Data · 24 September 2026
Japan Has Overtaken the UK as Ireland's Biggest Source of Used Cars: The Data
In 2019 the UK supplied about 95% of Ireland's used imports. By the first half of 2026, Japan supplied 55%. Here is how that happened, and which cars are coming in.
The numbers
| Period | From Japan | From the UK |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | about 5,000 (4.6%) | about 108,000 (95%) |
| 2025 (full year) | about 36,000 (50%) | about 12,800 (18%) |
| H1 2026 | 33,065 (55%) | 8,475 (14%) |
Total used imports reached 71,813 in 2025, up 16.6% on 2024, according to SIMI.
Why Japan?
- Brexit: since 2021, UK used cars not of UK origin can attract 10% customs duty and 23% VAT, which wiped out much of the UK price advantage.
- Condition: Japanese cars are typically low mileage, well maintained, and sold through auctions with independent inspection sheets.
- Right-hand drive: Japan drives on the left like Ireland, so no conversion is needed.
- 2026 duty cut: Japanese-built cars can now enter at 0% duty (see our explainer).
The surprise: most of it is German
A lot of what is arriving from Japan is not Japanese. German premium brands made up 63% of Japanese-sourced imports in 2025, and Volkswagen alone accounted for 10,996 cars against Toyota's 6,209. Cartell's figures for January to September 2025 show the top models:
- Volkswagen Golf: 3,858
- Volkswagen Polo: 2,588
- Audi A3: 2,043
- Honda Fit: 1,612
- Toyota Prius: 1,268 (up 55%)
Of the Japan-sourced cars, about 65% were petrol and 25% petrol-electric hybrids, and most were 6 to 9 years old.
Browse the 50 most popular cars to import, with real auction prices.
Frequently asked questions
Where do most used imports in Ireland come from?
Since 2025, Japan. In the first half of 2026 Japan supplied 55% of used imports and the UK 14%.
What is the most imported car from Japan to Ireland?
The Volkswagen Golf, followed by the Polo, the Audi A3, the Honda Fit and the Toyota Prius (Cartell, January to September 2025).