Our goal at Save The Manuals! is to increase the use and understanding of the Manual Transmission automobile. This is not an easy task since few manufactures are producing new cars with Stick Shifts. Therefore, we are importing these cars into the U.S. ourselves. We have experience with JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) cars and are therefore adding to the US car market with manual transmissions. We have cars for sale from our inventory or can import a car for you from Japan.

Our Curated Import Service is a flat fee of $2,000

We want to import your next car. We’ll work with you to find the right JDM car and then take care of everything to get it to your driveway. Here is everything we handle for one flat fee + Landed Costs.

1. Research & Preparation

• Eligibility verification that the car you want is 25 years or older (to qualify for U.S. import exemption under NHTSA rules).
• Research U.S. EPA and DOT compliance to confirm the vehicle is legal for import.
• Set a budget including car cost, auction fees, shipping, import duties, broker fees, and potential repairs.

2. Find & Choose an Exporter / Auction Agent

• We work with trusted Japanese exporter or broker who has access to Japanese auction houses (e.g., USS, TAA, JU).
• We’ll sign the service agreement with the exporter/broker.
• We place a deposit (usually refundable if you don’t win bids) to allow bidding on your behalf.

3. Bidding & Purchasing

• We’ll search auction listings through the exporter’s platform or directly via auction houses.
• Review auction sheets (condition reports) with translation if needed.
• Request additional inspections/pictures from the exporter.
• Place your maximum bid through your exporter.
• If successful, the exporter purchases the car and sends you an invoice.

4. Payment & Documentation in Japan

• Pay for the car (usually via international bank wire transfer).
• Exporter handles:
•    – Deregistration of the car in Japan (removes it from Japanese road registry).
•    – Obtains the Export Certificate.
•    – Arranges transport to port in Japan.

5. Shipping Arrangements

• We’ll arrange shipping method:
•    RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off): Cheapest, car driven onto ship deck.
•    Container shipping: More secure, allows parts/spares.
• Exporter books vessel space and provides Bill of Lading (BOL) once shipped.
• Receive estimated shipping schedule and tracking.

6. U.S. Customs Clearance Preparation

•     We prepare import documents:
•     Bill of Lading (BOL)
•     Export Certificate / Deregistration paperwork (with English translation)
•     Invoice / Purchase agreement
•     EPA Form 3520-1 (Environmental Protection Agency declaration)
•    DOT Form HS-7 (Department of Transportation declaration)
•    Pay the import duty (2.5% of vehicle cost for passenger cars).

7. Arrival at U.S. Port

• We communicate with the shipping company who notifies us when the car arrives.
• We will file all required paperwork with CBP (Customs and Border Protection).
• Pay any outstanding port/storage/handling fees.
• Once cleared, receive customs release paperwork.

8. Picking Up the Car

• Schedule pickup at the port or arrange transport via domestic shipping company.
• Provide port release documents and proof of identity.
• Retrieve your vehicle from the port terminal.
• Arrange transportation to your home, mechanic, or storage.

Our process starts with a FREE consultation. We’ll discuss your needs, wants and budget and provide a plan of action to get you into a JDM car. Use the Contact Us form below to schedule a call. Or send us an email to SaveTheManuals1999@gmail.com