I've been watching the Japanese auctions and dealership prices for a while now and it's hard not to notice how many once affordable cars are becoming increasingly difficult to buy at once sensible money, now because of the US entering the market on many of the older cars, theres a noticeable premium for anything hovering around the 25 year mark.

Whether it's an EK9, Evo, Impreza, RX7, Skyline, Supra or something completely different, the values for many sought after Japanese cars have changed dramatically over the last few years.

If you could import one car tomorrow, what would it be and why?

Are there any models you think are still undervalued, if so what do you think is a bargain still?

I'm always interested to hear what everyone is watching in the auctions and what you think could be the next big thing.

These two grey R35 GT Rs were getting plenty of attention over the weekend.

One has been built by Litchfield and is producing around 600 bhp sitting on OEM Nismo Alloys, while the other sits perfectly on a stunning set of custom billet wheels made specifically for the owner by 6AD. Two very different builds but both equally as amazing.

I spotted this Suzuki Jimny over the weekend at Big Bear Kustoms in Daventry and I honestly think it’s one of the best looking Jimnys I’ve seen.

It’s been transformed with the DAMD Little Delta body kit, giving it that classic Lancia Integrale look while still keeping all of the charm and capability that makes the Jimny so popular. Every panel has been painted to perfection and the quality of the finish is exactly what you’d expect from a proper Big Bear Kustoms paintjob.

The entire build has been completed by my friend Chris at Big Bear Kustoms. All of the paintwork has been carried out in house, including the rally inspired stripe which has been painted rather than wrapped. It’s those little details that really make the difference and show just how much care has gone into the project.

The white OZ Racing wheels are the perfect finishing touch and make it look ready to take on a fast rally stage. They completely change the character of the car and give it a proper retro rally car feel without looking over the top.

Spent Saturday morning at the Big Bear Kustoms coffee morning in Daventry and it was well worth the trip.

There was a fantastic mix of cars on display, from some beautifully kept Nissan Silvias and a Skyline. The atmosphere was brilliant with plenty of owners happy to chat about their cars over a coffee.

I managed to grab a few of my favourite photos from the morning, so I thought I’d share them here.

Spotted going through the Tokyo auctions on Thursday.

A This one's definitely lived a life. It's a R grade car with previous accident history, decent options, Spoon front brake calipers, a Cusco RS LSD, front strut brace and a few other modifications. The auction sheet also notes an engine overhaul with 81 mm pistons and an 87.4 mm stroke, so it's certainly an interesting one.

The auction starts at just ¥700,000, but these EK9s rarely follow the guide price. Even high mileage cars continue to attract plenty of attention because clean, original EK9s are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

Auction Start Price

🇯🇵 ¥700,000

🇦🇪 17,500

🇬🇧 £3,200

🇺🇸 $4,700

🇪🇺 €4,100

🇦🇺 $6,500

Here's a brand new 2025 Porsche 911 S/T with the Heritage Design Package and only 28 km (17 miles) on the clock.

This is one of the hardest modern Porsches to get hold of right now and finding one with delivery miles about as good as it gets.

The auction sheet confirms it's a Grade 5 with an A grade interior and one of just 1,963 cars produced worldwide. It also comes with the Front Axle Lift System, BOSE Surround Sound, Exclusive Design rear lights, Chrono Package, lightweight magnesium wheels, books, warranty pack and spare key.

Auction Start Price

🇯🇵 ¥62,000,000

🇦🇪 1,550,000

🇬🇧 £285,000

🇺🇸 $417,000

🇪🇺 €360,000

🇦🇺 AUD $570,000

I honestly can't think of many modern Porsches I'd rather own. The 911 S/T has all the ingredients that I want from a modern "classic" car, naturally aspirated power, a manual gearbox, lightweight engineering and no frills to distract you from the road.

If you're interested in buying directly from the Japanese auctions, or simply want advice on auction grades, importing or shipping costs to your country, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to help.

It would be interesting what do you think this will actually sell for?

I was looking through the listings on Autoselecta.com this morning and came across this 2001 Mazda RX 7 Type RB going through USS Tokyo on the 23rd of July.

Finished in Innocent Blue Mica with just 23,479 km (14,589 miles) on the clock, it's a Grade 4 example with a B grade interior but I wouldn't trust the mileage as theres no service history.

I thought It looked well spec'd with some decent modifications mentioned on the auction sheet.

TRUST titanium exhaust

HKS intercooler

ARC aluminium radiator

SARD sports catalytic converter

HKS F-CON ECU

Racing Gear suspension

NARDI steering wheel

Yokohama Advan alloy wheels

Additional gauges

The auction inspector has noted a few things worth mentioning:

Air conditioning is broken

Aftermarket bonnet and aftermarket front wings.

Rear arches have been rolled out.

Driver's seat has some wear and a small tear.

Dashboard lifting slightly.

Light surface rust underneath.

A few repaired areas around the body, which are shown on the damage diagram.

Nothing here really surprises me for a modified FD that's now 25 years old, and overall it still looks like a fantastic example with incredibly low mileage.

Auction Start Price

🇯🇵 ¥3,280,000

🇦🇪 82,000

🇬🇧 £15,000

🇺🇸 $21,000

🇪🇺 €18,000

🇦🇺 $31,000

My Guess

I think this one will sell somewhere around ¥7,000,000 to ¥7,500,000, which works out at roughly:

🇯🇵 ¥7,000,000 to ¥7,500,000

🇦🇪 175,000 to 188,000

🇬🇧 £32,000 to £34,500

🇺🇸 $47,000 to $51,000

🇪🇺 €38,000 to €41,000

🇦🇺 $66,000 to $71,000

Then again, you never really know with RX 7s. If two buyers really want it, it could quite easily go for more.

Either way, I thought it was a really cool example worth sharing.

What do you think it'll sell for?

If you're interested in buying cars directly from the Japanese auctions, or simply want some advice on auction grades, importing or shipping costs to your country, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to help.

Who's going to guess what this delivery mileage GT R will sell for?

This is about as good as it gets.

A 2025 Nissan GT R Track Edition Engineered by NISMO, finished in Pearl White, showing just 43 km from new and awarded the coveted S Grade with an A grade interior. In other words, it's exactly what you'd expect from a delivery mileage car with no damage or previous ownership.

These are becoming increasingly difficult to buy, especially now that production has officially come to an end. Low mileage examples are already proving to be incredibly strong investments, and I can't see values doing anything other than climbing over the coming years.

Auction Details

Auction House: USS Tokyo

Auction Date: 23 July 2026

Year: 2025

Model: Nissan GT R Track Edition Engineered by NISMO

Mileage: 43 km (27 miles)

Engine: 3.8 litre Twin Turbo V6

Transmission: 6 Speed Dual Clutch

Drive: Four Wheel Drive

Colour: Pearl White (QAB)

Auction Grade: S

Interior Grade: A

Starting Price: ¥16,500,000

Factory Specification

MY25 Final Model

BOSE premium sound system

Factory navigation

Television

Reverse camera

ETC

RECARO carbon bucket seats

20 inch forged alloy wheels

Factory floor mats

Cruise control

LED headlights

Rear privacy glass

Paddle shift transmission

Locking wheel nuts

Auction Condition

There's very little to say, which is exactly what you want to see.

The car has been awarded an S Grade, meaning it is effectively a new vehicle with delivery mileage and no recorded damage or repairs.

The inspection report contains no condition remarks, and the damage diagram is completely blank.

I've also included the underbody photographs, simply to show people what a genuine delivery mileage Japanese car looks like underneath. This is one of the reasons I enjoy buying through USS auctions. Around 90% of the cars are photographed underneath, giving buyers confidence that there are no hidden surprises.

Starting Price

🇯🇵 ¥16,500,000

🇦🇪 AED 413,000

🇬🇧 £78,300

🇺🇸 USD $106,000

🇪🇺 EUR €91,500

🇦🇺 AUD $162,000

My Guess

I don't think this will stay anywhere near the starting price.

Delivery mileage examples with an S Grade don't come around very often, especially now production has ended. Add in the fact is Track Edition and I think this one will attract plenty of attention when it goes through on Thursday.

My prediction is the hammer price will be somewhere between:

¥18.8 million and ¥19.2 million (around £86,000 to £88,000).

Even after shipping, import duty and taxes, I still think these represent fantastic value considering you're buying one of the very last brand new R35 GT Rs ever built. Personally, I think they're only heading in one direction over the next decade.

What do you think this one will make when it goes through USS Tokyo on Thursday?

If you're thinking about importing a car from Japan, whether it's a GT R, Skyline, Evo, Porsche or something completely different, feel free to reach out. I've been sourcing vehicles from around the world for over 20 years and I'm always happy to help explain the auction process, translate auction sheets and guide people through buying directly from Japan. Even if you're just looking for advice, don't hesitate to ask. 🇯🇵

Who thinks this Tommy Mäkinen Edition is going to break the ¥10 million mark next Saturday?

This is one of the best looking Evolution VI Tommy Mäkinen Editions I've seen come through the Japanese auctions recently with its awesome livery.

Finished in Scotia White wearing the Puma WRC-inspired graphics, it looks exactly how a TME should. It also has some tasteful period upgrades without losing what makes these cars so special.

The car went through auction today with a starting price of ¥4,000,000 and bidding climbed all the way to ¥9,660,000, but it failed to meet reserve, meaning it'll be heading back through the auction again on Saturday 25th July.

Personally, I think the reserve is probably sitting around the ¥10,000,000 mark, which would make perfect sense in today's market.

Auction Details

Auction House: Kyushu

Auction Date: 25 July 2026

Year: 2000

Model: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommy Mäkinen Edition

Mileage: 62,846 km (39,050 miles)

Transmission: 5 Speed Manual

Colour: Scotia White (W83)

Auction Grade: 4

Interior Grade: B

Previous Highest Bid: ¥9,660,000

Reserve: Not Met

Factory Features

The auction sheet confirms the car still retains many desirable original components including:

Original Recaro seats

Original MOMO steering wheel

Original Momo gear knob

Original 300 km/h rally speedometer

Original TME front grille

Original fog lamps

Original suspension

Original aluminium bonnet

VALDI SPORT carbon rear wing with ECU upgrade

Service book included

Inspector's Remarks

Overall the car presents very well with a solid Grade 4 / B Interior.

The inspector notes:

Interior has light dirt and minor scratches.

Steering wheel shows light wear.

Small exterior scratches.

Minor surface rust underneath around the lower seams.

The damage diagram shows only light cosmetic marks, including:

A1 light scratches

Minor paint touch ups

One replaced panel noted

Nothing unusual stands out for a 25 year old Evolution VI and it appears to be an honest example.

Current Market

Highest bid achieved:

🇯🇵 ¥9,660,000

🇬🇧 £45,800

🇺🇸 $62,000

🇪🇺 €53,500

🇦🇪 AED 228,000

🇦🇺 AUD $95,000

My Guess

I think this one came incredibly close today.

My feeling is that the reserve is around £47,500, so I wouldn't be surprised if it sells next Saturday somewhere between £47,500 and £50,000.

What do you think?

Was the seller right to hold out for more, or would you have taken the ¥9,660,000 (£45,800) that was on the table today?

If anyone is interested in bidding on this Tommy Mäkinen Edition or would like to know what it would cost to ship to the USA, UK, Australia, Europe or anywhere else, please feel free to drop me a message. I'm always happy to explain how the Japanese auction process works, estimate shipping costs and help people understand the total landed cost before they bid.

This is exactly the sort of Porsche that you need to start trying to buy before the prices get out of hand.

2003 Porsche 911 Carrera 4S finished in Speed Yellow with a Cream leather interior isn't something you see every day, especially with just42,817 km (26,604 miles) on the clock. Add in a complete service history, three original keys, and an original dealer book pack, and you've got a very desirable 996.

It's a Tiptronic which won't be everyone's first choice and the C interior grade suggests the cabin has seen some good use. But Speed Yellow is one of Porsche's most sought after colours (in my opinion) and low mileage examples with this history don't come up very often.

Auction Details

Auction House: USS Tokyo

Auction Date: 23 July 2026

Lot Number: 75215

Year: 2003

Model: Porsche 911 Carrera 4S (996)

Engine: 3.6 litre Flat Six

Transmission: Tiptronic Automatic

Drive: Four Wheel Drive

Mileage: 42,817 km (26,604 miles)

Colour: Speed Yellow

Interior: Cream Leather

Steering: Left Hand Drive

Auction Grade: 4

Interior Grade: C

Starting Price: ¥3,200,000

Factory Equipment

All leather interior

Red brake calipers

Alcantara headlining

Aftermarket navigation system

BOSE sound system

ETC

Complete service book pack

Three original keys

Original owner's manuals

Inspector's Remarks

Overall the car presents well and has been given a Grade 4, with only normal age related wear noted.

The inspector has recorded:

Small split or wear to the wooden steering wheel trim.

Interior shows general dirt with wear and sagging to the seats.

Light kerbing to the alloy wheels.

Small scratches and minor dents.

Minor repaired paint ripple.

The damage diagram notes:

A3 scratch to the front bumper.

W2 repaired paint ripple on the right side.

A1 and AU1 light scratches around the body.

Minor stone chips and cosmetic age related marks.

Overall, nothing stands out as unusual for a 22 year old Carrera 4S and the inspection is exactly what you'd expect from a well used but well maintained example.

Starting Price

🇯🇵 ¥3,200,000

🇦🇪 AED 80,000

🇬🇧 GBP £16,000

🇺🇸 USD $21,700

🇪🇺 EUR €18,700

🇦🇺 AUD $33,000

My Guess

This one's a really interesting car.

The Speed Yellow paintwork, low mileage, complete history, three original keys and desirable Carrera 4S model all work heavily in its favour.

On the other hand, the Tiptronic transmission and C grade interior will probably keep a few bidders away.

My prediction is somewhere around:

£25,000 to £30,000

Which works out at approximately:

🇯🇵 ¥5,000,000 to ¥6,000,000

🇦🇪 AED 125,000 to 150,000

🇺🇸 USD $34,000 to $41,000

🇪🇺 EUR €29,000 to €35,000

🇦🇺 AUD $52,000 to $62,000

Who's up for guessing what this Speed Yellow 996 Carrera 4S will make when it crosses the block?

Would you take the Tiptronic to get such a rare colour and well documented example, or would you hold out for a manual? 💛

This has to be one of the best looking Porsche 964 Turbos I've seen come through the Japanese auctions for a long time.

Finished in a stunning metallic bronze with black split rim alloys, a wide body conversion, huge GT style rear wing and beautifully executed bodywork, this is far from your average 964 Turbo. It's one of those builds that looks like it belongs on the RWB stand at SEMA.

It's been given an Auction Grade of 4 with a B interior, which is impressive considering the level of modification.

Auction Details

Auction House: Nagoya & Hokuriku

Auction Date: 24 July 2026

Lot Number: 65002

Year: 1992

Model: Porsche 911 964 Turbo

Engine: 3.3 litre Turbo Flat Six

Transmission: 5 Speed Manual

Mileage: 33,933 km (21,085 miles)

Steering: Left Hand Drive

Colour: Metallic Bronze

Interior: Black

Auction Grade: 4

Interior Grade: B

Starting Price: ¥23,800,000

Specification

This isn't simply a modified 964 Turbo. The auction sheet lists an extensive specification including:

Wide body conversion

Large GT rear wing

Custom front bumper

Custom bonnet

Bronze metallic respray

Black alloy wheels

MOMO steering wheel

Recaro sports seats

Cargraphic performance exhaust system

Lowered suspension

I-Code performance ECU

Aftermarket suspension

Large Brembo brake conversion with drilled rotors

The inspector also notes that the modifications have been completed to a high standard and recommends inspecting the vehicle in its current condition due to the number of custom parts fitted.

Auction Inspector's Remarks

The auction sheet notes:

Dealer supplied left hand drive European specification vehicle.

Extensive aftermarket modifications.

Custom wide body conversion.

Custom bonnet and front bumper.

High quality bronze metallic paint finish.

Cargraphic exhaust fitted.

MOMO steering wheel.

Recaro seats.

I-Code ECU upgrade.

Upgraded suspension.

Large Brembo brake kit.

General advice to inspect the vehicle due to the extent of the modifications.

Minor age related stone chips and small imperfections consistent with use.

Replacement panels are noted on the bonnet, both front wings and rear engine lid, which is common on heavily modified builds and reflected in the auction diagram.

Starting Price

🇯🇵 ¥23,800,000

🇦🇪 AED 595,000

🇬🇧 GBP £119,000

🇺🇸 USD $161,000

🇪🇺 EUR €139,000

🇦🇺 AUD $245,000

My Guess

The opening price is already strong at ¥23.8 million, but I actually think it's very close to where this car will finish.

My prediction is somewhere around ¥25,000,000, which is roughly:

🇬🇧 £125,000

It's an incredibly well executed build, the mileage is exceptionally low, and finding another 964 Turbo finished to this standard would be incredibly difficult.

Who's up for guessing what this beautiful 964 Turbo will make when it crosses the block next Friday?

You certainly don't see these coming up in auction much so it will be interesting to see what it will make on the day.

1992 Lamborghini Jalpa is heading through USS Tokyo on 23rd July and represents one of the rarest Lamborghinis you'll ever find in the Japanese auctions. With just 48,205 km (29,953 miles) showing, finished in Black with a Red leather interior and paired with a 5 speed manual gated gearbox, this is exactly the sort of car collectors dream of finding in Japan.

The Jalpa was Lamborghini's final evolution of the V8 line before production ended in 1993, making it significantly rarer than many of its V12 siblings. With fewer than 420 examples ever built, opportunities to buy one at auction are incredibly scarce.

The auction has given the car an R Grade (Previously Repaired) with a C interior grade (Below Average but more than likely age related) As always with classics like this, it's important to understand why the vehicle has received an R grade rather than dismissing it immediately. The inspector's notes provide valuable context, and many collector cars receive repaired history grades after sympathetic restoration or historic repairs.

The starting price has been set at ¥6,000,000, but I don't expect it to stay there for long.

Auction Details

Auction House: USS Tokyo

Auction Date: 23 July 2026

Lot Number: 65040

Year: 1992

Model: Lamborghini Jalpa Base Grade

Engine: 3.5 litre V8

Transmission: 5 Speed Manual

Drive: 2WD

Steering: Left Hand Drive

Mileage: 48,205 km (29,953 miles)

Colour: Black

Interior: Red Leather

Auction Grade: R

Interior Grade: C

Starting Price: ¥6,000,000

Inspector's Notes

The auction inspector has noted previous repair history.

Additional comments include:

Dealer or parallel import history should be confirmed.

Air conditioning fitted, however operation has not been confirmed.

Brown carpet has been fitted in the luggage compartment.

Previous front repair history.

Distortion or repair marks to the right front inner panel area.

Right electric window is not working correctly.

White smoke present.

Crack to the gear knob or selector knob.

Sagging headlining.

Wear or peeling to the seats.

Dashboard panel lifting or separating.

Scratches and dents underneath the vehicle.

Exterior has received same colour paint repairs.

Engine cover or bonnet damper is faulty, with rust also noted around the cover area.

Rust underneath the vehicle.

Various scratches and dents around the car.

Damage diagram

Y1 cracking is marked at both front corners of the bumper.

A crack is also noted around the rear spoiler or rear trim area.

The car is recorded as having previous front repair history, which explains the R auction grade.

The most important points to investigate before bidding would be the white smoke, previous front repair, underside rust, faulty electric window and the untested air conditioning.

My Estimate

The opening bid of ¥6,000,000 feels conservative.

Given the rarity of the Jalpa, left hand drive configuration, manual gearbox and growing demand for analogue Lamborghinis, I expect this example to achieve somewhere between:

¥10,000,000 to ¥15,000,000

Approximate equivalents:

🇬🇧 £50,000 to £75,000

🇺🇸 $68,000 to $102,000

🇪🇺 €59,000 to €89,000

Who's up for guessing what this beauty will make when the hammer falls?

I'm calling somewhere in the region of ¥12,500,000 to ¥15,000,000, but collector Lamborghinis can surprise everyone once bidding starts.

If anyone is genuinely interested in bidding on this Jalpa, feel free to reach out. I'm always happy to explain how the Japanese auction system works, help you understand the auction sheet, and guide you through the buying and importing process.

The best part is that this car is now 25 years old, making it eligible for import into the USA under the 25 year rule, so I wanted to share it with everyone here.

What do you think... bargain at the estimate, or do you think it'll climb even higher? 🇯🇵🐂

One of the questions I get asked most is “Can anyone buy a car from the Japanese auctions?”

The short answer is no, but it's easier than you think with the right support.

The Japanese auction are trade only, which means you need to be a registered dealer or have access through an approved auction agent.

Every week over 100,000 vehicles pass through auctions across Japan, ranging from everyday family cars to some of the rarest collector cars in the world.

How does it work?

Each car is inspected before the auction and given an auction grade based on its overall condition. The inspector also marks any scratches, dents, paintwork or previous repairs on a vehicle diagram, so buyers know exactly what they’re bidding on.

On auction day, dealers place bids in real time. Most cars are sold in under a minute, and the highest bid wins.

Can I buy directly?

Not usually unless you are registered with the auction.

Most buyers use an import specialist or auction agent who bids on their behalf, arranges payment, shipping, customs and registration.

Why do people import from Japan?

Japan is one of the best places in the world to buy used cars for. number of reasons.

Many vehicles have very low mileage, excellent service and maintenance history and are incredibly well looked after and normal show very little signs of rust. You also get access to models, specifications and limited editions that were never officially sold in other countries.

Is it cheaper?

It can be, but not always.

The hammer price is only part of the cost. You also need to factor in auction fees, transport within Japan, shipping, insurance, import duty, VAT (where applicable), registration and local preparation.

That’s why it’s important to look at the total landed costs, not just the auction price.

Thinking about importing?

If you’ve got questions about Japanese auctions, auction sheets, shipping or you’re trying to find a specific car, feel free to ask below.

I’ve been sourcing vehicles from around the world for over 20 years and spend most days searching the Japanese auctions, so I’m always happy to help.

What would you like me to explain next?

🇯🇵🏁

You don’t expect to find many Ferrari 512 TRs in the Japanese auctions, let alone one like this.

Finished in Rosso Corsa with a gated manual gearbox, left hand drive and showing just 19,366 km, this is exactly the sort of Ferrari that makes the Japanese market so interesting. Yes, it wears a set of aftermarket wheels, but everything else about the car screams collector quality.

With the 512 TR now eligible for import into the USA, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more collectors looking towards Japan for low mileage examples like this.

One thing’s for sure… what’s not to love about a naturally aspirated flat 12 Ferrari with a gated manual?

Auction Hammer Price

🇯🇵 ¥20,688,300

🇺🇸 $127,400

🇬🇧 £94,800

🇪🇺 €111,400

I'm in love with this...

The S206 NBR Challenge Package is already one of the rarest and most desirable modern STIs, but this one looks absolutely spot on in Satin White Pearl with the black wheels and carbon roof.

It had covered just 30,633 km, was graded 4.5 and came with dealer service history, manuals, warranty documents and a spare key. The six speed manual gearbox and NBR specification make it a very special thing indeed.

It sold for $32,300, which feels like a hell of a car for the money considering how limited and collectible these have become.

Honestly, it is friggin awesome. 

Auction Hammer Price

🇯🇵 ¥5,238,000

🇺🇸 $32,300

🇬🇧 £24,000

🇪🇺 €28,200

I still can’t believe Mitsubishi built something like the Pajero Evolution just so they could go racing.

This one recently sold in Japan and it’s one of those cars that seems to get more desirable every year. It was built to homologate Mitsubishi’s Dakar Rally programme and it came with wider bodywork, Recaro seats, a 3.5 litre V6 and upgraded suspension.

They’re becoming much harder to find in good condition now, and every time one appears at auction it reminds me just how unique they really are.

Enjoy...

Auction Hammer Price

🇯🇵 ¥4,342,000

🇺🇸 $26,750

🇬🇧 £19,900

🇪🇺 €23,400

#JapaneseAuctionFinds #JapaneseImports #JDM #CollectorCars #FutureClassic #Mitsubishi #PajeroEvolution #Pajero #RallyLegend #Dakar

I don’t think I’ll ever get bored of seeing R34 GT Rs coming through the Japanese auctions.

This V Spec recently sold in Japan and it reminded me just how special these cars still are. It’s amazing to think these were once just used performance cars. Now they’re becoming genuine collector pieces, and every clean example that appears seems to attract plenty of attention.

Auction Hammer Price

🇯🇵 ¥26,740,600

🇺🇸 $164,700

🇬🇧 £122,600

🇪🇺 €144,100