Bespoke 'Find My Car' Import

Bespoke Import Process

• Initial consultation to understand your requirements and budget
• Targeted search across Japanese auction houses and private sales
• Pre-purchase inspection and condition verification
• Purchase negotiation and transaction handling
• Full import process management (shipping, customs, IVA, DVLA)
• UK preparation including MOT, service, and modifications
• Regular updates throughout the sourcing and import process
• Delivery to your location

How the Bespoke Import Process Works

Our bespoke car import service from Japan is a fully managed, end-to-end process. From the moment you tell us what you want to the day you drive it away from our Bedford workshop, we handle every step. Here is exactly how it works:

• Step 1: Consultation — We sit down with you (in person at our Bedford workshop, by phone, or video call) to discuss your exact requirements. Make, model, year range, colour, specification, mileage limits, condition grade, modification preferences, and budget. The more detail you give us, the more precisely we can search. This is your car — we find what you want, not what is convenient.
• Step 2: Vehicle Search — Using our network of trusted contacts in Japan, auction house access, and direct dealer connections built over 18+ years, we search for cars matching your specification. We monitor Japanese auctions daily and work with partners on the ground who can view cars in person. We send you options with full auction sheets, photos, and our honest assessment of each car.
• Step 3: Inspection & Verification — Before we commit to purchasing, every car undergoes a thorough condition check. We verify the auction grade, inspect for accident history, rust, mechanical issues, and confirm the car matches its description. We reject cars that do not meet our standards — even if they look good on paper. You approve the car before we buy.
• Step 4: Purchase & Shipping — Once you give the green light, we handle the purchase, payment, and export paperwork in Japan. Your car is containerised for shipping to the UK, which protects it from salt air and transit damage. We provide tracking updates throughout the 6-8 week shipping period so you always know where your car is.
• Step 5: UK Compliance — When the car arrives at the UK port, we manage customs clearance, pay the import duty and VAT on your behalf, and handle deregistration from the Japanese system. If IVA testing is required, we prepare the car to pass and manage the testing process. We then handle DVLA registration, age-related or Q plate assignment, and the first MOT.
• Step 6: Preparation & Handover — Every bespoke import receives a full service, fluid change, and detailed inspection at our Bedford workshop. We carry out any agreed modifications or improvements, give the car a professional detail, and prepare it for handover. You collect your car from our workshop in Bedford, or we can arrange delivery anywhere in the UK.

Cars We've Sourced

As a Japanese car import specialist based in Bedford, we have sourced and imported a wide range of JDM icons for customers across the UK. Here are some of the most popular cars our clients ask us to find:

• Nissan Skyline R32 / R33 / R34 GT-R — The definitive JDM performance car. The R32 GT-R earned the name "Godzilla" dominating Group A touring cars, the R33 refined the formula, and the R34 is one of the most sought-after Japanese cars ever built. RB26DETT twin-turbo power and ATTESA E-TS four-wheel drive make these seriously capable machines.
• Toyota Supra JZA80 — The Mk4 Supra with its legendary 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo engine is one of the most iconic sports cars of the 1990s. Huge tuning potential and bulletproof reliability make these a favourite for both collectors and enthusiasts.
• Mazda RX-7 FD3S — The third-generation RX-7 combines a twin-turbocharged 13B rotary engine with one of the most beautiful body designs ever produced. Light, balanced, and thrilling to drive, the FD is a true driver's car.
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV-IX — Rally-bred performance sedans with 4G63 turbo power and full-time four-wheel drive. Each generation refined the formula — the Evo VI TME, Evo VIII MR, and Evo IX are particularly desirable.
• Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GC8, GDB, GRB) — As Subaru specialists, these are close to our hearts. From the classic GC8 two-door to the blobeye and hawkeye GDB models, the STI delivers rally-proven performance with everyday usability. We know these cars inside and out.
• Honda NSX (NA1 / NA2) — Honda's mid-engined supercar, designed with input from Ayrton Senna. The VTEC V6, aluminium construction, and sublime chassis balance make the NSX a genuine rival to European exotics at a fraction of the maintenance cost.
• Nissan Silvia S13 / S14 / S15 — The drift community's favourite platform. SR20DET turbo power, rear-wheel drive, and a lightweight chassis make the Silvia endlessly enjoyable. The S15 Spec-R in particular is becoming increasingly collectible.
• Toyota Chaser JZX100 — A four-door sedan with 1JZ-GTE turbo power and rear-wheel drive. The Chaser offers sports car performance in a practical package and has a devoted following in the UK drift and street car scene.
• Nissan 300ZX Z32 — The twin-turbo Z32 was a technological showcase when launched, with four-wheel steering, multi-link suspension, and a powerful VG30DETT V6. Clean examples are becoming increasingly rare and valuable.

This is not an exhaustive list — if it was sold in Japan, we can source it. Whether you want a pristine stock example or a modified build, our bespoke import service from Japan covers every make and model.

Typical Timelines & Costs

We believe in complete transparency. Here is a realistic breakdown of what to expect when you use our bespoke car import service from Japan to the UK:

Timeline

• Vehicle Search: 2-4 weeks — Depending on how specific your requirements are. Common models in good condition can be found quickly. Rare specifications, low-mileage examples, or specific colours may take longer. We will not rush this — finding the right car is more important than finding a fast car.
• Shipping: 6-8 weeks — Containerised shipping from Japan to the UK typically takes 6-8 weeks depending on the port and shipping schedule. Your car travels in a sealed container, protected from the elements throughout the journey.
• UK Compliance & Preparation: 2-4 weeks — Customs clearance, deregistration, IVA testing (if needed), DVLA registration, MOT, full service, and preparation work at our Bedford workshop. Complex builds or extensive modifications may take longer.
• Total: 10-16 weeks — From agreement to handover. We keep you updated at every stage so you always know where your car is and what is happening next.

Cost Breakdown

• Vehicle Purchase Price — The cost of the car in Japan, converted to GBP. This varies enormously depending on make, model, condition, and rarity.
• Containerised Shipping — Typically between £1,500 and £2,500 depending on the shipping route and container type.
• UK Customs Duty — 6.5% of the declared vehicle value.
• VAT — 20% calculated on the vehicle value plus the customs duty amount.
• IVA Testing — If required, approximately £500-£700 for the test itself, plus any preparation work needed to pass. Not all vehicles require IVA — we advise you before purchase.
• DVLA Registration & First MOT — Registration fees and MOT costs for getting the car road-legal in the UK.
• Our Sourcing & Management Fee — Covers the entire search, inspection, negotiation, import management, compliance, and preparation process.

We provide a full, itemised cost estimate before you commit to anything. Total import costs depend on the value of the vehicle — we walk you through every line so you know exactly what you are paying for. No hidden fees, no surprises.

Why Use a Specialist Import Service

Importing a car from Japan without a specialist is risky. The language barrier alone makes it difficult to verify auction listings, communicate with sellers, and navigate the Japanese export paperwork. But language is only the beginning. Auction grades can be misrepresented, accident damage can be hidden or understated, and mechanical problems may not be apparent from photos and descriptions alone. Buying blind from the other side of the world is a gamble — and with cars worth tens of thousands of pounds, it is not a gamble worth taking.

UK compliance adds another layer of complexity. Understanding which cars need IVA testing, what modifications are required to pass, how to handle DVLA registration for an imported vehicle, and how customs duty and VAT are calculated requires experience. Getting any of these wrong can result in delays, unexpected costs, or in the worst case a car that cannot legally be driven on UK roads.

Hurst Cars has been importing and specialising in Japanese and Subaru vehicles from our Bedford, Bedfordshire workshop since 2006 — that is over 18 years of experience. We have established relationships with trusted contacts in Japan who inspect cars on our behalf. We know what to look for, what to avoid, and how to read between the lines of an auction sheet. Our JDM import service in Bedford has helped customers from across the UK get the exact car they wanted, in the condition they expected, at a price they understood before committing.

When you use our bespoke import service, you are not just paying for a car — you are paying for peace of mind. We take the risk, the complexity, and the uncertainty out of the process so you can focus on the exciting part: choosing your dream car.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does a bespoke import take?
  A typical bespoke import takes 10 to 16 weeks from agreement to handover. This includes 2-4 weeks to find the right car in Japan, 6-8 weeks for containerised shipping, and 2-4 weeks for UK compliance and preparation at our Bedford workshop. Rare or highly specific vehicles may take longer to find, but we keep you informed throughout.
• What does it cost to import a car from Japan?
  Total costs depend on the vehicle value and include the purchase price, shipping (£1,500-£2,500), UK customs duty (6.5%), VAT (20%), IVA testing if applicable, DVLA registration, and our sourcing fee. We provide a full itemised cost breakdown before you commit to anything, so you know exactly what the total will be with no hidden charges.
• Do I need IVA testing for an imported Japanese car?
  Most JDM vehicles that were not originally type-approved for the UK market require IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) testing. The test covers safety items including lighting, emissions, seat belts, and mirrors. Some older vehicles may be exempt. We handle the full IVA process including any modifications needed to pass, and we advise you on requirements before purchase so there are no surprises.
• Can I choose the exact car I want?
  Yes — that is the entire purpose of the bespoke import service. You specify the make, model, year, colour, specification, condition grade, mileage range, and any other criteria. We search specifically for cars matching your requirements and present options for your approval. You always have the final say before we purchase.
• What if the car has problems when it arrives?
  We carry out thorough pre-purchase inspections in Japan before committing to buy, which significantly reduces the risk. Every car we import receives a full mechanical inspection, service, and MOT preparation at our Bedford workshop before handover. If any issues are found during our UK inspection, we address them as part of the preparation process. With 18+ years of experience as a Japanese car import specialist, we know what to look for and which cars to avoid.