Buying advice · 24 September 2026

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

"Japanese imports — too good to be true?" is one of the most common questions on Irish car forums. Here are the honest answers.

1. "The mileage is clocked."

Japanese auction mileage is recorded on an inspected auction sheet, and Japan's strict shaken inspections make tampering rare. Mileage can still be verified through export records, so ask for the auction sheet and its translation.

2. "There is no service history."

Some cars come with Japanese service books (in Japanese), and many do not. The auction inspection grade and condition report are the best independent evidence, and a grade of 4 or above is a good sign.

3. "They rust."

Cars from snowy northern Japan (Hokkaido and Tohoku) can have underbody corrosion. Auction sheets note it, and we check before bidding.

4. "You can't get parts."

Service parts for models also sold in Europe are easy to get. Japan-only models share engines and hybrid systems with European cars, but some body panels may need to come from Japan.

5. "They are hard to insure."

Most are not. Some Japan-only models need a specialist broker. See our insurance guide.

6. "The sat-nav and radio are in Japanese."

This is often true. Many systems can be switched to English, and a CarPlay or Android Auto unit fixes it otherwise. Japanese FM radio bands also differ, which a converter or new head unit solves.

7. "Resale value is poor."

Popular hybrids hold value well in Ireland. Buy a mainstream model in a good grade, and keep the auction sheet and import paperwork.

8. "Importing is complicated."

It is if you do it alone: customs, VRT, the NCT and shipping. That is exactly the work we do for you.

9. "It is cheaper to buy an import from a dealer."

Sometimes, but you lose the choice of exact car, grade and colour, and pay the dealer's margin. Compare with our real auction prices.