Daihatsu Tanto Import Information

Daihatsu Tanto Import Information and SEVS import eligibility for Australia

Model Approval was suspended by the Govt. in May 2024 due to an issue with ADR’s. This model is no longer allowed for import to Australia.

The July 2019+ Daihatsu Tanto and Tanto Custom (LA650S, LA660S) kei cars are approved for import to Australia.

Compliance package approval is pending for these models.

LA650S is 2WD and LA660S is 4WD.

The Daihatsu Tanto is available in three different styles – Tanto, Tanto Custom and the “active lifestyle” Tanto Fun Cross with water-repellent seat covers and waterproof seat backs.

This page deals with Daihatsu Tanto Custom and Daihatsu Tanto import to Australia.

Other kei car import options for Australia

All Tanto variants use a 658cc engine available as turbo or non-turbo, with CVT transmission.

The turbo has 47 kW (64 PS) @ 6,400 rpm and the non-turbo has 38 kW (52 PS) @ 6,900 rpm.

Daihatsu claims Tanto fuel consumption (WLTC) of between 18.2 to 26.4 km/L (5.49 to 3.79 L/100 km) depending on the model (Tanto, Tanto Custom or Tanto Fun Cross).

Tanto model options in Japan for 2024 were:

Tanto X 2WD

Tanto X 4WD

Tanto L 2WD

Tanto L 4WD

Tanto X turbo 2WD

Tanto X turbo 4WD

Tanto Custom X 2WD

Tanto Custom X 4WD

Tanto Custom RS 2WD

Tanto Custom RS 4WD

+ Another Style and Premium packages could be applied.

Tanto new prices from Daihatsu Japan (February 2024) below are for reference only.

Secondhand prices are substantially cheaper.

Contact us for current availability and pricing if you would like to import your own Tanto to Australia.

Tanto and Tanto Custom Japan price and specifications

Tanto Custom price and specifications

Tanto colour options

The Tanto is available in 2 two-tone and 9 monotone colours and the Tanto Custom is available in 2 two-tone and 7 monotone colours.

Tanto factory options

Tanto Custom appearance upgrades

The Tanto Custom can be upgraded with a range of options from the Another Style and Premium packages.

Tanto design features

Entertainment functions on the 9-inch HD display include Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Tanto Custom interior

Tanto interior

Tanto seat arrangement

Tanto luggage space

Daihatsu Tanto safety features

There is a good selection of Tanto models going through auction in Japan every week – we can assist with the entire process from choosing the best example to shipping it to Australia.

We specialise in direct car import from Japan and have been sourcing vehicles to order for private Australian buyers for over 25 years.

Every vehicle is hand-picked and we only source the very best.

We make Daihatsu Tanto import easy with physical inspections of vehicles by experienced staff at over 30 auctions every week in the Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, and Kyushu / Fukuoka regions.

We start by focusing only on vehicles with the highest auction grades. But there is a lot more involved than just basic auction grading !

Auction reports are often not reliable – we inspect every vehicle of interest in person to ensure it is up to our standard and has the options and features you want.

Most people even in Japan do not realise that a significant % of vehicles in Japan are bought and sold by Japanese dealers for a quick profit between different auctions. If you are not aware of this you will almost certainly pay more than you needed to for exactly the same car.

Our experience with this situation alone will often save you more than the cost of our service fee.

Our import agent service includes a pre-check for past auction records using JCHC, at no cost to you. This allows us to rule out cars recently auctioned and simply moved to a different auction for quick resale, graded R (accident repair) cars changed to higher grades, as well as cars that have passed in unsold multiple times indicating a problem with the condition and/or price.

Our thorough Japan auction inspections include checks of engine, transmission, air conditioning / electrics plus pictures inside, outside and underneath showing options / features and any condition issues. Just like the auction history checks, in-person inspections at auction are all part of our service – no extra charge.

Following these rules and being very selective on quality allows us to consistently target first-time auctioned vehicles for our clients in the best condition and at the best price.

We also ensure that any outstanding factory recalls are completed prior to export from Japan, which is essential before import to Australia / SEVS compliance. *Recall work is free in Japan and will be arranged at no extra charge before your vehicle goes to the Port, but please note there will be a small transport charge (generally $200 to $300) to send the vehicle to the nearest Daihatsu dealer.

Once your Tanto has been exported from Japan all original paperwork and additional items such as spare keys and books are sent to you by EMS. This includes the Export Certificate (showing up to the last two re-registration inspection dates and odometer readings, depending on vehicle age) for your peace of mind.

How our Daihatsu Tanto import process works.

Our automated auction alerts system ensures you never miss a suitable car.

Set up FREE auction alerts to receive daily email updates for the Tanto – the easiest way to monitor auction vehicles in Japan.

Check recent Japan auction sales data for the Daihatsu Tanto and Tanto Custom.

Contact us for current availability and pricing for your own Daihatsu Tanto import to Australia.

Every vehicle of interest to our clients is carefully inspected in person at auction, with more pictures provided along with market pricing guidance to help set the budget.

View all vehicle import options for Australia.

Daihatsu Tanto & Tanto Custom pictures