, and more. They also have a team of mechanics who can service and repair any JDM car that they sell. They offer financing options through their partner lenders and shipping options through their partner carriers.
5. Toprank Importers
Toprank Importers is a JDM importer based in Cypress, California. They have over 20 years of experience in importing and selling JDM cars in the USA and worldwide. They have a network of trusted suppliers in Japan who help them find the best JDM cars available on the market. They have a variety of JDM cars for sale on their website, such as Nissan Skyline GT-R R32/R33/R34/R35, Toyota Supra MKIV/MKV, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI/VII/VIII/IX/X, Subaru Impreza WRX STI GC8/GDB/GRB/VA, and more. They also offer consignment services where they can sell your JDM car for you. They handle all the importation process for you, including customs clearance, EPA/DOT compliance, titling, and registration. They also provide nationwide shipping and financing options for their customers.
6. Montu Motors
Montu Motors is a licensed auto dealer and importer located in Tampa Bay, Florida. They specialize in importing JDM cars that are 25 years or older and legal to own in the USA. They have a selection of JDM cars for sale on their website, such as Nissan Skyline GT-R R32/R33, Toyota Supra MKIII/MKIV, Mazda RX-7 FD3S, Honda Civic Type R EK9/EP3/FD2/FK8, and more. They also offer custom orders where you can choose your desired JDM car from Japan and they will import it for you. They handle all the importation process for you, including customs clearance, EPA/DOT compliance, titling, and registration. They also provide nationwide shipping and financing options for their customers.
7. Japanese Classics LLC
Japanese Classics LLC is a licensed and bonded dealer located in Richmond, Virginia. They specialize in importing JDM cars that are 25 years or older and legal to own in the USA. They have a selection of JDM cars for sale on their website, such as Nissan Skyline GT-R R32/R33/R34, Toyota Land Cruiser FJ/FZJ/HJ/HDJ/HZJ, Mitsubishi Delica L300/L400, Honda CR-X SiR/EF8/EF9, and more. They also offer custom orders where you can choose your desired JDM car from Japan and they will import it for you. They handle all the importation process for you, including customs clearance, EPA/DOT compliance, titling, and registration. They also provide nationwide shipping and financing options for their customers.
How to Buy Your Dream Car from Japan
Buying a JDM car from Japan and importing it to the USA can be a rewarding experience if you follow the right steps and work with the right JDM importer. Here are some tips on how to buy your dream car from Japan:
Do your research
Before you decide on which JDM car to buy, do some research on the model, year, condition, features, and price of the car. You can use online resources such as Japanese auction sites, forums, blogs, magazines, and videos to learn more about the JDM car you want.
Find a reputable JDM importer
Once you have an idea of what JDM car you want to buy, find a reputable JDM importer who can help you find it in Japan and import it to the USA. You can use online reviews, testimonials, referrals, and ratings to evaluate the reputation and reliability of the JDM importer. You can also contact them directly and ask them questions about their services, fees, policies, and guarantees.
Choose your JDM car
After you find a trustworthy JDM importer, you can choose your JDM car from their inventory or place a custom order. You can also request for additional photos, videos, inspection reports, and documents of the JDM car you are interested in. You should also negotiate the price and payment terms with the JDM importer.
Import your JDM car
After you agree on the price and payment terms with the JDM importer, they will handle all the importation process for you. They will arrange for the shipping, customs clearance, EPA/DOT compliance, titling, and registration of your JDM car. They will also provide you with tracking information and updates on the status of your JDM car.
Receive your JDM car
Once your JDM car arrives in the USA, the JDM importer will deliver it to your location or arrange for you to pick it up. You should inspect your JDM car carefully and make sure it matches the description and condition that was advertised. You should also test drive your JDM car and check for any issues or defects. If everything is satisfactory, you can enjoy your dream car from Japan!
JDM Importers in USA: A Growing Industry
The Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) is a term that refers to the vehicles and parts that are designed and manufactured for the Japanese market. JDM vehicles are known for their high performance, reliability, and unique style. Some of the most popular JDM brands include Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, and Mazda.
In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for JDM vehicles in the United States, especially for those that are 25 years or older. This is because these vehicles are exempt from the strict emission and safety regulations that apply to newer cars in the US. As a result, many enthusiasts and collectors are able to import and drive their dream JDM cars legally and affordably.
According to The Import Guys , a JDM importer based in Washington, they have sold over 500 JDM vehicles in the US since 2016. They offer a variety of models, such as the Nissan Skyline, Toyota Supra, Honda Civic Type R, Subaru Impreza WRX STI, and more. They also provide financing, shipping, and maintenance services for their customers.
The Benefits of JDM Vehicles
One of the main reasons why JDM vehicles are so appealing to US buyers is their quality and performance. JDM vehicles are built to meet the high standards and expectations of the Japanese market, which is known for its innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. JDM vehicles often have more powerful engines, better handling, and more advanced features than their US counterparts.
Another reason why JDM vehicles are attractive is their rarity and exclusivity. Many JDM models were never sold or produced in the US market, making them hard to find and highly sought-after. For example, the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, which is considered one of the most iconic JDM cars ever made, was never officially sold in the US due to its non-compliance with the federal regulations. However, since it was produced from 1999 to 2002, it will soon be eligible for importation under the 25-year rule.
Additionally, JDM vehicles offer a unique style and culture that many US buyers appreciate and enjoy. JDM vehicles often have distinctive designs, colors, and accessories that reflect the Japanese aesthetic and taste. JDM vehicles also have a rich history and legacy that are influenced by the Japanese racing scene, anime, manga, and video games.
The Challenges of JDM Importation
While importing a JDM vehicle may seem like an exciting and rewarding experience, it also comes with some challenges and risks that buyers should be aware of. One of the main challenges is finding a reputable and reliable JDM importer that can handle the complex and costly process of importing a vehicle from Japan to the US.
According to JDM Auto Imports LLC , a licensed and bonded JDM importer based in Wisconsin, there are many steps involved in importing a JDM vehicle legally and safely. These include:
- Finding a suitable vehicle in Japan that meets the buyer’s preferences and budget
- Verifying the vehicle’s condition, history, mileage, and authenticity
- Negotiating the price and terms with the seller or auction house
- Arranging the payment and paperwork with the exporter
- Shipping the vehicle from Japan to the US port of entry
- Clearing the customs and paying the taxes and fees
- Transporting the vehicle from the port to the buyer’s location
- Registering and titling the vehicle in the buyer’s state
Each of these steps requires expertise, experience, and resources that not all importers can provide. Therefore, buyers should do their research and due diligence before choosing an importer to work with. They should also be prepared to pay extra costs and fees that may arise during the importation process.
Another challenge that buyers may face is maintaining and repairing their JDM vehicles once they arrive in the US. Since JDM vehicles are not common in the US market, finding parts and service providers may be difficult and expensive. Buyers should also be aware of some of the differences between JDM vehicles and US vehicles, such as:
- The steering wheel is on the right side instead of the left
- The speedometer is in kilometers per hour instead of miles per hour
- The odometer is in kilometers instead of miles
- The radio may not work with US frequencies
- The headlights may not meet US standards
These differences may require some adjustments and modifications to make the JDM vehicle compatible with US roads and regulations.
JDM importers in USA are a growing industry that caters to a niche market of enthusiasts and collectors who want to own and drive their dream JDM cars legally and affordably. JDM vehicles offer many benefits such as quality, performance, rarity, exclusivity, style, and culture. However, importing a JDM vehicle also involves some challenges and risks such as finding a trustworthy importer, paying extra costs and fees, and maintaining and repairing the vehicle. Therefore, buyers should do their homework and weigh the pros and cons before deciding to import a JDM vehicle.
References:
https://www.jdmexport.com/blog/most-popular-jdm-car-models
https://www.theimportguys.com/
https://www.jdmautoimports.com/
https://www.lionjdmimports.com/
https://www.jdmautoimports.com/
https://www.theimportguys.com/
https://www.lionjdmimports.com/
https://www.duncanimports.com/
https://www.importavehicle.com/
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