Mistakes We See First-Time Buyers Make
Importing a kei truck is a straightforward process once you’ve done it, but first-timers tend to trip over the same handful of things. Here’s what to watch for.
1. Not Checking State Legality First
Buying the truck before confirming your state actually permits registration is the single most expensive mistake — you can still own and use the truck off-road, but it won’t be what you expected if road use was the goal. Check our state legality guide before you buy, not after.
2. Ignoring the Auction Grade
Buyers who focus only on photos and price, without reading the auction sheet grade, sometimes end up with more cosmetic or mechanical work than they budgeted for. It takes five minutes to check and can save real money.
3. Underestimating Shipping Timelines
Trucks already in US stock ship in 1–3 weeks, but import-to-order vehicles from Japan take considerably longer. If you have a hard deadline — a season, a business launch — buy from in-stock inventory rather than an import-to-order listing.
4. Skipping the Insurance Conversation Until After Purchase
Calling an insurer after the truck arrives sometimes means a gap between delivery and coverage. Line up your insurance approach — see our insurance guide — before the truck ships, not after.
5. Not Budgeting for Basic Maintenance Items
Older trucks sometimes need a tire set, a battery, or a timing belt soon after purchase even with a good auction grade, since those are wear items rather than condition flags. Budget a few hundred dollars beyond the purchase price for this. See our maintenance schedule for what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the single biggest mistake first-time buyers make?
Not confirming state legality before buying. It’s the one mistake that can’t be fixed after the fact without moving the truck to a different state.
Should I buy in-stock or import-to-order?
In-stock if you need the truck soon; import-to-order if you’re flexible on timeline and want a more specific configuration.
How much extra should I budget beyond the purchase price?
A few hundred dollars for likely wear items (tires, battery) plus your state’s titling and registration fees is a reasonable buffer.
Can JPM help me avoid these mistakes?
Contact us before you buy and we’ll walk you through state legality, timeline, and what to expect for your specific situation.
Start with the full import guide, then browse current inventory.