CUSTOM ORDER · SOURCED FROM JAPAN

Here's exactly what ordering a kei vehicle looks like.

No importer double-talk. We source to your spec from Japanese auctions, translate every sheet, and manage the vehicle from the auction hall to your title. Below is the whole journey, stage by stage, with real durations.

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The honest headline

≈ 12 weeks

from first consultation to keys in hand, for a typical order.

Be clear-eyed

Ocean freight is the wild card. Vessel schedules, port congestion, and weather can add weeks — sometimes more. If your vehicle is delayed, you'll hear it from us first, not discover it yourself.

The six stages

From consultation to keys

Each stage prints onto the page as you scroll. Durations are indicative and easy for us to update.

Consultation & search

1–4 WEEKS

We define your spec, budget, and quality filter together, then start watching auctions. When a candidate comes up, we pull its auction sheet and translate it for you — grade, inspector notes, the map of dings and rust — so you're deciding on real information, not a listing photo.

You do → tell us the mission (daily driver? ranch truck? halo car?) and approve candidates.

Auction win & Japan-side processing

2–3 WEEKS

We bid and win. Then the Japan-side paperwork runs: deregistration, export certificate, and inland transport to the port of loading. This is administrative time — the vehicle is secured and moving toward the water.

Deposit due at auction win

Amount and structure are confirmed before you commit — placeholder here until we lock terms with you.

You do → place the deposit; then sit back while we handle Japanese logistics.

Ocean freight

3–6 WEEKS · THE WILD CARD

Vessel booking and sailing to the US West Coast. This is the stage we can't fully control: schedules shift, ports get congested, and weather happens. Our estimate is honest, but if the ocean adds weeks, this is usually where it comes from — and we'll tell you the moment we know.

You do → nothing but wait. We send the vessel name and tracking.

Customs & federal clearance

1–2 WEEKS

On arrival, the vehicle clears US Customs and Border Protection, with EPA and DOT paperwork filed under the 25-year exemption. Because we only import vehicles that qualify, this is a clean process — no gray-area gambles that get cars impounded.

You do → nothing. This is our filings, our responsibility.

Transport to Tucson

ABOUT 1 WEEK

The vehicle is trucked from the port to our Tucson shop. Short and predictable — the home stretch.

You do → get excited. We confirm arrival at the shop.

Reconditioning & AZ titling

2–4 WEEKS

The part that sets us apart. Full mechanical service, desert-proofing of cooling and rubber, and Arizona title work so the vehicle is registered and road-legal. You take delivery of a truck that's ready for 115°F asphalt, not a fresh-off-the-boat unknown.

Balance due

Timing confirmed with you in advance — placeholder here until we finalize the structure.

You do → settle the balance, then pick up your keys.

In plain language

Most custom orders take about 12 weeks from consultation to keys in hand — longer if ocean freight runs late.

Honest FAQ

The questions we'd want answered

What can delay my order? +

Ocean freight is the biggest variable — vessel scheduling, port congestion, and weather can each add weeks. Auction availability can also stretch the search stage if you want a rare model or a specific color in top condition. Customs is usually quick because we only import vehicles that cleanly qualify under the 25-year rule. Whatever the cause, we flag delays as soon as we see them.

What does the deposit cover? +

The deposit is placed at auction win and secures the vehicle plus the Japan-side costs to get it exported and on a vessel. Exact amount and structure are confirmed with you in writing before you commit — we don't spring numbers on you mid-process.

What happens if we don't win the auction? +

Nothing lost — we simply keep looking. A losing bid isn't a failure; it's discipline. We hold our quality filter and price ceiling rather than overpaying for a car that doesn't meet the standard. The search continues until we win the right vehicle for you.

Can I cancel? +

Before we win an auction, absolutely — there's no obligation during the search. Once a vehicle is won and the deposit is placed, cancellation terms depend on how far along the import is, since real costs are committed. We'll walk you through exactly what's refundable at each stage before you place the deposit.

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