partners in japan used cars for sale and auction
Used car market in Japan is renowned for its high quality, extensive selection, and well-maintained vehicles. Here’s a comprehensive guide to popular makes, models, and what to know when buying a used car in Japan. Why Buy a Used Car in Japan? · High Standards: Japanese owners typically follow strict mandatory maintenance ( shaken 車検) and keep their cars in excellent condition. · Low Mileage: Due to the country's size and efficient public transport, cars often have lower mileage compared to other markets. · Great Value: You can find high-spec, well-optioned cars for very reasonable prices, especially after depreciation. · Unique Models: Japan is home to many models (JDM - Japanese Domestic Market) not available elsewhere, famous for their innovation and performance
Popular Makes and Models in the Japanese Used Market Cars can be broadly categorized into several types. Here are some iconic and common choices: 1. Kei Cars (軽自動車 Kei-jidōsha) A unique and popular category of small cars with tax and insurance benefits. Perfect for city driving. · Honda N-BOX: The perennial best-seller. Incredibly practical, spacious interior for its size, and very reliable. · Suzuki Spacia / Alto: Suzuki dominates the Kei car segment. The Spacia is a tall wagon (similar to the N-BOX), while the Alto is a supermini known for its efficiency. · Daihatsu Tanto / Move: Daihatsu (part of Toyota) is another Kei car expert. The Tanto and Move are famous for their ultra-practical "box" designs and sliding doors. · Performance Kei Cars: · Honda S660: A mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive convertible sports kei car. A modern classic. · Daihatsu Copen: Another sporty Kei convertible with retro-inspired styling and a removable roof. 2. Mainstream Sedans & Hatchbacks (Family Cars) · Toyota Corolla / Axio: The global benchmark for reliability. The Axio is the JDM sedan version. Boring but utterly dependable. · Toyota Prius: The iconic hybrid. Extremely fuel-efficient, reliable, and spacious. A top choice for many. · Honda Fit / Jazz: A super practical and versatile hatchback. Known for its "Magic Seats" that create immense cargo space. Also available as a hybrid. · Nissan Note: A popular compact hatchback, often with e-POWER (Nissan's series-hybrid system). · Toyota Aqua / Prius C: A smaller, more affordable hybrid than the Prius. Incredibly popular for city commuting. 3. Minivans & People Carriers Extremely popular with Japanese families for their space and versatility. · Toyota Alphard / Vellfire: The king of Japanese minivans. Luxurious, incredibly comfortable, packed with technology, and often used as executive transport. The Vellfire is a sportier-styled version. · Honda StepWGN / Odyssey: The StepWGN is known for its practical, wide-opening "Waku Waku" tailgate. The Odyssey is a more stylish and lower-slung minivan. · Nissan Serena: A very common and practical family minivan, often equipped with ProPILOT semi-autonomous driving tech. 4. SUVs & 4WDs · Toyota RAV4 / Harrier: The RAV4 is a global best-seller. The Harrier (sold as the Venza in the US) is a more upscale, coupe-like crossover. · Honda Vezel: The JDM name for the HR-V. A stylish and efficient compact SUV. · Subaru Forester / Outback: Famous for their standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, excellent visibility, and rugged reliability. Perfect for snowy regions or outdoor activities. · Toyota Land Cruiser Prado / Mitsubishi Pajero: Legendary off-road capable SUVs. Built for durability and performance on and off the road. 5. Sports & Performance Cars (JDM Icons) This is where the Japanese market truly shines for enthusiasts. · Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ: The modern classic FR-S sports car. Affordable, lightweight, and incredibly fun to drive. · Mazda Roadster (MX-5 / Miata): The world's best-selling sports car. Perfect for open-top driving enjoyment. · Nissan Fairlady Z (370Z): A powerful front-engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car. · Classic JDM Icons (increasingly collectible): · Toyota Supra (A70/A80) · Nissan Skyline (R32, R33, R34) GT-R · Honda NSX (NA1/NA2) · Mazda RX-7 (FD3S) · Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution / Subaru Impreza WRX STIHow to Buy a Used Car in Japan
1. Where to Look: · Used Car Dealerships (中古車販売店 Chūkosha Hanbaiten): Lots of physical dealers everywhere. Trusted but prices can be higher. · Online Marketplaces: The most common way to browse inventory. · Goo-Net Exchange: The largest and most comprehensive database. · Carsensor.Net: Another major player with huge inventory. · Kakaku.com: A price comparison site that includes cars. · Auctions: Where dealers source their cars. You typically need a licensed agent to bid for you. This can be a source of great deals but requires expertise. 2. Key Documents & Checks: · Vehicle Inspection Certificate (車検証 Shaken-sho): The most important document. Check the **shaken expiry date**—a car with a fresh shaken (車検付き) is more valuable as the new owner doesn't have to pay the ~¥100,000-¥200,000 fee immediately. · Mileage (走行距離 Soukoukyori): Verify the mileage is consistent with the car's age and condition. · Service History: Look for evidence of regular maintenance. 3. Essential Vocabulary: · 中古車 (Chūkosha) - Used car · 新古車 (Shinkosha) - Nearly new car (very low mileage) · 車検 (Shaken) - Mandatory vehicle inspection · 走行距離 (Soukoukyori) - Mileage · ワンオーナー (Wan Ōnā) - One owner · 水漏れ (Mizumore) - Water damage (very important to check after floods) · 修復歴 (Shūfukureki) - Repair history (indicates major accident damage) · 下取り (Shitatoriki) - Trade-in 4. The Process: 1. Research & Budget: Set your budget, including insurance, tax, and any upcoming shaken costs. 2. Browse Listings: Use the online sites to find models you like. 3. Inspect: If possible, see the car in person or use a inspection service. Check for rust (especially in snowy coastal areas), interior wear, and test all features. 4. Paperwork: The dealer will usually handle the transfer of ownership paperwork at the local transport office (陸運局 Rikun-kyoku). 5. Insurance: You must have compulsory insurance (自賠責 Jibaiseki) before you can drive. It's highly advised to also get voluntary insurance (任意保険 Nin'i Hoken).
Buying a used car in Japan can be a very rewarding experience, giving you access to some of the best-maintained and most interesting cars in the world Finding the right partners is crucial for successfully buying and selling used cars in Japan, especially if you are operating from abroad. The market is highly structured, and foreigners typically cannot directly participate in auctions without a licensed intermediary. Here is a breakdown of the types of partners you will need and how to find them. 1. The Essential Partner: The Exporter / Auction Agent This is your most important partner. They are licensed companies in Japan that act on your behalf. What they do: · Provide Auction Access: They have licenses to access all major physical and online auction houses (like USS, TAA, JU, JAA, etc.). · Bid on Your Behalf: You give them instructions, and they place the bids for you. · Vehicle Inspection & Evaluation: They provide detailed auction sheets (called "Sheets" or "Condition Reports") which grade the car's interior, exterior, and mechanical condition. A good agent will give you their honest opinion on the sheet's accuracy. · Handle Paperwork: They manage all the legal and export documentation (De-registration, Export Certificate, Bill of Lading, etc.). · Arrange Logistics: They coordinate with shipping companies to get the car from the auction yard to the port and onto a vessel. · Provide Support: They translate, advise on market trends, and help you navigate the entire process. How to Find a Reliable Exporter: · Research Online: Look for companies with strong, long-standing reputations. Read reviews and testimonials from clients in your country. · Clear Communication: Choose an agent that communicates clearly in your language and is responsive to your questions. · Transparent Fee Structure: A good partner will be upfront about all their fees (agent fee, auction fee, transportation fee, etc.). There should be no hidden costs. · Examples (for research purposes): While I cannot endorse specific companies, well-known and established exporters include companies like Pacific Coast Auto, Top Rank Importers, JapaneseCarTrade.com, and Car From Japan. Use these names as a starting point for your research. --- 2. Auction Houses (Where the Cars Are Sold) You cannot deal with these directly, but your exporter/agent will. They are the source of the vast majority of used cars in Japan. Major Auction Houses: · USS (Auto Auction USS): The largest and most famous, with locations across Japan. · TAA (Tokyo Auto Auction): Another major player. · JU (JAA Utsunomiya): Known for a wide variety of vehicles. · CAA (Central Auto Auction): · ARA (Auto Resort Auction): Key Auction Document: The Auction Sheet (条件書 Jōkensho) This is the critical document your agent will send you.Learn to read the grades and codes: · Grade (e.g., 5, 4.5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, R, RA): A higher number (like 5) means a car in excellent condition. 'R' means the car has significant repair history. · Interior/Exterior Grades (e.g., A, B, C, D, E): 'A' is best. · Comments & Codes: Codes indicate specific issues (e.g., U*** = rust, X*** = parts replaced, **A = scratch, ***** = dent). Your agent should translate and explain these. --- 3. Trading Companies / Dealerships These are an alternative to auctions. They purchase cars from auctions or through trade-ins, recondition them, and sell them from their own stock. Partnering with a Trading Company: · Pros: Easier process. You buy from their inventory listed online. Cars are often cleaned and prepped. Can be less risky for beginners. · Cons: Prices are generally higher than auction prices because the company needs to add a margin. · How to Find Them: The same major online platforms (Goo-Net, Carsensor) are essentially vast databases of inventory from hundreds of these trading companies and dealerships. --- 4. Logistics & Shipping Partners Your exporter will typically handle this, but it's good to understand the process. · Freight Forwarders / Shipping Lines: Companies like NYK, MOL, "K" Line, and others transport the vehicles. · Your Role: You will need to choose the shipping method (typically RORO - Roll-On/Roll-Off for functional cars, or Container for non-running or high-value cars) and the destination port.“Step-by-Step Process with Your Partner (Exporter)”
1. Contact and Set Up an Account: Choose an exporter, complete their registration, and understand their fees. 2. Find Vehicles: Browse the auction listings they provide you (via their website or daily email lists). 3. Request Information: Send the auction lot numbers to your agent. They will get the full auction sheet and give you their advice. 4. Set a Maximum Bid: Based on the vehicle's value in your local market, set a strict maximum bid price for the agent. 5. Bidding: The agent bids for you. If you win, they will notify you and invoice you for the car price and their fees. 6. Payment: Make a swift payment (usually via wire transfer). 7. Processing & Shipping: The agent handles all paperwork, moves the car to the port, and loads it onto the ship. They will provide you with shipping documents. 8. Importing: Once the car ships, you work with a customs broker in your own country to clear the vehicle through customs and handle registration.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Partner · Trust: This is a remote transaction involving significant money. Your partner must be trustworthy. · Language: Ensure there is no language barrier. · Payment Security: Use secure bank transfers. Be wary of any partner asking for unusual payment methods. · Market Knowledge: A good partner knows the market well and can advise you on what a car is truly worth, helping you avoid overpaying. Start by researching and contacting 3-4 different export agents. Ask them about their process, fees, and see who you feel most comfortable communicating with. They are your eyes and ears on the ground in Japan.