Australian buyers look to Japan for well-kept used cars, right-hand-drive models that were never sold locally, and a very wide choice at auction. The catch is that Australia strictly controls used-car imports, so the first question is always whether the car you want is eligible at all.
Key takeaways
- Japan and Australia both drive on the left, so Japanese cars are already right-hand drive.
- You need an import approval before the car is shipped, and most everyday late-model cars do not qualify for private import.
- The usual routes are vehicles 25 years or older and models listed on the SEVS Register — check eligibility before you choose a car.
- Pay only to the exporter’s company bank account in Japan, never to a private person.
Why Japanese used cars appeal to Australian buyers
The short answer: condition, choice and history you can check.
Japan’s periodic roadworthiness inspection (called shaken) and short ownership cycles mean many used cars are well looked after. Many used cars pass through Japanese auctions, where an inspector writes an auction sheet with a grade, the mileage and a map of any damage. Our guide to reading a Japanese auction sheet explains the codes.
Japan also builds many models and trims for its home market only. For enthusiasts, that is often the main reason to import rather than buy locally.
- Right-hand drive: no conversion needed for Australian roads.
- Wide selection: from compact hybrids and people movers to luxury sedans and sports cars.
- Documented condition: auction sheets and the Japanese export certificate help you cross-check what you are buying.
What Australia’s import rules mean in practice
You cannot import just any used car into Australia. You need an import approval from the federal Department of Infrastructure, applied for online through ROVER, before the car is shipped.
For used cars bought from Japan, the main pathways are:
- Older vehicles: cars built more than 25 years ago can usually be imported under the older-vehicle pathway.
- SEVS Register: newer specialist and enthusiast vehicles can qualify only if that exact model and variant is listed on the Specialist and Enthusiast Vehicles (SEVS) Register. They then need compliance work before they can go on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) and be registered.
- Personal import: for people who have owned and used the car overseas; this has its own conditions.
A mainstream late-model car that is not on the SEVS Register will generally not get an approval as a private import. The car must also arrive clean (biosecurity) and free of asbestos parts.
Our full guide to importing a used car from Japan to Australia walks through each pathway, and the Australia import rules hub collects every Australia article in one place.
You can browse cars and read Autocom’s Australia information on our Australia page, or search the full stock list — but check eligibility for the exact model before you pay.
Popular Japanese models Australian buyers ask about
These are models buyers regularly enquire about. Several are recent Japanese-market cars, so treat this list as a starting point and confirm each model’s pathway first.
Compact hybrids and wagons
- Toyota Vitz Hybrid: small hatchback with a 1.5-litre hybrid system, easy to park in the city.
- Toyota Corolla Axio Hybrid and Fielder Hybrid: sedan and station wagon with a 1.5-litre hybrid; the Fielder adds a large boot.
- Honda Grace Hybrid: compact 1.5-litre hybrid sedan built for the Japanese market.
- Toyota C-HR Hybrid: compact crossover with a 1.8-litre hybrid.
Luxury sedans
- Toyota Crown: Toyota’s long-running Japanese-market sedan, including 3.5-litre V6 and 2.5-litre hybrid versions.
- Toyota Crown Majesta: the larger, more formal Crown with a 4.6-litre V8 in the S200-based generation.
- Lexus LS460: full-size luxury sedan with a 4.6-litre V8.
- Honda Legend: Honda’s flagship sedan with a V6 engine.
Vans
- Toyota Hiace: the familiar people and cargo van, including Japanese-market wagon versions.
Why Japanese luxury cars attract Australian buyers
Mostly for comfort and equipment. Japanese luxury sedans are known for quiet cabins, smooth engines and long service lives when maintained.
- Home-market trims: some Crown and Majesta versions were built mainly for Japan and were not sold new in Australia.
- Well-kept examples: some are ex-company or private cars with dealer service records, so ask whether records are available.
- Hybrid options: the Crown Hybrid pairs a luxury cabin with a petrol-electric drivetrain.
The same rule applies here: a luxury car is only worth bidding on once you know it can be imported under one of the pathways.
How to buy a Japanese used car for Australia
Work in this order so that you never pay for a car you cannot import.
- Check eligibility first. Confirm the pathway for the exact model, variant and build date, and talk to a compliance workshop if the car needs SEVS work.
- Choose the car and read its auction sheet. Ask for the full sheet and extra photos. See how buying at a Japanese auction works.
- Get your import approval before shipping. Apply through ROVER and keep the approval with your documents.
- Pay safely. Pay only by bank transfer to the exporter’s company account in Japan. Read how to verify a Japanese car exporter before you pay.
- Choose shipping. Compare Ro-Ro and container shipping, and make sure the car is cleaned for biosecurity. Ask our office for the current schedule for your port.
- Clear, comply and register. Clear customs, complete any compliance work and register the car in your state.
Frequently asked questions
Can I import any Japanese used car into Australia?
No. You need an import approval, and most late-model everyday cars do not qualify as private imports. The main routes are cars 25 years or older and models on the SEVS Register.
Do I need the import approval before the car leaves Japan?
Yes. Apply through ROVER and get the approval before the car is shipped.
Is a Toyota Aqua or Axio Hybrid eligible?
Only if that exact model and variant qualifies under a pathway, such as a listing on the SEVS Register. Check the Register or ask a compliance workshop before you buy.
Which taxes will I pay in Australia?
Imported cars attract GST and, above a threshold, Luxury Car Tax, and duty may apply depending on the car. Check current amounts with the Australian Border Force before you commit.
How do I pay Autocom safely?
By bank transfer to an account in Japan in the name “Autocom Japan Inc”, as listed on our official bank account page. Never pay a private person.
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)
- Autocom Japan: Australia import information (accessed 1 Oct 2026)
