Chapter 01 · Audi RS6 C7 (2014–2018) · pp. 8–10
The JDM import math, finally explained.
The Audi RS6 C7 was never sold in North America. Audi sold the same chassis here as the S6 and S7 with a different (smaller) engine, and they kept the actual RS6 – the Avant, with the 4.0L twin-turbo V8, for Europe and Japan only. Which means every C7 RS6 you see in Canada or the US arrived via gray-market import, almost always from Japan.
Here's the math, because every prospective buyer asks. A 2015 RS6 Performance with reasonable miles in Japan currently auctions at the JDM auction houses (USS, JU, Honda Auto Auctions) for the equivalent of CAD $52,000–58,000. Add roughly $9,000 in shipping, broker fees, RIV, and federal+provincial taxes. Add another $2,000–4,000 for any compliance work needed (typically headlight aim, DRL settings, sometimes catalytic-converter swaps for emissions testing).
"The right RS6 to import is one with documented service history in Japan, where you can read the kanji and verify what's been done."
Total landed cost: $63,000–71,000 for a Performance you'd pay $115,000+ for from a Canadian seller. The Canadian seller is providing two things in exchange for that premium: cars-in-hand availability (no 4–6 month wait) and someone-else-handled-the-import service. For most buyers, that premium is worth it. For the buyer with patience and a reliable broker, it's a $40,000+ value to do it yourself.
JP auction price$52–58k
All-in landed$63–71k
CAD-market savings$40k+
The brokers I've used and trust: [redacted from preview]. The brokers I've seen consistently mishandle paperwork, deliver damaged cars, or both: [redacted from preview]. Buying from the wrong broker is how the import math goes from $40k savings to $40k loss…
Excerpt continues for another two pages – including the broker shortlist, the seven specific things to ask before any deposit, and the Japan-side inspection report a buyer should expect. Full content in the PDF.
