For a vehicle priced at €20,000 in Japan, the final cost in Ireland will often fall between €35,000 and €40,000 once shipping, customs duty, VAT, VRT, registration, and other import-related costs are included. This example assumes a modern vehicle that is subject to standard import taxes and VRT calculations. Classic vehicles (typically 30 years or older) can be assessed differently and may result in significantly different import costs.
The exact figure depends on the vehicle, but understanding how these costs stack together is the key to avoiding expensive surprises.
Many buyers focus on the purchase price. In reality, importing a car from Japan to Ireland involves several additional costs that can significantly change the final figure.
This guide uses a realistic €20,000 example to show exactly where the money goes and what buyers can expect before committing to an import.
Reading time: approx. 15 minutes.
One of the most common mistakes buyers make when calculating the cost to import a car from Japan to Ireland is focusing entirely on the purchase price.
A buyer might find a Toyota Crown Hybrid, Lexus IS300h, or Toyota Prado listed in Japan for around €20,000 and assume the final cost will only be a few thousand euro higher once shipping is added.
Unfortunately, that's rarely how importing works.
The import car from Japan Ireland cost isn't driven by one large fee. Instead, several smaller costs gradually build on top of each other.
Shipping.
Insurance.
Import duty.
VAT.
VRT.
Registration.
Port handling.
Individually, none of these costs look particularly dramatic. Combined, they can add more than €18,000 to the purchase price.
That's why understanding the complete cost structure matters.
For a broader breakdown, see our guide to Cost To Import A Car From Japan To Ireland and Hidden Costs When Importing A Car From Japan To Ireland.
Let's imagine you're looking at three vehicles that regularly attract attention from Irish buyers.
A Toyota Crown Hybrid.
A Lexus IS300h.
Or a well-specified Toyota Prado.
All three can often be found around the €20,000 mark in Japan, depending on age, mileage, and specification.
At first glance, many buyers assume a €20,000 purchase price means a €25,000 vehicle once it arrives in Ireland.
The reality is very different.
A typical example might look something like this:
€20,000 Vehicle
≈ €38,420 On Irish Roads
So where does the extra €18,420 actually come from?
Let's break it down.
The first major cost is transport.
Shipping costs vary depending on location, shipping schedules, and whether the vehicle travels via RoRo or container shipping.
For this example, we'll use €1,800 for shipping and €200 for insurance.
At this stage, the original €20,000 vehicle already represents approximately €22,000 before it has even reached Ireland.
Ireland applies a 10% customs duty on imported vehicles from Japan.
Import duty is calculated using the combined value of the vehicle, shipping, and insurance.
In our example:
Vehicle: €20,000
Shipping & Insurance: €2,000
Import Duty: €2,200
This increases the running total to €24,200.
VAT is one of the largest costs involved in importing a car from Japan to Ireland.
It is calculated on the combined value of the vehicle, shipping costs, insurance, and customs duty.
In this example, VAT adds approximately €5,520 to the total cost.
At this stage, the running total is already approaching €30,000.
VRT import Ireland calculations are often the least understood part of the process.
Unlike shipping or VAT, VRT depends on the specific vehicle, its emissions, and Revenue's assessment of its market value in Ireland.
For this example, we have used €7,000.
Depending on the vehicle, VRT can be significantly higher or lower.
Even after taxes have been paid, there are still additional costs to account for.
Port handling, customs clearance, registration, number plates, NCT preparation, and compliance work all contribute to the final figure.
For this example, we've allowed €1,700.
When everything is combined, the original €20,000 purchase becomes approximately €38,420 on the road in Ireland.
Most buyers spend a lot of time worrying about shipping.
In reality, shipping is one of the most predictable parts of importing a car from Japan to Ireland.
Whether shipping costs €1,600 or €2,000 rarely changes the overall picture.
VRT is different.
A change in VRT can add thousands of euro to the final cost of a vehicle.
Two cars with similar purchase prices in Japan can end up costing very different amounts in Ireland because of how Revenue assesses them.
That's why experienced import buyers focus on VRT first and shipping second.
For a more detailed explanation, see How Much VRT Will You Pay On A Japanese Import In Ireland?
This is where many buyers are surprised.
A final budget of €35,000–€40,000 opens the door to a wide range of desirable vehicles.
The Toyota Crown has become increasingly popular among buyers seeking executive-car comfort, hybrid efficiency, and strong long-term value.
The Lexus IS300h appeals to those wanting premium ownership with a reputation for reliability.
The Toyota Prado remains a favourite among buyers who need towing capability, family practicality, and genuine off-road ability.
Other buyers explore vehicles such as the Lexus RX, Mercedes C-Class, and even selected Porsche Macan models.
The important thing to remember is that buyers aren't importing taxes.
They're importing vehicles.
The import costs only make sense when viewed alongside the quality, condition, mileage, and specification of the vehicle being purchased.
Many buyers assume importing is all about finding the cheapest vehicle possible.
In reality, that's rarely the motivation.
Most buyers are looking for:
Lower mileage.
Better condition.
Higher specification.
Greater choice.
The Japanese market often provides access to vehicles that simply aren't available locally in the same condition or specification.
That's why many buyers focus on value rather than purchase price alone.
For further reading, see Why Mileage Alone Doesn't Tell The Full Story, Why Japanese Imports Are In Better Condition Than Irish Cars, and Importing A Car From Japan Vs Buying In Ireland — What Makes More Sense?
If I found a vehicle I genuinely wanted, with the right history, specification, and condition, I wouldn't focus on whether importing added €15,000 in costs.
I'd focus on what equivalent vehicle that same budget would buy me locally.
Because that's the comparison that really matters.
The purchase price tells part of the story.
The quality of the vehicle tells the rest.
You may have more options than you realise. Depending on the vehicle, buyers at this budget often consider models such as the Toyota Crown, Lexus IS300h, Lexus RX, Toyota Prado, Mercedes C-Class, and even selected Porsche Macan examples. The right choice depends on how you intend to use the vehicle and what matters most to you.
Related Reading: Best Japanese Cars To Import For Families In Ireland, Best Japanese SUVs To Import To Ireland In 2026
For many buyers, yes. The goal isn't always to save money. The attraction is often access to lower-mileage, higher-specification, and better-maintained vehicles than those available locally. Many buyers find the difference in condition and specification more important than the additional import costs.
Related Reading: Importing A Car From Japan Vs Buying In Ireland — What Makes More Sense?
The best approach is to look at the total on-road cost in Ireland and compare it with similar vehicles already available locally. Sometimes importing makes excellent sense. Sometimes it doesn't. Understanding the complete picture before buying is what separates a smart import from an expensive mistake.
Related Reading: The Most Expensive Mistake Irish Car Buyers Make
That's completely normal. Many buyers start researching one vehicle and end up purchasing something entirely different once they compare practicality, specification, running costs, and overall value. The most successful imports usually begin with a budget and a list of priorities rather than a specific vehicle.
Related Reading: The Biggest Mistake Buyers Make When Comparing Cars
Not necessarily. Mileage is only one part of the story. Service history, condition, ownership history, and how the vehicle has been maintained are often just as important. In many cases, a well-maintained higher-mileage vehicle can be a better purchase than a neglected low-mileage example.
Related Reading: Why Mileage Alone Doesn't Tell The Full Story
The easiest approach is to start with your all-inclusive budget and the type of vehicle you're interested in. Once those details are clear, it's much easier to identify realistic options, estimate costs, and determine whether importing makes sense for your situation.
Related Reading: What €30,000 Actually Gets You When Importing A Car From Japan To Ireland
The real surprise isn't what importing costs — it's what that same budget can get you from Japan.
No pressure. Just realistic vehicle options based on your budget, requirements, and import goals.
Many buyers begin their search focused on a single model, only to discover a better fit once they compare how different vehicles suit their lifestyle, budget, and long-term ownership plans. These are three of the most popular alternatives attracting attention from Irish buyers importing from Japan.
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This article explores one of the most common questions buyers ask when considering a Japanese import: what does it actually cost to import a €20,000 vehicle from Japan to Ireland? It explains how shipping, customs duty, VAT, VRT, and other import-related costs influence the final on-the-road price, while highlighting the factors that can significantly change the numbers from one vehicle to another. By the end of this guide, readers should have a clearer understanding of where the money goes, what costs to expect, and how to assess whether importing represents good value for their budget.
Disclaimer
Import costs, shipping fees, customs duty, VAT, VRT, exchange rates, vehicle specifications, auction grades, mileage, condition, and vehicle availability can vary significantly between individual vehicles. Any figures, examples, or calculations provided throughout this article are intended for illustrative and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as guarantees of future costs or import outcomes. Buyers should independently verify all costs, taxes, and vehicle details before making purchasing decisions.
