Everything you
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Japanese buyers care for their vehicles exceptionally well — and that is especially true of imported premium and luxury marques such as Porsche, Mercedes-AMG, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Lamborghini. The result: low mileage, complete service histories and a vehicle condition rarely found in Germany at this price. There is also a structural price argument: Japanese vehicles are subject to a high rate of depreciation once they leave the dealer network. What counts as inexpensive in Japan corresponds, in Germany, to a vehicle in outstanding condition — at a fair entry price.

The deposit (typically €500–1,500, depending on vehicle value) is paid into a German escrow account — legally separate from our operating assets. The money stays there until the vehicle arrives and is handed over to you. The deposit protects both sides: it ensures we have a serious mandate as a bidder at the Japanese auction, and protects you from your money disappearing into the business. If no bid is won at the auction, the deposit is refunded in full. On placing an order, it is credited against the total amount.

The total cost is made up of several items: auction price, Japanese auction fees (approx. 3–5%), inland transport within Japan (approx. €150–250), Ro/Ro shipping (approx. €900) or container (approx. €1,400–1,800), import duty (6.5% on vehicle value + freight costs), import VAT (19%), TÜV individual approval (approx. €600–1,200) and the FIRSTCARMOTORS service fee (from €1,200). You receive every item as a complete cost breakdown before placing your order.

The sea route from Japan to Germany takes approx. 6–8 weeks (Ro/Ro or container, depending on vehicle value). Including the auction, Japanese export processing, customs, TÜV individual approval and registration, you should reckon with a total period of around 90–120 days from placing the order.

The total cost of an import is made up of the following items: auction price, Japanese auction and transport fees (approx. 3–5%), shipping (Ro/Ro or container), import duty (6.5% for passenger cars from Japan), import VAT (19% on the customs value including duty), TÜV individual approval and technical adaptations (approx. €600–1,200), delivery and registration. You receive a complete cost breakdown before placing your order.

The sea route from Japan (Nagoya/Osaka) to Germany (Bremerhaven) takes approx. 70–80 days. Including the vehicle search, auction, Japanese export processing, customs, TÜV and registration, you should reckon with a total period of 90–120 days from placing the order.

We source premium and luxury marques: Porsche (911, Cayenne, 718, Panamera, Taycan), Mercedes-AMG (GT, C 63, G 63, E 63, S 63), Rolls-Royce (Ghost, Phantom, Cullinan), Ferrari (Roma, SF90, F8), Lamborghini (Urus, Huracán), Bentley (Continental GT, Flying Spur), BMW M (M3, M4, M5, M8), Audi RS (RS 6, RS 7, R8).

Japan is regarded worldwide as one of the countries with the best-preserved used cars: the strict Shaken vehicle inspection, high road quality, a culturally ingrained attention to care, and low average annual mileage (often under 8,000 km/year). We select exclusively vehicles from Grade 4 upwards.

S: as new; 5: very good; 4.5: good; 4: normal good; 3.5: light repainting; 3: noticeable defects; 2/R: more substantial defects. We generally recommend vehicles graded 4 or better.

To qualify for the customs relief to 0% (classic-car import), the vehicle must be at least 30 years old. Younger vehicles are subject to the standard import duty rate of 6.5%. There is no minimum age for the TÜV individual approval.