Buy and Export a Used Car from Japan Tips

Japan is a rich source of used cars for many years, and every day thousands of people buy a used car direct from Japanese auto auction.

Advantages are many:

Quality, reliable, economical and famous Japanese brands such as Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi.
Low mileage. Most cars come with less than 100,000 km on the clock
Good condition. Regular servicing and repairs due to strict security checks on the Japanese government.
Many options. Many owners choose several options, so your car will come feature packed.
Cheap! Vehicles can start at auction for 1 only when you are likely to pay a little more than that!
More ...
In this article I will cover the following points to help you understand the Japanese used car market and more informed decision about buying a car for export to your country.



Japanese used car dealers
Purchase and import process
Japanese used car dealers

The process of buying a used car imports much easier with the advent of the Internet. There are thousands of dealers throughout Japan and around the world who have websites offering cars they have on stock, or offer your own car search service where your requirements and search for auctions until they find a car to match your requirements.

There is a wide variety of export car dealers. Some traders are huge organizations with a large number of cars, while others are single entrepreneurs who run their own business. Of course, the larger society, the greater the overheads, so you'll probably end up paying a little more seller fees, but get more security from dealing with established businesses. The choice between price and reliability is up to you.

The Japanese government has recognized JUMVEA (Japanese used car exporters Assosciation) maintains a list of members of companies, which "was created to address this problem [of poor quality and car dealers], consists of a used car exporters of excellent credentials and high credibility" JUMVEA website.

Their aim is to provide member companies which show their reliability and time, so if you are particularly worried about trust then look for a company with this accreditation. You can check the list of members on the website JUMVEA, and accredited members will proudly display their membership on their website.

But not many companies JUMVEA membership prior to purchasing from the third member to the following checks:

See if the exporters bank details are listed on the website
Call the company at least once to ask any questions you may have. Bona fide companies will have no problem with talking to you over the phone, even if the patient with their English skill!
Ask for references
Checking the quality of response to your questions. If the dealer is covering up, or dodge the problem is more
Generally you can use your common sense and if something is suspicious or dosent feel it will continue to find another vendor.

Purchase and import process

Make sure that your country has the right

Before you check your country's import rules for imports of used cars to make sure you are allowed to import the car you want. Most countries have liberal laws, and are mostly relating to emissions and safety standards.

However, they can add more to the cost of imports, so be sure to research compatibility model that you want the laws in your country. If you choose a car that is far beyond then you could be spending a large amount to be consistent.

Check with your dealer and the local department of motor vehicles in case of doubt. You do not want to be left on the docks with a bill for several thousand, to meet the car before you can take home!

Sending request

In the event that the dealer keeps a stock car, you can request to that on its website in which case you will know the price and detailed information about the car.

However, if you are looking for something specific, then you have to send e-mail sales description of what you want. Most retailers have a request form on its Web site.

Confirmation

If you are buying from the store, then you will usually get a faster confirmation of purchase. If you want something other than the seller would need to find what you wanted in the auction and send you detailed information about pricing and specifications. It is up to you to confirm or request a different model, etc.

Payment

Once you have decided on the car and the price you will have to pay. Methods and amounts vary from dealer.

Some dealers require you pay 100% advance bank transfer (or telegraphic transfer TT) before the car bought at auction, or ready for shipment. Others require a smaller amount as a deposit and then balance on completion of the purchase at auction, or when the car is ready for shipment.

You may feel nervous about sending money to a foreign country and an unknown company, so you should be sure that traders trust before you enter into a contract or send any money. You can do this by checking to see if the seller shows the company's registration number and address on their website, ask the Japanese Embassy in your country for confirmation - even though it may take longer and cost you extra.

You can also check the bank account. Japanese banking laws are strict regarding the movements of currency and bank accounts. All registered firms are required to have their accounts under exactly the same name, have registered their business.

When buying a used car online from Japan and the name of the bank account is different from the name of the company, or its individual, then you should explore more.

Delivery

Delivery times will vary depending on distance and number of ships in their country. Here is an approximate guideline.

Russia and Hong Kong: three days
New Zealand and Australia: three weeks
Rest of world: between four to six weeks
There may be other times in the delivery period as deregisteration certificate for the Japanese owner which shows the car is sold and find a space ship into port. Moreover, these processes can take up to another four to six weeks.

Arrival

Your car arrived at the port and now you have to pick it up. Take the documentation which the dealer sent you shipping, which will ensure the car unloaded from the ship.

Depending on your country, the laws will have to pay import tax, auto license, get car safety tests done, and auto insurance.

Now your car is legally imported and in your hands. Journey home care!