Calculate the door-to-door cost of your JDM dream with our Import Calculator
- the DREAM
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Using the latest figures, we create a reasonable estimates of what a JDM import to Canada would cost using our online calculator.
With the US waffling over tariffs and trade wars and vehicle prices jumping thousands of dollars overnight, a JDM import could be the cost-effective solution to your driving problem. So how much? Click here to find out
So, you could argue I'm biased for JDM. It's true. It's in the name. I may be biased, but I may not be wrong about imports right now. With Trumpy tariffs knocking the industry sideways, raising costs of new Dodge Rams by $20,000 USD (Auto123), importing might be not just be your saving grace, it might be the best choice for your dollar.
When it comes to making a car purchase in these times, every penny counts.
So, you’re importing a car. Maybe it’s a slammed Silvia ready to slide into a drift comp. Maybe it’s a minivan for hauling 12-packs of ramen and your brood of hockey stars. Maybe you're dreaming of a Kei truck for your cottage in Bobcaygeon. Or maybe you're just a regular person who needs a daily drive at an affordable price. Whatever your vibe—burning rubber or buying rubber floor mats—this spreadsheet is here to help. But before you take these numbers as gospel, let’s break it down.
How I did the math
Looking back to our previous article and experiences with the Prius, this is the basic breakdown as it stands .
Phase | Expense Category | Cost (CAD) |
Phase One: The Japanese Purchase | ||
Auction Price | $3,100 | |
FOB and Shipping | $3,800 | |
Total (Phase One) | $6,900 | |
Phase Two: From Vancouver to Toronto | ||
Shipping Costs | $3,000 | |
Customs Broker Fees | $250 | |
Docking Fee | $375 | |
Taxes at Border (5% GST) | $345 | |
Duty (6.1%) | $189.10 | |
Total (Phase Two) | $4,159.10 | |
Phase Three: From Toronto to the Streets | ||
Towing to Mechanic | $350 | |
Safety Certification | $200 | |
Battery Replacement | $400 | |
Document Translation | $220 | |
Virtual Assessment | $200 | |
License Plates | $35 | |
HST on Vehicle (8%) | $552 | |
Total (Phase Three) | $1,957 | |
Fudge Factor - unexpected costs | ||
Cost 1 - ex storage fees | $0 | |
Cost 2 - repairs for safety | $0 | |
Cost 3 | $0 | |
Total (Fudgery) | $0 | |
Grand Total | $13,016.10 |
Yes, we've rounded out a few numbers, erring upwards in order to play it safe, and I'm about 90% sure on the math.
How It Works (The TL;DR Version):
At its core, this sheet is as straightforward as a stock AE86. You plug in the price you’re paying for your Japanese import (in Canadian dollars), and it calculates your taxes and duties. That’s it. No frills, no upgrades, just numbers doing basic math.
The Assumptions (Because Excel Doesn’t Guess):
Exchange Rate Reality Check: Currently (as of May 2025), $1,000 CAD should land you over 104,114 yen at market rate. Think of it like $1040 CAD for purchasing power. But banks love their fees, so don’t expect the exact market rate. Adjust accordingly, because rates change and this spreadsheet isn’t Venmo-ing you the difference.
FOB Costs: I've coded a dropdown menu (Excel wizards, don’t @ me) and it works pretty well! You can check the orange chart on the page below the calculator. The rates are for Japan Motor, but expect other auction reps to offer similar. Right now, shipping rates are sitting at $2,500 CAD for RORO from Japan. But, like gas prices and coffee, they’re bound to go up.
Shipping Destination: You can't drive it right off the boat. Your vehicle needs safety and insurance, so you need a shipper. Call a vehicle shipper to figure out your rate form Vancouver to your. I recommend TFX as a shipper if you’re stuck - they handled all my Project 2.0 cars. Tell them theJDMdream sent you. I've go no sponsorships with them, so this is unsolicited praise.
Container Shipping Masochists: Thinking of shipping via container? Have fun! Rates are currently around $8,800 CAD from port to port. That’s all I’ve got for you—no judgment here.
Dropdown for Taxes: You pay federal tax at the border and provincial tax when you register your vehicle. I've percentages for each province.
Towing Costs Vary by Region: The towing estimate in this sheet assumes Ontario pricing. Your rates may vary. Maybe your local tow guy charges in Tim Hortons gift cards. Who knows?
Find the calculator here
REAL ADVICE: Check out some real prices at auction
You can't just GET access to the auctions. You need a rep. Japan Motor has been mine for the past 3 cars and 5 years. I'm generally happy with their service and they are a reputable organization.
Log on and make an account with them; tell them Trevor-san from theJDMdream in Canada sent you.
Making accounts is 100% free and it will put you in contact with an auction rep (probably Dan-san or Suzuki-san). This lets you view the auctions and WhatsApp with reps for advice.
Bidding requires you drop a deposit. So don't worry about that till you are ready.
FULL DISCLOSURE: Japan Motor and theJDMDream.ca don't have a formal working relationship, but we are in talks and might in the future.
Surf the sites for a few weeks. Tag a few favorite vehicles and see what the closing prices are. Then plug them into the calculator.
TIPS:
Your search starts at 15 years or older. That's the Canadian import limit... unless you're looking to store it at ~$150CAD a month
Limit your looking to vehicles Auction grade 4.0 or higher. Yes, there could definitely be scammers out there, but there is still a bettter chance to have less problems
Keep it under 60,000km. Surprisingly, MANY vehicles in Japan are low mileage. And low k's means less wear and tear
Ask about rust. If you're interested and starting to get serious, then reach out on WhatsApp to the team at JM. Don't accost them with a dozen cars. Pick 2-3 and just ask a few questions and you'll get a response in 12 hours or sooner (depending when you ask. )
A Disclaimer: Because RHD Doesn’t Mean ‘Really Hopeful Decisions’: (official disclaimer at bottom of article)
This Ain’t Legal Advice, Chief
Look, I’m not a lawyer, accountant, or some omniscient customs wizard. This spreadsheet is here to estimate your costs, not guarantee them. If you use this as your sole source of truth, don’t come crying when CBSA tells you your calculations are as off as a first-time drifter’s apex. Consult a pro if you’re dealing with serious money.
For Rough Estimates, Not Perfection
Think of this spreadsheet like a sketch—it gives you the shape of the picture, but the details? That’s on you. These numbers are here to give you a ballpark figure, not a blow-by-blow financial breakdown. Use it wisely and don’t skip your own math, unless you like surprises. (Spoiler: CBSA’s surprises involve bills.)
Regulations: They Change Like Drift Lines
Canadian import laws and CBSA regulations can change faster than you can say “kansei dorifuto.” What’s accurate today (May, 2025) might be out of date tomorrow. Always check the latest rules before you pull the trigger on that dream import—because even this spreadsheet can’t keep up with government plot twists.
Blame the System, Not the Spreadsheet
If you hit unexpected fees, duty costs, damage during transport or taxes you didn’t know existed, don’t slide into my DMs yelling about your import budget. This spreadsheet is here to help you prepare—not guarantee your wallet won’t take an L. Customs officers don’t care about your drift dreams, they care about duty receipts.
The Bottom Line (But Cooler)
By using this spreadsheet, you agree not to hold me liable if your import journey turns into a soap opera. Whether you’re rolling deep to the track or rolling to the farmer’s market, you’re in charge of your import destiny. I’m just the guy handing you the cheat sheet.
So buckle up, double-check your numbers, and may your dream JDM car land safely on Canadian soil—ready to make waves on the streets or the grocery store parking lot.
Check your numbers. Have a cushion. Take a plunge
It's so scary going in blind that most people never take the plunge. No one wants to hand tens of thousand of dollars to some foreign company overseas for a vehicle they've never sen. I'm hoping this calculator will make those first steps a little less intimidating and will make your first purchase a success. Your best process is this:
find a car you like and research it
log on to Japan Motor:
make an account for free
scout auction prices
get an estimate and plug it into the calculator
if you're still good, start budgeting
figure in a 20% 'fudge factor' of $2000 minimum
compare that to what new/used local vehicles are available
if the numbers add up, reach out to that auction rep and inquire on specific car lots
.... and then pull that trigger!
Feeling bold? Try it out.
What are your dream machines and worries about importing. Share them in the comments below!
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