Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Toyota Hiace vans are one of the most commonly imported vehicles from Japan to Australia. They qualify under the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS) and benefit from 0% import duty under the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement (JAEPA). You'll pay 10% GST on the landed value, plus compliance costs of around $1,800.

Typically 10–14 weeks from auction win to Australian delivery. Roughly: 2–3 weeks Japan-side logistics and export paperwork, 3–4 weeks ocean freight (Yokohama to Brisbane), 1–2 weeks customs and quarantine clearance, then 2–3 weeks at the compliance workshop for inspection, safety certificate, and compliance plate.

The $2,750 hold is fully refundable and secures your chosen van while we finalise paperwork. It goes towards your final purchase price. Once you're locked in, we handle bidding (or dealer negotiation), payment in yen, export documentation, and shipping. You get progress updates at every stage.

Nope — we handle everything. Auction bidding, export paperwork, Vehicle Import Approval, shipping, customs, quarantine, compliance, and registration. You just pick your van and your build level, then wait for us to hand over the keys.

Yes — this is one of the main advantages of importing from Japan. Japan is right-hand drive, so all Japanese-market Hiace vans are RHD and fully road-legal in Australia without any conversion. They drive identically to Australian-delivered Hiace vans.

For a typical H200 LWB Hiace at ¥2,000,000 (~$19,000 AUD), expect: vehicle ~$19,000, Bare Camper sourcing fee $2,750, ocean freight $2,500, GST (10% on landed value) ~$2,150, customs + quarantine ~$360, compliance ~$1,800. Total landed and complied: approximately $28,800–$30,000 AUD. Compare that to the same van from an Australian dealer at $33,000–$38,000.

Our flat $2,750 fee covers both sides of the import — our own buyer in Japan (auction bidding, dealer negotiation, vehicle inspection, purchase, and export logistics) AND the Australia-side brokerage (Vehicle Import Approval, customs, compliance coordination, and project management). We're the only campervan brand with our own team on the ground in Japan, Australia, and New Zealand — not outsourced to third-party agents. Most importers use a separate Japan agent and charge you separately. We handle both under one roof, one fee. No hidden margins — what you see at auction is what you pay.

Yes. GST is 10% of the landed value (vehicle purchase price + shipping). There is no import duty on Japanese vehicles under the JAEPA free trade agreement — that 0% duty is a significant saving. You'll also pay a customs entry fee (~$110) and BMSB heat treatment (~$250).

When you buy a Japanese import Hiace from an Australian dealer, you're paying the dealer's margin on top of the importer's margin on top of the auction price. That can add $5,000–$10,000. Importing direct through Bare Camper means you pay the actual auction price plus our flat $2,750 fee. You see the auction grade, photos, and inspection report — and you decide whether to bid.

No. We quote you a total landed cost upfront that includes the vehicle, our fee, shipping, GST, customs, and compliance. The only variable is the exchange rate, which can move between quoting and auction day — but we show you the live rate and you can lock in when you're ready.

RAWS (Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme) is the Australian government system for importing and complying used vehicles. A RAWS-approved workshop inspects your van against Australian Design Rules (ADRs), makes any required modifications, issues a safety certificate, and fits a compliance plate. This plate is required before you can register the vehicle.

Compliance for a standard H200 Hiace cargo van is approximately $1,800. This includes the roadworthy inspection, any required modifications (speedometer conversion, headlight beam adjustment, seatbelt check, emissions check), safety certificate, and compliance plate.

Typically 2–3 weeks from when the van arrives at the workshop. We have established relationships with RAWS workshops in QLD, NSW, VIC, and WA, so there's minimal wait time.

Most H200 Hiaces are straightforward. Typical modifications include: speedometer conversion or sticker overlay (km/h), headlight beam adjustment for left-hand traffic if needed, seatbelt compliance check, emissions check, and immobiliser verification. Because they're already right-hand drive, there's no steering conversion needed.

Yes — once the van has a compliance plate, it can be registered in any Australian state or territory. We handle QLD registration as standard. Interstate registration can be arranged at additional cost, or you can transfer rego to your home state after collection.

It's extremely rare for a Hiace to fail compliance — they're one of the most commonly complied vehicles in Australia and workshops know them well. If an issue does arise, the workshop makes the required modifications as part of the compliance process. We've never had a van that couldn't be complied.

The H200 (2004–2019) is the most popular choice for campervan conversions. Proven engines, excellent parts availability in Australia, and the best price-to-condition ratio. The H300 (2019–present) has a better driving position and more modern features, but higher prices. For a campervan build, the H200 LWB or SLWB is the go-to.

LWB (Long Wheelbase) is the standard cargo van — roughly 4.7m long with a 3m load bay. SLWB (Super Long Wheelbase) adds about 300mm to the wheelbase and load bay. If you plan to stand up, sleep two adults comfortably, or fit a proper kitchen, the SLWB is worth the small premium. Most of our conversions are built on the SLWB.

Japanese auction houses independently grade every vehicle before sale. The main scale runs from 1 (poor) to 5 (near-perfect), with half grades (3.5, 4.5). Interior is graded A (excellent) to D (poor). We target grade 3.5 and above — you see the grade, photos, and inspection report before we bid.

For a campervan, the 3.0L turbo diesel (1KD-FTV) is the most popular choice — better fuel economy, more torque for loaded driving, and widely available in the H200. The 2.7L petrol (2TR-FE) is cheaper to buy but uses more fuel. Both are reliable and well-supported by mechanics Australia-wide.

Yes. Toyota made factory 4WD versions of the H200 Hiace (not the H300). They're more expensive at auction but are sought after for off-road camping. The 4WD system is a proper part-time 4WD with low range. They're fully compliant for Australian import.

Japanese auction vans come with a graded inspection sheet (grade 3–5) with detailed photos. We can also arrange independent inspections at the auction yard for a fee. For dealer-sourced vans, we arrange a full photo and video inspection before you commit.

Three paths: (1) Pop top or hi-top roof conversion only — from $13,090, 10 business days. (2) MANA build — couples adventure van with pop top, kitchen, 75L fridge, toilet, shower, 200Ah lithium. (3) TAMA build — family 6-seater with ISOFIX, galley kitchen, walnut countertops, full electrical. Or just take the van as-is and DIY it.

Pop top or hi-top roof: 10 business days. Full MANA or TAMA conversion: 8–12 weeks. These timelines start after your van arrives and clears compliance — so total from auction to finished camper is typically 18–26 weeks for a full build.

All conversions are done by DIY RV Solutions at their factory in Brisbane. They're our conversion partner and one of Australia's most experienced Hiace conversion shops. Pop tops, hi-tops, full fit-outs — they've done hundreds.

To a degree — we're flexible on finishes and options within our standard builds. For fully custom builds, have a chat with us and we'll see what's possible. Most buyers find the TAMA or MANA spec covers everything they need.

All Bare Camper conversions (TAMA, MANA, pop top, hi-top) come with a 12-month warranty on the fit-out, electrical, and roof conversion. The compliance work carries a 1-month warranty. The base vehicle doesn't come with a manufacturer warranty as it's a used import.

Pop top ($13,090): Lower profile when closed, less wind resistance, stealth camping. Opens up for standing room inside. Hi-top ($15,090): Permanent standing room, more headroom, more storage space in the roof area. Slightly taller profile. Most campervan builders choose the pop top for the lower closed profile and all-weather flexibility.

Yes. Through our finance partner Stratton Finance, we can bundle the van purchase and conversion into a single loan — personal loan or chattel mortgage. Up to 7-year terms with 40+ Australian lenders compared for you.

The $2,750 hold can serve as your deposit. Beyond that, deposit requirements depend on the lender and your credit profile. Many buyers get approved with no additional deposit.

Personal loan is best for PAYG employees — fixed repayments, no balloon payment, no asset security required. Chattel mortgage is best for ABN holders — you can claim GST on the purchase, and interest and depreciation are tax-deductible. Our finance team recommends the right fit for your situation.

We typically get back to you with tailored options within 24 hours. Formal approval can happen within a few days depending on the lender. No credit check is needed for the initial enquiry.