Importing Japanese Cars to Canada & the USA
Looking to import a Japanese (JDM) car to Canada or the U.S.? Brave Auto International sources vehicles through Japan’s dealer-only auctions, confirms eligibility (Canada’s 15-year rule / U.S. 25-year rule + limited exemptions), and coordinates export shipping and required paperwork. For a step-by-step walkthrough and pricing, see our How the Auction Process Works page and Our Fee page.
Why Canadian & U.S. Buyers Use Brave Auto International
Brave Auto International has been helping Canadian and U.S. buyers purchase vehicles through Japan’s trusted dealer-only auctions since the early 2000’s. With over two decades of experience across both markets and strong familiarity with U.S. import rules, we provide reliable, honest, hands-on support — from auction selection and bidding through to shipping coordination and delivery.
For Our Canadian Customers
Through consistent service and a transparent approach, Brave Auto International has become well known within the Canadian enthusiast community.
Mark was invited to join the Imported Vehicle Owners Association of Canada (IVOAC) in recognition of his long-standing reputation in the industry.
He also contributed to early industry discussions when Transport Canada considered potential changes to the 15-year import rule, drawing on practical experience in the import/export space.
For Our USA Customers
Brave Auto International has assisted U.S. buyers for many years. Early on, we focused on select 1970s and 1980s JDM classics that qualify under the U.S. 25-year import rule.
As more vehicles become eligible, we now regularly help buyers source through Japan’s dealer-only auctions and coordinate shipment for models such as:
- ✅ Subaru Impreza WRX STi
- ✅ Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
- ✅ Toyota Supra
- ✅ Nissan Skyline (R32, R33, R34 GTT & GT-R)
- ✅ Plus many other makes and models
We’ve also assisted customers with under-25-year vehicles where a compliant pathway or exemption applies
(eligibility varies by vehicle and year), including:
- ✅ Audi RS4 and RS6 Avant (models not originally sold in the U.S.)
- ✅ Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec limited models (when eligible under “Show or Display”)
Previously Exported Vehicles (Worldwide)
Examples of vehicles sourced in Japan and shipped worldwide — including Canada & USA.
What Our Customers Say
Real reviews from Canadian, U.S. and international buyers who’ve imported vehicles through Brave Auto International.
2021 BMW X5 Motorsport Edition | 2017 Toyota Landcruiser Prado
Mark is super responsive and helpful. I have purchased two vehicles from Japanese auctions through Mark and he shipped them to Kenya for me.
Both vehicles were in very good condition and Mark’s advice was extremely helpful. If you are planning to purchase a vehicle from Japan, you can’t do better than Brave Auto.
1997 Toyota Hilux Surf SSR-G 3.0 Turbo Diesel
Bought a 1997 hilux surf SSR-G. Imported to Canada. Seamless. I'm going to buy something else quite soon through Brave Auto.
2021 Toyota Hiace Long Super GL
I recently imported a Hiace van through Brave Auto I highly recommend Mark. I looked at different importers and agents and was wary of all the fees other agents would add onto a final invoice. When sending large amounts of money to someone overseas you need someone you deal with you can trust and Mark did exactly as he advertised on his website.
1993 Toyota Landcruiser 70 Series 4.2 Diesel
Great Experience with Mark and his team. My Land Cruiser arrived in fantastic condition, and at a very reasonable rate. A few hiccups from my work and home location were no issue with Brave Auto and everything worked out great. I recommend them to anyone looking for JDM vehicles, and I will be using again!
2004 Subaru Forester XT SG5
First rate experience. Very knowledgeable walks you through the entire process.
1999 Subaru Legacy GT-B E-Tune BH5
Got my Subaru Legacy gt-b from mark at brave auto. Really nice and knowledgeable dude. Car was 10/10 and 4 Years later still doing great!
2003 Volkswagen Golf R32 6spd - LHD
I had experience to have business with Mark and his company, I absolutely love it, his fantastic guy.
He make everything easy and affordable and he knows his job very well, basically business with him it's like one stop shopping.
Most important thing is he won't charge you any hidden charges which most of the other agent does.
Again thank you Mark and that was pleasure to business with you.
2000 BMW Z3 M Coupe LHD | 1990 Mercedes Benz E300 LHD | 1994 Toyota Landcruiser VX LTD 4.2 Turbo Diesel HDJ80 | etc.
I've used Mark a couple of times now and will continue to use him in the future. Service, communication, and a tedious eye for the often overlooked details are worth every penny.
My advice for anyone looking at hiring Mark - Give yourself a healthy budget, tell Mark exactly what you want, set your sights on a clean unit, don't waste time lowballing units you can't afford, and let him do his thing sourcing the best units - he won't let you down.
1999 Mercedes Benz SLK230 AMG LHD
You couldn't go with a better company. Mark is friendly, polite and always fast responding to my emails. His system is A1, I had no worries thru the whole process. The photos were excellent and I will be using him again in the very near future.
2000 Subaru Forester S/TB SF5
The service that mark gives is always quick and personal, he makes the process of importing much simpler and much safer than I could have hoped for. The extensive list of auction house videos that he releases are a must see if you're curious about importing, and if you want to get the right car on the first try, brave auto is my top recommendation
1994 Nissan Safari Kingsroad 4.2 Turbo Diesel WRGY60
I imported a Nissan Safari to the UK, no problem and it was exactly as shown in photos.
1999 Honda Integra Type-R DC2 | 1994 Mazda RX7 Type-R FD3S
Mark is an awesome guy to deal with..i have now known him for more than 5 years and imported 2 cars... And I have nothing but good things to say
2000 Audi S4 Avant LHD
I just recently imported my first car from Japan and I couldn't have done it with out the help and guidance of Mark at Brave Auto. I spent a lot of time searching for an exporter that I could feel comfortable with and I kept coming back to Brave. Anyone can write how they do things better than the competition but Mark lived up to the hype. He took the time to describe the entire process and answered all the questions I had. It always takes a bit of faith when you buy a car sight unseen but the Audi S4 Avant I imported turned out to be everything Mark described it to be. I wouldn't hesitate to use Mark to find me my next car when I'm ready to try something new.
1992 Mitsubishi Delica 2.5 Diesel Exceed + 11 Other Vehicles
Dealt with Mark for almost 10 years. All three vehicles in my driveway are from Mark (Delica, VW, and Merc). I used to spend painful hours at local auctions when I needed a new vehicle. Now my co-workers cannot seem to wrap their head around the simplicity of me buying a car within 5 minutes of seeing it on Mark's site by sending Mark a short email to confirm my desire. When Marks knows you're not wasting his time, he won't waste yours, and it will be time well worth it.
2017 Porsche 911 Turbo LHD
Dear Mark,Just wanted to let you know that I finally brought the car home last night.I will do a full inspection and I think the car is due for service (at least oil change) .. but everything else seems very smooth and the car is in amazing condition (after a good wash !)Thank you so much for your guidance and support in this process.I was lucky with my first bid and also benefited for a very favorable FX rateNow I will enjoy the car before I buy a new one :))Thank a lot once again !
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Start Your Import Journey Today
Whether you’re new to importing or looking for your next dream car, we’re here to guide you every step of the way — from auction access to delivery.