Frequently Asked Questions
We know you probably have a lot of questions, and we have answers! From purchase to delivery, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
How much does this cost?
With RHD and Import, the importation process has no mark ups. When we buy from auction or exporter inventory, the costs are as follows:
– Exporter fee is $450 or 5%, whichever is greater.
– Auction fees and inland transport are $1,000.
– Shipping to your nearest port is between $1,700 and $1,900 for coupes and $2,100 to $2,300 for sedans. Shipping is priced by the auto liner and is subject to change.
– Our fee is $1,450 for 25-year-old, legal cars and $1,650 for cars that will need to be stored until they meet the 25-year federal rule.
– Storage is $120 per month, which can be paid monthly or in full.
– Exporter inventory will not have the auction fees and inland transport fees.
– Fees that are not included in our price include customs clearance, which is $180 to $220, and customs broker fees, which are based on the price of the car and estimated between $400 and $1,400.
How long does the process take?
The process from time of purchase takes between 2 and 3 months depending on how far out on inland transport availability and how long it takes to get a spot on the next roll-on roll-off auto liner.
Can you inspect cars at auction before purchasing them?
Yes we can, but only at USS Tokyo, USS Yokohama, and CAA Tokyo auctions.
Do you offer financing?
At this time we do not offer financing, but Light Stream and Affirm will finance RHD cars.
Do you offer port pick up and registration services?
Yes we do. We will charge the current fuel cost for the trip's fuel consumption to the port in Jacksonville, Florida and back, which is 900 miles. We will also charge an $800 fee for the time to go pick the car up from the port and registering. You will be responsible for the registration and title costs at the DMV, which varies depending on the cost of the car. We can then have the car transported to you for a fee or you can pick the car up from us in Mobile, Alabama.
How does the process work for 25-year legal cars?
The process starts when we send you our purchase contract. Once the contract is filled out and signed, we will take a deposit before bidding on cars over $10,000. Cars under $10,000 will not require a deposit, but will still need a contract filled out. Once the car is won, we will invoice you. Then you will have 5 business days to make half payment. Once we receive the half payment, we will then book the auto liner for export and have you work directly with our customs broker. When we get the car on the ship, we will send you the tracking information and a website to track the ship live. When the car is a week out from port, we will invoice you for the other half payment. Once the invoice is paid in full, the exporter will mail all the paperwork and the export certificate/title directly to you via DHL. Once you receive the paperwork from the exporter you will need to pay the customs clearance, which is between $180 and $200. You will sign your first sheet original bill of lading form and send the paper and check to Hoegh Auto Liners. Then the car will be unloaded at the port for you to pick up. Depending on your port, they may or may not require a TWIC card. If they do not require a TWIC card, you will need a reflective vest. If they require a TWIC card, you can hire an escort to get your car out of the port. You can call the port to get a list of escorts, or we can assist with this. Once the car has been picked up and before you head to the DMV you will need to pay the customs broker. They will give you the customs release form once the invoice is paid in full. Then you can register the car.
We will help you through the whole process, even registering and titling.
How does the process work for cars that do not yet meet the 25-year federal rule?
The process starts when we send you our purchase contract. Once the contract is filled out and signed, we will take a deposit before bidding on cars over $10,000. Cars under $10,000 will not require a deposit, but will still need contract filled out. Once the car is won we will invoice you. Then you will have 5 business days to make full payment. Once we receive the full payment, we will put your vehicle in storage and you can pay monthly or in full for storage. Once the car is near being 25-year-legal (it will be 25 years old by the time it lands in the U.S.), we will then book the auto liner for export and get you in contact with our customs broker. From this point forward, everything proceeds as it would with a 25-year legal vehicle!
Am I able to go to Japan to see my car in storage?
Yes, you can! Your car will be stored in Tokyo, Japan at the exporter's yard, and you can see it during business hours.