Rise Of The Jdm Import: Japanese Used Cars Are Booming In The Uk

Two mates who have each bought a used European car imported from Japan recently remind me that this under-reported market is still active.

In fact, about 40,000 such cars are imported a year. Their appeal lies not only in being right-hand drive and EU type-approved but also in their superb condition.

The last of these is explained by the greater care Japanese motorists take of their cars, the fact most Japanese roads aren't salted in winter and the high cost of the annual and strict Shaken test (our MOT equivalent and as much as £2000 a time) that makes motorists quit their cars early on.

I reported on the market three years ago when I met Neil Howe, owner of Winterstoke Motor Company, near Bristol. A board member of the British Independent Motor Trade Association (Bimta) who supports dealers and consumers importing and buying ex-Japan cars, and a frequent traveller to the country, where he sources cars directly, he's an authority on the subject. I called him for an update.

"The yen is weak," said Howe. "It's prompting more traders to enter the market, so increasing competition and pushing up vehicle prices. At the same time, pressures on shipping caused by the US-Iran war and strong demand from Chinese car makers are forcing up transport costs."

Even so, he said the market is thriving: "Demand exceeds supply. The cars are getting younger and we're seeing a wider brand and model mix, including Land Rovers and Minis as well as the Volvos, Audis, VWs and BMWs that have always been imported. Cars over £15,000 are slightly cheaper than UK ones but those costing less are around the same price, because they're in better condition."

Howe said that digital service histories are easy to check, while mileages and theft and finance histories can be confirmed with Bimta, which offers a money-back guarantee. Assuming the car has been registered correctly, finance and insurance are straightforward.