Importing a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) car is more than just a purchase — it’s the beginning of a passion. For many Australian car enthusiasts, JDM imports represent reliability, performance, and style that can’t be found in local models. But before that dream Skyline or RX-7 hits the road, it’s crucial to understand the full cost of bringing it home.
At Tokyo Drive, we make the import process transparent. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector, here’s a 2025 guide that breaks down every cost — from shipping and customs to compliance and registration.
1. The Purchase Price in Japan
Your JDM journey starts in Japan. The car’s purchase price depends on the model, year, mileage, and condition. Buying from a trusted auction or dealer ensures you get a genuine vehicle with proper documentation.
However, your purchase price isn’t the only figure you’ll pay in Japan. There are additional pre-export costs like:
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Auction or dealer fees
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Inland transport (from dealer to port)
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Export documentation and inspection
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Pre-shipment cleaning
These initial expenses usually add AUD $800–$1,500 on top of the car’s sale price. Always ask your exporter for a detailed invoice before the vehicle ships.
2. Shipping from Japan to Australia
Shipping is one of the biggest costs in the import process. In 2025, global freight rates remain high due to fuel prices and port congestion, but careful planning can help you save.
There are two main methods:
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Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO): The car is driven onto a specialized ship. It’s cheaper but offers limited protection.
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Container Shipping: Your car is secured inside a container, ideal for high-end or modified vehicles. It costs more but provides better safety.
Average 2025 prices:
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RORO shipping: AUD $2,000–$3,000
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Container shipping: AUD $3,500–$5,000
To protect your investment, marine insurance (usually 1% of the car’s value) is strongly recommended. It covers loss or damage during transit.
3. Customs Duty and GST
Once your JDM car reaches Australia, it must pass through customs clearance — and this is where many first-time importers get surprised.
Australia charges:
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Import Duty: 5% of the customs value (car + shipping + insurance)
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GST: 10% of the customs value plus the import duty
Example calculation:
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Vehicle + Japan fees: AUD $22,000
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Shipping + insurance: AUD $3,000
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Customs value = $25,000
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Import duty (5%) = $1,250
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GST (10%) = $2,625
Total taxes: $3,875
These charges must be paid before your car is released from customs.
4. Quarantine and Biosecurity Inspection
Australia takes biosecurity seriously. Even a small trace of soil or plant material can trigger cleaning orders or fines.
Upon arrival, every imported car undergoes:
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Department of Agriculture inspection
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Steam cleaning or fumigation (if needed)
These inspections typically cost AUD $300–$600, but if your car fails inspection, cleaning can add $500–$1,000 and delay clearance.
At Tokyo Drive, we ensure cars are professionally cleaned before shipping, reducing the risk of quarantine delays.
5. Compliance and Modification Costs
To legally drive your JDM car in Australia, it must comply with Australian Design Rules (ADRs). Compliance ensures your vehicle meets local standards for safety, emissions, and lighting.
Typical modifications include:
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Headlight conversions
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Child restraint anchor points
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Odometer conversion to kilometres
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Side-impact bars or safety upgrades
A Registered Automotive Workshop (RAW) handles these adjustments. In 2025, expect compliance costs between AUD $1,500–$5,000, depending on the model and condition.
Tokyo Drive works only with certified workshops, ensuring that all vehicles meet ADR standards without unnecessary expenses.
6. Registration and Roadworthy Certification
Once your car passes compliance, it’s time to register it in your state. Registration costs vary depending on your location and vehicle type.
Here’s a general breakdown:
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Roadworthy inspection (Blue/Green Slip): $150–$300
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CTP (Compulsory Third-Party) Insurance: $400–$800
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Registration fees: $500–$1,000
Altogether, registration and related costs can total $1,000–$2,000. Some states may require additional fees for vehicles older than 25 years or for first-time imports.
7. Broker and Documentation Fees
A trusted import broker like Tokyo Drive can save you time and prevent costly mistakes. Brokers manage:
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Import approval applications
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Shipping coordination
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Customs and quarantine clearance
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Delivery arrangements
Professional import services typically cost between AUD $800–$2,000, depending on the level of service. At Tokyo Drive, our goal is full transparency, with no surprise fees along the way.
8. Unexpected Costs and Contingencies
Even with perfect planning, unforeseen costs can appear:
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Port storage fees if paperwork is delayed
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Currency exchange fluctuations
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Additional compliance work for rare models
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Mechanical repairs on arrival
We recommend setting aside 10–15% of your total budget for contingencies. This ensures you’re ready for any curveball the import process might throw your way.
9. Total Estimated Cost to Import a JDM Car in 2025
Here’s a sample summary for a $22,000 JDM car:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Purchase & Japan fees | $22,000 |
| Shipping + insurance | $3,000 |
| Import duty + GST | $3,875 |
| Quarantine/Inspection | $500 |
| Compliance & Modifications | $3,000 |
| Registration & Insurance | $1,500 |
| Broker/Service Fees | $1,200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $35,000–$36,000 |
This means the car you buy in Japan for $22,000 could cost around $35,000 on Australian roads — once all fees, taxes, and services are included.
10. Why Choose Tokyo Drive
Importing a car can feel overwhelming — paperwork, inspections, taxes, and compliance can easily confuse first-time buyers. That’s where Tokyo Drive comes in.
Our experts handle everything:
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Auction sourcing and verification
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Pre-shipment inspections
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Shipping and customs management
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Compliance and registration guidance
We believe in complete transparency — no hidden charges, no guesswork. You’ll know exactly what your car costs before it leaves Japan.
Final Thoughts
Owning a JDM car in Australia is a dream worth chasing, but understanding the financial journey makes the experience stress-free. From shipping and customs to compliance and registration, each cost plays a part in bringing your imported vehicle safely home.
At Tokyo Drive, we turn that complexity into clarity. Our mission is to make importing simple, affordable, and completely transparent — so you can focus on what truly matters: driving your dream JDM car.
