If you drive a Japanese domestic market (JDM) import, a grey-market European vehicle, or even a locally-delivered model with discontinued parts, you already know the frustration: Repco does not stock it, the dealer wants $800 for a part that costs $120 in Japan, and eBay is a minefield of unbranded knockoffs with no OE numbers.
This guide explains your options for sourcing JDM and Euro replacement parts in Australia -- what to look for, what to avoid, and how online import stores have changed the game for AU enthusiasts.
Why JDM Parts Are Hard to Find Locally
Australia never sold many of the vehicles that Australians actually drive. The JDM import wave of the late 1990s and 2000s brought in tens of thousands of Silvias, Skylines, Lancers, Legacys, Estimas and more -- but Australian parts suppliers never stocked parts for them in volume. The local demand was there, the supply chain never caught up.
The result: a Nissan S15 owner looking for a replacement radiator finds nothing at Supercheap, a dealer quote of $900+ for a parts order that takes 6 weeks, or a wrecker with one unit of unknown condition and mileage.
Euro vehicles have a different but related problem. BMW, Mercedes and Audi parts through Australian dealers carry enormous margins. A coolant expansion tank for an E46 BMW that costs 25 Euro in Germany lands at $180 at a Sydney BMW dealer.
What Has Changed: Direct-Import Parts Stores
The past decade has seen a shift. Parts manufactured in Taiwan, Korea and China to OEM specifications are now accessible directly to consumers in Australia. These are not the unbranded junk that clogged eBay years ago -- the better-quality Asian manufacturers now supply to tier-1 OEM suppliers and produce parts that meet or exceed factory specs.
The trade-off is lead time. Direct-import parts take 2 to 4 weeks to arrive in Australia. For planned maintenance or a non-urgent repair, that is entirely workable. You order while the car is still driving, the part arrives, you fit it on a weekend.
For an emergency -- car off the road today -- you need a local solution first (borrow, hire, wreckers), then order the quality part for the future.
How to Verify Fitment Before You Buy
The single most important step when buying parts online is cross-referencing the OE (original equipment) part number. Every OEM part has a manufacturer part number stamped on it or listed in the factory parts manual. When a reputable online store lists that number, you can verify it independently.
Steps to verify fitment:
- Find your current part number (stamped on the component, in workshop manual, or via JDMVIP or Partsouq lookup tools)
- Cross-reference that number against the listing
- If in doubt, email the store with your VIN or compliance plate details -- a genuine store will confirm before you order
Avoid any store that does not list OE part numbers. Listings that only say fits Honda Civic without a part number cannot be independently verified.
Makes and Models We Stock at AsiaParts
AsiaParts specialises in hard-to-find replacement parts for Japanese and European vehicles popular in Australia. Current coverage includes:
- Nissan: Patrol GU and GQ, Navara D22 and D40, Skyline R33 and R34, Silvia S13, S14, S15, Stagea, X-Trail
- Toyota: LandCruiser 80, 100 and 200 series, Hilux (various generations), Prado, Estima, Supra JZA80
- Honda: Civic EK, EP and FB, Accord CL, CN and CU, CR-V, Odyssey, Integra DC2 and DC5
- Mitsubishi: Pajero NL to NW, Triton ML, MN and MQ, Lancer, Outlander
- Mazda: RX-7 FD3S, RX-8 SE3P, MX-5 NA and NB, 3 and 6 series
- Subaru: Impreza GC, GD and GE, Forester, Liberty and Outback, WRX and STI
- BMW: E36, E46, E90, E91, E92, E60, X3 and X5
- Mercedes-Benz: W204 C-Class, W211 E-Class, W163 and W164 ML-Class
We list OE part numbers on all products. If your model is not listed, email us at info@asiapartsstore.com -- we can often source it.
Shipping to Australia
All orders ship from Asia with full tracking via DHL Express or Australia Post eParcel. Delivery typically takes 10 to 25 business days to mainland Australia. You receive a tracking number by email once your order has shipped.
Returns are accepted within 30 days for unused parts in original packaging. If a part arrives damaged or defective, contact us within 7 days with photos and we will arrange a replacement or full refund.
Browse all parts at AsiaParts or use the search bar to find your specific make and model.