The Import Process.

If your reading this, then you have obviously decided on what Japanese car you want to import, down to the finest detail, we at 16s17s18s can source you that car. If you wish to Import a car using us, there are some simple steps below for you to read so that you fully understand the Importation process.

We Find It.

When you have decided what vehicle you want, give us a call, E-mail or come and visit the office, we will gather some quotes for you from live auctions so that you see how much they cost to buy, this can take a few days so that we get an accurate average price on the vehicle. We will arrange an appointment with you to discuss your requirements in person, or over the telephone (you decide). At this stage we strongly advise you to check your insurance as you will have to provide us with a cover note based on the chassis number of the car you are buying  for us to register the car in your name (this will be required at a later date).

We Buy It.

If your happy with the quote that we have provided we will then go ahead and place the bid, at this stage we will need a 50% deposit on the overall quote before we purchase the vehicle. This is Security for us as this proves a genuine customer and not a time waster, once the vehicle has been bought it is final , you will lose part of your deposit if you pull out at this time.  

They Ship It.

If the bid is successful our buyers in Japan will transport your vehicle to the docks in Japan for shipping into the UK. The ships leave Japan  as a rule every 2 weeks, except for holiday periods . It usually takes 4-5 weeks to arrive at Southampton after departing from Japan.

We Collect It.

Soon as your car docks at Southampton it gets unloaded and processed through to customs this takes 2-3 days. We can then pick your car up, after Shipping VAT and Duty is paid. Once collected we will take the car for a test drive making a list of faults (if any), once we do this we discuss your options this normally being tyres, brake pads ect, we then take the car to our mechanic for an MOT.

We Legalise It.

Once the MOT is passed we then send the valid  MOT certificate along with your insurance cover note, customs clearance note from the docks (this is sent  after the vehicle has been collected by ourselves and can take up to 2 weeks depending on UK public holidays). We send these documents to the DVLA for processing part of the process is an Interpol check this can take up to 1 week. With all this been complete the DVLA will notify us by post, your new  number plate details, we will then fit your number plate stick a tax disc on the window give it a full valet and your car is ready to go.

We Deliver It.

After the remainder of your balance is clear we can hand you the keys either by delivering the car to you, or as most of our customers do, enjoy driving it  home yourself.

 

We import the vehicle for a flat fee there are no hidden costs or stupid surcharges we honestly and openly discuss shipping VAT Duty costs Ect. Basically we import the vehicle on your behalf we just make it easy for you.

16s17s18s can offer warranties on Japanese Auction Imports but at extra cost