Import Car from Japan to NZ? Here’s What You Should Know Before You Buy

Importing vehicles from Japan to New Zealand is now a very popular option for most Kiwi motorists. Japanese cars are most in demand due to their competitive prices, exclusive models, and lower mileage, which make them appealing to buyers.

But, while it looks like an innovative & profitable deal upfront, there are hidden costs and practical considerations, mainly regarding maintenance, parts availability, and reselling.

As experienced car wreckers in Auckland, we see the entire lifecycle of both imported and NZ-new cars. Here’s a complete guide to help you decide before importing a Japanese car.

Why Japanese Imports Are Popular?

Many people prefer it to mport for a number of reasons:

• Affordability: Japanese used imports are much cheaper compared to brand-new vehicles in New Zealand.
• Exclusive models: Some models are very unique and not available locally, which appeals to vehicle enthusiasts.
• Fewer kilometers and good condition: Low mileage and solid condition. Japanese cars are usually well-maintained compared to local vehicles.
• Fuel Efficiency: Japanese brands are renowned for their fuel efficiency and have thus become the number one choice for daily use.

Hidden Costs of Importing

Buying an imported car comes with several hidden costs that many buyers overlook.

• Shipping and logistics fees: A vehicle shipped from Japan to New Zealand, for example, will cost between $2400-$3000 (including customs duty and other fees), depending on mode.
• Insurance: Premium insurance for high-end vehicles is very expensive due to the possibility of not being able to locate parts.
• Service and maintenance: Mechanics familiar with repairing Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles are difficult to locate, making repairs time-consuming and expensive too.
• Resale value: Resale value for high-end vehicles is not good due to the high cost of repairs and the difficulty of finding parts and mechanics.
• Repair and spare parts: Obtaining spares for JDM vehicles, especially high-end ones, is very time-consuming and expensive.
• Compliance and certification: Before registration, vehicles have to be compliant with NZ safety and emissions standards. Defects found during inspection need to be changed and are charged extra repair costs.
  

Buyers often ignore these costs, viewing them as affordable imports that become expensive investments.

Maintenance and Spare Parts

When importing a car, maintenance and parts availability are essential considerations.

• Parts availability: Some Japanese model parts are challenging to obtain locally. This issue mainly occurred in premium vehicles. 
• Previous usage: Even low-kilometer vehicles have been used extensively in Japan, including in taxis, rental, and other commercial fleets.
• Specialized servicing: Some cars require mechanics who are familiar with specific Japanese brands.

Depreciation and Resale Value

Japanese cars have very high resale value due to high demand, reliability, and durability.

Less depreciation: Japanese well-known brands like Toyota, Honda, and Mazda are known for their quality, helping retain value and depreciate more slowly than many other standard vehicles.

Higher demand: Due to the high volume of imports and resale value, demand is very popular in the market.

Understanding potential resale value helps buyers make informed decisions about which model is profitable to buy.

Most Popular Japanese Imports in NZ

There are many models that are very popular and easier to repair in NZ. And these common models are:

1. Toyota Corolla: Known for reliable performance and widely available parts.
2. Suzuki Swift: Affordable, popular, and fun-to-drive car.
3. The Honda Fit Jazz: Known for its highly fuel-efficient and flexible interior.
4. Mazda Demio: Common for fuel efficiency and reliability.
5. Nissan Tiida: Popular for its simplicity and reliability.
6. Mazda Axela: Well-liked for its stylish look, strong reputation, and reliability.

Understanding which models are frequently imported can help buyers estimate costs and maintenance requirements.

Tips and Tricks Before Importing a Car

Useful and practical advice to be considered before importing.

1. Check vehicle history: Look for accident records, odometer tampering, and prior use in commercial.
2. Calculate total cost: Include shipping, duties, GST, compliance, insurance, and repair costs.
3. Research parts availability: Ensure replacement parts are easily available in the market.
4. Choose a reputable exporter: Inspection and documentation are required to prevent any legal issues later.
5. Plan for modifications: Some vehicles, especially older or premium, require modifications to meet NZ standards.

If possible, focus only on popular makes and models. When you need modifications or repairs, popular models are more readily available locally.

Compliance and Legal Requirements

Before you put your car on the road, it can be registered in NZ.

• It must meet NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) safety and standards.
• Vehicles are required to undergo an Entry Certification.
• Imported or older models require extra testing or approval.

Having these requirements in mind prevents delay and makes registration easy.