Importing Information
Our Complete Vehicle Importing Journey — Start to Finish
Carbarn helps Australians import high-quality Japanese vehicles with a transparent, step-by-step process. From auction importing to compliance and registration, we handle everything.
Ready to source?
Share your budget and wishlist so our team can curate auction options and estimated landed costs.
Why Carbarn
Transparent importing with compliance-first support
We prioritise clear pricing and compliance guidance so your vehicle lands with no surprises and is ready for registration.
Transparent Costs
Fixed service fee, live exchange rates, and detailed quotes before you commit.
Compliance Expertise
Registered partners guide compliance, engineering, and registration after arrival.
Importing Timeline
A transparent snapshot of every phase from auction day to compliance handover.
Phase 1
Vehicle Sourcing
Begin searching, inspecting, and confirming a suitable vehicle in Japan.
Phase 2
Secure Import Approval
Submit VIA (Vehicle Import Approval) and prepare all import documentation.
Phase 3
Ship to Australia
Your selected vehicle departs Japan and arrives at an Australian port.
Phase 4
Compliance & Registration
Complete required compliance, inspections, and registration steps.
Typical duration
4–6 Weeks
Timelines vary by auction availability, shipping schedules, and compliance queue. Our team updates each milestone in real time.
Deposit Options
Choose between our two buying options to determine how we manage your vehicle purchase.
Fixed-Price Importing
50% Deposit to Secure Your Vehicle
When do I pay the rest?
The remaining 50% is paid before the vehicle is handed over to you.
Delivery-ready payment
Funds are requested after compliance clearance so the car is ready for collection or delivery as soon as the balance is settled.
Bid on Your Behalf
$1,000 Deposit to Start Bidding
After we secure your car:
- ✓Before shipment, you pay 50% of the vehicle price as the purchase deposit.
What if we don’t secure a car in time?
If we don’t win a suitable vehicle within the agreed timeframe, your $1,000 will be refunded.
Compliance, Engineering & Registration in Australia
Five essential steps to get your imported vehicle road-legal
Vehicle Arrives
Vehicle arrives at workshop
Engineering
Engineering inspection & modifications
RAV Entry
RAV entry after compliance
Registration
Registration assistance
Ready
Ready for Australian roads
Next Steps
Ready to Import from Japan?
Our team guides you through sourcing, bidding, shipping, customs, engineering, and registration — end to end.
Phone
+61 4 2384 0130Mon–Fri: 9 AM – 6 PM · Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
FAQ
Frequently Asked Importing Questions
Straight answers about deposits, bidding, shipping, and compliance timelines.
How much does importing usually cost?
Import costs vary depending on the vehicle, auction details, and applicable compliance requirements.
What happens if the auction price goes over my budget?
We keep you informed throughout the bidding process. If the price exceeds your budget, you can choose not to proceed, and your deposit will be returned.
How long does the entire process take?
From vehicle selection to final registration, the process typically takes 4–6 weeks. This includes sourcing, shipping, compliance, and registration.
What is the $1,000 deposit for?
The initial deposit is used to start the sourcing and inspection process. It's fully applied towards your final import costs if you proceed.
Are there any vehicles I cannot import to Australia?
Most Japanese vehicles under the SEVS scheme are eligible. However, some restrictions apply based on age, emissions, and safety standards. Contact us for specific models.