What do car.importers.org.uk do?
In partnership with Bonsaicars.com©, we display full details online of available cars from Japan (Auction cars and Stock cars) with high levels of specification details, accurate pricing and all this with plenty of time for interested clients to research and decide to buy or bid through bonsaicars.com. We do not show all available models, simply a handful of models that we have selected and feel are most in demand in the UK. Further we endeavour to assist any clients with any specific criteria to help find them a car that matches their requirements in a timely manner and at the best price - Contact us with your needs. We do not directly charge clients for displaying this information.

Once you have selected a car in which you may be interested, simply complete the Report Request Form on the "More Info" page and bonsaicars.com will get a qualified mechanic in Japan to examine the car and confirm what is written on the auction sheet which will be uploaded for your viewing. If you are interested in bidding at this stage please use the "Call me back" link on the form. Someone from bonsaicars.com will then contact you to discuss your bid. Bidding in Japan will be conducted on your behalf. If bidding is successful, bonsaicars.com will arrange all aspects of the exportation process from Japan –such details as de-registration, docking etc) and the importation to the UK (shipping, import duty in the UK, VAT and SVA where applicable), all within an agreed budget.

What are the risks involved? (from Bonsaicars.com FAQ)
One of our major selling points is that through using our system, developed over several years, risk is practically eradicated. Removing the element of risk is key to our role to the private individual or smaller dealer who might opt for our service. You know what you are buying, you are not taking an importer’s word for it. You will have access to a properly organized system superior to the vast majority of systems from which your local importer would buy his cars. And we are here throughout the process to answer any and all queries

How do I know what I am buying? (from Bonsaicars.com FAQ)
Prior to purchase you have photographs and an auction report as well as an independent mechanic’s report and a thorough description of any imperfections on the bodywork. The tyres are rated, as are the interior, the general condition, the mechanics and the major mechanical parts. At this point the mileage is warranted and cross checked on an HPI equivalent system in Japan. If there are any discrepancies whatsoever, the kilometrage (mileage) is marked by a ? and thus the mileage is not warranted. All cars auctioned in Japan are put through a rigorous grading system and graded from 5 to 2. 5 - going from perfect and as new down in ½ increments, 4.5 being excellent overall condition, UK showroom equivalent, (very low mileage). Grade 4 is a car in very good condition with low mileage.and so on, we recommend only buying grade 3.5 and above.

What sort of details can I expect to see? (from Bonsaicars.com FAQ)
All vehicles that we purchase for customers are inspected first by the auction house and later by one of our qualified mechanics prior to bidding. You can expect to see photographs, bird's eye view body work reports down to the smallest scratch, thorough evaluation of condition by grading then a translation of mechanics report and final check before bidding ensues.

To whom will I send payment? (from Bonsaicars.com FAQ)
Payment is to be sent to the Auction Clearing House Agent directly. As soon as the Telegraphic transfer (T.T.) arrives in the Japanese account, the deregistration process and export begins.

How can I be sure it is going to a trustworthy company? (from Bonsaicars.com FAQ)
Japan Bank References are available.
Shipping Company References (YuwAutotrade Ltd Southampton)
Maritime and Custom Agents References (ITS Maritime Ltd Southampton)
Large pool of Satisfied Customers for references.

What about shipping of the vehicle(s)?
Shipping takes place from the ports of Nagoya or Osaka, and the vast majority of our cars are shipped to Southampton, though we can also ship to other UK ports if need be. Our links are strongest with Southampton port vis-à-vis SVA etc.

Who will handle Shipment, Tax and VAT?
Bonsaicars.com will handle all aspects of the importation, Shipping is handled by our choice shipping line which is usually YuWAutotrade, Southampton.

Will I be allowed to drive the vehicle in the UK?
All vehicles we source will evidently be eligible to conform to UK type approval, be it through SVA if the car is under 10yrs old or otherwise - MOT for all cars - we can advise and help with the best options according to your requirements. Contact us or bonsaicars.com to discuss any compliance concerns.

How long will it all take?(from Bonsaicars.com FAQ)
Once a bid has been made, if successful, as soon as the Japanese segment of the payment (net of UK taxes and shipping) is received, the cars will be deregistered within 7 days and further shipping to the UK takes approx 5-6 weeks, subject to available shipping spaces. If the car requires SVA then it will take a further 10 days or so before registration is finalised. Cars over 10 yrs do not require SVA only an MOT. (Japanese cars require only a rear fog light to be fitted to pass UK MOTs.)

How can I be sure that the car will not have been crashed? (from Bonsaicars.com FAQ)
Cars are graded, therefore non grade R cars have never had any form of accident. Grade R can represent fantastic value for money, our mechanics know the full history of the car and will know if a car has had a minor shunt in its life, a little accident or a bad crasht. Though all R grade cars are fully repaired, we will not bid on cars which have at some point in their lives had serious accidents.

How can I insure that the car will not have been stolen? (from Bonsaicars.com FAQ)
All cars bought into the UK from Japan require Interpol checks on the Chassis numbers. We only deal with the auction houses directly and have never in 5 yrs had any issues regarding stolen cars

What about parts? (from Bonsaicars.com FAQ)
Japanese import spare parts are in plentiful supply in the UK and in many cases are considerably cheaper than UK sourced cars. The majority of parts are interchangeable with most models but please do get in contact if you have a particular query as we liaise with many of the import clubs and may be able to help.

Will I be able to get insurance?
Most insurance companies now quote for Japanese imports. Please find below a list of some that we recommend: Adrian Flux, Tesco, Priviledge, Bell Direct. Please contact us if you require advice.

Do you offer warranties? (from Bonsaicars.com FAQ)
Yes, we are agents for Warranty Wise and offer warranties on all Japanese imports, prices are very competitive with a wide choice of cover, including MOT insurance and tyre insurance. Contact bonsaicars.com for a warranty.

Will you take my current car as Part Exchange? (from Bonsaicars.com FAQ)
As a rule, we do not accept part exchanges, though if you have a Japanese import which we can sell as part of our net of services, then we are happy of offer the value for which we can source your part/ex in Japan

I am interested but not yet convinced, how do I proceed?
Please request a Call back, email us for more info or for an informal chat, we are here to help!

What are the costs involved?
The estimated price shown is an accurate gauge of the all inclusive price. Simply establish a ceiling for your budget and stick to it. Advise the bonsaicars.com agent of this budget.

For Bonsaicars.com Costings see here (Options and Costs)

How big a saving can I expect?
Your car will be sourced cheaper than any equivalent car physically in the UK, depending on the choice of car 15-35% or more is realistic with up to 45% possible, for a better quality car. Large savings are to be had, have a look, it costs nothing to find out.

How can I access these cars?
Simply click home and select your model of choice. If it not yet a model for which we cater, you will be forwarded to our partner site Bonsaicars.com.