Japanese cars in the UK?

[Sampleman]

 

I am from Germany, and when it comes to buying cars from UK (i.e. made for the UK market), the main point not to do it is one simple thing: UK cars are RHD. Although it is not forbidden to drive RHD cars in Germany, it is regarded highly awkward.

Which leads me to my question: Cars made for the Japanese domestic market are also RHD. Is it possible to import a Japanese car to the UK and get it road legal there? Is this done frequently? How much do you have to change on a car made for the Japanese market in order to get it on an UK street?

Best regards from Bavaria

Frank

 

[FROSTYBALLS]

The Japanese domestic market (JDM) has a very stringent and expensive testing regime to ensure vehicles are roadworthy - far more stringent than testing in European countries. Testing occurs every two years, and is more stringent still for vehicles over 10 years old. The regime is geared up to encourage owners to change their vehicles more regularly than in most other countries.

Known in the UK as 'grey imports, JDM vehicles may be imported into the UK either on a personal basis or via companies specialising in this area of the msrket. They are also quite popular in Australia and New Zealand  - both RHD markets.

Not much needs to be changed. Usually the addition of a rear fog light is almost all that is needed for the UK.

Head units are in Japanese and aren't designed for European countries, as are sat navs.