Buying a used car directly from Japan is a smart way to get a high-quality, reliable vehicle for a fraction of the cost you might pay locally. Japan has strict domestic inspection laws, which means their used cars are usually very well-maintained. While the process can seem complicated, breaking it down into simple steps makes it very manageable.
Step 1: Research and Choose a Car Exporter
Your first and most important decision is choosing a reliable Japanese car exporter. These companies act as your eyes and ears in Japan, managing the auction process, inspection, and shipping. A good exporter is crucial for a smooth transaction. You need someone with a solid reputation. For example, if you are specifically looking for a car in the Kansai region, a company like Mi Auto Buy a car in Kobe, Japan might be your starting point for reliable local service.
Step 2: Set Your Budget and Search Strategy
Before you start looking at cars, be clear about your total budget. Remember that the car’s price is only one part of the total cost. You must also account for:
- Shipping (Freight): The cost to transport the car from a Japanese port (like Kobe, Nagoya, or Yokohama) to your nearest port.
- Customs and Duties: Taxes and fees your country charges upon the car’s arrival.
- Local Registration Fees: Costs to make the car road-legal in your country.
- Exporter’s Commission: The fee the exporter charges for their service.
Once your budget is clear, decide on the car model, year, and mileage you are looking for.
Step 3: Find Your Vehicle (Auction vs. Stock)
There are two main ways to find a car in Japan:
A. Japanese Car Auctions
- Process: Most used cars are sold through large weekly auctions (like USS, TAA, etc.). You give your maximum bid to your exporter, who bids on your behalf.
- Pros: Access to thousands of cars weekly, often resulting in lower prices.
- Cons: You must act fast, and the car’s condition is based on a written Auction Sheet, which requires expert interpretation (something your exporter should provide).
B. Exporter’s Ready Stock
- Process: The exporter has already bought and imported these cars to their local lot (like a yard in Kobe).
- Pros: You can see actual photos and detailed information immediately. The price is fixed.
- Cons: Prices are typically slightly higher than auction prices because the exporter has added their profit margin.
Step 4: Inspection and Payment
Once you select a car (either won at auction or from stock), the process moves to confirmation and payment:
- Final Review: Your exporter will send you a final invoice showing the FOB (Free On Board) or CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) price. Always confirm what the price includes.
- Payment: Payment is almost always done via a Wire Transfer (TT – Telegraphic Transfer) to the exporter’s Japanese bank account. This payment must usually be made quickly (within 2–3 days) to secure the car.
- Preparation: The exporter handles all necessary Japanese paperwork, including de-registration and getting the export certificate.
Step 5: Shipping and Customs Clearance
This is the final stage where the car leaves Japan and arrives at your port.
- Booking and Loading: The exporter arranges shipping (usually RoRo – Roll-on/Roll-off, where cars are driven onto the ship). They will send you the Bill of Lading (B/L), which is the title document for your car.
- Tracking: You can track the ship’s journey to your destination port.
- Customs Clearance: When the car arrives, you (or a local clearing agent you hire) must present the Bill of Lading and the Japanese Export Certificate to your country’s customs department. This is where you pay your country’s local duties and taxes.
After customs clearance, your car is finally ready to be picked up, registered, and driven on your local roads!