1. Scope of Services
Used Car Japan ("we", "us") helps customers in the United Kingdom source used vehicles from Japan and understand the import process.
Unless we state otherwise in writing, vehicles sourced from Japan are not held as UK stock. Vehicle categories and images on this website are illustrative and are not an offer of a particular vehicle.
Some stages, including sea freight, port handling, vehicle testing and government processing, are carried out by independent carriers, test providers and public bodies.
Our exact role, and who the contract for the vehicle is with, will be set out in writing for each order. To be confirmed: the legal form of the service, such as agent or seller
2. Vehicle Sourcing and Availability
Availability changes and cannot be guaranteed. A vehicle being discussed or shown to you is not reserved until this has been confirmed in writing.
We will not buy or bid on a vehicle for you without your agreement. The way you give this agreement, and any limit on the price, will be recorded in writing for each order.
3. Vehicle Condition and Inspection
Used vehicles will show wear in line with their age, mileage and use. Please review all the information available about a vehicle before agreeing to buy it, and ask about anything you are unsure of.
Auction or seller reports and any translations of them summarise a vehicle's condition. They are not a full mechanical inspection. You may wish to ask whether an independent inspection is possible.
4. Pricing and Payments
The total cost of an import may include:
- the vehicle purchase price and any auction or seller fees;
- transport in Japan and export documentation;
- shipping and insurance;
- UK customs duty, import VAT and port charges;
- modifications, preparation, approval testing and MOT, where applicable;
- DVLA registration, vehicle tax and UK delivery;
- our service fee.
Estimates are for guidance only unless they are confirmed in writing as a fixed price. Costs can change, for example with exchange rates, carrier charges or government rates.
To be confirmed: our service fee, deposit, payment stages, payment methods and accepted currencies
Always check payment details with us directly before sending money.
5. Shipping and Delivery
Shipping dates and arrival estimates are not guaranteed. They depend on carriers and can be affected by weather, routes, port congestion and customs checks.
The ports used, shipping method and insurance cover will be confirmed for each order. To be confirmed: who arranges insurance, what it covers and when risk passes to the customer
6. UK Customs, VAT and Import Duty
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) must be told within 14 days of a vehicle being brought into the UK permanently. The vehicle cannot be registered until this has been done, and a fine may apply if it is late.
VAT is charged on the total cost of the vehicle, plus any accessories bought with it, delivery and extra charges, and customs duty. The rates depend on the type of vehicle and where it is imported from. VAT and customs duty must be paid before the vehicle can be registered.
Official guidance: telling HMRC and paying VAT and duty.
7. UK Vehicle Approval and Registration
An imported vehicle may need vehicle approval to show that it meets environmental and safety regulations, and proof of approval is needed to register and tax it. A vehicle first registered or manufactured more than 10 years ago might not need approval, but this must be checked for each vehicle.
Some vehicles may need changes before they can pass approval or an MOT. What is needed depends on the vehicle, and it will be discussed for each order.
To register a vehicle you must have told HMRC, paid any VAT and duty, and have proof of approval where required. GOV.UK states a £55 registration fee, and the vehicle must be taxed when it is registered. Seriously damaged vehicles cannot be registered. Decisions and processing times rest with the DVLA and other authorities.
Official guidance: getting vehicle approval and registering an imported vehicle.
8. Customer Responsibilities
- Give accurate and complete information, including any identity and address documents that are legitimately required.
- Review vehicle information carefully before agreeing to buy.
- Meet the payment dates agreed in writing.
- Tell us how you intend to use the vehicle, as this can affect the requirements.
- Insure the vehicle before driving it on UK roads, and do not use it until it is registered and taxed, except where the law allows.
9. Cancellations and Refunds
Your cancellation and refund rights will depend on the stage of the order and the type of contract, and will be set out in writing before you commit. To be confirmed: cancellation and refund terms
Nothing in these terms affects any cancellation rights you have by law as a consumer.
10. Warranties and Liability
Nothing in these terms limits or excludes any rights or liability that cannot lawfully be limited or excluded, including your statutory rights as a consumer under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 where they apply.
To be confirmed: whether any warranty is offered, and any limits on liability
11. Privacy and Customer Information
We use the details you provide to respond to your enquiry and, if you go ahead, to arrange your order. Details may be shared with companies and authorities involved in shipping, customs and registration where this is needed.
Your information must be handled in line with the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. To be confirmed: privacy notice, data controller details and how long data is kept
12. Complaints
If you are unhappy with any part of our service, please contact us with the details and we will look into it. To be confirmed: complaints contact, response times and any dispute resolution scheme
13. Applicable Law
To be confirmed: governing law and courts Terms would normally state the law and courts that apply, while protecting the rights of consumers living in other parts of the UK.