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Turning import dreams into reality
Educating Canadians in the import process, ownership and maintenance of JDM cars.
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Part 2 - Rims-shot: Why Are You Buying Wheels?
Now that fitment is sorted, how do you choose the right wheels? Part 2 of our beginner JDM mod series looks at rims, wheel construction, sizing, Japanese brands like RAYS, Work, Enkei, SSR, ADVAN, and Watanabe, plus daily, drift, show, and performance builds. Fitment tells you what can fit. Purpose tells you what makes sense.
trevorlaughlin8
Jun 1411 min read


The class of 2010-2011 (Part 3): Kei Trucks and Pickups buyer's guide
Japan’s best work trucks were never built to show off. They were built to squeeze down narrow roads, haul real loads, and start every morning without complaint. From kei trucks to Hiluxes and Navaras, this article explores the practical Japanese pickups now becoming legal in Canada — and why they make more sense than you might think.
Dream
Jun 112 min read


The class of 2010-2011 (Part 4) - the Haulers: of HiAce vans and Hino's
Part 4 explores the hidden workhorses of the JDM world: vans and 2-tonne haulers,
Dream
Jun 114 min read


Fitment Without Guesswork: The Beginner’s Guide to Rims, Tires, and Stance (Part 1)
Before you buy wheels, chase stance, or start dreaming about the perfect first mod, you need to understand fitment. This opening article in the series breaks down the basics of how wheels and tires actually sit on a car — from offset and tire size to tucked, flush, poke, and stance fitment. Because before you can know what you want to do to your car, you need to know what your car can actually handle first.
Dream
May 169 min read


Anime North, Meet JDM: The Crossover Episode Everybody Saw Coming (May 23rd - 2:30 to 4:30pm)
The JDM Dream is coming to Anime North on May 22–23 with ONITA, the Ontario Itasha car club. Join us for cars, anime, itasha culture, and a two-hour talk on JDM history, importing from Japan, and why your next car might cost less than you think.
trevorlaughlin8
May 52 min read


How to Prepare Your Car for a Car Show: Bugs, Dust, Regret, and Other Final Touches
Getting ready for car show season? This guide covers first car show prep, including how to clean your car at home, what touch-up supplies to bring to the show, and when professional detailing is worth it. From interior cleaning and glass care to engine bay detailing and show-day essentials, here’s how to make your car look its best before it hits the field.
trevorlaughlin8
Apr 157 min read


The class of 2010-2011 (Part 2): Hybrids, Minivans, and SUVs Built for Daily Life
By 2010, Japan had already perfected the hybrid family car and the people-mover minivan — while Canada was still treating them as novelties. Vehicles like Prius, Alphard, Odyssey, and Serena weren’t experiments; they were mature, long-life platforms refined for a decade under Japanese ownership. Now, 15 years later, Canadians can finally access that quiet engineering maturity.
trevorlaughlin8
Feb 2010 min read


The Class of 2010–2011 (Part 1): Proven JDM Cars Finally Legal in Canada
Japan already did the testing — Canada just opened the door. As 2010–2011 JDM cars become legal to import in 2026, this guide explores the compact cars, sedans, hybrids, and sports cars Japan ranked for quality, reliability, and real-world use. No hype icons — just proven machines finally ready for Canadian roads.
trevorlaughlin8
Jan 3013 min read


Will It Be Worth Importing a JDM Car in 2026?
Will It Be Worth Importing a JDM Car in 2026? For the right buyer, in the right category, yes — absolutely. Read now and find out where this fits for you!
trevorlaughlin8
Jan 64 min read


From Fuji to Frostbite: JDM Cars Built for Canadian Winter (Part 2)
If you thought all JDM vehicles were delicate flowers unsuitable for Canadian winters, think again. Here is a JDM winter-car buyers guide for those who thrive in the snow!
trevorlaughlin8
Dec 2, 202512 min read


Small Truck, Big Mud Energy: Kei vs UTV in the Great White North
Kei truck vs UTV: the ultimate off-road showdown in Canada. Compare price, power, legality, comfort, and chaos. One’s street-legal and fuel-smart, the other’s pure dirt-flinging fun. Which one fits your wild side?
trevorlaughlin8
Nov 3, 20254 min read


Size Matters (Until It Doesn’t): The Kei Truck vs Pickup Showdown.
Dare to compare. See how a kei shapes up against your f150
trevorlaughlin8
Oct 22, 20255 min read


The Complete Guide to Why JDM Cars Outlast Canadian Cars: Rust, Shaken, and Smarter Ownership
People talk about JDM having all these benefits over used Canadian vehicles. Ever wonder why? Is the hype even true? Find out in this article!
trevorlaughlin8
Sep 23, 20257 min read


A Canadian’s Guide to living Right-Hand Drive (RHD): left-turns, Tim Horton's on the Wrong Side and other things to get used to.
Thinking of importing a JDM car and learning right-hand drive? This guide covers the quirks you’ll face on Canadian roads: swapped wiper and signal stalks, left-hand shifting, blind spots that flip depending on which side you sit, and why your Japanese radio won’t pick up half your favorite stations. We’ll also look at the everyday realities of RHD life, from awkward drive-thrus to spotting oncoming traffic when a truck blocks your view. Canadian ostal workers do it every day
trevorlaughlin8
Sep 11, 20259 min read


Itasha: When Anime and Cars Collide (Part 1)
Diving into a fluffy cultural piece, we examine the history, cultural and technological influences that brought about the itasha. The waifu-rides that attract all kinds of eyes but has become far more than just fandom and cardom.
trevorlaughlin8
Jul 13, 202511 min read


So You Wanna Import a JDM Car to Canada? Take this 10 min Course Before You Dive Headfirst into a Skyline or a $4,000 Prius.
A free 10-minute online course to help you figure out if JDM importing to Canada is for you.
trevorlaughlin8
Jun 10, 20253 min read


Calculate the door-to-door cost of your JDM dream car with our Import Calculator
Using the latest figures, we create a reasonable estimates of what a JDM import to Canada would cost.
trevorlaughlin8
May 9, 20256 min read


Beemers & Beamers: JDM Importing with MoodyE46
It’s our first interview — just two car nerds breaking down the import process in plain English for regular Canadians and enthusiasts
trevorlaughlin8
Mar 20, 20251 min read


UPDATED!! From Affordable to Unattainable: The Tariff Effect on Your Next Ride
U.S. Tariffs on Canadian auto imports are set to drive up vehicle prices. What you need to know and where your wallet will be hit - even wit
trevorlaughlin8
Feb 3, 20258 min read


The Prius Story: Calculating the true cost of an import from Japan to Canada.
Imported a 2009 Prius from Japan: low miles, no rust, but over budget. Storage fees, shipping woes, and was it worth it? Let's break it down
trevorlaughlin8
Dec 19, 20246 min read
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