How to Buy and Export a Used Car from Japan

Japan has been a rich source of used cars for manydepartment of motor vehicles if in doubt. You don't
years and each day thousands of people buy a usedwant to be left on the docks with a bill for several
car direct from Japanese car auctions.The benefitsthousand to make the car conform before you can
are many:Good quality, reliable, economical and famoustake it home!Sending the requestIf the dealer has a
Japanese brands such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan andstock of cars you can request on shown on their
Mitsubishi.Low milage. Most cars come with less thanwebsite in which case you will know the price and
100,000 kilometers on the clockGood condition. Regulardetails of the car.However if you are looking for
servicing and repairs due to strict Japanesesomething specific then you will have to send the
Government safety checks.Many options. Manydealer an email describing what you want. Most
owners choose several options, so your car will comedealers have some sort of request form on their
feature packed.Cheap! Cars can start at auction for 1website.ConfirmationIf you are buying from stock then
yen, although you'll probably pay a little more thanyou will usually get a faster confirmation of purchase. If
that!And more...you request something else then the dealer will have
In this article I'll cover the following points to help youto search for what you requested at an auction and
understand the Japanese used car market and makesend you details of prices and specifications. It is then
a more informed choice about buying a car for exportup to you to confirm or ask for a different model
to your country.etc.PaymentOnce you have decided on a car and
price you will be required to pay for it. Methods and
Japanese used car dealersamounts vary by dealer.Some dealers require you pay
The buying and importing process100% upfront with by bank transfer (or telegraphic
Japanese used car dealersThe process of buyingtransfer T.T.) before the car is bought at auction or
and importing a used car has become much easierreadied for shipping. Others require a less amount as a
with the advent of the internet. There are thousandsdeposit and then a balance on completion of purchase
of dealers throughout Japan and around the worldat auction or when the car is ready for shipping.You
who have websites offering cars they have in stock,may feel nervous sending money to a foreign country
or offering a custom car search service where theyand unknown company so you should be sure of the
take your specifications and search the auctions untildealers trustworthiness before you enter into a
they find a car to match your exact needs.There is acontract or send any money. You can do this by
wide variety of export car dealers. Some dealers arechecking to see if the dealer displays a company
huge organisations dealing with large volumes of carsregistration number and address on their website, then
while others are single entrepreneurs who run theirask the Japanese embassy in your country for
own businesses. Of course the larger a company theconfirmation - although this may take a long time and
bigger the overheads and so probably you'll end upcost you extra.You can also check the bank account.
paying slightly more in dealer fees, but you get moreJapanese banking laws are strict when it comes to
security from dealing with an established business. Themonetary movements and bank accounts. All
choice between price and reliability is yours.Theregistered businesses are required to have their
Japanese Government recognised JUMVEAaccounts under exactly the same name that they
(Japanese Used Motor Vehicle Exportersregistered their company.If you are buying a used car
Assosciation) maintains a member list of companiesonline from Japan and the name on the bank account
which "was created to address this problem [of pooris different from the name of the trading company, or
quality cars and dealers], being composed of used carif its an individual, then you should investigate
exporters of excellent credentials and high credibility"more.DeliveryDelivery times will vary according to
JUMVEA website.Their aim is to give membership todistance and number of ships to your country. Here is
those companies which show their reliability anda rough guideline.
service over time, so if you are particularly worriedRussia and Hong Kong: three days
about trust then look for a company with thisNew Zealand and Australia: three weeks
accreditation. You can check the list of members onRest of world: between four to six weeks
the JUMVEA website, and accredited members willThere may be other times to include in the delivery
proudly display their membership on theirperiod such as a deregisteration certificate for the
website.However not many companies haveJapanese owner which shows the car has been sold
JUMVEA membership so before buying from a nonby him, and finding a space on a boat to your port.
member do the following checks:See if the exportersThese extra processes can take up another four to
bank details are listed on the websiteCall the companysix weeks.ArrivalYour car has arrived at your port and
at least once to ask about any questions you maynow you have to pick it up. Take the documentation
have. Bona fide companies will have no problems withwhich the dealer sent you to a shipping agent who will
talking to you over the phone, although be patient witharrange the offloading of the car from the
their English abilty!Ask for testimonialsCheck the qualityship.Depending on your country's laws you may have
of response to your enquiries. If the dealer is obscuringto pay import tax, licence the car, get car safety tests
or dodging an issue then move ondone, and insure the car.Now your car is legally
In general use your common sense and if somethingimported and in your hands. Drive home
is suspicious or dosent feel right then don't proceedcarefully!Summary
and find another dealer.The buying and importingIn conclusion buying and exporting a used Japanese
processCheck your country's lawBefore importingcar is fairly straightforward, and can save you a fair bit
check your country's rules for importing used cars toof money compared to buying a car in your own
make sure you are allowed to import the car youcountry. Choosing a reputable firm is probably the
want. Most countries have liberal laws and are mostlybiggest priority to ensure a smooth transaction, and
concerned with emissions and safetyyou should be aware of any extra costs your
standards.However these can add extra to the costgovernment may impose to make the car conform to
of importing so make sure you research thesafety and emission standards.For more information
compatibility of the model you want with laws in yourplease visit the Japanese used car exporter portal.
own country. If you choose a car which is way outsideIncludes detailed information, dealer directory and car
the limits then you could be spending a large amount toreviews.
make it conform.Check with the dealer and your local