How to Buy Your JDM Vehicle
From Japan to Your Driveway. Import Process, Start to Finish
Importing your dream car from Japan doesn't have to be complicated. At Dasko JDM Direct, we've streamlined the process so you can secure a reliable, road-ready vehicle without the hassle. From sourcing the right car to prepping it for NCT, we handle everything. All you need to do is fill in a quick form and let us know what you're looking for.
Step-by-Step Buying Process
1. Send Us Your Request
Use our order form to tell us what kind of vehicle you're looking for.
- make and model
- budget
- preferences
- and any special requirements
2. Accept Terms & Pay Deposit
To begin the process, a 10% deposit is required (minimum €2,000) to secure your booking and allow us to start sourcing your vehicle.. This deposit confirms your commitment and secures your place in our sourcing queue. We cannot begin searching for vehicles until the deposit is received, as it covers the initial administrative and logistical work involved in finding the right car.
The deposit amount will be deducted from the final cost of the vehicle and is fully transparent.
Why the deposit matters:
Reserves your place in our active import queue
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Confirms your commitment and vehicle preferences
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Ensures that only serious orders receive priority attention
Allows us to start sourcing from verified Japanese auctions, dealerships, export agents, and private sellers
Dasko JDM Direct staff take your trust seriously and work hard to ensure your investment is protected throughout the process.
Please note. We offer a 14-day cooling-off period during which you may request a refund of your deposit.
3. We Source the Vehicle
We search verified auctions and trusted network (whether at auction, from a dealership, or a private seller) across Japan for the best options based on your request.
4. Dasko-JDM Full Checks
Before presenting you with any vehicles, we carry out thorough background and mechanical checks to ensure quality and reliability. Additional checks can also be requested upon your preference.
5. Approval & Secure Purchase
Once we've found suitable vehicles through our trusted network, we'll share full details with you for review. You review the shortlisted vehicles, and once approved, we complete the purchase on your behalf.
Please note. The final payment must be made before we proceed with the purchase.
6. Shipping & Import Process
We handle every aspect of the international logistics. From shipping and customs clearance to secure storage in holding yards while your vehicle awaits transport. Dasko-JDM Direct arrange delivery to your location in Ireland or any EU country, ensuring everything is done safely and efficiently.
When you import with Dasko JDM Direct, we offer a complete, hassle-free service, right through to delivering your vehicle with a valid NCT, fully road-legal and ready to drive.
Once you accept the terms and we agree on the price, everything is clearly outlined and final. From start to finish, you can rely on us for transparency, professionalism, and a fully managed experience. There are no hidden charges or surprise fees.
7. Tuning, Mods & Final Touches (Optional)
Whether you want it stock, street-ready, or track-built, we've got you. Before registration, we can carry out performance tuning, mechanical upgrades, or full detailing, either at source in Japan, right here in Ireland, or at a trusted facility in another EU state.
Need a custom exhaust, ECU remap, coilovers, or JDM aero? We're all in. From subtle upgrades to full-on builds, we treat every car like it's our own. For us, it's more than just a service. It's the fun part. Let us know your vision and we'll help bring it to life.
8. Registration, VRT & NCT (Fully Handled)
Once your vehicle arrives, we take care of all the legal and compliance requirements to ensure it's fully road-legal in Ireland, or elsewhere in the EU, if needed.
This includes:
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Vehicle registration
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VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) assessment and payment
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Import duties and VAT (where applicable)
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Submission of all necessary paperwork and revenue declarations
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Preparation for the NCT, including basic checks and documentation
While we fully handle all of these steps on your behalf, please note that VRT, import duties, VAT, NCT prep, and related costs are not included in the initial quoted price. The initial price we provide covers:
The cost of the vehicle
Includes the auction hammer price (if applicable), auction house fees, and export charges from Japan.-
Customs clearance support
Assistance with all necessary documentation and coordination for clearing customs upon arrival in Ireland or another EU country. Secure holding yard storage (basic duration)
Vehicles are stored in secure holding yards in Japan before export. Up to 7 days storage time is included in the price. Extended storage, if required, may incur a small additional fee (which will be communicated in advance).-
Transport & Shipping (Japan to Ireland/EU)
This is a major part of the total cost and includes several stages:-
Moving the vehicle from the auction house or seller to the export yard can involve hundreds of kilometres and must be done by licensed carriers.
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Storage and handling in secure export yards includes fees for temporary storage, inspections, and customs prep.
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Ocean freight, usually via RoRo (roll-on/roll-off) or container shipping. Pricing depends on vehicle size, port availability, and seasonal factors.
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Unloading fees, documentation processing, and port storage at the arrival point in Ireland or another EU country.
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Getting your car from the port to our workshop or directly to your address, includes fuel, insurance, tolls, and driver costs.
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Our service fee. This covers:
Professional sourcing through verified auctions, dealers, and private sellers
Background checks, vehicle condition reports, and translation of auction sheets
Coordination of purchase and export process
Ongoing updates and customer support throughout the process
Additionally, there are overheads and mandatory taxes involved at various stages (both in Japan and in the EU), including fuel surcharges, insurance premiums, admin charges, and customs documentation fees. These are factored into the pricing and managed on your behalf.
We will always advise you in advance on the estimated additional costs (such as VRT or taxes), so you can plan your total budget accurately. No work is carried out without your approval, and any extra services, such as repairs, servicing, or modifications are optional and quoted separately.
9. Delivery
Once all import steps are complete and your vehicle is fully prepared, we arrange delivery directly to your location in Ireland or anywhere within the EU. Every car is handed over road-ready, clean, and prepared for immediate use, including valid NCT where applicable. We'll stay in touch throughout the process so you know exactly when to expect your car.
Order Form
Preferred Features & Options
Behind the Scenes: Importing Your JDM Car
Not Ready Yet? That's OK.
Importing a car is a big decision, and we're here to make it simple, not stressful.
If you're not quite ready to place an order, feel free to reach out with questions, request advice, or just chat about what's possible. There's no pressure. We're happy to help you figure out the right car, budget, or timeline. Contact us whenever you're ready.