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The Japan to Ireland blog

Everything about importing a car from Japan to Ireland

Real auction prices, honest comparisons and plain-English guides to duty, VAT, VRT, the NCT and insurance. Written by importers, using data from 893,121 Japanese auction results.

Most read

The 50 best cars to import from Japan to Ireland

The 50 most popular and most compared cars Irish buyers import from Japan, from the Golf and Aqua to the RAV4 and Alphard, with real auction prices from 890,000+ Japanese sales.

Latest guides & news

News

Every Irish Motoring Change From 2023 to 2026: VRT, EV Grants, NCT, Speed Limits and Import Rules

A plain-English roundup of the Government and industry changes that affect Irish drivers and car importers from 2023 to 2026: VRT, EV grants, NCT fees, speed limits, carbon tax and the new 0% duty on Japanese cars.

Import rules

0% Import Duty on Japanese Cars in Ireland From 2026: What Changed and How to Qualify

From February 2026 Japanese-made cars can enter Ireland with 0% customs duty under the EU–Japan agreement. Here is who qualifies, what proof you need, and which cars still pay 10%.

Data

Japan Has Overtaken the UK as Ireland's Biggest Source of Used Cars: The Data

In 2025 Ireland imported more used cars from Japan than from the UK for the first time. The numbers, the most-imported models, and why Brexit rerouted the trade through Japan.

Insurance

How to Insure a Japanese Import Car in Ireland (2026 Guide)

Why some insurers are cautious about Japanese imports, which cars are easy or hard to insure, how to get the best quote, and what to have ready before you import.

NCT

Passing the NCT With a Japanese Import: The Checklist

The most common NCT issues on Japanese imports (tyres without E-marks, rear fog lights, headlight aim, speedometers) and how to fix them before the test.

Tax

VRT and Motor Tax on Japanese Imports, Explained Simply

How VRT is calculated on an imported car (OMSP, CO₂ bands, NOx charge), why hybrids pay less, how motor tax works for imports, and how to estimate it before you buy.

Buying advice

Are Japanese Imports Too Good to Be True? 9 Myths Checked

Clocked mileage, rust, no service history, parts and resale: the common worries about Japanese imports, and what is actually true.

Shipping

RoRo vs Container Shipping From Japan to Ireland: Cost, Time and Risk (2026)

Should your car come from Japan by RoRo ship or in a container? A clear comparison of cost, transit time, security and which to choose for your car.

Tax

How Revenue Calculates VRT on a Japanese Import: 6 Worked Examples

Step-by-step VRT calculations for typical Japanese imports (hybrids, a petrol hatch, a plug-in hybrid and a diesel SUV) showing how OMSP, CO₂ and NOx combine.

Buying advice

Hybrid Battery Health on Japanese Imports: What to Check Before You Buy

How long Toyota and Honda hybrid batteries last, how to judge battery health on an auction car, what replacement costs, and the EV battery checks for a Nissan Leaf.

Buying advice

Irish Import Agent, Japanese Exporter or Irish Dealer? How to Choose (2026)

Three ways to get a Japanese car in Ireland, compared honestly: buying from an Irish dealer, ordering from a Japanese exporter, or using an Irish import agent that handles everything to Irish plates.

Case study

Real Import Example: A 2024 Volvo XC90 T8 From Japan, €15,000 Below the Irish Price

A worked example of importing a nearly new Volvo XC90 T8 plug-in hybrid from a Japanese auction to Ireland: auction price, shipping, VRT and total, against the Irish retail price.

 FAQ

Importing a Car From Japan to Ireland: 22 Questions Answered

Costs, duty, VRT, NCT, insurance and timing, answered.

Head-to-head comparisons

Car guides

Find your car at a Japanese auction

We search 890,000+ auction results, translate the inspection sheet, bid to your limit, ship it and register it on Irish plates.

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