Is it worth importing a car from Japan to Ireland?

It's a great idea in many cases — but only if you understand what you're getting into before you commit.

If you're thinking about importing a car from Japan to Ireland, you've probably asked yourself: "Is this actually a great idea… or am I about to make my life complicated?"

Fair question.

The short answer?
In many cases — yes, it's absolutely worth it.
But only if you know what you're getting into (and don't go in blind like ordering a mystery box off the internet).

So let's break it down — properly.

Why people import cars from Japan

Better condition (like… suspiciously clean)

Cars in Japan are usually kept in ridiculously good condition.

We're talking:

• interiors that don't look like someone lived in them
• minimal rust
• engines that haven't been abused like a rental Fiesta in Magaluf

Why? 

Because Japan has strict inspections, proper servicing culture, and people who actually mind their cars.

Compared to what you'll sometimes find locally… it's a different world.

Lower mileage (no cross-country road trips here)

Japanese cars tend to have much lower mileage, and there's a reason for that:

• shorter daily drives
• excellent public transport (trains do most of the heavy lifting)
• owning a car in Japan isn't cheap, so they don't drive it for the craic

So while you might be looking at a 120,000 km car locally…
you could find the same model in Japan with half that.

More choice (this is where it gets dangerous)

This is the part where people get hooked.

Instead of scrolling through the same 15 cars on DoneDeal…

You suddenly have access to:

• thousands of vehicles
• rare models you don't see in Ireland
• higher spec versions (heated seats, better trims, all the nice bits)

You're no longer settling.
You're actually choosing.

And that's a big difference.

The downsides (because it's not magic)

Waiting time (no next-day delivery unfortunately)

Importing a car isn't like ordering from Amazon. You're usually looking at 9 to 12 weeks from purchase to delivery

So if your current car just died and you're desperate — this might test your patience (and your walking tolerance).

Upfront costs (the part nobody likes)

This is where people either do it properly… or regret it.

You need to factor in:

• VAT
• customs duty
• VRT
• shipping and fees

If you don't understand the full cost upfront, you can end up with a very expensive surprise.

And not the good kind.

Not every car is a bargain

Just because it's in Japan doesn't mean it's a great deal.

Some cars:

• get hit hard with VRT
• don't make financial sense
• look cheap… until you add everything up

This is why realistic pricing matters from the start.

No guessing. No wishful thinking.

So… is it worth It?

For a lot of people — yes, 100%.

Importing a car from Japan to Ireland makes sense if you:

• want a car in better condition
• want lower mileage
• want more choice (and better spec)
• are happy to wait a few weeks

It's not just about saving money.

It's about ending up with a better car overall.

When it makes the most sense

Importing is a great option if you:

• have a specific model in mind
• want higher spec than what's available locally
• don't want to compromise on condition
• can plan ahead (not an emergency purchase situation)

Final thought

If you approach it properly, importing isn't complicated — it just needs to be done with a clear plan and realistic expectations.

Otherwise… you're just gambling with extra steps.

Related guides

See full cost breakdown: Cost to Import a Car from Japan to Ireland

Learn the process:  How to Import a Car from Japan to Ireland