Cars from Japan for import in 2025 - models worthy of attention
Japan is a real paradise for people who have rich wallets and exorbitant demands on the cars they are looking for. The secondary market there seems to be an inexhaustible source of exceptional cars. An additional advantage is the fact that most of them have a left-hand drive, which is why they are gladly imported into Europe. Mostly these are models with powerful engines and rich equipment. At the other pole are the iconic JDM cars, that is, cars intended only for the Japanese market, which captured the imagination of customers from Europe and the USA. Our proposals cover each of these groups.
Why import cars from Japan?
The passion for motoring, combined with the right financial background, well-organized public transport and rigorous technical research, result in the fact that cars from Japan are uncompromisingly equipped, have low mileage, and their technical condition rarely raises any objections. The whole picture is completed by the fact that the Japanese conscientiously and honestly approach their work and interests, so auction houses use rating cards that describe in detail the condition of the vehicle in all respects. This is why it is worth buying cars from Japan.
Nissan Silvia S15
The Silvia family has been produced since the 70s of the last century, but in Europe and the USA it became famous only from the S13 generation and is associated with the fact that it is often used as a base for the construction of drifting cars. This makes JDM cars preserved in their original condition, they reach high prices at auctions and are valued by collectors. The model with the designation S15 is the last generation of the Nissan Silvia.
It was offered in coupe versions and as a convertible named Silvia Varietta. Production lasted from 1999 to 2002. Under the hood were two engines - a naturally aspirated 2.0 with the designation SR20DE or a turbocharged 2.0 with the designation SR20DET. In addition, there were also versions of the Spec-R and Spec-S, the former with a turbocharged engine, a 6-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential with helical gears (LSD), thanks to which the car drove better in corners and did not lose traction. The Spec-S variant from the Japanese market has a naturally aspirated engine with a 5-speed manual transmission.
If you want something really special, it's worth looking for a convertible. However, it will not be easy, as only 1143 copies of the Nissan Silvia Varietta have been produced. Technologically, the car is based on the Spec-S variant and has a folding rigid roof. It was offered with a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic.
Toyota Altezza RS200
At first glance, the Toyota Altezza RS200 may rightly be associated with the Lexus IS200, but it is more sporty than it. It has a 2.0 engine with the designation 3S-GE, which generates a maximum power of 235 hp. If we add to this a manual transmission and rear-axle drive, then an interesting alternative to the German sedans of that period emerges. With this car you can go to the race track or go shopping. The manufacturer additionally offered Toyota Racing Development accessories.
The most sought after and appreciated by collectors is the version with the 1G-FE BEAMS engine, which has more powerful connecting rods and pistons. The power of this engine exceeds 200 horsepower, and this without additional supercharging. As for the Toyota brand, this engine offered the best power-to-capacity ratio in the history of the manufacturer. Thanks to its design, the BEAMS version often served as a base for building a drift car.
Porsche 911 Carrera (996)
The 911 of the 996 series was the first ever Porsche 911 with a liquid-cooled engine. The Carrera and Carrera 4 models are powered by a 3.4 six-cylinder boxer with a capacity of 300 hp. It was paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, but as an option, a Tiptronic transmission could be ordered. In subsequent years of production, the power increased to 320 hp. The car was produced from 1997 to 2006.
The car had a more streamlined body. One of the characteristic elements responsible for improving aerodynamics were slightly flattened headlights, which some love, and others - not necessarily. However, the fact is that this generation is slowly beginning to gain in value, so this is one of the last moments when you can buy a 911 of the 996 series at an acceptable price.
In Japan, this model has long been very popular among wealthy collectors. If you are looking for a well-groomed car that will be both a good car for weekend trips and a potential investment of capital, then it is worth going to Japan for a search.
BMW M3 E46
The M3 model of the E46 series is a sports coupe that has already gained cult status and is constantly gaining in value. Under the hood, a 343 hp naturally aspirated engine was installed, combined with a manual transmission and rear-axle drive. Optionally, it was possible to order it with an SMG transmission. Compared to the usual BMW 3 Series, the car had widened wheel arches, an aluminum hood, a sports suspension and a sporty interior. These cars are no longer produced.
In the Japanese market, the manufacturer offered a more extensive multimedia set and two-tone leather upholstery. Automobiles BMW from Japan not infrequently they have a personalized color scheme, hence sometimes you wonder if they are in factory condition for sure. However, there is nothing to fear, because buying such a car from Japan is usually a hit!
Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG
Although the Mercedes CLK W208 and then the W209 were popular models and often featured, for example, in music videos of American rappers, after 2006 the manufacturer decided to abandon this model. We take under the magnifying glass the CLK 55 AMG variant, which appeared in 1999.
The car has a 5.4 V8 engine with 347 hp and a 5-speed automatic transmission, which is an improved version of the CLK 430 model. The car has traction control and an electronic stability system. It appeared in the coupe version and as a convertible. With the latter, there is a catch, as customers had to first buy the CLK 430 variant and then add the full AMG package to it, which transformed it into the CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet.
Mercedes CLK of the W209 series has retained the CLK 55 AMG variant in its range. Power was raised to 362 hp. It was produced from 2002 to 2006. Later it was replaced by the CLK 63 AMG. The engine from the CLK 55 AMG, however, remained in the range, but was sold as a variant of the CLK 550 and, on top of that, was more powerful than its predecessor by some 20 hp.
Although the CLK model of the W208 series did not enjoy the best reputation in terms of body parts, it was rather for heavily exploited models. Luckily Cars from Japan have low mileage, and specimens affected by rust are practically absent here. Japan is also a good place for those looking for powerful CLKs of the W209 series, as the European aftermarket is largely flooded with diesel versions, and Mercedes from Japan usually have gasoline units.
summary
If you are interested in importing cars from Japan, then you already know which cars are worth paying attention to. The models mentioned by us are already more expensive, but they are still financially achievable and, above all, they are still on the market. However, you need to know that imports from Japan are governed by slightly different laws. In order to participate in the auction, you need to have a registered company that deals with the sale of cars.
Therefore, you should use the services of intermediaries such as Sakura Motors. Not only will you get support at every stage of the process, but you can also count on expert advice. It is also worth taking advantage of the opportunity to accompany during the bidding, because you can always increase the budget or turn your attention to another car.
