Buying a Car From Japan Isn’t What You Think

Shop MartiniWorks and build your car the right way https://martiniworks.com/ Is importing a JDM car actually worth it, or is it all hype? In this video, we break down the full journey of buying and importing a Nissan Silvia S15 from Japan to the United States—covering everything from purchase price to shipping, paperwork, and the hidden costs no one talks about. #jdm #s15 #cars What started as a $13,000 deal quickly turned into a real-world test of whether S-chassis cars are truly overpriced. From navigating export documents in Japan to dealing with U.S. port fees, tariffs, and clearance, this video walks through the entire import process step by step. If you’ve ever considered importing a car from Japan, this is the behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes. We cover the differences between RORO and container shipping, the risks involved with each option, and how small mistakes in documentation can cost you thousands. You’ll also learn why having the right people on both sides of the process matters more than you think, and how unexpected fees can stack up fast. By the end, we break down the true total cost of importing an S15 Silvia, what we would do differently next time, and whether skipping a traditional importer is actually worth the risk. If you're into JDM cars, S-chassis builds, or want to understand the real cost of importing a car from Japan to the U.S., this video gives you the full picture without the fluff.