Quick Answer:
The true cost of importing a car is not just the auction price. To calculate the real import cost, you must add shipping, insurance, compliance modifications, emissions testing, conversions, registration, taxes, and post-import maintenance. Most buyers underestimate total costs by 20–40% if they only focus on the purchase price.
This guide breaks down every cost step-by-step, so you can budget accurately and avoid expensive surprises.
Why “Auction Price” Is Never the Real Cost
Many first-time importers assume:
“If I buy the car cheap in Japan, I’ll save money.”
In reality, import costs stack quickly. A $7,000 car can easily become a $12,000–$14,000 landed and registered vehicle.
Understanding the full cost early helps you:
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Avoid budget blowouts
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Compare imports vs local cars realistically
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Plan resale value
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Decide if an import is actually worth it
Step 1: Vehicle Purchase Cost (Japan Side)
This is your starting point, not the total.
Includes:
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Hammer price at auction
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Auction fees
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Agent or broker fee
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Inland transport to port
Typical range:
✔ $500–$1,500 AUD above auction hammer price
📌 Always ask for an itemised invoice.
Step 2: Shipping Costs (Japan to Australia)
Shipping depends on method and destination.
Roll-On/Roll-Off (RoRo)
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Cheapest option
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Car is driven onto the ship
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Limited protection
Typical cost:
✔ $1,200–$2,000 AUD
Container Shipping
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Higher protection
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Ideal for high-value cars
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More expensive
Typical cost:
✔ $2,500–$4,000+ AUD
Other Shipping Costs to Include
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Marine insurance
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Port handling fees
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Documentation fees
📌 Shipping alone can vary by thousands, depending on timing and port congestion.
Step 3: Import Taxes, Duties & GST
Australia applies taxes based on customs value.
Common Charges
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Import duty (if applicable)
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10% GST (calculated on vehicle + shipping + insurance)
⚠️ Many buyers forget GST applies to shipping costs too.
Step 4: Quarantine & Biosecurity Fees
Every imported vehicle must pass Australian biosecurity inspection.
Costs may include:
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Inspection fee
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Steam cleaning (if dirt is found)
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Re-inspection fees
Typical range:
✔ $200–$600 AUD
Failure here can delay delivery and increase storage costs.
Step 5: Compliance & ADR Modifications
This is where costs vary the most.
Common Compliance Requirements
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Lighting conversions
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Seatbelt standards
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Child restraint anchor points
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Emissions testing
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Speedometer conversion
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Tyres and braking checks
Typical range:
✔ $2,000–$6,000 AUD
(Varies by state and vehicle type)
Step 6: Left-Hand to Right-Hand Drive Conversion (If Required)
Not all imports require this—but when they do, it’s expensive.
Costs Include
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Steering system changes
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Dash and firewall modifications
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Pedal box conversion
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Wiring and electronics adjustments
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Certification
Typical range:
✔ $6,000–$20,000+ AUD
📌 This alone can make some imports financially unviable.
Step 7: ADAS & Sensor Calibration Costs
Modern imports with:
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Radar cruise control
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Lane assist
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360° cameras
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Automatic emergency braking
Require recalibration after compliance work.
Typical range:
✔ $500–$2,000 AUD
Skipping this step can:
❌ Void insurance
❌ Trigger warning lights
❌ Cause system failure
Step 8: Registration & Roadworthy Costs
Before hitting the road, you’ll need:
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Roadworthy certificate
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State registration fees
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Number plates
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Stamp duty (state dependent)
Typical range:
✔ $800–$2,000 AUD
This varies between NSW, Victoria, Queensland, and other states.
Step 9: Insurance Premium Adjustments
Imported vehicles often:
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Cost more to insure
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Require specialist insurers
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Need additional documentation
Factors that affect premiums:
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Compliance history
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Safety features
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Parts availability
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Driver location
📌 Budget for higher initial insurance quotes.
Step 10: Post-Import Maintenance & Setup
Once registered, expect:
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Full service
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Fluids replacement
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Brake and tyre inspection
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Hybrid battery health check (if applicable)
Typical range:
✔ $500–$1,500 AUD
This ensures reliability and protects resale value.
Real-World Example: Total Cost Breakdown
Auction price: $7,000
Japan fees: $1,000
Shipping: $1,800
GST & taxes: $980
Quarantine: $400
Compliance: $3,500
Registration: $1,200
Initial maintenance: $800
True Cost: $16,680 AUD
That’s more than double the auction price.
Common Mistakes That Inflate Costs
❌ Ignoring GST on shipping
❌ Underestimating compliance work
❌ Forgetting ADAS calibration
❌ Choosing the wrong shipping method
❌ Skipping insurance planning
❌ Buying cars requiring complex conversions
How to Budget Safely for an Import
✔ Ask for a full landed cost estimate
✔ Build a 10–15% buffer
✔ Verify compliance eligibility first
✔ Use experienced import agents
✔ Avoid “cheap but complex” vehicles
Final Verdict
Importing can still be great value—but only if you calculate the true cost.
When you factor in shipping, compliance, conversion, registration, insurance, and maintenance, you gain clarity, avoid surprises, and make smarter buying decisions.
