Subaru Forester SG5 (15 Feb 2025)

Sold and Exported

Japan Car Direct provides friendly, honest, efficient service.

Get the motor vehicles you want today at a price you can afford!

Read reviews from real customers who have experienced the excellent service offered by Japan Car Direct

I highly recommend Japan Car Direct. I just brought my first imported car home today, and I still don't understand all the steps from start to finish, but regardless, everything ran like a well oiled machine from an auction house to a port city south of Tokyo to Tacoma, WA, USA, export, import, etc... The people I worked with at Japan Car Direct were highly professional, patient, informative, and responsive. Cheers!

Wilfred Thompson

2023-08-19

Great company. Really held my hand through the whole process as a first timer. Thanks Mike for all of your hard work. He was super responsive and professional. I will be using these guys again in the future.

Allen Palmer

2025-03-30

Somewhat of a long process but the staff at Japan car did get me through from buying, repairing, shipping and helping to get info on getting the car through customs. It will be much easier if I wanted to do this again, the process does take time and energy but do far overall happy with it

Steve Novak

2025-03-29

JCD is a great company to work with. Mike has been very knowledgeable, helpful, and prompt with returning all of my messages. I received my first truck I bought last week and am very pleased with my purchase. The entire process went smoothly. I bought another truck that will arrive soon. I look forward to doing more business with JCD. Thanks Mike, Norman.

NCJ Remodeling

2025-03-24

For many years I have been dreaming of owning a 70 series Land Cruiser. Recently I was able to import an HZJ77 through Japan Car Direct. Mike Nguyen sent me translations of vehicles I was interested in and gave me guidance on selecting a vehicle. The process was so simple and smooth and they shipped the vehicle to a nearby port. All of the paperwork was provided to me, as well as a reference to a customs broker. I was able to easily retrieve the vehicle and I am so happy that I went through this company! I definitely plan to work with Mike in the future.

Ethan Shaffer

2025-02-25

This was my first time importing a Kei truck and the experience couldn't have been better. The team was very helpful through every step of the process and very informative. They help you find the right vehicle, get inspections, organize shipping, and help/provide with the needed paperwork. I will definitely be using them for my next import, I can't recommend them enough.

Chris O'Brien

2025-02-23

What a great experience. We originally were going to go the auction route with JCD. After browsing around the available vehicles all over the island, we sent the vehicles we wanted over to JCD. They took over immediately, obtaining fresh photos of the vehicles (they were both spread out very far apart on the island), and confirmations they were running good. Once we approved the vehicles the team jumped in and moved the vehicles to the same port so they could be shipped on the same BOL. We have never imported vehicles before (other items yes, not a car or van) and Yoshiro made it so easy. The biggest fear we had going into this was possibly a communication barrier and timing, but it NEVER became an issue. Everything went as planned and stated by the folks at JCD. We are already picking out the next batch of vehicles to bring into the states. Thank you Yoshiro! And Thank you JCD Team!!! Above and beyond service and quality!!! Sending you more vehicles soon.

Jason S

2024-11-29

I've bought vehicles through several companies in Japan that broker Japanese auto auctions. In my experiences, I would prefer to deal with Japan Car Direct. Matt and Kayoko have been excellent to deal with. Other places are a crap shoot with people who are reliable, including knowing what's going on with the vehicles you buy (including paperwork). There's a lot than can go wrong with these kinds of transactions. Fortunately with this company, the customer service, logistics, and most importantly the paperwork are never an issue. For those reasons alone, I won't deal with anyone else. You don't have to take my word for it, go with someone else and find out the hard way if you like headaches.

Jon Lavado

2024-10-12

Thank you to Kayoko and staff at Japan Car Direct. This was my first time importing a vehicle from another country. The were always there to answer my questions and concerns and be there every step of the way. They made the process super easy. I definitely would go through Japan Car Direct again for my next vehicle purchase! It's amazing how much cheaper, low mileage, and better condition Japanese vehicles are to their American counter-parts. I highly recommend!

Kevin Medina

2024-10-10

If I could rate my experience dealing with JCD and Taylor in particular I'd rate them a 20 out of 5. Flawless service from start to finish, no query was ever too much to ask. Fantastic breakdown on how the auction sheets work and all the vehicle details. Just got my R35 and it's better than I'd even imagined, thank you so much for everything Taylor & team!

Ryan Rodgers

2024-10-08

Amazing company. I was naive to this process and worried about how to navigate the auctions. Taylor was beyond helpful throughout. His expertise is exemplary always coming up with the right documentation at the right time. If you want a high quality Jap important, look no further. I am based in Ireland by the way!

John O Halloran

2024-09-18

I recently completed the auction purchase of a ‘98 Subaru Sambar and had it imported to the US. Kayoko Matsumoto with JCD handled the entire process and I couldn’t be happier with my experience. From initial contact through follow-up after receipt of vehicle at the port, Kayoko was very responsive and easy to work with. If you’re looking to import a car from Japan, I highly recommend JCD. Great job Kayoko! I look forward to working with you again in the future.

Matt B

2024-09-09

I had a great experience with Mike at Japan Car Direct this past April/May. They helped with all of my questions, and responded promptly through the whole buying process. I recommend them, if your thinking about buying a JDM vehicle. I deliver mail, and the Toyota Gaia with the 4x4 option is a great fit - as well as being lightweight, having a softer suspension, plenty of headroom, and great gas mileage. Many parts on the car are also interchangeable with US market cars. I bought it through an auction, and was fortunate in that the car was well maintained(timing belt/air filter replaced and recorded km on the cover). I've only had to replace a cv axle boot that was torn, other than regular maintenance. Japan car direct is a great company to work with, and again, I'd highly recommend them!

steveandwndylarson

2024-09-07

The team at Japan Car Direct are amazing. Extremely helpful and Quick to respond to any questions I had, they made the vehicle import process quite simple. I had zero knowledge or experience of importing a vehicle before reaching out to Matt. I am so grateful for everyone at Japan Car Direct and I’m so happy with my new Carry! Also a big thank you to Kayoko for consistently following up with me and doing all the translations! Thank you

Michael Duffy

2024-09-07

I had a great experience with Japan Car Direct. My manager, Mike, was incredibly patient with all my questions and requests, which I really appreciated. The car checks during the selection process were thorough, just as advertised. The purchasing process was transparent, and the car was loaded onto the ship faster than I expected. It arrived in perfect condition, and my wife is very happy with it. It's a bit weird to buy a car online through thousands miles away, but thanks to Japan Car Direct team it went smooth for me.

Max Gimazdinov

2024-08-30

Matt and the crew at Japan Car Direct provide a stellar service and experience when it comes to purchasing cars direct from the Japanese auctions. The entire process was very smooth and browsing the auctions to find the perfect vehicle is a blast. If you want to import a vehicle from Japan at the best possible price with a painless experience, you've found the gold standard of Japanese export companies.

Cody LeBlanc

2024-07-27

I had a phenomenal experience purchasing a car with the help of Mason. He was quick to answer any questions or concerns. Although i went the route to buy from dealership compared to auction he was able to even negotiate a lower price on the car which was a pleasant surprise! The buying and delivery experience was nothing but smooth. I’ve recommended my friends already and I am planning to purchase another car in near future due to how successful and stress free Mason made the whole process!Thanks again Mason!Highly recommend using JDC if you’re planning any import.

Samir Farah

2024-06-10

I cannot say enough good things about my experience with JCD. I used them to purchased a 1990 Subaru Sambar. Mason was my rep and took the time to answer every single question I had, along with ensuring I knew what came next in the import process. With how thorough the process was, it felt like I was buying an exotic - not a 30 year old mini truck. Seamless and easy. My truck was in as good or better condition as described when it arrived. Again, cannot say enough good things. I intend on using JCD again in the future. Thank you to Mason and the rest of the team.

David R

2024-05-31

Had a hell of a good experience working with Mason to lock down one of my teenage bucket list cars (Nissan Silvia Spec-R).Mason took time to explain the process start to finish and also worked to support my many requests for transport and to coordinate a container vs RORO. I would happily buy another vehicle through Mason and JCD - money well spent!

Chris Yogeswaren

2024-05-29

I used Japan Car Direct to bid and win a Daihatsu HiJet Cargo. Mason was my point of contact and was brilliant in guiding me through the process, detailing how to make the initial deposit to allow bidding, detailing the auction costs and shipping costs, so that I could work out a budget. The platform for searching vehicles that are coming to auction was easy to use, and Mason was very helpful in explaining all the vehicle description codes and provided a really useful review for individual vehicles that I short listed, and then arranged for the vehicle to be independently inspected prior to bidding. Payment on my winning vehicle was straight forward by BACs to Japan Car Direct and then Mason took care of arranging shipping, and sending through the bill of lading and other documents. Once the vehicle arrived at the JCD yard I received very comprehensive photos. Shipping took about 7 weeks from Japan to Newcastle in the UK, and the vehicle arrived safely in perfect condition. I used RJJ Freight for customs clearance, which made the process of getting the vehicle into the UK stress free.

Iain Hannah

2024-04-20

Mason was amazing to work with. Incredibly responsive and answered all of my questions. I would absolutely do this again and have recommended Mason to all my friends. Auction bidding, inspections, and shipping were all flawless. The best part is that I had a blast finding my truck, bidding, and watching it make its way to the U.S.

Steven Roth

2024-04-18

JCD are amazing! I've been working with Yoshiro for the past several years and have ordered two cars from Japan. At first I was slightly apprehensive about ordering a car from across the world, but JCD made the process as easy as possible. JCD and Yoshiro provide exceptional service and have been a joy to work with. If you are interested in importing a car from Japan, don't look anywhere else and go with these guys! You won't be dissapointed :)Oh and make sure you have a good customs broker. They make getting the car off the boat and into your hands so much easier.

G W

2024-03-23

I purchased a JDM 2008 Toyota Prius through Japan Car Direct last year. The export agent, Mason, was easy to work with and made the process predictable and straight forward, so there were no surprises or hidden costs with the car itself and with logistics. The logistics supplier that Mason referred to in Vancouver to import the car into Canada was also very helpful and made the process stress free. Mason went above and beyond just facilitating the transaction and sourced new tires, rims, and accessories for the car that the car needed or that didn't come with the car. This was a big help as these parts and accessories for a 2008 Prius were either unavailable in Canada or would have cost an arm and a leg to purchase through a dealership. I was amazed at how good condition the car was in when it arrived. I picked it up in Vancouver and, right off the boat, drove it over 4000km straight to Ontario to get it home without any mechanical issues along the way.

kris clipsham

2024-03-19

Great first-time experience buying though JCD. Took several weeks to find what i was looking for, nevertheless Mathew stayed super helpful and responsive all that time. No single message was left without reply. Payment and delivery went fast and smooth. Great deal for me was an ability to transfer to a european bank acount. Can highly recommend JCD to anyone looking to buy in the local Japanese market. Thank you

Denis D.

2024-03-19

I can't say anything negative about my experience with JCD. Despite the time difference, everyone communicated quickly and thoroughly. Yoshiro did a great job steering me away from junk vehicles and aided me in finding something very nice. If you're considering purchasing a JDM vehicle, you'd be foolish not to use JCD!

Rich Neilson

2024-03-19

Fantastic experience bidding and buying a 1994 Honda Acty Van. Mason van Dyk was an excellent ally through the entire process. I was very nervous conducting business with a company in another country but they made the entire process painless. I highly recommend paying for the inspection before you bid and be sure to take a look at the time change so you can get the report in time before the auction starts. Thank you for being honest and fair in your dealings with me.

Joel Mason

2024-03-09

Mike helped me with purchasing and importing my first JDM car (JZX100 Chaser). Throughout the entire process, Mike was extremely professional and I really appreciated his availability to answering all my questions/requests. Despite the numerous amount of questions I had (I am an extremely anxious person), responses from JCD were always concise and carried a very professional tone which I particularly appreciated and I think is very representative of working with a Japanese vs US-based company for importing. Initially, I was split between using JCD versus a US-based importer (like The Import Guys). But after considering the material difference in pricing, especially given the JPY FX rate, I thought I'd go with JCD given they are based in Japan and I figured paperwork and communication between them and other local entities in Japan would be easier. Sure enough, no regrets! Everything went extremely smoothly after winning my bid, I was essentially hands off when it came to getting the car out of Japan. The only clarification I'd provide to other potential customers is just recognizing that JCD provides all services up until the car is on the boat, then its on you to coordinate with a customs broker and shipping company to have the car clear US customs and get released. All in all, JCD really handled all the paperwork needed and I couldn't have imagined a more simple importing process. Wouldn't hesitate to use them again!

Michael Tan

2024-01-19

My experience with Japan Car Direct was flawless. From finding the right vehicle to payment and delivery, everything was a breeze. This was my first foreign import and I was impressed with how communicative and efficient the team was. Yoshiro was very helpful in guiding me through the process and being patient with me throughout.The only thing I would mention is that have the spare key couriered separately as one of my key fobs went missing during shipment. Cost me a bit to replace and reprogram; but not the end of the world. Just flagging as good practice for anyone thinking of buying a vehicle for import.Otherwise, would highly recommend Japan Car Direct and would use them again and again.

Robert McCall

2024-01-18

The team at JCD made buying a car from another country easier than I could have imagined. I worked with Yoshiro and he always replied extremely fast when I sent links to cars I was interested in bidding on and even offered advice on how to more effectively judge the condition of a vehicle to pick out exactly what I was looking for. Would recommend to anyone looking to import their first car, or even their tenth.

Seth Garrett

2023-12-19

Mike was excellent through & through in helping me purchase my first import through Japanese auction. Very thorough, and quick responses every time I wanted info on a car I saw up for auction. The screen recordings with auction sheet translations was key to finding the right car for me. Their references to a stateside broker was also paramount to my successful import experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking to purchase a vehicle in Japan and import into the US.

Sam Loomis Visuals

2023-12-06

Japan Car Direct is so amazing! About 6 months ago I wanted a Kei truck. I looked at purchasing them locally, but they were just too expensive. So, I looked at importing one through a company like JCD to save some money and to look for what I wanted exactly. While I was initially skeptical, after interacting with agents getting access to the auction site, I was so confident in the ability to import the car of my dreams. After months of bothering my agent, Taylor, with constant bids and random questions, I finally won an auction and purchased my truck. While I thought once I had paid the final bill to them that their services were over, I was dead wrong: Taylor was there to support me through the ENTIRE process. JCD worked so hard to make sure my truck was just how I wanted it, delivered as fast as possible, and affordable. While it was scary at first, it was just so easy! I am just now getting my truck registered and road-legal. My fulfillment in my new Kei truck and with JCD's services was so immense that I couldn't help convincing friends and family to make the same choice that I did: importing my JDM dream car through Japan Car Direct. Huge shoutout to Taylor and to the company. No wonder this company has so many five-star reviews on Google, they're amazing!

Cade Miller

2023-11-19

Ever since my first trip to Japan in 2016, I have wanted a kei vehicle. I was finally in a position to get one this year, but I didn't know where to start. After doing a lot of research and talking to a few folks who had done it before, I decided to use Japan Car Direct. The primary reason I chose JCD was that I kept hearing them described as "helpful" and "trustworthy". I think these two qualities are important, but particularly for a first time importer like myself. After all, I was going to be sending thousands of dollars halfway across the world for a vehicle I'd never seen, so I wanted someone I could trust and who would help me through the process. Yoshiro absolutely delivered on both counts for Japan Car Direct. From the first e-mail he was very responsive, took time to answer all my questions, and helped guide me to the right truck. The JCD team is great and I can't recommend them enough. I'm sure I will be doing business with them again when I'm ready for my next Japanese car! As for the vehicle, I snagged a very clean 1994 Acty SDX that showed up in even better condition than I expected. I just picked it up from the port the other day, I'll update with photos once I get it cleaned up!

Mark Gates

2023-11-19

Without a doubt the best customer service, and the car was pretty good too! From the first conversation with Mike Nguyen I knew I had found the right person and company to help me bring a car to the UK. If you are reading this and have any concern about buying from Japan don’t, they are definitely the partner you want. Mike was helpful beyond fault with the many video reports he sent, each as cheerful and informative the last, he patiently and politely answered every email instantly and question I had along with my concern about sending money. I need not have worried. JDC seamlessly handled everything including at the UK end by hooking me up with an import company who charged a fair price for off loading the car and getting it through customs and it was there ready at the agreed pick up time. I cannot convey how impressed I was with everyone and am just about to buy another car as I love the car and the service. There is a reason they have so many 5 star reviews. Don’t hesitate in using them. You’ve found the best team for your adventure into buying a car from Japan.

linda winslet

2023-11-19

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! I would gladly add my name to the list of those that had the opportunity to work with Mike and the rest of the team at JCD. At first I was hesitant of the whole process, but Mike took lots of time answering my questions and helped put me in contact with the right people to get things in order for the purchase, export/import, and certification process. They even helped organize a long term storage solution in Japan until the purchased car came to 25yr old. I own my dream car now and I KNOW i saved a ton of money by working with JCD. I would happily recommend them to anyone looking to do the same thing. thank you again for your help!!!

Matthew Wright

2023-11-19

I fell down the rabbit hole of Kei trucks... I really wanted one but had never imported a car before. Mike and the rest of the team at Japan Car Direct were the perfect choice for this beginner's journey! As you begin your process Mike will be there to answer any questions and provide any translations of auction cars that interest you. He explained the overall process and was patient and courteous. He even recommended a U.S. broker that helped me complete all the necessary paperwork for title and registration of the vehicle in the U.S. I had an overall great experience and highly recommend this company for any Japanese car import needs. Kei is the way!

Ian Lugo

2023-11-19

Great team, great service! Mike, Matt and the entire team were super knowledgeable and patient about explaining the process of bidding for a JDM vehicle at auction and shipping the vehicle overseas. Always quick to respond and professional. They made sure I found the exact car I was looking for. I would definitely recommend!

A ukognes

2023-11-19

After looking through many reviews and scouring Reddit for advice I decided to trust Japan Car Direct for my first JDM import. I could not be happier my decision! They are an awesome company that guided me through the entire process. If you are wanting to import a vehicle and don’t know who to trust, look no further than Japan Car Direct.

Zack S

2023-11-13

Yoshiro and the JCD guys did an outstanding job helping me to import my Kei Truck. Over the course of the few months it took, and lots and lots of emails, they happily answered all of my dumb questions, and never ceased to be prompt, professional, and extremely helpful. I don't know how I would've done this without them!

Mitchell H

2023-10-19

First time purchasing a car of my choice. JCD were absolutely brilliant. Initially, I was unsure of what exactly I wanted (Make, age, colour, mileage). I was more certain of what I did not want! Mason, my guide, was patient, even for the silliest questions, and eventually we whittled the choice down and then the acquisition of said car. R-line Polo 4 years old. Mason did all the necessary, buying and shipping, including all the paperwork! Fantastic. So now my beautiful Polo is residing in my garage awaiting the DVLA! The buying and the importation went like clockwork, thanks to JCD and Mason specifically. As soon as I get it on the road I will post pictures!

Jill Brownlow

2023-09-19

I have never dealt with a better company. These guys are outstanding and really know the business of exporting vehicles. I imported a car to Ireland and it was a joyous experience with JCD. Mike was so patient and responsive to every query and did a super job. Despite me changing my mind a few times and requesting many translations, he never complained. Mathew fought my corner right at the end of the process to make sure everything was right and his knowledge of the Irish system was really impressive given the geographical distances. If anyone in Ireland is looking to import a vehicle from Japan I highly recommend Japan Car Direct.

Jonathan Levy

2023-09-19

この上なく素晴らしいです！！カナダで車を探していた時にこの会社をネットで見つけました。正直、大変なんだろうな〜と思っていましたが手続き本当に最低限で、楽々の輸入でした。しかもカナダで中古車を買うより圧倒的に安く、綺麗で、走行距離も少ないです。やりとりから何から全て楽しく、貴重な体験をさせていたただきました。カナダでこの車と沢山走ります！そしてまた次回、、よろしくお願いします！

Saki Ikeda

2023-09-19

I am writing this after being able to see my car for the first time today thanks to the guys at JCD, specifically Mike. I am still amazed at how easy and smooth the process has been start to finish. This was my first time importing a car and Mike was excellent in answering all my questions when it came to all the steps of how things work and the timeline in which it takes to receive the car. Mike was super quick to respond with translations of the car and in the end no detail was missed, the car arrived exactly how I expected it to. Overall could not be happier with my experience, big thank you Mike and I look forward to using JCD again some time in the near future.

vin wish

2023-08-19

I had a great experience with Japan Car Direct, an auction broker and car exporter that helped me find and import a Kei truck from Japan. Communication was great throughout the whole process. They were very responsive and answered all of my questions, no matter how dumb they seemed. They took time to explain the entire process, from bidding to shipping, and made it very easy and stress free. I am very happy with their service and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a reliable and professional company to import a car from Japan. Thank you, Taylor and Japan Car Direct!

D M

2023-08-19

Wilfred Thompson

2023-08-19

NCJ Remodeling

2025-03-24

Ethan Shaffer

2025-02-25

Chris O'Brien

2025-02-23

Jason S

2024-11-29

Jon Lavado

2024-10-12

Kevin Medina

2024-10-10

Ryan Rodgers

2024-10-08

John O Halloran

2024-09-18

Matt B

2024-09-09

steveandwndylarson

2024-09-07

Michael Duffy

2024-09-07

Max Gimazdinov

2024-08-30

Cody LeBlanc

2024-07-27

Samir Farah

2024-06-10

David R

2024-05-31

Chris Yogeswaren

2024-05-29

Iain Hannah

2024-04-20

Steven Roth

2024-04-18

G W

2024-03-23

kris clipsham

2024-03-19

Denis D.

2024-03-19

Rich Neilson

2024-03-19

Joel Mason

2024-03-09

Michael Tan

2024-01-19

Robert McCall

2024-01-18

Seth Garrett

2023-12-19

Sam Loomis Visuals

2023-12-06

Cade Miller

2023-11-19

Mark Gates

2023-11-19

linda winslet

2023-11-19

Matthew Wright

2023-11-19

Ian Lugo

2023-11-19

A ukognes

2023-11-19

Zack S

2023-11-13

Mitchell H

2023-10-19

Jill Brownlow

2023-09-19

Jonathan Levy

2023-09-19

Saki Ikeda

2023-09-19

vin wish

2023-08-19

D M

2023-08-19

Wilfred Thompson

2023-08-19

JCD Bidding Deposit (¥80,000)

Allows bidding on one vehicle at a time up to 1 million yen.

Used Vehicle Dealer License

Head Office

Address: 287-94 Fuji, Shiroi-shi, Chiba, 〒 270-1432
Email: Mathew@japancardirect.com
Skype: mathewjapancardirect

Documents Branch

Address: 1-11-12 Oana Minami, Funabashi-shi, Chiba 〒274-0067 Phone/Fax: 047-752-1468

Osaka Branch

Address: 10-4-204 Takadacho, Ibaraki-shi, Osaka, 〒 567-0011
Email: Mike@japancardirect.com
Skype: mike@japancardirect

Chiba Branch

Address: 2-10-16-2 Tendai, Inage Ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 〒 263-0016
Email: info@japancardirect.com

Subaru Forester SG5 (15 Feb 2025)