More and more Irish people are opting to buy used cars from Japan than buying from the UK and elsewhere, and we are here to tell you why. For years, Japanese cars have built a reputation for being long-lasting and fuel-efficient. In recent years, drastic changes in import costs and customs duties on UK vehicles have made them 20% more expensive.
This increase has further encouraged Irish buyers to explore the Japanese Domestic Market. The following guide not only explores Japanese cars’ popularity but also guides you through the entire process of importing a used car to Ireland.
Why are Used Japanese Cars So Popular in Ireland?
Recently, Irish people have shown increasing interest in importing Japanese cars, and there are two major reasons for it. Firstly, Japan has maintained a 0% Customs Duty on Japanese vehicles for Irish people. Secondly, since Brexit, additional taxes and import duties apply to UK cars brought into Ireland.
Well-maintained and low-mileage used cars
In addition to these two main reasons, Irish people value used Japanese cars because they have low mileage and are well-maintained. Japanese car owners prefer selling their vehicles as early as possible. Why? It all comes down to “Shaken,” which is Japan’s strict vehicle inspection. The Shaken inspection test occurs once every two years for used cars and after three years for a brand new car. Since Shaken is very costly, Japanese car owners prefer to sell their vehicles before the next inspection cycle. Since they put their vehicles on auctions within the initial years of buying, the used cars have are less driven and have a low mileage. For these reasons, buyers searching for Japanese used cars for sale in Ireland look up to JDM cars as they go a long way.
Besides, people in Japan prefer commuting on public transport, so they only use their vehicles for holidays and long drives. Which shows why Japanese used cars are less driven and come with low mileage.
Right Hand Drive
Japanese cars have right-hand drive, and so does Ireland. So Irish people, without a second thought, prefer Japanese cars over American ones.
Most Popular Japanese Used Cars in Ireland
Japanese car imports to Ireland are increasing, and among them, Irish people clearly have their top picks. To begin with, Used Toyota Vitz models are very popular in Ireland.
Toyota Vitz
Vitz has a compact body, making the car suitable for narrow streets in Ireland. People also consider it to be an affordable hybrid car option. It’s because the Vitz has a low upfront price and fuel efficiency of up to 30 km/L. It leaves a low carbon footprint, which results in lower VRT and Motor Tax.
Toyota Prius
People in Ireland greatly value the Toyota Prius Hybrid, and for all the right reasons. As the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, the Toyota Prius is ideal for those who want low fuel costs without the hassle of plug-ins. Prius allows people to spend over 50% of the time in zero-emission mode, and this is what attracts Irish people the most.
Honda Fit
Ireland imports a very high number of these cars from Japan, which gives it access to low-mileage and high-spec models. Honda Fit is another Hybrid vehicle, and Irish people greatly value fuel economy in their vehicles.
Suzuki Swift
The Suzuki Swift stands out in Irish markets for its smooth driving experience and affordability. It’s a top choice for those who want a fun drive but are on a budget. Swift has light steering and is compact, making it easy to park in the city. Since Suzuki has such a high demand in Ireland, its resale value is very strong. People really consider these points before choosing which compact car to buy for their family.
Toyota Aqua
For years, the Toyota Aqua has been popular in Ireland for its affordability and compact size. You’d frequently find used Toyota Aqua put on sale on Japanese used car dealer platforms, selling in Ireland. The most popular models range from 2015 to 2020.
How to Buy Japanese Used Cars in Ireland
There are usually two routes, and Irish buyers choose one among them if they want to import a used car from Japan. If you are in Ireland and want to import a car from Japan, you can either choose a trusted exporter like SAT Japan or bid directly on a used car. People usually buy from exporters because they don’t want to go through the hassle of bidding directly. Now lets see how you can buy a used car from a Japanese exporter.
- Buying Through a Japanese Exporter
To import a used Japanese car to Ireland, you need to pick a trusted Japanese used car exporter in Ireland. They have auctioned Japanese cars listed on their website, so you don’t have to go through the hassle of bidding. From shipment to documentation, they handle everything for you.
The process of buying through a Japanese exporter begins with selecting a reliable Japanese used car dealer, and that’s the most crucial part, as your entire car-buying experience depends on it. Reading reviews on trusted platforms like Autotrader helps you feel confident in selecting the right exporter. Once you’ve selected your dealer, follow the process below carefully.
- Browse the available stock online
Now that you’ve selected your exporter, the next step would be to register yourself on their website. You should take as much time as required to browse through the listings and see what vehicle matches your budget and lifestyle.
- Get in touch with a sales representative
Once you’ve selected your vehicle for yourself, you should get in touch with the sales representative who further guide you through the process. They will walk you through the marine shipment and the insurance packages that they offer.
- Ask for the Auction Sheets
Now here comes the most important step, which is decoding auction sheets. Your used car’s auction sheet tells you a lot about the car’s condition, history, and maintenance records. Trusted exporters will always have original auction sheets for each listing.
- Pay the vehicle cost, shipping, and agent fee
- Receive export documentation and shipment details
2. Buying From Japanese Auctions
While many people choose to buy from an exporter, some prefer to buy a car directly. Since not everyone can access auction houses, they bid through licensed Japanese exporter agents. It is important to understand Japanese auction sheets and inspection reports for those who wish to buy directly from auctions.
Understanding Japanese Auction Sheets
Japanese auction sheets tell you everything about a vehicle’s condition, so understanding them streamlines your car-buying experience. Sometimes people misinterpret Auction Sheets, which can lead them to overlook issues such as poor condition and accident history. For this reason, it is important for you to have some basic knowledge of auction sheets.
Overall Grades
An auction sheet lists grades on a scale running 2-6, with high numbers indicating better condition. Most well-maintained used cars fall between grades 3.5 and 4.5. 6 means excellent condition, while grade 2 means fair overall condition. The letter R indicates that the vehicle has been repaired.
Interior Grades
On the auction sheet, you’ll also find a vehicle diagram, which helps you locate the areas where there are dents, chipped paint, or other kinds of damage. The auction sheet also uses letter grades to describe the car’s interior condition. Below are the different grades and what they mean:
- A- Describe the car’s new condition
- B- The car’s interior is clean, and it’s in good condition
- C- The car’s interior can have minor stains and damages
- D- The interior has poor condition and shows significant damage
- E- The car’s condition is very messy
Total Cost of Import to Ireland
Your total import cost would include 23% VAT on used vehicles. The following is an approximate breakdown of your total import cost
- Vehicle Price
- Shipping fee- RoRo or container shipping to Dublin port
- Custom Duty: 0% for Japanese cars
- VAT: 23% calculated on vehicle+ shipping+customs
- Port Charges
- VRT
Conclusion
With zero customs duties on Japanese imported cars, Irish people continue to prefer Japanese used cars for their daily commute. Besides being zero-customs, low-mileage, and in excellent condition, these are all reasons for their popularity. However, to import a Japanese car, you must carefully research, know how to decode an auction sheet, and be sure of what kind of vehicle you’re looking for. By keeping all of these in mind, buying a Japanese used car for sale in Ireland will prove to be a cost-effective decision in the long run.
