Nobody likes legalese--especially us--but these policies are in place to protect you as our client and us as an organization. Please read everything below and ensure you understand and abide by our policies and requirements. These policies and requirements pertain only to clients of our Custom Import Program. Purchases of already landed US-titled vehicles at our Tennessee-based dealership partner are conducted in accordance with their business policies and the laws of the State of Tennessee.
Term Definitions:
  • Below, Midnight Motors refers to us as an organization and any of our business associates, legal representatives, employees, subcontractors, or otherwise.
  • "Client" refers to you or your legal representative in conducting business with us.

The Basics:

  • Due to the costs associated with importing a JDM vehicle, Midnight Motors requires a minimum client budget of $6,500.
  • Midnight Motors does not provide financing of any kind. All buyers must have the full necessary budget amount prepared before enlisting our services. We are happy to offer a free preliminary consultation on the budget necessary and the specifics of the vehicle(s) you are interested in purchasing by appointment basis. To schedule an appointment, please reach out to us.
  • A deposit is required to enlist our services. This deposit is required in order to protect our time and our Japan Team's time, in addition to being necessary to cover the cost of bidding on auction vehicles. For most entry-level JDM vehicles, a deposit of $1000 is sufficient. For vehicles exceeding $10,000, please contact us. The deposit is 100% refundable for up to 14 calendar days. You may request a refund and cancel at any time up to the 14 calendar day deadline minus any payment merchant fees we incur. Beyond the 14 calendar day period, a fee of 25% of the deposit applies to cover Midnight Motor's time in searching for a suitable vehicle and working with you one-on-one. Please refer to our specific payment and bidding policies below under Payments, Bidding, and Shipping.​
  • Midnight Motors reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for abuse, disrespectful behavior or suspicion of an attempt to commit fraud or criminal activity.

Payments, Bidding, and Shipping

  • If the Client wishes to cancel their auction bid, the Client must notify Midnight Motors by phone or email at least two hours prior to the bidding deadline. The bidding deadline is typically one hour before the auction deadline at most Japanese auction houses.
  • Midnight Motors reserves the right to assess a fee of 25% of the Client's deposit for consulting services rendered if the Client cancels their bid and chooses not to proceed with any import. Midnight Motors does not assess any fees for bids that are cancelled by the auction house or auctions that fail to process or complete normally.
  • Failure of the Client to remit the full amount for the vehicle(s) upon demand per the Custom Import Agreement may result in legal action, additional fees, and complete forfeiture of all funds and purchase rights to the vehicle(s).
  • Midnight Motors does not book sea voyages or ship any vehicles that are not paid for in full for any reason without exception.
  • Midnight Motors does not provide temporary registration or license plates of any kind for imported vehicles. The Client is responsible for arranging domestic transport of their vehicle from the Port of Entry to their place of residence or designated destination. The Client may choose to request that Midnight Motors provide domestic transport services to the Client’s residence or specified delivery location at an additional cost. Midnight Motors does not mark up cost of transport, and we encourage our Clients to shop for the best pricing available at least two weeks before the scheduled arrival of the vehicle(s) at the Port of Entry.
  • Midnight Motors provides complimentary storage of the Client's vehicle(s) at their Athens, Tennessee-based dealer partner location for up to 7 calendar days. Additional storage time is available for $35 per week. All vehicles must be picked up within 30 days unless an additional arrangement is made between Midnight Motors and the Client.
  • The Client is responsible for insuring their vehicle(s), and Midnight Motors and its associates, subcontractors, or designated agents are not liable for any damage, loss, or negligence. Midnight Motors and its associates or designated agents are not responsible for any damage that may occur to the vehicle(s) during the international and domestic transit of the vehicle(s) prior to delivery to the Client. The Client may elect to obtain their own Maritime Cargo Insurance policy at an additional cost.
  • Payment methods accepted are:
    • Certified Cashier's Check issued by a recognized banking institution
    • An electronic bank wire or Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments
    • PayPal or Venmo (Client covers any merchant or transaction fees)
    • Midnight Motors does not accept cash payments for custom imported vehicles. Midnight Motors welcomes cash payments in person for vehicles already available in the US at our Athens, TN dealership partner location.

Our Scope of Work for Custom Imports and Client Obligations

While our Custom Import process is streamlined to require minimum effort on the part of our clients, some action is necessary on the client side of things. Please review the below policies and let us know if you have any questions.
Midnight Motors Responsibilities
Client Responsibilities
Assist the Client in the procurement of vehicle(s) of their choice from Japanese auto auction
Provide Midnight Motors with their clear and specific criteria for their desired vehicle(s) and meet the minimum budget requirements
Provide the Client with all available data on any potential vehicle(s) the Client approves
Provide Midnight Motors the approval to bid and acquire the approved vehicle(s)
Respond to the client in a timely manner
Respond to their Midnight Motors agent in a timely manner
Accept payment for vehicle(s), arrange shipment out of Japan and clearance from US Customs
Remit the required deposit(s) and payment(s) per the Custom Import Agreement
​Provide all Customs entry related documents to the
Client by mail or electronically for the purpose of
registering and titling their vehicle(s) in their State.
Midnight Motors is not responsible or obligated in any
way if the Client fails to research or comply with laws
and cannot register/title their vehicle(s)
Ensure they are aware of and abide by all laws and
regulations in their home state in order to register and
title their vehicle(s)
Provide an easy, fun and memorable experience for the Client
Enjoy their new vehicle(s)!