I am making this somewhat generic since every country will be different but in general here is what I recommend when picking up your fresh JDM Car, Imported from Japan whether it is new or used!
Insurance!
- Make sure you purchase temp insurance/permit for the day of your pickup or amount of days it will take you to get your car home or to its destination!
- Bring the insurance with you and stick it on your car's inside windows where ever it is supposed to go (eg. in BC Canada we have to put the permit on the front and rear windows).
Clear Your Car/Get Permission To Pickup First
- Make sure your car is cleared and customs paid and you have permission or an appointment to enter the port/warehouse where your car is.
Documents
- All documentation
- Inbond/Advice notice from the port
- Export Certificate
- BOL
- Documents from your Exporter, Broker, Customs (just to be sure).
What To Bring For The Car:
- Gas Can with appropriate grade/octane of gas (most cars seem to be drained of gas or have almost none at the port).
- Rag/Paper Towel To Check Oil Levels.
- Fluids if necessary (eg. coolant, oil just in case).
- Tire Gauge + Compressor (often the tires will be low on air and should be inflated).
- Jump Pack / Booster Pack In Case Your Car Can't Start (cars often arrive with totally dead batteries or the charge is low at the time).
What To Do When You See Your Car:
- Take pics and video before you even approach so you can document the exact interior and exterior condition the car came in. The same goes for when you first start the car, open the hood, interior etc..
- Continue to take vids and pics as you go through the car.
- Make a claim or report it to your Exporter and Port if there is any theft or damage (at the very least don't leave without having proof of the condition you found the car in with video and pics).
Before You Start Your Car
- Check essential fluid levels (engine oil, transmission oil and coolant).
- Keep your hood open
- Start your car and let it warm up (hopefully it starts if not that's why you brought your jump pack
)
Enjoy Your Car!
- I normally let the car warm up to temp before driving off.
- Enjoy the car but also check for any issues/noises
- Hopefully all is well and you can then register and insure the car!
Did I miss any important points? Please let me know guys!