よくある質問
FAQ
The practical questions buyers ask. The full process is on How It Works, and eligibility dates are on Can I Import It?
How much does importing usually cost?
One vehicle price, quoted by us, with our margin already in it. There is no separate service or agency fee. Ocean freight is a separate pass-through line billed at cost, because it changes with the sailing and the destination port. On top of that you pay your own US entry costs: duty, customs fees, and registration at your end. As a rough guide a clean low-mileage Kei truck or van lands in the region of $8,000 to $14,000 all in, and a Suzuki Jimny higher because demand is strong. For a quick estimate, try our Landed Cost Calculator.
How long does the process take?
Around 8 to 14 weeks from starting a search to collecting at the pier: 1 to 3 weeks sourcing, 2 to 3 weeks Japan-side export processing, and 3 to 5 weeks at sea to Honolulu or the West Coast. Gulf and East Coast sailings take longer, and rare vehicles can take months to find.
Can I see the vehicle before purchasing?
Yes. You get the auction sheet with the grade and noted defects translated, a photo set, and a walkaround video where the vehicle is accessible to us. Nothing is invoiced until you have seen it and agreed the price. If you are in Japan you are welcome to see it in person.
Do you inspect vehicles?
Where the vehicle is physically accessible to us, yes: cold start, undercarriage, panels, interior and an honest condition note. Some auction vehicles can only be assessed from the sheet before bidding, and we tell you when that is the case rather than implying we have stood next to it.
Can you source a specific model?
That is most of what we do. Give us the model, year range, budget, transmission, drivetrain and colour, and we go and find it, buy it, and prepare it for export. You see the vehicle and the price before you commit. For unusual specs we keep watching the market until the right one appears.
Who handles customs?
You are the importer of record, so the entry is filed in your name. We prepare and supply the Japan-side documents, including the export certificate and its translation, and give you the checklist for your port. Many buyers use a customs broker at the destination, and we can explain what they will need.
Which U.S. ports do you ship to?
We book into Los Angeles/Long Beach, Oakland, Seattle/Tacoma, Houston, Honolulu, Jacksonville and the Baltimore/New York area, and we also export to Canada, the UK and Ireland. If your port destination is not listed, please feel free to reach out!
| Port | Est. RoRo freight | Est. transit time |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu, HI | ~$1,572 | 3-4 weeks |
| Los Angeles / Long Beach, CA | ~$1,350 | 3-5 weeks |
| Oakland, CA | ~$1,350 | 3-5 weeks |
| Seattle / Tacoma, WA | ~$1,350 | 3-5 weeks |
| Houston, TX | ~$2,200 | 5-7 weeks |
| Jacksonville, FL | ~$2,400 | 6-8 weeks |
| Baltimore / New York area | ~$2,400 | 6-8 weeks |
Freight estimates are based on September 2026 RoRo rates and vary by carrier and sailing availability. Transit times are port-to-port and do not include Japan-side export processing (2-3 weeks).
What happens if a vehicle has issues?
These are 25 year old used vehicles, so most have something. Our job is to find it before you pay: we translate the auction sheet's defect map, photograph what we see, and disclose it. If something material turns up after purchase that we should have caught, we tell you and work out how to sort it with you rather than pretending it is not there.
Can you help source parts later?
Yes. Send the chassis code and frame number and we identify the correct Japanese part number, then price options across auction, dismantler and Japanese domestic retail. Parts can sometimes be consolidated into one shipment.
What do I need to do at the destination port?
Complete your customs entry, pay duty and fees, schedule the release window with the terminal, and collect the vehicle with your ID and release documents. Watch the terminal's free days so you avoid storage charges. Inland transport and registration are arranged by you, and we will research your state's registration rules with you before you buy. US duty is charged on the FOB price of the vehicle, the price you pay us for the vehicle itself, and not on the ocean freight: currently 25% for Kei trucks, 15% for passenger vehicles under 1000cc, and 12.5% for larger passenger cars. Those rates have moved several times recently and can change between sailing and arrival, so confirm with a customs broker at entry.
Are Kei trucks street legal in my state?
Importing one that is 25 years or older is legal everywhere in the US under the federal 25-year exemption. That part is settled. Whether you can register it for road use depends entirely on your state, and in some states your county. Some allow full registration, some restrict road class or speed, and some do not currently register Kei vehicles at all, and several have changed their stance in the past two years in both directions. Before buying, contact your DMV and get the answer in writing if road registration matters to you. We will help you research the current rules and point you at the right questions, but we cannot guarantee a registration outcome, and anyone who says they can is not being straight with you.
What payment methods do you accept?
Bank wire. Payment terms are agreed in writing before any purchase.
Why does my payment or invoice show THREE JAM?
Circle Kei Motors is the international sales and export division of THREE JAM, our registered business in Japan. Because THREE JAM is the registered business entity used for Japan-side transactions, some invoices, Wise payment details, and related documents may display the THREE JAM name.
How do I contact you?
Email us at circlekeimotors@gmail.com or use the Find My Kei form to start a search.