Import Jimny Ireland: Stress-Free JDM Cars from Japan

5th Sept. 2025 10 minute read

If you’ve been searching for a Jimny in Ireland, you’ll know they’re rare and demand is high. The little 4x4 has become a cult favourite across Dublin, South Dublin and the rest of the country. Whether you want it for city driving, tackling Wicklow’s backroads, or heading off-road on Irish farmland, a Jimny fits the bill.


Its unique charm and off-road capabilities have earned it a dedicated following among enthusiasts. The Jimny is also highly sought after in the UK market and across Europe, where it was homologated to meet European standards. Regulations and consumer demand in these regions differ slightly from Ireland, influencing availability and pricing.


While the Jimny passenger car was officially sold in these markets, it is less commonly available through dealerships in Ireland, adding to its exclusivity. Official sales of the Suzuki Jimny as a passenger vehicle in the UK effectively ended in 2021 due to strict emissions regulations.


For those looking to import Jimny Ireland, we specialise in making the process smooth and hassle-free. Suzuki's reputation for reliability and ruggedness is well established, and the Jimny stands out as a capable off-roader in Suzuki's range. The demand for these vehicles means importing directly from Japan is often the best way to secure a quality Suzuki Jimny at a competitive price.


At The Jimny Co, we specialise in importing these Japanese gems directly for our customers. We handle the entire process – from sourcing in Japan to getting your Jimny road-legal here in Ireland. The Suzuki Vitara, another popular model in Suzuki's range of reliable off-roaders, is often compared to the Jimny for its durability and versatility, further highlighting the appeal of the Suzuki brand for buyers seeking long-lasting vehicles.


Why Import a Jimny from Japan?


The Irish market simply doesn’t get enough supply. By tapping into the Japanese car scene, you gain access to high-quality stock at better prices. Japan is famous for its strict Shaken inspection, meaning cars are well maintained. That’s why Japan car import options are so popular with Irish buyers.


Japanese used cars are often significantly cheaper than in Ireland due to this rigorous inspection system, which leads to rapid depreciation.


We work with trusted partners at JDM auctions to find the right Jimny for you. Vehicles are sourced directly from Japanese car auctions, where each car is graded for overall condition, including exterior and interior.


Every vehicle is inspected before shipping, and we only select models that meet our standards. The auction grade—including overall grade, exterior, and interior—helps buyers assess the car's quality and avoid bad condition vehicles.


Many Jimnys available at auction are low mileage or recent models. Average mileage and repair history are key factors considered when selecting cars.


When reviewing the car's history, we also check the previous owner and mileage as part of the evaluation process. In our experience, customers are always surprised at the condition of these imports compared to Irish-used cars.


The auction grading system in Japan significantly influences the final auction prices of Suzuki Jimny vehicles.


The Import Process – Made Simple


Importing on your own means dealing with Revenue, VRT, customs duty, and NCT requirements. That’s where we step in. Hiring a customs agent can simplify the customs clearance process, handling the declaration and payment of duties and VAT on behalf of the importer.


  • Sourcing: We find the right Jimny through Japan direct cars auctions, guiding you through the purchasing process.


  • Inspection: Each car is thoroughly checked in Japan before purchase.


  • Shipping: We arrange secure transport to Dublin port. We offer both FOB (Free on Board) and container shipping options—FOB means the vehicle is delivered to the Japanese port and you cover shipping from there, while container shipping can be more cost effective if you are purchasing multiple vehicles.


After purchase, your vehicle is shipped and transported to Ireland. Shipping costs vary depending on whether you choose RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) or container shipping, and the number of vehicles shipped. RORO is the most convenient for a single car, while a container is more economical for multiple vehicles. Shipping speed depends on the method chosen but is typically between 3 to 6 weeks.


  • Customs Clearance: We handle the customs declaration, working with a customs agent to simplify the process and ensure all import taxes and customs duty are paid promptly.


  • VRT & Registration: We handle Revenue paperwork, VRT payment, and Irish registration plates. This includes lodging a customs declaration, handled by a customs agent, and paying all required import taxes as part of the process.


  • Warranty & Support: Every Jimny comes with aftercare, accessories, and advice on Irish motoring.


For anyone considering an import from Japan, using a trusted Irish specialist saves months of hassle. Be sure to consider all costs involved in purchasing and importing your Jimny, including shipping, customs duty, import taxes, and registration. Choose a vehicle that fits your budget. The vehicle is transported from Japan and shipped to Dublin port.

Pre-Import Checks: What to Know Before You Buy


Before you commit to importing a Suzuki Jimny from Japan, it’s important to do your homework. The Japanese car market is renowned for its high standards, but every vehicle is unique, and a little research goes a long way.


Start by reviewing the car’s full history—look for details on previous owners, service records, and any accident or repair history. This helps ensure you’re not buying a vehicle with hidden issues.


Next, carefully inspect the Jimny’s condition, both inside and out. Check for signs of rust, wear, or any damage that might affect its value or performance once it arrives in Ireland.


Pay close attention to the vehicle’s specifications, such as engine size, emissions, and features, to make sure they match what you need and comply with Irish regulations.


It’s also wise to confirm that the Suzuki Jimny you’re interested in meets all Irish roadworthiness and environmental standards. This can save you time and money when it comes to registration and passing the NCT.


At The Jimny Co, we help buyers navigate these checks, ensuring every imported Jimny is ready for Irish roads and delivers the reliability Suzuki is known for. With the right pre-import checks, you can enjoy peace of mind and a smooth importing experience.


Jimny Ownership in Ireland


We often see new owners fall in love with how practical the Jimny is for Irish life. It’s small enough for Dublin’s tight streets, yet tough enough for Connemara bog roads. With 4x4 capability, it handles Irish weather better than most compact SUVs.


The Jimny’s drive is engaging, with enough power to tackle steep hills and rough terrain. It makes for a pleasure to be driven across a variety of Irish landscapes. Its robust wheels are designed for off-road capability, providing excellent traction and ground clearance.


Safety is a priority, with modern safety features ensuring peace of mind for owners and passengers. The Suzuki Jimny is celebrated for its uncompromising off-road ability, despite perceived drawbacks like on-road comfort and fuel economy.


When making your Jimny road-legal, you must register the vehicle after import or purchase. Obtain new registration plates and display them properly. This process includes passing inspection at an NCT centre and paying the required motor tax before the car is officially registered for Irish roads.


To register the imported Suzuki Jimny, it must be inspected and VRT (Vehicle Registration Tax) must be paid at an NCT (National Car Test) center within 30 days of entry.


Accessories are popular too – from roof racks for surf trips in Donegal to off-road kits for farmers in Cork. We also offer finance and trade-in options to make the switch easier (see our finance page).


We recommend arranging a test drive to experience the Jimny’s handling, comfort, and available colour options before making your decision. The Suzuki Jimny features a sturdy ladder frame and 3-link rigid axle suspension with coil springs, enhancing its durability and off-road performance.


Costs Breakdown: What You Need to Pay


Importing a Jimny involves several costs beyond the purchase price:


  • Purchase Price: The amount paid at auction or dealership, which can vary based on model, grade, and condition.

  • Shipping Costs: Depending on the method chosen (RORO or container), shipping costs can vary. Shipping multiple vehicles together is often more cost effective.

  • Customs Duty: A tax applied on imported vehicles, calculated based on the purchase price and shipping.

  • Import Taxes: Including VAT and Vehicle Registration Tax (VRT), which are calculated based on the car’s value and emissions.

  • Motor Tax: Payable annually once the vehicle is registered in Ireland.

  • Registration Fees: For obtaining new registration plates and completing the registration process.


By understanding these costs upfront, buyers can budget effectively and avoid surprises.

Comparing Jimny and Suzuki Vitara


While the Jimny is renowned for its compact off-road prowess, the Suzuki Vitara offers a slightly larger passenger car alternative with more interior space and comfort. Both models share Suzuki's reputation for reliability but cater to different needs. The Vitara is often sold through dealerships in Ireland and the UK market, while the Jimny is more commonly imported due to limited local availability.


Thinking About a Jimny Import?


At The Jimny Co, we make it stress-free. From Japan auto direct sourcing to Dublin registration, we handle it all.


Contact us today and let’s get your Jimny journey started.

Our Passion for Jimnys is backed by 35+ years of Suzuki Heritage.

The Jimny Co is a sub-brand of Gerry Caffrey Motors — Ireland’s longest-standing Suzuki dealership.

© The Jimny Co 2025

01 490 1134

106 - 112 Terenure Road North,
Dublin 6W, Ireland, D6WWR13