Looking to buy a Japanese import Toyota...

Looking at changing cars and there are a lot of Japanese imported cars available. I am looking at a 2021 Toyota Prius or a 2020 Toyota C-HR.

If I was to go ahead with the purchase of one of these:

1. Is it easy to get parts for these cars, god forbid something was to go on them?

2. Is the insurance going to be higher as it is an import? Is this something you are asked when insuring the car?

Any advice appreciated.

Lyn (Kerry )

Jan 2026 Filed under: insurance

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Expert answer

Hi Lyn,

We wouldn't worry massively about parts for those cars as they're freely available, and there are plenty of garages specialising in Japanese imports anyway.

Insurance is certainly something to look into before you commit to buying. You will definitely have to disclose that the car is a Japanese import, but that doesn't always automatically mean a higher insurance cost. Sometimes it does. Also, watch out for the fact that many Japanese imports do not have alarms or immobilisers – and that point can lead to higher insurance.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Advisor