How It Works
From Japanese auction floor to your driveway — every step, every cost, every document. This is the canonical reference for importing with JDM Rush.
Find Your Car
JDM Rush offers two service levels so you can shop the way that works best for you.
Browse Inventory
Shop our curated inventory of vehicles already sourced from Japan — real photos, real pricing, ready to purchase. Every car comes with a condition report from Japanese auction inspectors.
Browse InventoryCustom Sourcing
Tell us exactly what you want — make, model, year, budget — and we'll search Japan's auctions and dealer networks to find it. Custom shortlist within 24 hours.
Find My JDMCondition reports are requested per vehicle — just ask and we'll pull the Japanese auction inspector's detailed assessment before you commit.
Deposit Payment
Once you've selected a vehicle, Invoice #1 covers your deposit with JDM Rush Imports. The deposit amount is tiered based on the vehicle price.
| Vehicle Price | Deposit (CAD + tax) |
|---|---|
| Up to $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $10,001 – $20,000 | $1,500 |
| $20,001 – $30,000 | $2,000 |
| $30,001+ | $2,500 |
This deposit is fully credited toward your total purchase. It secures your vehicle and kicks off the import process.
Vehicle Purchase & Export
Invoice #2 covers the vehicle itself plus all export-related costs. Here's what goes into it:
| Cost Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Car Cost (auction / inventory price) | Varies by vehicle |
| Ocean Shipping | ~$1,800 (typical S15/R33 size) |
| Marine Insurance | $150 (standard) |
| Local Transport in Japan | ~$355 – $420 (if needed) |
| Low Down Car Raising Fee | $385 (if needed) |
| Japanese Agent Buying Fee | $1,565 (vehicles up to ~$120K) 3.5% ($120K – $180K) 4% ($180K – $240K) |
| Clearing Agent Fee | $250 |
| Import Duty (Canada) | $0Japan-made vehicles under CPTPP agreement |
Import duty: $0 for Japan-manufactured vehicles under Canada-Japan CPTPP agreement. GST (5%) applies on the value for duty.
Broker verification recommended before launch — this does not block your purchase. For a full landed-cost estimate, use our Import Calculator.
Shipping
Your vehicle embarks on its journey from Japan to your destination port. Here's the timeline:
De-registration in Japan and transport to the departure port.
Ocean vessel transit to your destination port. We'll send photos of your vehicle being loaded and provide a MarineTraffic tracking link so you can follow its journey in real time.
Shipping times vary by destination port and seasonal vessel schedules. We provide updated ETAs throughout the journey.
Arrival & Transport
Your vehicle clears customs at the arrival port. You have two delivery options:
Pick Up at Port
Drive your vehicle home directly from the port. Ideal if you're local and want to be the first person behind the wheel on Canadian soil.
Delivered to Your City
We arrange transport from the port to your doorstep — anywhere in Canada or the United States. Convenient and hassle-free.
Transport to Your Province or State
Invoice #3 covers the final delivery leg from the arrival port to your destination. Cost is calculated based on vehicle type, size, and distance.
We coordinate with trusted transport carriers to ensure your vehicle arrives safely. You'll receive the delivery cost before the transport is booked — no surprises.
Receive Your Documents
Before your vehicle arrives, you'll receive the complete documentation package needed for registration:
- Bill of Lading (3 originals + copies)
- Invoice / Bill of Sale
- Japanese Export Certificate (Japanese + English translation)
- Customs Form
Keep these documents with the vehicle — you'll need them for provincial or state registration.
Final Delivery
The transport driver contacts you directly to arrange a meeting place and time. Your vehicle arrives at the agreed location — inspect it, sign off, and you're done.
At this point, you have a fully imported JDM vehicle ready for registration. One last step before you hit the road.
Safety Certification
Before you can register and plate your vehicle, it needs to pass a provincial (Canada) or state (USA) safety inspection.
- Canada: Provincial safety certification at a licensed inspection facility.
- United States: State safety and emissions inspection as required.
Common modifications shops handle during certification: fog lights, lighting assemblies, daytime running lights (DRL) compliance — typically minor adjustments. Your vehicle was already inspected in Japan and is road-ready.
Tip: Drive directly from delivery to your local shop. Most JDM vehicles pass on the first visit — Japanese maintenance standards are rigorous.
Still have questions?
Visit our FAQ for answers on shipping, customs, maintenance, and everything else.