JDMVIP.com Is a Lifestyle and Community

Interested in JDM Cars from Japan? Then you've come to the #1 site since 2007!

We are a passionate community of JDM Enthusiasts dedicated to all things Japanese cars, importing, and the culture that surrounds them.

Who Is This Site For?

You Love JDM Cars

Do you get excited when thinking of the cars from Battle Gear 4, Gran Turismo and Forza? Our site gives you pictures, videos and information about the cars and ability to ask actual owners what they think of their cars.

Exporters and Importers

We are experts on the cars and industry in Japan and also have direct information about what consumers and buyers of cars from Japan look for in both service and the company choose. By joining our community and participating you gain valuable exposure and better knowledge of your customers and how you can retain and increase your customer base.

Want To Buy A Car from Japan?

We have members in our community forums who do this everyday as a hobby. We have information, guides and people who can answer your questions to help you get a better car and avoid scams or getting a lemon from Japan.

More Info About JDM Cars

JDM Cars Are Legendary

A vehicle to suit nearly any taste and budget!

A lot of people ask what does JDM mean or stand for? JDM stands for "Japanese Domestic Market" which are vehicles produced in Japan for their domestic market exclusively. What makes these cars special is that many are "super" models that were never made available outside of Japan or if the model was available outside of Japan, usually the JDM model has more power and other better features not available overseas. Consequently "grey market" vehicle markets to import these vehicles around the world has been a thing of nearly cult status for decades with each market in the world having specific needs, desires and tastes. The JDM car scene is thriving around the world and with each area having its own style and taste in vehicles. However with that said there are certain models of vehicles, especially high peformance cars that are universally popular thanks to moves like "The Fast and Furious".

JDMVIP.com Is The #1 JDM Site

We've Got All Angles Covered.

There's simply no other site like us with solid, unbiased and information on all aspects of JDMs in a single place. Our community consists of experts in buying and importing cars from Japan. Our community is also very familiar with the cars themselves whether it is specs, driving experience, reliability, maintenance and sourcing part our community can help. We have every aspect of JDM cars on a single site with unbiased information to help you make the best purchasing decision when buying a car. In fact our site is primarily used as an information source to decide what vehicle to buy and which Exporter/Agent in Japan to use to purchase the vehicle. The forums are a great way to keep on top of the current trends, ask questions, see what others are buying and to share pics and info of your own buying experience and JDM car! Even if you can't buy a JDM yourself or aren't at the moment our members love to share information and it is a great way to learn and research.

History of JDMVIP.com

How It All Started

JDMVIP.com was founded in 2007 and quickly became the authority on everything JDM because no information was available on how to purchase and import JDM cars. All that could be found before this site was tidbits on various forums and blogs, much of what turned out to be untrue or even incorrectly placed by companies in Japan or friends of companies in Japan. Thus making the "Unbiased" portion of this site extremely important we are the only third party with information on the scene and companies in Japan. The only other sources still out there are made by Exporting Car companies in Japan who's quality, integrity and accuracy of information greatly varies. If you have a question or want to verify something ask our community, you will either gain more trust with your current company or perhaps you could help others by warning our members of a serious problem with a company you've encountered (often many issues in Japan go unreported or are hidden through a network of social media spam and friends of the company). JDMVIP.com levels the playing field giving both a better opportunity for both the Export companies and buyers of cars from Japan.

Join Our Forums

Unbiased Information about JDM Cars/Japanese Imports

Click here to join our importing exporting JDM Cars discussion forums


The inspiration for our community grew since 2004 since the rise of imports of amazing Japanese cars from Japan's domestic market (JDM), most of which were previously unavailable in markets outside Japan.

Examples of why people find jdmvip.com so useful:
  • Researching JDM Cars, Ask Us Anything and We Can Help
  • Car Specifications
  • Reviews of JDM Cars
  • Importing/Exporting Japanese Used Cars
  • Parts and Suggestions
  • Engine Information
  • Car Maintenance
  • Common and Problems and Solutions for
In that time there have been many different websites, communities and of course companies formed to serve the JDM Import Car enthusiast community.  Unfortunately since this is the automotive industry, there are a lot of underhanded and dishonest things that do go on when it comes to JDM Cars.

Most concerning of all are communities sponsored by different JDM import companies that ensure negative opinions and information cannot be circulated about their dealings, many hiding under the guise of being an enthusiast site and trying to claim they are unbiased.  There are certainly many great communities and importers to serve the needs of the import community but there are perhaps just as many that are waiting to take advantage of unsuspecting JDM Japanese Used car buyers.

Unlike many other communities and sites, we have absolutely no involvement or ties to anyone in this industry.  We are individuals who want to get the most out of Japan's finest offerings of JDM Cars and help others do the same.

This site was created first and foremost with the consumer in mind. Our goal is to provide real exciting, unbiased and factual information about the excellent variety of JDM cars available for import.

We hope you enjoy our growing community and the wealth of information it will continue to be for as long as the JDM scene is alive.

If you have any questions about JDM cars visit our Japanese Import Car forums by clicking here.

We'd also like to remind everyone that JDMVip.com welcomes all its members from around the world including government officials and import/export companies to be a part of our site.

-- JDMVip.com Team

JDM Cars Forums Latest Posts

Latest 50 Forum Posts

EVO: where to find a clutch for Evo V This one should be good to go and a good value that it has a nice flywheel.....
Videos & Photos Of JDM Cars: UrbKlr's 97 WRX STi Type R Oh wow Urb good to hear from you but almost a shame to see it that way but I suspect you will rebuild Impreza again one day! Do you have any other JDMs at the moment?....
Videos & Photos Of JDM Cars: Rhdgc8's 2001 Bugeye STI WRB Awesome! I haven't been on the forums much recently but I am stoked to see the results. Should make a world of difference!....
General Discussion: best walk in garages / osaka for GTR I can't name any but I'd really recommend just buying through auction way less issues and more protection IMHO right off the bat just from reading the auction sheet and specing a higher grade vehicle.....
Vendor & Exporter Feedback: Tradecarreview Definitely on those sites buyer beware just like eBay there are many horror stories I've personally seen and that you can read on the forums here. They are not all bad but it is often hard to find good and honest info about a certain dealer/company. If you'd like to buy without being in person I'd only use the auctions and trusted company.....
Welcome, Announcements & Suggestions: The Introduction Thread Welcome jono I don't live in Japan but lots of us on here can give you buying advice for sure! What car are you after?....
Impreza: Subaru Impreza WRX/STi General Timing Belt Warning and Recommendation Against Gates Hey reet very interesting read since I've never seen or experienced myself who knows for sure ! There are some educated guys on the Subaru forums adamant that they've seen issues with the kevlar belts themselves but I definitely agree the biggest source of failure is often the tensioner (will try and resource where I've read all of this and update my OP)! I will make another thread or update yours but I found for the EJ20G or any tensioner they can be used BUT you must have the matching tensioner bracket. So in the EJ20G you can't plug and play say an EJ205 tensioner because the bracket won't fit but you can buy the matching EJ205 tensioner bracket and then use that kit.....
Impreza: V1 GC8 EJ20G Timing Belt parts Yes it looks like anyone who bought before the time in 2016 is good to go. I would think if your parts were bad you'd know within 20K for sure. Weird about the blue kevlar racing belts stretching I would think it would be the opposite too. Tensioners and water pumps have failed in short order from what I've read.....
Celsior: UCF31 Celsior Failed Steering Column Motor I've read this is a common issue, my steering wheel can go in and out but not up and down. I read it is the automatic retracting feature that causes it, some people even pull the fuse to prolong the motor life. Does anyone know if this motor is a single one or are there multiple (eg. one for telescopic and one for tilt?). Do the USDM Lexus LS430 parts fit or is there a RHD/Celsior difference?....
Videos & Photos Of JDM Cars: Kuma's WRX Type RA WRC LTD +1 nice progress Kuma and yes pics required :)....
Impreza: [NEED HELP] Removing the stock intercooler Yea, I finally got it off hahaha. I propped a breaker bar and some spare blocks of wood I had lying around against the turbo, then I pivoted the breaker bar to push against the tube connecting to the turbo. Plopped out and finally was able to work on my pitch stop mount. Thanks for the help :)....
Brave Auto - Stock: For Sale: 1987 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth 1987 Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth Selling one of my personal vehicles I have owned for awhile, please click on the links below. Details - Click Here Video - Click Here....
Vendor & Exporter Feedback: Exedy KSB03 Clutch Kit Review - fits GC8-GDA WRX/STi I'm not sure I'm 100% in agreement with you. I don't have any of the driving noises you describe, and the noise when releasing the clutch pedal is a binding/grinding noise, not squealing. My mechanic with 30 years experience says the release / throw out bearing is no good, based on my online research I agree with his assessment. A new bearing is likely to cost only $50, the problem of course is the labour involved.....
Impreza: Car Dyno'd Finally Yesterday Wow congrats and is this on stock ECU/ROM?....
Impreza: 99 Gc8 Externally Gated Up-pipe Are you talking about the EWG or the uppipe? For EWG: Tial For uppipe: Grimmspeed....
Private Sales: FS: Fabulous Emblem, RARE mint condition! Welcome to the forum, please make a introduction. https://jdmvip.com/forum/The_Introduction_Thread_Import_Discussion_Welcome_Announcements_amp_Suggestions-318-t-129 Very cool item you have for sale....
Private Sales: 2001 Toyota Celsior - 6900 2001 Toyota Celsior 118,000 KMs Black Leather interior Heated seats Power windows, locks, seats, mirrors, sunroof etc Touch screen display + Navigation - needs a disk though Cruise Control 19" Weds Kranze JDM wheels (staggered) 90% tread on tires Air Ride Suspension - with aftermarket controller (all 4 wheels adjust) - *sitting low in the pictures* HID Headlights JDM yellow fog lights Rear tint Soft-close doors - door closes itself when half closed All fluids + timing belt done - however, it could probably use an oil change I have an oil filter or 2 kicking around, will give it with the car (since I won't need it) NO TRADES $6900 Call or text 778-863-7611....
Videos & Photos Of JDM Cars: Exotic Carshow Video Hey guys wife did a quick edit of some video I shot of some non-JDM but exotic and cool rides :cool: https://youtu.be/dZ-OzjK-Fv8 dZ-OzjK-Fv8 Hope you guys like it and please subscribe and like our growing Youtube channel!....
General Discussion: What happened to IVOAC? I seem to remember it having a lot of relevant info in one spot, oh well I guess it's all still out there to find.....
General Discussion: 2000 E39 2nd VIN location (LHD) From looking around and talking to people, yes, there is supposed to be a VIN sticker on the rear plate holder, but my car didn't come with a rear plate holder...So I also got a tip that the VIN could be on the ECU. I haven't checked myself, but the shop I'm having the inspection done at says it's not there...damn! I called a ICBC broker location and they said they can do the registration with just one VIN as long at it's a 17 digit VIN, so we'll see how this plays out when I go to register which could be later this week.....
General Discussion: Importing a big 3 conversion van from Japan? Due to cost of insurance and the difficulty of sourcing spare, I have decided to import a GMC or Dodge conversion van from Japan. I saw a 2005 Dodge Ram van with 35.000km for auction! Since the vehicle was made in N.A., is the 15yrs old rule still apply? Has anyone here done it? 2017-07-15 > HAA Kobe > № 80503 2017-07-14 > USS Nagoya > № 20101....
Canada - Importing JDM Cars From Japan: Insurance Company Problems - Post Here Have you tried Allstate? They have changed there policies here in Moncton for RHD cars, it might be the same over there in NS. That is one I haven't tried, I'll give them a call.....
Private Sales: JDMVip.com T-Shirts/Apparel Still have some t-shirts and decals!! Message me or JDMVIP for more information. Only decal colors I have left are white or orange. These are the decals with our new logo http://jdmvip.com/forum/jdmcarpics/IMG_20170411_203347250.jpg-316259667e99cc764.jpg....
Where To Buy: WTB: Tactrix 2.0 Looking for a used Tactrix 2.0 Openport cable Cash in hand Thanks http://ecutools.ru/image/data/products/tactrix_openport_2.0.png....
Impreza: V3 STI Front End Links? Just got home, they are indeed the correct part.....
Canada - Importing JDM Cars From Japan: Halifax Ro-Ro? I have never seen a mail carrier in a RHD in Nova Scotia but it certainly would make their jobs easier.....
General Discussion: Roadtrip from Edmonton to Victoria! Need advice New to the forum but I have had my GC8 for a year now. I have a 2000 Version 6 STI and i'm finally going for a roadtrip through the mountains and now I need advice. Has anyone done a trip from edmonton to victoria in a jdm? I'm worried mostly about gas. I've been using Petro 94 with octane booster for about two months now and i have no idea how often i'll be able to use the same gas. I don't wanna be have to change brands too often during the trip. Also, I'll be taking the car in for inspection to get it ready for the trip in my buddie's shop but im not sure of fluids to replace and stuff. I was thinking of rotating the tires since I havent done it for 14000km. Alignment on it is ok but ive never done a proper one and he'll charge me just 80. Do an oil change check all the fluids and brake pads and minor things. What else am I missing here to prepare for the trip? I don't wanna end up stranded and its the first time im doing a trip this long in 7 years. Thanks guys.....
Legacy: 2000 bh5 legacy front suspension Decent. Thanks, bookmarked. - 20310AE220-oem or 20310AE221 front right 20310AE230-oem or 20310AE231 front left. $581 USD each.....
Celsior: 2000-2005 UCF30/31 Celsior LS430 Lower Control Arm Bushings Info/Part# I finally ordered parts and got the "full brackets with pre-pressed bushings" as this makes the job super simple to do anywhere and saves labor time. You don't need a press and can literally unbolt them with 2 nuts and just shove in the new bracket over the control arm end and screw back in.....
Private Sales: 1999 Mitsubishi Evo Vi Gsr $16,500 Welcome and GLWS it is a very nice looking VI! Do you have any other JDMs or plans for a new one after this?....
Private Sales: FS: 2001 Subaru STI Version 7 GDB FINAL PRICE DROP for JDMVIP members ONLY!!! $15,000FIRM....
Private Sales: 18x10 +12 TRIAL Zelda Magnum by RAYS forged wheels Hi are these still available? Please email me if they are. Nismosilvia270r(at)yahoo(dot)com Not anymore....sold the car.....
General Discussion: any suggestions on who to deal with for importing a motocompo off yja? I;ve been looking at importing a motorcompo fold up scooter off yja. COnsidering the size and you can basically ship them in a smallish box. Curious who can handle this and what kind of fees I would be looking at? Been looking to get one over here to cruise with my buddies or awhile now. Us law seems basically the same for old scooters, should be 25 year exempt.....
Private Sales: 1991 JDM efini FD3S Bridgeported So nice. How much?....
General Discussion: What is your favorite engine and why? Are people getting banned for liking LS engines? My favorite is the 13b btw. It's smooth and predictable. (I also like LS1s, but dont ban me please)....
Canada - Importing JDM Cars From Japan: RHD in Saskatchewan I've been using Prairie Autohaus for all my repairs as they are great to deal with and close to home. They'll do inspections. Remember step 2 in my original post. If you suspect that the shop is telling you something bogus, you can get a second opinion from SGI directly, so you don't have to worry too much about being ripped on for a safety inspection. You need what you need. Expect a wheel alignment and maybe DOT markings on headlights and tires.....
Canada - Importing JDM Cars From Japan: Need a referral for an Importer for New West ABC customs he can likely help you out. His name is Bob. If you haven't already found a EVO to bid on, I know of one already in Canada for sale that is absolutely beautiful.....
Canada - Importing JDM Cars From Japan: DOT headlights for Nissan Rasheen Sorry for the delay in responding! Good experience, I'm happy. I'm picking up the car next week, hopefully it all works out. Send me a pm if you have something specific you want to discuss.....
Videos & Photos Of JDM Cars: Rhdgc8's 98 Forester ST/B 5MT It was practical and reliable, but to hard on fuel. My husband travels a long distance for work 260kms per day. That distance will vary on the location of the job. Only got 300-350kms per tank in the Forester $60 to fill. It would cost to much to run as a daily driver unfortunately.....
Canada - Importing JDM Cars From Japan: First Timer JDM jdmvip: Thank you so much for your input. Thanks to yours and BCRob's info, I deemed it to be a fair deal and proceeded. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge/experience. I'm stoked for my new (to me) Impreza. Now to figure out what wheels to buy... rhdjib....
Legacy: BG5-B GTB Brakes Info An excellent means of measuring is to cobble a makeshift caliper (measuring kind) from a piece of copper tubing. Bend it into a large "U" and just keep adjusting the size of the opening until it just barely scrapes the outside of the rotor. Then measure your makeshift copper tubing caliper. This is what I did to measure without taking the wheel off.....
Legacy: BG5 GT-B RFRB Spoiler Installation Guide - With Pictures! It does look pretty sweet. There's usually a couple available on eBay for not too much money. The tricky part it finding one that's the right color.....
Canada - Importing JDM Cars From Japan: Cost of Importing a Car from Japan to BC Great thread, very helpful. I am still in the research stage. Wanted to buy a Toyota Estima to replace my Previa. Only Aviva insurance covers JDM in Ontario and they want 3x more than left hand drive Previa. Still need to figure out where to source parts other than from Ebay? Is anyone here from Ontario and can chime in on Insurance?....
General Discussion: North American Map Disk for Toyota Welcome and congrats on the 171 can we get some pics somewhere? I don't think there are any maps for outside Japan but I am not sure.....
Canada - Importing JDM Cars From Japan: Looking to import a Land Cruiser - any experience I am looking to import a Land Cruiser (Japan to BC). I will likely land on the 100 series v8 model of the 1999-2002 vintage. I am wondering if anyone here has imported such a vehicle to Canada and what your experience was with that particular vehicle. For example, what are the updates/changes that I will be looking at on such a vehicle to make it possible to properly register in BC. What about maintaining here in Canada - is it problematic at all getting parts? Are Land Cruiser parts from the USA suitable for this vehicle? Any other suggesetions/warnings at all about importing a Land Cruiser to BC? Thank you to anyone who has experience with this one who has any advice to offer.....
EVO: Evo hits the track! Kapow! Congrats sick pics Slowboi and glad to EVO back in business! How did you pull off the landing in the first pic is there any video? Yeah we are just putting together some in car video for that. I was tuning my suspension and set it a little too stiff then I caught my rear tire on a small curb at speed so it kicked the car up on 2 wheels for a bit. The pic looks more dramatic then it was actually, i had no issues holding it together in the turn and the car didn't even slam down.... got some height thought!....
Legacy: Need a favor from a few GTB BH5 E tune owners with automatic tranny. 98-02 year I'm trying to find out what a TCU( Tranny control unit) EXACTLY looks like on a 98-02 Subaru Legacy GTB BH5 E tune specific with Automatic trannys only ! Step1. Look under your steering wheel dash piece and please take a picture + post here. Here is a pic of my TCUS http://imgur.com/a/CNOig http://imgur.com/a/4z4j8 The WF one is from a 2001 GTB Limited( NON VDC and NON E-Tune) The RG is from a 1998 GTV VDC. Thanks!!!....
Welcome, Announcements & Suggestions: JDMVIP Club Display In The 43rd Annual Radical Speed Sport 2017 Wow great selection of cars there, and great work on the display!!....
Videos & Photos Of JDM Cars: Official Hong Kong China JDM Pic Thread The fit is nice with the rays, is the second car a toyota Bb I thought the Fit was well done. I think the other car is a Bb not sure (or similar not sure!).....
Vendor & Exporter Feedback: Pacific Coast JDM & JPC Trade Fraud Review Complaint Thread has finally been pruned and cleaned and will update with the recordings of JPC Trade and Derek Weldon.....

Other Information About The JDM Car Market

  • Imported Vehicles from Japan are common around the world, not just the UK (United Kingdom), Australia, but Africa, Europe and the Caribbean.
  • Canada Imported Vehicles from Japanese Used Car Auctions. Importing JDM cars from Japan has become very commonplace in Canada.
  • Most cars from Japan are sold through "Japanese Used Car Auction" such as USS Nagoya and other auction houses around Japan from Tokyo to Hokaido.
  • Japanese Cars for Sale are usually originally purchased from auction houses in Japan such as USS or JU.
  • JDM Used Cars are in high demand around the world.
  • Enthusiasts and casual owners import japanese cars
  • JDM Imports are known for their reliability and value
  • You can find JDM cars for sale on jdmvip.com
  • We have lists of Japanese Car Importers & Exporters

Most Popular JDM Cars/Japanese Imports:

  • Nissan Skyline Cars (R32,R33,R34 GTS-T,GTS-4 and GTR)
  • JDM Toyota Supra (MKIII JZA70/MKIV JZA80)
  • JDM Mazda RX7 (FD3S)
  • JDM Subaru Impreza WRX STi,Type RA,STi Type RA (GC8,GDA,GDB)
  • JDM Toyota Celica (ST185 and ST205 GT-Four WRC)
  • JDM Honda CRX, Civic, Accord, Prelude, Integra
  • JDM Toyota Aristo 3.0V/V300 Vertex (same thing as USDM Lexus GS 300+ series)
  • JDM Mitsubishi Delica/Pajero

Hot Regions for JDM Cars

  • Canada: BC (British Columbia), AB (Alberta), SK (Saskatchewan), MB (Manitoba), ON (Ontario), QC (Quebec), NS (Nova Scotia), NB (New Brunswick), NL (Newfoundland and Labrador), PE (Prince Edward Island), NT (Northwest Territories), YT (Yukon), NU (Nunavat).
  • Canadian Cities: Vancouver, Victoria, Vancouver Island, Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Regina, Brandon, Winnipeg, Toronto, Markham, London, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, St. John's, Charlotteown, Yellowknife, Iqaluit.
  • Caribbean: Jamaica, Cayman Islands, Trinidad and Tobago
  • Africa: South Africa
  • Europe: UK (United Kingdom), London, Ireland, Scotland
  • Australia/New Zealand: Perth, Sydney.