Cost of Shipping P-car to Japan?

Hi all, I've just been offered a position in Japan through my company (duration 2 years) and aside from all the other details that need to be sorted out, I'm faced with the following options for my beloved: 1) Sell in the U.S. prior to leaving (hard to think about but willing to do), or 2) Ship the car to Japan. If anyone knows any information related to the shipping costs, as well as insurance and emission tests, I would sure appreciate it. As an aside, I've heard from colleagues that left-hand drive cars are the rage, and if I decide to sell it there, it would command a premium. Thanks in advance, SanDiego996

You can't license a car in japan without proof that you have space to park it.

If the cost of shipping, etal. is reasonable, then getting a space is not a problem, as I will be living in a complex with parking space provided.

Do it! Driving in Japan is awesome!!!!!

I looked into the idea of bringing a 360 Modena back to the US and the shipping charge was not too outrageous but I cannot remember the exact figure. I think it was around $3k. Exotic cars are relatively cheaper in Japan than in the US especially if you buy a used one. Their import cars are Euro spec so if you want to bring a car back to the US, you have to do a conversion. It might be simpler to buy a car in Japan when you are there. You will also have to deal with the tax and duty issues if there are any. Japan is a huge bureaucracy, fyi.

I drive a 2000 996 C2, bought it here in Japan. Most Porsches are left hand drive here, and do not command a premium. If anything, the rarity of RHD cars makes them more sought after... It took a long time to find mine. Insurance for anyone over the age of 26 cost me about Y150,000. Friends looked into importing from the US, but decided against it because of all the red tape and taxes... There are lots of 996s here, you could pick one up easily locally.

if you check Japanese shipping companies, they regularly ship cars to Japan. I think $1500 plus/minus. However, all imported cars have to get Japanese version of registration/safety compliance/tax, and this can amount to $10K or more. They may have a law to exempt all this inspection if you import it as your personal car due to moving to Japan but you will need to find some car broker to do all the paperwork. Used 996 00-03 with low miles are about $45-60k+. Lot of Tiptronics instead of manual. Also, imported cars (non Japan dealer cars) usually will get lower price if you decide to sell in Japan later on. Of course, if your 996 is very special, it may be different story. best of luck, yk

Thanks for the great advice guys. It really helps in making my decision. So far, based on the comments, I think I might just sell it here and then get another one while I'm there. Edo, seeing how you currently live in Tokyo, can you recommend any places I may visit (online or in person) where I may find a 2001-2003 C2 or C4? Also, I read on a Japanese website that person-to-person car sales are rarely (if at all) done, and that all used car sales go through a car broker. Is this true?

Sure Hope your Japanese is up to scratch! There are two main magazines that publish second hand data. All the cars in these monthly telephone directory sized tomes are at dealers. Online they are at: http://www.isize.com/carsensor/ http://www.goo-net.com/index.html also a good source is: http://www.wintel.co.jp (another broker search website) You are right, there are hardly any private car deals. People tend to use brokers because it is so much easier. The red tape is very time consuming... Another option is to buy through the auctions. Thousands of cars go through every week, including a good amount of Porsches. You need an agent to go through though - I could introduce you to an English speaking one if you need. I think if you went through the auction you'd save a few thousand dollars, but then forego guarantees etc...