Kei Truck Import Guide 2026: Legal States, 25-Year Rule, Cost & Best Models
By Dmitriy Shibarshin on September 15, 2026 at 1:47 PM
About $7,500 gets a running 2000 Daihatsu Hijet from a Japanese auction to the door of our Richmond, California warehouse, duty paid. That figure surprises most first-time buyers in both directions. The truck itself costs less than they expect. The 25% duty and the state registration …
How Much Does It Cost to Import a Car from Japan to the US in 2026?
By Alex Naumov on September 15, 2026 at 3:29 AM
Updated September 15, 2026 to reflect the Section 301 duties that replaced the 10% surcharge on July 24, 2026, the 15% Section 232 rate on modern Japanese cars, and the 2001 model year entering the 25-year window. A 25-year-old JDM classic clears US customs at 12.5% duty in 2026. A mo …
JDM SUV vs Sports Car Import: How the Process and Costs Differ
By Alex Naumov on April 10, 2026 at 12:49 PM
The 25-year rule applies equally to a 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R and a 1999 Nissan Patrol. On paper, the legal framework is the same. In practice, the financial exposure, shipping logistics, compliance pathway, and registration experience can be dramatically different depending on which …
Mitsubishi Delica Space Gear Import Guide: Japan's Adventure Van
By Alex Naumov on April 10, 2026 at 12:39 PM
The Delica Space Gear fills a gap in the American vehicle market that no new vehicle currently addresses: a full-height passenger van with genuine four-wheel drive, a front-mounted engine, and enough interior space to sleep two adults without a tent. If you are already in love with th …
Importing Japanese 4x4s and Off-Road Vehicles: Complete Guide
By Alex Naumov on April 10, 2026 at 12:27 PM
Japan's domestic 4x4 market produced vehicles that the US never officially received, not because they were inferior, but because American buyer preferences and Japanese domestic engineering priorities diverged sharply during the years these trucks were built. The result is a category …
Importing JDM SUVs and Trucks to the USA: Models and Use Cases
By Alex Naumov on April 10, 2026 at 12:20 PM
The JDM import market spent decades dominated by sports cars, Skylines, Supras, NSXs and that era is not over. But something has shifted. A growing share of buyers looking at JDM cars are moving past the coupes and toward the trucks, vans, and 4x4s that Japan built for its own domesti …
Cheapest Way To Import A Car From Japan: 4 Proven Strategies
By Alex Naumov on March 17, 2026 at 11:06 AM
Cheap is relative when you are shipping a car across the Pacific. The goal is not to cut every possible corner, but to make smart decisions that lower your total spend while staying compliant and protecting the car you just bought.
Is Importing a Car from Japan Worth It in 2026? Honest Cost Guide
By Alex Naumov on March 17, 2026 at 11:02 AM
Importing a car from Japan in 2026 can still be a smart move, but only in specific situations where rarity, condition, and long‑term value justify the extra cost and complexity. In other cases, a similar car already in the US will be cheaper, faster, and less stressful to own.
Can I Buy a Car in Japan and Bring It to the US?
By Alex Naumov on March 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Buying a car in Japan and bringing it back to the United States is not only possible in 2026, it is something US buyers are doing every week with the right shipping partner and plan.
Import a Car from Japan to the US: 2026 Costs & Strategies
By Alex Naumov on March 17, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Buying a car in Japan and importing it to the United States is absolutely possible in 2026. Many US buyers do it every month, from private enthusiasts chasing JDM legends to dealers building inventory.