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Japanese Cars Explained for Irish Buyers

Import process, costs, and ownership in Ireland

If you're thinking about or want to learn how to import a car from Japan to Ireland, this guide breaks down the full process, costs, and what to realistically expect.


Why import a car from Japan to Ireland?

The real advantage isn't always lower prices. It's access to better vehicles, better specifications, and more choice. 


Better Condition

Often lower mileage and exceptionally well cared for. 


Higher Specifications

Equipment levels rarely seen on Irish-market cars.


More Choice

Thousands of vehicles available every week.


Better Value

More vehicle for the same budget.


Everything you need to know before importing a car from Japan

Compare vehicles, understand realistic costs, and explore what's possible within your all-in budget. Everything on this website is designed to help you understand the Japanese market before you commit to buying.

Explore Popular Japanese Imports

Every buyer is different. Explore a range of related vehicles guides and discover which option best suits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.



Land Cruiser 

Legendary reliability and genuine off-road capability.
Typical Import Budget: €20,000–€180,000+

Built for durability, adventure, & long-term ownership confidence.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

First-class family travel with exceptional comfort and space.

Executive transport and exceptional space.
Typical Import Budget: €25,000–€80,000+

Toyota Rav4

The benchmark family SUV for Irish buyers.
Typical Import Budget: €30,000–€45,000+

The family SUV that quietly became a global best-seller.

Toyota Alphard 

First-class travel for families and business users.
Typical Import Budget: €18,000–€120,000+

The vehicle that makes many luxury SUVs feel cramped.

Nissan Fairlady Z

One of Japans's most iconic RWD sports cars
Typical Import Budget: €30,000–€100,000+

A Japanese sports-car icon shaped across seven generations.

Toyota Crown 

Luxury-car comfort for surprisingly sensible money.
Typical Import Budget: €12,000–€75,000+

Japanese luxury & comfort that often surprises first-time buyers.

Lexus RX

One of Ireland's most sensible luxury SUV imports.
Typical Import Budget: €18,000–€95,000+

Comfort, hybrid efficiency, and renowned Lexus reliability.

Toyota Prado

Premium SUV comfort with off-road credentials.
Typical Import Budget: €15,000–€130,000+

Towing, touring, family adventures, and everyday practicality.


Stop thinking in models

Start thinking in budgets


See what buyers are importing from Japan for around €30,000 delivered. The same budget that buys an average used car locally can often unlock something considerably more interesting from Japan.



Many Irish buyers are surprised by just how much choice becomes available within this budget. 

Real examples of cars imported from Japan to Ireland


See what's actually possible within different budgets.

Landed in Ireland (all-in cost)
€132,500*

Toyota Land Cruiser • Japan Import


2023 · 10,002 km
3.5 Petrol · AT · 4WD
Auction Grade: 4.5

Nearly new GR Sport finished to flagship specification with exceptionally low mileage. A rare opportunity to own Toyota's toughest luxury SUV without waiting years for local availability. 

Landed in Ireland (all-in cost)
€33,950

Porsche Macan • Japan Import


2016 · 119,100 km
2.0 Petrol · AT · 4WD
Auction Grade: 4

High-spec, low-mileage Macan offering premium comfort, sharp handling and excellent long-term value compared with many equivalent Irish-market examples.

Landed in Ireland (all-in cost)
€22,800

Mercedes C-Class • Japan Import


2016 · 23,040 km
2.0 Petrol · AT · 2WD
Auction Grade: 4.5

Landed in Ireland (all-in cost)
€21,000

Nissan Skyline • Japan Import


2000 · 95,205 km
2.0 Petrol · AT · 2WD
Auction Grade: 4

Cars we've spotted


Interesting vehicles currently available or recently identified through Japanese dealer and auction networks. Availability changes daily, but each example offers a glimpse into what may be possible when sourcing directly from Japan.


1996 Nissan Skyline GT-R R33

Status: Available at time of publication

FOB Price: approx. €89,900  

1994 Toyota Supra Areotop

Status: Available at time of publication

FOB Price: approx. €72,900  

Vehicle availability may change without notice. Similar vehicles may still be available even if this example has already sold. 


Could €40,000 buy more than you think?


See Mercedes-Benz V220d Sport Long from Japan: full import cost breakdown, from the purchase price, shipping, import duty, VAT and VRT, right through to registration, servicing and getting it ready for Irish roads.

Explore what's possible before deciding what's right for you.  


More Buying Advice & Import Guides

Explore related articles covering vehicle selection, import costs, Japanese auctions, ownership considerations, and what Irish buyers should know before making a decision.


The best Nissan Fairlady Z generation depends on what you value most as a buyer. The original S30 may be the best choice for someone looking for classic Japanese sports car heritage, while a Z33 may make more sense for someone wanting the best balance of performance, reliability and ownership costs. A Z32 offers 1990s performance-car appeal, while...

A Lexus IS300h from Japan can offer better value and lower mileage than many Irish-market examples, especially when you compare what the same budget actually buys. From my observations, the difference is not just price. It is the combination of mileage, condition, specification and choice. In Ireland, a 2015 IS300h with sensible mileage can still...

Sometimes buyers hesitate before importing a car from Japan because they're worried about what could go wrong. The biggest fears usually involve being scammed, unexpected VRT, shipping damage, delays, hidden mechanical problems or ending up with a car that isn't what they expected. The reality is that these concerns are perfectly reasonable, but...

If your car is damaged during shipping from Japan to Ireland, you are not simply left standing at the port with a scratched bumper and a headache. Damage is uncommon, but when it happens, there is a process: the vehicle is documented, inspected, reported to the importer, and handled through the relevant insurance or shipping claim route. It is not...

About JDM Direct Ireland

Helping Irish buyers make better decisions when importing cars from Japan


JDM Direct Ireland is an independent resource focused on Japanese vehicle imports. Through guides, comparisons, market insights, and educational content, the website helps Irish buyers understand the market, explore their options, and make more informed decisions before committing to a purchase.

JDM Direct Ireland was created to help Irish buyers better understand the Japanese vehicle market before making important buying decisions.

Through vehicle guides, market insights, cost information, comparisons, and educational resources, the goal is to provide clear, independent information that helps buyers research their options, avoid common mistakes, and make more informed decisions when considering a vehicle from Japan.

 

Disclaimer


Information provided throughout JDM Direct Ireland is intended for general educational and informational purposes only.

Vehicle prices, specifications, availability, import costs, shipping charges, exchange rates, taxes, customs duties, VAT, VRT assessments, and market conditions can vary significantly between individual vehicles and over time. Any examples, estimates, observations, or opinions presented on this website should not be considered guarantees of future outcomes.

Buyers should independently verify all relevant information and seek appropriate professional advice before making purchasing, financial, taxation, insurance, or import-related decisions.