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Estimated JDM Import Cost
A breakdown of typical expenses to help you plan ahead. Final pricing may vary by vehicle and location
Estimated JDM Import Cost
This section gives you a planning-level overview of the typical costs involved in importing a 25+ year-old Japanese vehicle into the United States. It is designed to help you understand the major cost categories before moving forward.
Final costs can vary based on the vehicle, shipping method, broker charges, port, and the rules in effect at the time of entry.
What’s Included in the Estimate
- $500 Deposit: Required to begin full import service. Applied toward your service fee.
- Vehicle Purchase Price: Paid separately by the client once a vehicle is selected and approved.
- Nexus Full Import Service Fee: Calculated using our current hybrid pricing model.
- Average Ocean Shipping: Planning estimate based on a typical Japan-to-U.S. shipment.
- Average Customs / Broker Estimate: Planning estimate for common entry and document-related charges.
- Estimated Import Duty: Passenger vehicles commonly start from a 2.5% baseline.
Current Nexus Service Pricing
- Full Import Service: $500 deposit + service fee
- Under $10,000 vehicle price: $1,250 + 5%
- $10,000 – $20,000: $1,250 + 4%
- Over $20,000: $1,250 + 3%
- Maximum Full-Service Fee: $2,500
- Vehicle Finder: $500
- Customs Assistance: $200
- Vehicle Delivery Coordination: $300
Common Import-Related Costs
- Ocean Shipping: Common planning estimate is around $2,000, though actual shipping can vary by vehicle size, route, and shipping method.
- Customs / Broker Charges: Common planning estimate is around $900, though actual broker and bond costs vary by entry structure.
- Federal Duty: Passenger vehicles commonly use a 2.5% baseline. Trucks, vans, and certain classifications can be much higher.
- MPF / HMF: Federal processing fees may also apply depending on the entry and are based on vehicle value.
- Tariffs: Additional tariffs are not automatically assumed in our planning estimate because treatment can depend on vehicle age, classification, and the rules in effect when the entry is filed.
Optional Add-Ons and Variable Costs
- Port Storage / Late Pickup Fees: May apply if the vehicle is not collected within the terminal’s free storage window.
- U.S. Delivery: The vehicle transport cost itself is paid separately by the client. Nexus delivery coordination is $300 if selected.
- Marine Insurance: Optional and depends on shipment value and carrier terms.
- Escort / Port-Specific Fees: Some ports or terminals may require escort or appointment-related charges.
- State Registration, Title, Taxes, and Tag Fees: Not included in this estimate.
Why This Estimate Is Useful
- Helps you understand the major cost categories before choosing a vehicle
- Prevents underestimating landed import costs
- Gives you a more realistic budget before submitting your intake form
- Separates Nexus service pricing from third-party costs more clearly
What This Estimate Shows
This calculator is designed to give you a planning-level estimate of what it may cost to import a vehicle from Japan to the United States using Nexus JDM Imports. It combines the vehicle price with average shipping, typical customs and broker costs, estimated import duty, and the service package you select.
The goal is to help you understand the approximate total landed cost before moving forward. It is not a final invoice, and actual costs may vary depending on the vehicle, port, broker charges, and current import regulations.
Included in the Estimate
- Vehicle purchase price
- Average ocean shipping cost
- Average customs and broker fee estimate
- Estimated import duty
- Nexus JDM Imports service fee
- Optional delivery coordination if selected
Not Always Included
- Port storage or late pickup fees
- Marine insurance
- Special port escort or handling fees
- Unexpected broker or terminal charges
- State registration, taxes, title, or tag fees
- Extra compliance costs for vehicles under 25 years old