Japan builds many practical family cars — wagons, people movers and vans with sliding doors and flexible seats. For Australian families, the right choice is a car that suits your needs and can also be legally imported under Australia’s rules, so check eligibility first.
Key takeaways
- Australia needs an import approval before shipping, and most recent everyday cars do not qualify as private imports.
- Older people movers and vans, 25 years or more, can use the older-vehicle pathway; newer models need a SEVS Register listing for that exact variant.
- Wagons like the Corolla Fielder and people movers like the Estima and Hiace are classic Japanese family cars.
- Pay only to the exporter’s company bank account in Japan.
Start with eligibility, not the model
You can only import a used car into Australia if it fits a pathway and you hold an import approval before it is shipped.
- Built more than 25 years ago: the older-vehicle pathway. This opens up older Japanese people movers and vans.
- SEVS Register: a newer car must be listed on the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles Register as that exact model and variant, then complied before registration.
- Personal import: for people who have owned and used the car overseas.
Our guide to importing a used car from Japan to Australia covers each pathway in detail, and the Australia import rules hub lists all our Australia articles.
Japanese family cars worth knowing
These are well-known Japanese family models. The notes are general model facts — confirm eligibility for the exact car before you bid.
Toyota Estima (first generation)
The egg-shaped people mover sold in Japan from 1990, with seven or eight seats. First-generation cars are now old enough to be considered under the 25-year route. See Toyota Estima stock.
Toyota Hiace
A durable van used around the world, available in Japan as a passenger wagon as well as a cargo van. Older generations can suit large families or small groups. Ask our office which Hiace wagons are available.
Toyota Corolla Fielder
The Japanese-market Corolla station wagon, including 1.5-litre hybrid versions from 2013. Its long, flat load area suits prams, sports gear and luggage. See Toyota Fielder stock.
Toyota Alphard, Noah and Voxy
Sliding-door people movers with seven or eight seats, from the large, luxurious Alphard to the mid-size Noah and Voxy twins. Check SEVS status carefully for these newer models. Browse Alphard, Noah and Voxy stock.
Honda Grace Hybrid
A compact 1.5-litre hybrid sedan launched in Japan in late 2014, with a roomy rear seat for a small family. See Honda Grace stock.
Toyota Crown
Toyota’s long-running Japanese-market sedan, with a spacious rear seat and a smooth, quiet ride for long trips. See Toyota Crown stock.
What to check on a family car from Japan
Focus on the things a family relies on every day.
- Seats and doors: test that sliding doors, seat rails and folding mechanisms are listed as working, and ask for interior photos.
- Auction sheet: check the grade, mileage and damage map. Our auction sheet guide explains the codes.
- Rust underneath: older vans and people movers can have corrosion; ask for underbody photos.
- Asbestos and cleanliness: older cars can have asbestos-containing parts, which Australia prohibits, and every car must arrive clean for biosecurity.
How to buy a family car from Japan
- Confirm the pathway for the exact model, variant and build date.
- Apply for your import approval through ROVER before shipping.
- Choose the car and review the auction sheet, photos and export certificate details.
- Pay only by bank transfer to the exporter’s company account in Japan — read how to verify an exporter before you pay.
- Choose Ro-Ro or container shipping, then clear, comply and register the car. Ask our office for the current schedule for your port.
You can contact our head office in Yokohama, which serves Australian buyers, through Autocom’s Australia page.
Frequently asked questions
Which Japanese family cars can I import to Australia?
Cars 25 years or older under the older-vehicle pathway, or newer models whose exact variant is on the SEVS Register. Check before you buy.
Is an old Estima or Hiace a good family car?
They can be, if the condition is good. Check rust, seats, sliding doors and service history, and budget for a full check after arrival.
Can I import a recent Alphard or Noah?
Only if that exact model and variant qualifies, for example through a SEVS Register listing. Ask a compliance workshop before you bid.
How do I pay for the car?
By bank transfer to the exporter’s company account in Japan. Autocom’s accounts are listed on its official bank account page, with the beneficiary “Autocom Japan Inc”.
Sources
- Department of Infrastructure: ROVER — Road Vehicle Regulator (accessed 1 Oct 2026)
- Department of Infrastructure: Importing a vehicle (accessed 1 Oct 2026)
- Australian Border Force: Importing a motor vehicle (accessed 1 Oct 2026)
