Question 1

What is the difference between Import from Japan, Stock in Japan, Import Eligible Model, Live Auction, and Australia Stock?

Accepted Answer

Import from Japan is the main pathway for sourcing vehicles through Japan. Stock in Japan refers to actual Carbarn vehicles already located in Japan. Import Eligible Model is for customers who want us to source and bid on an eligible model through Japanese auctions. Live Auction lets you browse current auction lots yourself and start an inspection and bid request online. Australia Stock means vehicles already in Australia and ready faster.

Question 2

Which option should I choose if I want the fastest vehicle?

Accepted Answer

If speed is the priority, Australia Stock is usually the fastest option because the vehicle is already in Australia. Stock in Japan can be a good second option if you want to secure a fixed-price Carbarn vehicle before it arrives. Import Eligible Model and Live Auction usually take longer because the vehicle still needs to be found, purchased, shipped, and complied.

Question 3

Are Eligible Models the same as vehicles in stock?

Accepted Answer

No. Eligible Models are model-code references showing which vehicles may be imported and complied under an approved pathway. They are not live stock units. If you want an exact vehicle, check Stock in Japan for Carbarn vehicles located in Japan or Australia Stock for vehicles already in Australia.

Question 4

What does Stock in Japan mean?

Accepted Answer

Stock in Japan refers to actual Carbarn vehicles already located in Japan with confirmed pricing. These vehicles can be secured before arrival in Sydney, usually with 50% upfront, balance before delivery.. They are different from Eligible Models, which are model references rather than exact vehicles.

Question 5

Can I reserve a Japan stock vehicle before it arrives in Australia?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A Stock in Japan vehicle can usually be secured before it arrives in Sydney, subject to the required payment terms. These are actual Carbarn vehicles located in Japan, not generic model references. The balance is payable before delivery once the vehicle reaches the final stages.

Question 6

What is Import Eligible Model?

Accepted Answer

Import Eligible Model is where Carbarn helps you find and bid on a suitable vehicle through Japanese auctions. We shortlist vehicles, arrange pre-bid inspection, share real photos, auction sheet details, and notes, then bid only after your approval and within your agreed budget cap.

Question 7

Can Carbarn help me import a specific model from Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If the model is eligible and suitable vehicles are available in Japan, Carbarn can help with sourcing, bidding support, VIA approval, shipping, compliance work, AVV inspection, RAV entry, and delivery preparation. For model-code-specific details, customers should use the Eligible Models section.

Question 8

What is Live Auction?

Accepted Answer

Live Auction lets you browse current Japanese auction lots on the Carbarn website and start an inspection and bid request on the lot you choose. Your refundable bid deposit starts a Japan-side inspection of that vehicle, and no final bid is submitted until you review the inspection findings and confirm.

Question 9

Is the Live Auction bid deposit refundable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If Carbarn doesn't submit a bid, your bid is unsuccessful, or the vehicle doesn't proceed after review, the deposit is fully refunded — or you can reuse it for another vehicle. If your bid wins, it goes toward your total purchase price. Once a final bid is placed with your approval, it cannot be cancelled.

Question 10

How do I know the condition of a Live Auction car before bidding?

Accepted Answer

You never bid blind. Your deposit starts a physical inspection of that exact vehicle at the Japanese auction house — Carbarn shares real photos, auction sheet details, and inspection findings with you on WhatsApp before anything is committed. No final bid is submitted until you review the inspection findings and confirm.

Question 11

How long does importing from Japan usually take?

Accepted Answer

The full import process usually takes 6-10 weeks, depending on auction availability, VIA approval, vessel booking, shipping, port processing, compliance workload, and final delivery preparation. Stock in Japan may be faster because the vehicle has already been secured by Carbarn.

Question 12

When do I pay for an auction-sourced vehicle?

Accepted Answer

For Import Eligible Model sourcing, the Refundable Auction Deposit is required before bidding starts. If your approved bid is successful, Vehicle price + Japan Agent Fee + Carbarn Service Fee payable within 48 hours after a successful approved bid.. Shipping and compliance invoices are issued later, and the full balance must be paid before delivery.

Question 13

Is the auction deposit refundable?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If no vehicle is secured, or you decide not to proceed before any bid is placed, the Refundable Auction Deposit is refunded — or can be reused for another vehicle if you prefer. Once a bid is placed with your approval, it cannot be cancelled.

Question 14

Do imported vehicles include warranty?

Accepted Answer

Warranty depends on the purchase pathway. Australia Stock and Stock in Japan vehicles include 3 months NSW dealer warranty + 5-year extended warranty included for eligible vehicles.. Auction-sourced vehicles follow this rule: No 3 months NSW dealer warranty; 5-year extended warranty available for eligible vehicles.. Warranty eligibility is confirmed based on the vehicle, age, condition, and provider criteria.

Question 15

Can Carbarn handle both import and compliance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Carbarn can support the process from sourcing and import approval through to shipping, workshop compliance, AVV inspection, RAV entry, and delivery preparation. For customers who already have a vehicle, Carbarn may also assist with compliance-only service where the vehicle and documents are suitable.

Question 16

Can Carbarn help if I already bought a car from Japan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Carbarn may be able to help with compliance-only service if the vehicle is eligible and the required documents are available. The vehicle must be assessed before work starts, including import approval status, model eligibility, documentation, compliance requirements, and any ADR-related items.

Import SMART ForTwo Electric Drive to Australia

Which option is right for you?

Live Auction

Import Eligible Model

Stock in Japan

Australia Stock

Find Eligible Models for Import & Compliance

Smart ForTwo Electric Drive

Smart ForTwo Electric Drive

SMART ForTwo Electric Drive import eligibility & costs

Secure Before Arrival — Carbarn Stock in Japan

We Source & Bid for Your SMART ForTwo Electric Drive

Physical inspection before bidding

WhatsApp updates before auction

Customer-approved bid range

Deposit required before bidding

Need Compliance Only for Your SMART ForTwo Electric Drive?

VIA approval

AVV inspection

Compliance work

RAV entry

Skip the Wait — View Cars Already in Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Import from Japan, Stock in Japan, Import Eligible Model, Live Auction, and Australia Stock?

Which option should I choose if I want the fastest vehicle?