When importing a used vehicle from Japan, especially a Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) model, it's essential to manually check for any outstanding manufacturer recalls, as these vehicles aren’t always tracked by local recall systems. To do this, locate the vehicle’s chassis number, then visit the official Japanese recall website for the car’s manufacturer—most of which are in Japanese but can be translated using browser tools. Enter the chassis number carefully to get accurate results, and look for signs of completed recall work like stickers or paint marks. 

When trying to insure a Japanese import, many buyers find that comparison websites can't identify their vehicle correctly—or at all. This is because most UK insurers rely on ABI codes and insurance group ratings, which are only assigned to vehicles officially sold new in the UK. Japanese imports often lack these identifiers, leading to confusion in automated systems.

To properly insure a Japanese import, it's best to bypass comparison sites and speak directly with a specialist broker familiar with imported vehicles. These brokers assess risk manually and can provide accurate, competitive quotes. The article also lists a few well-regarded specialist insurers based on positive customer feedback.

Are Parts Hard to Find for Japanese Imports? Not at all! Most service and maintenance parts for Japanese imports are easy to source. Simply use your vehicle's chassis number on websites like partsouq.com to find part numbers, then order from local dealers or online suppliers. Many parts are compatible with UK models, saving you money. For harder-to-find items, trusted suppliers like Amayama, Roger Clark Motorsport, Import Car Parts, and Cox Motor Parts can help. Body panels and glass may be trickier, but owners' communities often have leads on used parts. If you’ve bought a car from us and need help, just get in touch—we’re happy to assist!