#14 of 50 · Saloons
Toyota Prius: importing one from Japan to Ireland
The original hybrid, and a taxi-rank favourite for good reason.
Why Irish buyers choose it
The Prius is legendary for reliability and economy; many Irish taxi drivers run them past 400,000 km. Prius imports from Japan rose 55% in 2025. The fourth generation (2015–2022) is the sweet spot, and the striking fifth generation (2023 onwards) is appearing at auction.
Real auction prices in Japan
| Year | Sold | Median price | Median km |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 29 | €15,690 | 4k km |
| 2025 | 311 | €15,810 | 15k km |
| 2024 | 506 | €15,003 | 21k km |
| 2023 | 1,932 | €12,900 | 35k km |
| 2022 | 325 | €9,405 | 63k km |
| 2021 | 1,402 | €7,427 | 88k km |
| 2020 | 524 | €6,819 | 85k km |
| 2019 | 1,488 | €6,154 | 97k km |
| 2018 | 881 | €4,944 | 100k km |
| 2017 | 1,714 | €4,631 | 111k km |
Auction hammer prices in Japan, before shipping, duty, VAT, VRT and fees.
Most compared with
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota Aqua
- Honda Insight
- Hyundai Ioniq
Importing it to Ireland
Japan-built, so it can qualify for 0% duty. Very low CO₂ means very low VRT.
Japan-built: can qualify for 0% duty with documented origin. VAT at 23% and VRT apply to every import.
What to check
The Prius PHV (plug-in) is a separate model with a larger battery; make sure you know which one you are bidding on.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Toyota Prius cost at auction in Japan?
The median auction price over the last three months was €2,023, with most selling between €1,012 and €5,927, before shipping, taxes and fees.
Is there import duty on a Toyota Prius from Japan?
Japan-built cars can qualify for 0% customs duty from February 2026 with documented Japanese origin.
What is the Toyota Prius most compared with?
Irish buyers most often compare it with the Toyota Corolla, Toyota Aqua, Honda Insight and Hyundai Ioniq.