Ireland now buys three times more used cars from Japan than the UK

Imports from Japan have risen 19.84% to 26,942 units so far this year, data shows

Used imports from the UK fell -20.91% year-to-date, from 12,379 in 2024 to 9,790 this year. With 26,942 Japan-sourced imports, Japan now supplies almost three times as many used cars as the UK —a decisive shift in sourcing that continued in September.

Ireland is now importing almost three times as many used cars from Japan than the UK, highlighting the growing appetite for high-quality imports among buyers.

Analysis from Cartell using car registration data shows imports from Japan have risen 19.84% to 26,942 units so far this year. In September alone, registrations climbed 56.57% compared with the same month in 2024.