Grey imports and SEVS vehicles — what to check before you buy

A 'grey import' is any vehicle that wasn't delivered through Australia's official manufacturer channel. Most are JDM (Japanese domestic market) sports cars and people-movers brought in under the Specialist & Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS) or, pre-2021, the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS). They can be excellent buys — or expensive regrets.

Why grey imports are cheap (and why they sometimes aren't)

Japanese auction-grade 4 or 4.5 cars often cost half what an Australian-delivered equivalent would. But you inherit zero manufacturer warranty, parts may be JDM-only, and insurance premiums can be 1.5-2x.

The 7-point pre-purchase check

1. 1.Compliance plate: must show a RAWS or SEVS workshop number. No plate = no rego in NSW.
2. 2.Engineer's report (Mod Plate): turbo, suspension, brake upgrades all need engineering sign-off for NSW rego.
3. 3.Speedometer: must read in km/h (not mph), and odometer should be in km — JDM cars often have mph conversion stickers that aren't legal.
4. 4.Headlights: JDM units are right-hand-dip. Required to be replaced or re-aimed for Australian roads.
5. 5.ADR compliance: child restraint anchorages, seatbelt warnings, immobiliser — all need to meet ADRs at compliance date.
6. 6.Service history in Japanese: get it translated (or ask the importer to). Auction sheet is gold — insist on the original.
7. 7.Parts availability: spend 20 minutes on Partsouq, Amayama, and eBay before you buy. A $400 oil cooler from Japan is a different proposition to a $80 one at Repco.

Common grey-import models in Sydney

• Nissan Skyline R32/R33/R34 GT-R — eligible under SEVS, prices have stabilised after 2022 bubble.
• Toyota Chaser / Mark II Tourer V — JZX100, beloved drift platform.
• Honda Civic Type R EK9 / DC2 Integra Type R — collector pieces now.
• Mazda RX-7 FD3S — rotary parts are getting hard, factor in $5k engine fund.
• Toyota Alphard / Vellfire — by far the most common grey-import family bus.

Common questions

Can I import my own car?

Under the Personal Import Scheme you must have owned and driven the car overseas for 12+ months and meet residency rules. It's not a workaround for buying cheap from Japan.

Will it pass a NSW blue slip?

If compliance and engineering are in order, yes — but AUVIS inspectors are stricter on grey imports. Budget for a $200 pre-blue-slip if you're not the original importer.