At Chief Imports, our extensive network of agents in Japan enables us to source nearly any car that fits your budget and specification needs! It may require a bit of patience, but rest assured, your trust in us to import your dream car will be well worth it. Take a look at our Google reviews to see what our customers have to say about their experience with us. In short: Affordable, Straightforward, Stress-Free 😎
Are you ready? Let us embark on the journey to import your ideal car!
Welcome to the exciting world of vehicle importation! As you embark on this journey to acquire your dream car, it is essential to understand the importation process to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
This includes all the details of the car we'll be bringing in for you including the color (preferences or exceptions), grading, make/model and budget limit.
The bidding deposit is required to initiate bids at auctions and this amount is automatically adjusted in the final pricing of the car. Our agents are directly connected to auction houses and certified dealerships across Japan from where the cars are sourced.
Our agents bid on the cars on a regular basis. Bids are made in compliance to the details listed on the order confirmation form and all efforts are undertaken to ensure all client requirements are met. Please note as per our policy our highest priority is the maintenance history of the vehicle followed by color/specs/features. For example this could eliminate a car that meets all client requirements but is of a grade lower than 4.0. The cars matching the required criteria are verified by ground staff at the auction site prior to committing a bid. Cars that pass the verification process are bid on within the price quote provided. The client is contacted in case a highly recommended unit is passing through the auctions which does not meet some of the client requirements. For example a highly recommended grade 4.5 unit that does not have fog lights or alloy rims which were otherwise requested on the order form. The client is informed upon confirmation of a successful bid.
Following a successful bid, the car is transported through car carriers to our Export Processing Facility and are expected to arrive within a time frame of 3-6 days from date of winning bid. Upon arrival at the EPZ the car is subjected to a full mechanical inspection by our agents. This includes a detailed engine, suspension and underbody check as well as a mileage authentication test. In case of any discrepancies noted in the cars condition i.e any defect or issue missed at the verification stage, the car is cancelled and returned to the auction house. Following the inspection, our agents provide us with detailed pictures of the cars exterior, interior and engine bay. Additional pictures can be requested. The car is then processed for its pre-export inspection at QISJ (KEBS certified). Following the QISJ inspection the car is booked on the earliest departing vessel to Mombasa.
The client is notified once the shipment booking has been confirmed highlighting the ETD and ETA. Shipments to Kenya take anywhere between 3-4 weeks. A tracking tool can be provided to track the live location of the shipment at any time. The client is notified 3 days before the vessel docks in Mombasa port. We have a dedicated team in Mombasa handling the customs clearing including duty payment, release, registration and transportation to Nairobi. The client is notified once a registration number has been obtained.
The client is notified once the car arrives in Nairobi. The following steps are undertaken in order to facilitate delivery Upon arrival of the car in Nairobi, our supports team checks the mechanical condition of the car and carries out a test drive to ensure the cars condition and quality. In case of any defects noted at this stage - they are addressed immediately at our cost. We also welcome our clients to have the vehicle checked by their personal mechanics. The car is booked in for its car wash and grooming which includes a detailed exterior and interior wash, sticker removal and polish. Any additional requests by the client are arranged for. Your car is ready for Delivery!