top of page

Our Blogs
Contact us


How to Buy a Car from Goo-net Exchange and Import It to Australia
Found a car on Goo-net Exchange? Learn how to buy and import a Japanese used car to Australia, including eligibility, costs, inspections, shipping, compliance and registration.

Taku Ito
Aug 11


Why Are Used Mercedes-Benz So Cheap in Japan And Why Can Importing One to Australia Make Sense?
If you have ever looked through Japanese used-car auctions, you may have noticed something surprising: Used Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Japan can be significantly cheaper than you might expect. Models that were expensive luxury cars when new can sometimes be found in Japan for surprisingly affordable prices only a few years later. So why does this happen? And more importantly, why can this create an opportunity for Australian buyers looking to import a Mercedes-Benz from Japan?

Taku Ito
Aug 11


Car Shipping Time and Costs from Japan to Australia [2026 Update]
Everything you need to know about shipping a used car from Japan to Australia — timelines, freight costs, GST, duty, and LCT, plus what happens from port arrival to delivery. A complete guide to export ports, import ports, and the full cost breakdown.

Taku Ito
Jul 16


How to Buy a Car from BE FORWARD and Import It to Australia (Complete 2026 Guide)
Buying a car from BE FORWARD in Australia? Learn the real total cost, import eligibility (SEVS vs 25-year rule), the step-by-step process, and common mistakes to avoid. Updated 2026 guide.

Taku Ito
Jul 15


Struggling to Find Parts for Your Imported Japanese Car in Australia?
Finding parts for Japanese import cars in Australia can sometimes be challenging, especially for JDM models that were never officially sold locally. However, that does not mean parts are impossible to source. In this article, we explain why some imported vehicle parts are harder to find, when Australian parts may be compatible, and how AutoShift can support customers, mechanics, and businesses with parts sourcing from Japan.

Taku Ito
Jul 1


How Different Regions in Japan Can Affect Used Car Condition
Learn how different regions in Japan can affect used car condition before importing to Australia, including rust, salt damage, flood risk, city scratches, and underbody wear.

Taku Ito
Jun 25


What Is a Compliance Inspection for Imported Vehicles from Japan?
When importing a vehicle from Japan to Australia, one of the biggest concerns for many people is : “Can this vehicle actually be registered here??” In reality, it’s not uncommon for vehicles to fail the compliance inspection after arriving in Australia, resulting in unexpected repair costs or long-term storage fees. However, information about: What is actually inspected Which types of vehicles tend to fail How much the process costs This lack of clarity often stops many peopl

Taku Ito
May 4


Import Approval for Cars in Australia: Eligibility & How to Apply (2026 Guide)
One of the biggest questions people have when considering importing a car into Australia is: “Is this vehicle actually eligible for import?” Many people find a car they love, only to give up on the whole idea because they simply couldn't figure out whether it qualified. If that sounds familiar, this article is for you. In this article, we’ll explain in detail how to determine whether a vehicle is eligible for import into Australia and how the Import Approval process works.

Taku Ito
Apr 8


How to Find and Buy Japanese Used Cars from Japan for Import to Australia (2026 Guide)
Japanese used cars are loved all over the world, and with JDM vehicles in particular enjoying high demand and being exported across the global. However, when it comes to importing a used car into Australia, the rules are very strict and the available information are surprisingly limited - making it difficult to know how to go about purchasing one. In this article, we will break down How the people who lives in Australia can purchase a vehicle from Japan in a clear and simple

Taku Ito
Apr 8


The Ultimate Guide to Used Car Imports in Australia (2026 Guide)
Japanese used cars are exported all over the worlds, but exporting to Australia is particularly complex. The regulations are strict, and the process takes so long. Moreover, When you research how to export to Australia, most of the available information seems outdated and about half of them appears to be inaccurate. In this guide, we at AUTOSHIFT, who handle everything from sourcing vehicles in Japan to selling in Australia, will explain the correct method for importing into

Taku Ito
Apr 4
bottom of page
