Two ways in.
Bid live at the Japanese auctions and pick from everything running that week, or buy something already sourced at a fixed price. Most first-time importers start by browsing the auctions, because it costs nothing to look.
Bidding at auction
Best if you want choice and the best price. You see the same 500,000+ vehicles a month the trade sees.
- 01
Register
Free. You get direct access to our Japanese auction houses so you can view, manage and place bids on vehicles.
- 02
Authenticate
New accounts start as guests, and guest bids are not treated as legitimate by the auction houses. A $1,000 deposit, in your own currency, makes your bids real. It is not a fee — it goes toward your vehicle, and it is refundable if you decide not to proceed. Applies the same way for New Zealand and Australia.
- 03
Bid
Place a bid on the car you want. We verify it and translate the auction sheet for you before the auction runs — and no bid goes on without your maximum confirmed in writing.
- 04
Payment
Win, and we issue an invoice covering the vehicle and FOB. Payment is due within 1–3 days of the invoice.
- 05
Shipment
Once payment clears we courier the import documents to you (DHL, FedEx, UPS or DMS). Shipping typically takes 3 to 4 weeks.
- 06
Receive your vehicle
Your car arrives at your destination port. You can handle compliance yourself or have Urban Imports assist — the pathway differs between New Zealand and Australia, so we confirm which one applies as part of your quote.
Fixed-price stock
Best if you’d rather not wait on auction timing. You get a quote up front, and we check the car’s real condition before anyone commits.
- 01
Quote
Tell us the car you want. We come back with a free estimated quote.
- 02
Deposit
A deposit lets us check the vehicle’s availability and real condition. Standard deposit is $1,000, in your own currency — higher for more expensive vehicles. If it fails to meet requirements and you decide not to proceed, you get a full refund.
- 03
Payment
Happy with the quote, availability and condition — we buy the vehicle.
- 04
Shipping
Import documents go out by courier and the car is allocated to a vessel. Typically 3 to 4 weeks on the water.
- 05
Receive your vehicle
Delivered to your address or compliance centre.
Not sure which suits you?
Tell us the car and where it’s going and we’ll say plainly which path makes more sense — including when the answer is “wait”.