Japanese imports: Used hybrids and people movers

Import guides by car

Hybrid, e-Power and electric imports only. Thinking smaller? See small EVs and kei cars in Australia.

Honda Fit HybridSmall hatch · 5 seats · asking $15,999–$24,990Honda Freed HybridSmall people mover · 5, 6 or 7 seats · asking $22,990–$25,990Honda Odyssey HybridPeople mover · 7 or 8 seats · asking $18,999–$66,388Honda Shuttle HybridSmall wagon · 5 seats · asking $16,990–$24,900Honda Vezel HybridSmall suv · 5 seats · asking $16,990–$22,500Nissan Kicks e-PowerSmall suv · 5 seats · asking $21,490–$23,990Nissan Note e-PowerSmall hatch · 5 seats · asking $18,981–$24,990Nissan SakuraKei car · 4 seats · electric kei carNissan Serena e-PowerPeople mover · 7 or 8 seats · asking $18,900–$46,900Toyota Alphard HybridPeople mover · 7 or 8 seats · asking $23,900–$98,500Toyota AquaSmall hatch · 5 seats · asking $13,995–$23,990Toyota Crown HybridLarge sedan · 5 seats · asking $14,995–$74,900Toyota Estima HybridPeople mover · 7 or 8 seats · asking $16,990–$26,900Toyota Noah / Voxy HybridPeople mover · 7 or 8 seats · asking $22,990–$58,900Toyota Sienta HybridSmall people mover · 5, 6 or 7 seats · asking $16,990–$42,240

What a Japanese import is

These cars were built for Japan and brought here used. Most are imported by specialist workshops under the government's specialist vehicle scheme (SEVS), which lets in models that weren't sold new here, once they're modified to meet Australian rules and entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles. Cars 25 years or older can be imported without the scheme.

You get a lot of car for the money, often with features Australian models didn't have. The trade-off: no Australian factory warranty, recalls that may not have been done here, and some parts and know-how that only import specialists have.

Import checks before you buy

• Compliance and the RAV: An imported car must be on the government's Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) and carry an Australian compliance plate. Ask the seller to show you both.
• Auction sheet and kilometres: Ask for the original Japanese auction sheet. It grades the car's condition and records the kilometres in Japan, so you can check the odometer hasn't been wound back.
• Japanese recalls: Most Japanese recalls aren't on the Australian register, so an Australian VIN check can come back clean even when work is outstanding. Ask the importer for proof the Japanese recalls were done; Toyota and Nissan dealers can sometimes check by chassis number.
• Hybrid or EV battery: There's no Australian factory warranty on an import. Get a battery health check from a hybrid or EV specialist, or a Toyota or Nissan dealer, before you pay.
• Radio, maps and menus: Japanese radios tune a different FM band and the screens are often in Japanese. Check a band expander or new head unit has been fitted, and that you can change the settings to English.
• Parts, servicing and insurance: Find a local mechanic who works on imports, check common parts (tyres, brake pads, filters) are easy to get, and get an insurance quote first: some insurers charge more or won't cover imports.
• Dealer or private sale: A licensed dealer must usually give a statutory warranty depending on the car's age and kilometres (the rules differ by state). Private and auction sales don't come with one.
• PPSR check: Run a PPSR check (ppsr.gov.au) for finance owing and a written-off history, like any used car.

Take our used hybrid checklist too.

Not covered here

• Petrol-only imports like the Nissan Elgrand and Nissan Cube. The import checks above still apply.
• Toyota Sienna: a big American-market van built in left-hand drive only. It's generally not eligible for the specialist scheme, so it's rare here.
• Cars sold new here under another name: the first Toyota Aqua is the same car as the Prius c, the Prius Alpha is the Prius v, and the Estima is the Japanese Tarago. See our used guides for cars sold new in Australia.