When Importing your own car it is best that everything is clear – the procedure, costs and the advantages. Listed below are the main questions we get asked. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any further questions.
- So What service are you actually providing?
We provide an import service from start to finish. We will establish your budget, the car you want and then using our extensive network of buyers across Japan find you the right car at the best possible price. We then will guide you through the import process until your car is licensed and ready for the road. - So what is the cost of the service you are providing?
The cost of our service is £500. This fee is payable upfront and is the only payment you need to make to us. This fee includes our entire service as described in the import process. The fee is 100% refundable if you change your mind or find a car locally that is for you. - How can I be sure I am getting a quality vehicle?
The vehicle that you buy will be totally your choice. There will be no pressure from us for you to purchase any vehicle. We will advise you as to what we think a good price is and the approximate landed cost of the car. We are working on your behalf, not the behalf of the seller so it is in our best interest to find you the best vehicle possible as outlined in our service policy. You can ensure the vehicle will be of the standard you pay for because of the auction and grading systems used in the purchase. All information will on the car will be provided to you and you make the decision. - How is payment handled?
First of all you pay the Japan Performance Direct service fee of £500. Then we look for a car for you. All other payments are made direct to the third parties involved (buyer, shipping company, SVA fees etc) by you. This way you can be sure that we are taking no hidden commissions and you are paying the cheapest possible price for your car. The full list of payments can be seen in the total cost and importing flowchart which takes you through the importing process. - What is compliance and the SVA?
Compliance is the process in which an imported car undergoes slight modification to meet the UK Design Rules and pass and SVA test. A full list of modifications for each vehicle is available with compliers. All imported cars under the current scheme must undergo these certain changes to pass the ESVA or SVA test. More information on compliance and SVA testing is available here. - Do you accept trade ins?
We do not accept trade ins as we are a personal import assistance agent only. We do not stock any cars and never own a car which is to be imported by a customer - So why can we get such good quality cars for so cheap?
The answer to this question is very simple. Economics! and all the reasons why can be found in our section on why import? - How can I be sure I am getting the best value for my money?
Our service is all about getting you the best value car for your money. We will not only save you money on buying an import but provide you with a much higher quality car would otherwise be available to you. A car which you will know the history of and exactly how many miles it has travelled. Unlike a dealer we exist to service you, not force a higher price to get a commission. Please shop around and talk to us about prices, you will not be disappointed! - How long will the process take?
The import process usually takes between 6 – 10 weeks from the purchase of the car to licensing. Ships leave Japanese ports regularly for the UK . Transport time is approximately 14 days from port to port, and upon arrival clearance documentation must be processed. Once the vehicle is cleared, the vehicle and the paperwork is trnasported to the SVA agent for preparation, testing and registration. The SVA testing and registration process is usually 8 – 10 working days, upon successful completion, the vehicle is ready for the road.
The other part of the process that can be time consuming is sourcing your car. If you have a particular colour, year and rare type of car in mind it may take up to 10 weeks to source the car at a good price. Most cars though can be found in 2 – 6 weeks. Remember, we are trying to find you the best car at the best possible price so we will not stop looking until the right car is found, no matter how long it takes. - It sounds too good to be true, so what’s the downside?
There are a few minor issues which may put a customer off buying an import, but the advantages of importing far out way any drawbacks. For a balanced look at the pros and cons of importing for yourself, please click here. Then it is up to you to decide. - So how can I become a customer or get more information about importing?
Simple! contact us directly using the information given on the home page or fill in the contact form provided here.