Buying process

From placing a bid to driving away — here’s what to expect.

Fully Registered UK Price No buyer’s premium or hidden fees 12‑month warranty included

Buying a car

Once you’ve found a car you’re interested in, follow these steps to bid confidently.

  1. 1) Register to bid

    Create an account and add a valid payment method. When you place a bid we place a temporary 5% authorization to verify funds and reduce fraudulent bidding. There is no buyer’s premium — the price you bid is the price you pay.

  2. 2) Review the listing

    Vehicles are located in Japan. We share all available details. Feel free to ask any questions before bidding.

    • Review photos, videos and listing notes carefully.
    • Use comments or contact us for any clarifications.
  3. 3) Arrange payment and collection

    Plan how you’ll pay and receive the car. We handle export, shipping, customs and full UK registration.

    • 30% deposit is due on winning; balance is due after UK registration.
    • Shipping to the UK and full UK registration are included in the Fully Registered UK Price.
    • After registration, collect in Northampton or arrange UK delivery.
  4. 4) Place your bid

    Enter a higher amount than the current bid. Bids are binding, so only bid if you intend to purchase. The temporary 5% authorization is released if you’re outbid or the auction ends without you winning.

After you win

What happens after your winning bid is confirmed.

  1. 1) 30% deposit to secure the car

    Pay a 30% deposit. We then begin export preparation and shipping.

  2. 2) Export, shipping and customs

    We manage export documentation in Japan, delivery to port, sea freight to the UK and customs clearance.

  3. 3) UK preparation and registration

    Your car is inspected, tested and fully registered in the UK so it’s ready to drive on collection.

  4. 4) Final payment and handover

    Pay the remaining balance after UK registration is completed. Collect in Northampton or we can arrange delivery anywhere in the UK.

What’s included in the final price

  • Preparation and export documentation in Japan
  • Delivery to the port of departure in Japan
  • International shipping to the UK
  • Customs clearance and handling
  • Full UK registration, including MOT test and all compliance requirements
  • Post-registration service and handover inspection
  • 12‑month warranty included

No hidden fees or buyer’s premium — the price you bid is the price you pay.

Indicative timeline

  1. Auction date
  2. Export documentation finalized
  3. Vehicle loaded onto carrier vessel
  4. Vessel arrival at Southampton Port
  5. UK vehicle registration completed

Timings are indicative and can vary based on port schedules and DVLA processing.

FAQs

Pricing & payments

Are there any extra fees?

No buyer’s premium or hidden charges. The price you bid is the price you pay.

When is payment due?

A 30% deposit is due on bid confirmation. The remaining balance is due after UK registration is completed.

What payment methods do you accept?

Bank transfer preferred for both deposit and balance. Speak to us if you need alternatives.

Prior to bidding

How do I register to bid?

Create an account and verify your email. When you place your first bid you’ll be asked to add a payment method so we can place a temporary 5% authorization to verify funds.

How do I place a bid?

Open the vehicle’s listing and click Place Bid. Enter an amount higher than the current bid. We’ll place a temporary 5% authorization on your card for the duration of the auction.

How do bid increments work?

Bids must exceed the current high bid. Minimum increments are applied automatically and scale with price; the bidding box shows the next allowed bid at all times.

What currency do you use?

All bids and prices are in GBP (£). Final prices shown are the Fully Registered UK Price.

Can I bid if I live outside the UK?

Yes. Transactions are in GBP and delivery is to the UK. If you intend to export the vehicle from the UK, all logistics, import duties and compliance in your country are your responsibility.

During the auction

How do I contact you privately?

Use the contact options on the listing to message our team directly. If you need help, just reach out and we’ll assist you.

How can I tell if a car was inspected?

We share everything we have in the listing. If an independent report is available, it will be included there.

What is covered in an inspection?

Where an independent report exists, it will outline condition and checks performed. Otherwise, rely on the detailed listing media and notes.

Is there proxy bidding?

Yes. Enter your maximum bid and our system will automatically bid on your behalf up to that amount, using the minimum increments required. If you’re outbid beyond your maximum, you can raise it at any time.

After the auction

I didn’t win — why do I still see a card hold?

We release authorization holds immediately when the auction ends. Your bank may take a few days to reflect this; timing varies by issuer.

Once the auction is over, how do I complete the transaction?

If you win, we’ll send payment instructions for the 30% deposit. We handle export, shipping and full UK registration. The remaining balance is payable once registration is complete.

How do I pick up the vehicle?

After UK registration, you can collect in Northampton or we can arrange delivery anywhere in the UK.

How do I pay safely?

We’ll provide an invoice with bank transfer details. Avoid sending funds to third parties not listed on your invoice.

Someone else bid using my account — what now?

You’re responsible for all activity on your account. Please keep your login secure and enable additional protections where available.

Ready to find your car? Browse current auctions.