- adam32281
- Aug 4, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 24
As a proud Canadian and the owner of JDM Rush Imports, I’ve experienced firsthand just how frustrating it can be to shop for a vehicle in this country. Over the past number of years, the Canadian car market has evolved into something that feels increasingly stacked against the average buyer. Whether you're walking into a dealership or browsing online listings, the message is the same: you're going to pay a lot—and you don't have many options.
A a number of years back, before I launched JDM Rush Imports - I was in the market for a solid used car. Nothing fancy, just something reliable and well-priced. But dealership after dealership, I found myself staring at used vehicles that were priced only a few thousand dollars less than brand-new models. 15 to 20 years ago you could get a very decent, lower milage used vehicle for around 10-12 thousand dollars. It didn’t make any sense. I started to dig into why this was happening and quickly realized what many Canadians have likely felt in their gut—there’s a system at play here, and it’s designed to make you spend more than you should.
It’s not just the sticker prices that sting. Once you commit to a vehicle, you’re often tied to a warranty that locks you into high-priced dealership maintenance. Skip a scheduled check-up and you could void your warranty. It’s all part of a well-oiled machine designed to keep profits flowing back to the dealers, not to protect the consumer. This experience didn’t sit well with me—especially as someone who believes that great business should always be win-win.
The COVID-19 pandemic only made things worse. The chip shortages, shipping delays, and supply chain chaos pushed prices through the roof. But even as the world has started to stabilize, Canadian car prices haven’t. The excuse of the pandemic has become the new normal—and buyers are still paying top dollar for average vehicles.
At some point, it felt like Canadians were being boxed in. We’re paying some of the highest car prices in the developed world, and for what? Limited inventory. Bloated fees. No room to negotiate. I started thinking: what if there was a smarter, more transparent way?
That’s when I discovered the Japanese Domestic Market—what we know and love as JDM. I was immediately drawn in by the quality, variety, and pricing. JDM cars are incredibly well-maintained thanks to Japan’s rigorous inspection system (known as Shaken), and most have much lower mileage than anything you’ll find on a Canadian lot. Plus, Japan’s market is filled with unique models you can’t get here. As a car guy, I was hooked. So I started importing my own JDM vehicles, which lead to importing JDM cars for my family and friends to help put them in a reliable vehicle for much less than what they would pay domestically.
Buying JDM cars in Canada turned out to be not just an affordable solution, but an opportunity - was this really a better way that could be offered to all Canadians?
That question became the driving force behind JDM Rush Imports.
I started this company to make importing a JDM vehicle to Canada easy, affordable, and exciting. We walk our clients through the whole process—from sourcing a car in Japan to handling the paperwork, shipping, customs, and delivery right to their driveway. And the best part? Our customers get something truly special. Something they chose. Something that stands out.
And right now, more than ever, Canadians need options. With the Trump administration threatening to introduce new tariffs on Canadian exports—especially vehicles—the domestic market could soon become even more unaffordable. If those tariffs go into effect, Canadians will feel it at the dealership. New vehicle prices will rise, and used vehicles will follow suit.
But here's the good news: Canada and Japan have a strong, stable free trade agreement. That means importing a JDM vehicle remains smooth, tariff-free, duty free and cost-effective. While others brace for impact, you can sidestep the chaos entirely by going JDM.
We’ve helped hundreds of Canadians find their dream car, and every one of those stories starts the same way: frustration with the current system, and a desire for something better. If that’s where you are right now, know that you’re not alone—and there is a way forward.
Buying a JDM car in Canada isn’t just about getting a cool ride. It’s about taking control of your car buying experience. It’s about saying no to bloated dealership pricing, no to bait-and-switch warranties, and no to rusted-out used cars that somehow still cost 20 grand.
If you’re ready to explore your options, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. At JDM Rush Imports, we’re not just in the business of selling cars—we’re in the business of restoring trust in how cars are bought and sold in this country.
So let’s start your journey. It’s time to break free from the broken system and get behind the wheel of something better.
Let’s Keep the Momentum Going:
📬 Want expert tips in your inbox? Sign up for our newsletter for updates, how-tos, and insider info
📸 Follow our builds, drops & stories: @jdmrushimports on Instagram
📚 Explore more helpful content on our blog: JDM Rush Insights
Comentários