Lexus
Performance
IS / TRD · IS F · IS500 · RC F · GS F · LC500
Saloon & luxury
IS350 · GS350 · LS · RX
Japanese car discovery for UK buyers.
JDM cars.
Made clearer.
Explore Japanese cars, model guides, auction insights and practical UK import information before deciding what to source.
01 / EXPLORE JDM CARS
Find your
kind of Japan.
Start with a maker, then compare the models and specifications that suit how you actually drive.
Toyota
Performance icons
Supra A80 · GR Supra · AE86 · Chaser JZX100 · GR Yaris · GR86
Daily & family
Crown · Alphard · Vellfire · Land Cruiser · HiAce
Honda
Performance icons
NSX · S2000 · Civic Type R · Integra Type R · CR-Z
Daily & family
Fit RS · Stepwgn · Odyssey · N-BOX
Nissan
GT-R lineage
Skyline GT-R R32 · R33 · R34 · Nissan GT-R R35
More Nissan icons
Silvia S13 / S14 / S15 · 180SX · Fairlady Z · Stagea · Elgrand
Subaru
Performance
Impreza WRX STI · WRX S4 · BRZ · Legacy B4
Daily & touring
Levorg · Forester · Outback · Exiga
Mazda
Performance icons
RX-7 FD · RX-8 · Roadster (MX-5) · Eunos Cosmo · Autozam AZ-1
Daily & touring
Axela (Mazda3) · Atenza (Mazda6) · CX-5
Mitsubishi
Performance icons
Lancer Evolution I–X · Galant VR-4 · GTO · FTO · Colt Ralliart
Utility & 4x4
Delica D:5 · Pajero · Pajero Mini · Outlander PHEV
Suzuki
Small legends
Jimny · Swift Sport · Alto Works · Cappuccino · Escudo
Kei & family
Hustler · Wagon R · Spacia · Every
Model photographs: Pexels License; individual photographers and source links appear when you enlarge an image. Lexus IS / TRD reference visuals: TRD Japan via Lexus Enthusiast.
02 / STOCK VS TUNED
Same car.
Different character.
A 2017 Lexus IS with TRD F SPORT parts shows how carefully chosen details change the look. Start with the factory car, then judge each modification on its own merits.
TRD reference renders, published by Lexus Enthusiast in 2016. They illustrate the kit, not a photographed owner vehicle.
FACTORY BASELINE
Know the starting point.
Document the exact trim, wheels, suspension and exhaust before comparing a modified example. The factory specification gives you a clear reference for condition, parts and insurance.
AFTER MODIFICATIONS
Look past the appearance.
Check which aero, wheels and exhaust parts are actually fitted, how they were installed and whether the changes are recorded. A TRD-style image alone cannot verify a specific car's specification.
WATCH / HEAR THE DIFFERENCE
Stock exhaust.
Then modified.
A separate 2017 IS350 is used in this video to compare its original exhaust with a Remark axle-back. It demonstrates one change in sound, not the performance or equipment of the car pictured above.
Video: Miko 3IS / YouTube
Video unavailable? Watch on YouTube.
03 / POPULAR MODELS
The shortlist
starts here.
From an understated saloon to tuner icons. These are models to research, not a live stock list.
LEXUS / SPORTS SALOON
IS F SPORT + TRD
See what the styling parts change. Verify the actual engine, trim and fitted parts on any individual car.
NISSAN / GT-R ICON
Skyline GT-R R34
Study the chassis code, history and originality before comparing prices.
TOYOTA / SPORTS CAR
Supra A80
Know the engine, transmission and modification history of the specific car.
HONDA / HOT HATCH
Civic Type R
Compare generations and inspect how any suspension, wheel or engine changes were carried out.
MAZDA / ROTARY COUPE
RX-7 FD
Condition, maintenance and the quality of past work matter more than headline power.
MITSUBISHI / RALLY-BRED
Lancer Evolution
Pin down the generation, drivetrain condition and any tuning history.
Lexus IS350
V6 saloon, specification and costs.
Honda Fit RS / CR-Z
Compact, distinctive daily drivers.
Toyota Crown
Generations, powertrains and trim.
Toyota Alphard
Space, seating and equipment.
Honda Stepwgn
Family practicality and layout.
Nissan Elgrand / GT-R R35
Two different paths through the Nissan range.
Image sources and licences appear in each enlarged photo. Examples are for model research and do not represent cars available for sale.
04 / BUYING GUIDES
Buy with your
eyes open.
Start with the questions that make a real difference to a UK buyer.
01 / LEXUSIs an IS350 worth importing to the UK?
Compare the exact Japanese specification with UK alternatives before you judge the purchase price. Then check the individual car, not just the model.
- Confirm year, trim, mileage and service evidence.
- Read condition notes and inspect photographs alongside the auction grade.
- Price shipping, taxes, UK preparation and registration before deciding.
02 / HONDAHonda Fit RS: what should you check?
Fit RS cars vary by year, transmission and equipment. A Mugen badge or body kit is not proof of a particular factory grade.
- Verify the model code, specification and fitted parts.
- Review maintenance, accident notes and any modifications.
- Check how the car's condition and UK costs compare with the alternatives.
03 / TOYOTAToyota Crown generations, explained.
“Crown” covers very different saloons across many generations. Settle on the generation, engine and equipment you want before searching for an individual car.
- Compare size, powertrain and cabin equipment.
- Check parts and insurance questions for the exact variant.
- Keep a separate budget for import and UK preparation.
04 / OWNERSHIPJDM vs UK specification: what changes?
Japan-market features can be part of the appeal, but they deserve a practical check before purchase.
- Look at instruments, lighting, media and navigation.
- Confirm insurance, servicing and parts for the exact vehicle.
- Check the applicable UK approval and registration route early.
05 / JAPAN AUCTIONS
Read the sheet.
Then the car.
Learn how Japanese car auctions work, how grades are used and what to check before committing to a vehicle. A grade is a starting point; the notes, photos and supporting history add context.
Auction grade
Understand the summary, then look beyond it.
Sheet notes
Review written remarks and marked condition areas.
Photos & checks
Compare images, records and the car's identity.
Total budget
Plan for the complete UK landed cost, not only the bid.
06 / IMPORT TO THE UK
From Japan
to the UK.
Shipping, duty and VAT, NOVA, vehicle approval, registration and timing all affect the decision. The route depends on the individual vehicle.
Check current GOV.UK guidance- 01
Shipping & export
Confirm the export paperwork, shipping method, insurance and arrival arrangements.
- 02
Duty & VAT
Include any applicable customs duty, VAT and handling charges in the budget.
- 03
NOVA
Check how the arrival is reported to HMRC before UK registration.
- 04
MOT / IVA
Check which roadworthiness and vehicle approval steps apply to this particular car.
- 05
DVLA
Allow for registration, documents, insurance and number plates.
- 06
Landed cost & timelines
Add the car, shipping, taxes and UK preparation to a single estimate, with room for delays.
FOUND A CAR YOU WANT?
Take the next step
with Japan Motor Hub.
Research the model here. When you are ready to source an individual car, Japan Motor Hub can help with the buying and import conversation.
Source with Japan Motor Hub