Just chiming in here as I purchased a classic Mini from ItalianJobber last summer and wanted to share my experience since it was well above my expectations of importing a Mini. 

Just like many of you on this site, I've always adored the classic look and feel of the original Mini.  Unfortunately, these are very hard to come by here in the states (and I'm in California, where you would think they are more prevalent as niche cars).  The ones that I came across on Craigslist either had no title, were rust buckets, or missing enough parts that you could barely call them a car.  Ebay had some premium examples, but they also came with premium prices.  In addition, I would have to fly out to pick up the car or pay a large sum to get it shipped somewhere close to my house.  Also, I really wanted right hand drive which severely limited my options here.

I spent a good 18 months going through the search and disappointment.  One of my friends from a local classic car club got wind of what I was looking for and recommended to reach out to ItalianJobber as he had imported a Nissan Z from him.

I reached out to ItalianJobber and gave him an extensive back story on my search and disappointments.  He explained to me the process that he takes, from his direct connection in Japan who can find what we're looking for, to the process of paperwork and having it shipped.  I told him that while I've spent the past 18 months looking, I'm not going to purchase a Mini that doesn't meet my requirements just to say I have a classic Mini.  He understood and agreed that the best classic cars come to those who know what they want and have patience. (as a side note, I did explore the option of going through various auction houses, but heard several horror stories of subpar vehicles that come from a churn and burn operation.  Plus, I wasn't comfortable with taking on the risk and complex process of going through several layers of government paperwork and inspection which at any point if something went wrong my car could be held up for months, not sent out at all, or shipped back if the US side finds something improper.  In addition, talking to the California Secretary of State, getting a title would be an event in itself.  I wasn't willing to take on that risk of well over $10,000 myself just to have a classic Cooper).

Understanding my apprehensiveness, ItalianJobber took his time to provide me details of the entire process - from locating a car that meets my needs to all the steps required to get the car half-way around the world to my garage.  He told me that he only seeks out the best cars, he doesn't waste time on high-mileage vehicles. Once a car is located, he would send me dozens of pictures that would provide me details on every small detail of the car...from overall body condition down to the condition of the foam under the seats!  I would also be able to request any pictures that he didn't send.  That's not even the best part.  Once we agreed on a car and the price, he included personal free shipping to my house!  This meant that my car wouldn't need to be put on a truck with several other cars and be manhandled carelessly along the route - he would deliver the car himself and go over the car in detail.  I'm not sure how he offers this level of personal service, but that sold me!

He was able to located a Mini that met my requirements and budget within two weeks.  Once we agreed on the price, he sent me notarized documentation and the receipt for the deposit.  As promised, he sent me no less than 35 pictures of the car from every conceivable angle down to the minute details (close up of the ashtray!).  It took about a week for his connection to take care of the paperwork and preparation for shipping.  I believe he said that the ships go out every two weeks, but the car needs to be at the dock 7 days prior to departure so that extra week needs to be taken into consideration when timing out when you will get the car.  Once the ship departed, he sent me the tracking number so I can keep an eye on where my Mini was during it's journey across the Pacific Ocean.  Meanwhile, ItalianJobber was already processing the paperwork to get it titled in the US so when he dropped off the car he would simply need to sign the title over just as if I was buying a Honda from my neighbor.  Nothing special needed except a pen and the bill of sale!

Since I live on the west coast, total shipping time when it departed the port in Japan was around 2 weeks and this includes stops at various ports in Japan, moving across to Washington and down to California (obviously if you are on the east coast it takes loner since the ship needs to go through the Panama Canal and up the eastern seaboard). Once the date was set on when it would arrive, ItalianJobber confirmed with me the date and time he was flying out to pick up the car from the port and approximately when he would be at my house. 

Throughout the entire process, he kept in touch with me and didn't seem to get annoyed with my what seemed to be 1000 questions.  He was completely transparent with me and ensured that I was comfortable with the entire process.  When the day finally arrived, everything went exactly as promised.  He sent me a text message when he landed, confirmed when he arrived at the port, and send me a picture of the car at the dock.  When he left the port, he called me and provided me with the estimated time of arrival. 

Being a beautiful day out, I grabbed a beer and say on the porch waiting for my dream car to roll up after such a long search.  I assume that ItalianJobber was using Google maps when he estimated his time because his arrival was within two minutes.  The car rolled up and looked even better than it did in the photos!  I couldn't contain myself when I saw it coming down the street.  I jumped up from my chair, spilled my beer in the process, open the front door and yelled for my wife to come outside, and ran to the street.  The whole thing felt like a movie scene, with everything being slow motion and ItalianJobber stepping out of the right side of the (my!) car and handing me the key.

He went over all details of the car with my, gave me some history lessons on Mini Coopers, and showed me what I need to pay attention to on these cars.  Apparently he isn't just a car enthusiast, but also rebuilds and restores cars, motorcycles, and scooters.  He told me that if I have any questions ever about my Mini or future issues with it that he's always available to provide assistance.  Now that's great customer service - not just someone who is trying to make a quick buck and disappear to the next customer.

I still have the Cooper and loving every moment of it.  I love when people do a double-take at me driving on right side of the car.  Every time I stop to get gas, I have at least one person ask about it and if they can sit in the car.  It's been such a joy to drive that I'm contemplating finding a second one so my wife can stop pestering me to take mine out to Yoga class on weekends!

Free shipping to my door personally from ItalianJobber , all the paperwork and red tape taken care of, clear US title to the car, prompt responses to my 1000 questions, tracking of the car and accurate arrival date/time, and post-sales care.  All reasons that I would easily purchase another car from ItalianJobber without hesitation.

For anyone that has questions about any steps of the process, please don't hesitate to reach out to me.  I'm more than happy to share details of the entire process as I know it can be overwhelming and normally retains some risk if you don't pick out the right importer.