The Toyota Soarer was Japan's big luxury coupe, built to cruise rather than to win races. Under the long bonnet you will find the same family of straight sixes that went into the Supra and the Chaser, which is a big part of why people import them. The usual worries are the electrics, the suspension on the fancier models, and how much tax an older one pays. The last of those is often good news.
- Generations
- Z20, Z30, Z40
- Shipping from Japan
- From £3,575, shipping only
- Typical journey
- About 5 to 8 weeks
- Test
- MOT, as every Soarer is over 10 years old
Three generations to choose from
There was an earlier Z10 Soarer too, but most of the cars people look at today come from the three generations below. All of them are right-hand drive from the factory, as Japan drives on the left like we do.
| Feature | Z20 | Z30 | Z40 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built | 1986 to 1991 | 1991 to 2000 | 2001 to 2005 |
| In brief | Square-edged 1980s coupe, the 7M-GTE turbo and later the 1JZ-GTE | Rounded coupe with 1JZ-GTE, 2JZ-GE or V8 power | Folding hard top convertible with a 4.3 V8 |
| Lexus twin | None | Lexus SC300 and SC400 | Lexus SC430 |
| Tax today | 5% VAT, no duty | Check the build date | 10% duty + 20% VAT |
The Z20 is the 1980s one, with sharp lines and plenty of electronic gadgets for its day. The Z30 is the one most people want: the 2.5GT-T has the 1JZ-GTE twin turbo, the 3.0 cars have the 2JZ-GE without a turbo, and the 4.0 cars have the 1UZ-FE V8. Outside Japan the same car was sold as the Lexus SC. The Z40 is a different idea altogether, a V8 convertible with a roof that folds into the boot.
The Z40 and the Lexus SC430
The Z40 Soarer is the Japanese version of the Lexus SC430, and after 2005 Toyota sold it in Japan under the Lexus name as well. The SC430 was also sold new in the UK, so a Z40 is a close relative of a car already on British roads. That helps when you need parts or a garage that knows the car.
What to check before you buy
Soarers were comfortable, well-equipped cars, and age catches up with the comfort features first. Climate control, electric seats and windows, digital dashboards and any air or active suspension are worth checking one by one. On a Z40, the folding roof matters more than almost anything else.
Before you pay a deposit
0 of 9 done
Our guide to Japanese auction grades explains how to read the sheet, and buying a car abroad safely covers the checks in more detail. The Japanese export certificate guide explains the one document every car from Japan needs.
Modified cars
Plenty of turbo Soarers have been tuned, and some have had other engines fitted. That does not stop you importing one, as a car over 10 years old takes an MOT rather than an IVA test. It does need to be safe and roadworthy, and every change should be declared to your insurer.
The test depends on age
GOV.UK exempts cars over 10 years old from vehicle approval, so they take an MOT instead of an IVA test. Every Soarer is well past that, including the last Z40s.
| Age of the Soarer | What it needs |
|---|---|
| 10 to 40 years | An MOT, with a rear fog light if one is not fitted |
| Over 40 years | No MOT needed, as long as it has not been substantially changed |
A Z20 built before October 1986 is now over 40 years old, so the earliest ones can be MOT exempt. The speedometer conversion to mph is only required on cars under 10 years old, so a Soarer can keep its original.
Shipping a Soarer
From Japan, RoRo is the usual route and costs less than a container. The car has to run and drive, and it should be empty, with no spare parts or loose wheels inside. If the Soarer does not run, or you would rather it travelled boxed, a container is the answer.
As a guide, built from a year of real jobs, shipping from Japan starts from £3,575, shipping only. Your quote prices your actual route and includes collection, customs and unloading. Door to door, the journey is usually about 5 to 8 weeks.
Import tax
A Soarer under 30 years old pays 10% import duty and 20% import VAT, worked out on the price plus the shipping, with the VAT charged on top of the duty. That covers every Z40 and the later Z30s. A car over 30 years old pays 5% VAT and no duty instead, which takes in every Z20 and the Z30s built before October 1996.
Looking at a mid-1990s Z30? Send us the chassis number before you buy. A few months of build date can be the difference between 5% VAT and the full rate.
Our guide to the 5% VAT rules for historic vehicles explains how the reduced rate works, the import tax calculator runs your own numbers, and worked tax examples show the sums side by side. If you are moving to the UK and qualify, Transfer of Residence can bring the car in with no VAT or duty at all.
Getting it road legal
Because the Soarer is right-hand drive, the list is short. The usual job is a rear fog light, fitted in the right position if one is missing. Japanese cars are no longer checked for headlight compliance, which keeps the work down. We do any changes in our own workshop in Castle Donington, and our dealer-level DVLA account lets us register the car within 10 working days.
For the wider route, see our guide to importing a car from Japan. If you are weighing up other Toyotas with the same engines, our guides to the Supra Mk IV and the Chaser and Mark II follow the same pattern. Before you commit, get an insurance quote too: our guide to insuring a Japanese import covers what insurers ask.
Questions people ask
Can I import a Toyota Soarer to the UK?
Yes. A Soarer follows the same route as any car from Japan: shipping, customs, a rear fog light if needed, an MOT, then DVLA registration. Every Soarer is over 10 years old, so none needs an IVA test.
Does a Soarer qualify for the 5% import VAT rate?
Only if it is over 30 years old, which in October 2026 means built before October 1996. That covers every Z20 and the earlier Z30s. Later Z30s and every Z40 pay 10% duty and 20% VAT.
Is the Z40 Soarer the same as a Lexus SC430?
Yes, it is the Japanese version of the same car, a V8 convertible with a folding hard top. The SC430 was also sold new in the UK, which helps with parts.
Which Soarer has the 1JZ turbo engine?
The Z30 2.5GT-T has the 1JZ-GTE twin turbo, and the last Z20s had it too. The 3.0 Z30 uses the 2JZ-GE without a turbo. Check the chassis code to be sure what you are buying.
How long does it take to ship a Soarer from Japan?
Usually about 5 to 8 weeks door to door, plus time for customs, any changes, the MOT and registration.
Found a Soarer you like? Send us the auction lot or listing on the quote form and we will price the whole job.
