Frequently asked questions
We’ve answered some of the most common questions about importing vehicles from Japan. If you need further assistance, feel free to contact us — we’re here to help.
Are the vehicles reliable?
At Sakura Auto Imports, we take vehicle quality and reliability very seriously. All vehicles are sourced directly from reputable Japanese auction houses and undergo thorough inspections before purchase.
We provide detailed auction reports outlining:
- Verified mileage
- Overall condition
- Service history and any past incidents
This ensures you can make a fully informed decision with confidence, knowing you are purchasing a high-quality vehicle.
How do I know the condition of the car before I buy it?
We believe in complete transparency throughout the buying process.
Before any purchase, we provide comprehensive inspection reports, including auction grading, condition assessments, and supporting documentation.
If required, we can also arrange independent on-site inspections in Japan, giving you an additional level of assurance before committing to a vehicle.
How does the buying process work?
We make the process simple and transparent:
Step 1 – Define Your Requirements
Tell us your preferred make, model, year, features, and budget.
Step 2 – Sourcing & Purchase
We search, shortlist, and bid on suitable vehicles in Japan.
Step 3 – Shipping to New Zealand
Once secured, we arrange export and shipping.
Step 4 – Compliance & Registration
We organise all inspections, certification, and registration.
Step 5 – Delivery
Your vehicle is delivered ready for you to drive.
How long does the import process take?
On average, the full import process takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on vehicle availability and shipping schedules.
Typical timeline:
- Vehicle sourcing & auction: 1–3 weeks
- Shipping booking: 1–2 weeks
- Shipping to New Zealand: 2–3 weeks
- Compliance & registration: 3–7 days
We keep you updated at every stage, so you always know exactly where your vehicle is in the process.
Why are costs different from estimates?
While our calculator provides a realistic estimate, final costs may vary due to changes in global market conditions.
One of the main factors is international shipping costs, which are heavily influenced by fuel prices such as Brent crude oil. As global fuel prices fluctuate, shipping rates can increase or decrease accordingly.
Exchange rates and specific vehicle requirements may also impact the final cost.
At Sakura Auto Imports, we maintain full transparency — all costs are supported by official invoices, and any changes will be clearly communicated before proceeding.
How do I ensure the vehicle meets New Zealand safety standards?
All imported vehicles must comply with New Zealand regulations, and we guide you through this process from start to finish.
We ensure that:
- Vehicles meet NZ compliance requirements
- All necessary inspections are arranged
- Certification and documentation are completed
Our team manages this process closely, ensuring your vehicle is fully compliant and road-ready upon arrival.
Why choose Sakura Auto Imports?
At Sakura Auto Imports, we combine experience, trusted international partnerships, and a highly efficient business model to deliver exceptional value.
With years of experience importing vehicles from Japan, we work closely with reliable partners on the ground who carefully select and verify each vehicle.
What sets us apart:
- Direct access to Japanese auction vehicles
- Carefully selected, high-quality cars
- Transparent and guided buying process
- Cost-efficient model with minimal overhead
Because we eliminate unnecessary middle costs and manage the process ourselves, we can offer:
- Better vehicles
- Better pricing
- Greater transparency
Our goal is simple: to make importing your next vehicle easy, reliable, and cost-effective.