How to buy and export a used car from Japan




How to buy and export a used car from Japan

The buying and importing process



Check your country's law Before importing check your country's rules for importing used cars to make sure you are allowed to import the car you want. Most countries have liberal laws and are mostly concerned with emissions and safety standards. However these can add extra to the cost of importing so make sure you research the compatibility of the model you want with laws in your own country.If you choose a car which is way outside the limits then you could be spending a large amount to make it conform. Check with the dealer and your local department of motor vehicles if in doubt. You don't want to be left on the docks with a bill for several thousand to make the car conform before you can take it home! Sending the request If the dealer has a stock of cars you can request on shown on their website in which case you will know the price and details of the car. However if you are looking for something specific then you will have to send the dealer an email describing what you want. Most dealers have some sort of request form on their website.ConfirmationIf you are buying from stock then you will usually get a faster confirmation of purchase. If you request something else then the dealer will have to search for what you requested at an auction and send you details of prices and specifications. It is then up to you to confirm or ask for a different model etc.Payment Once you have decided on a car and price you will be required to pay for it. Methods and amounts vary by dealer. Some dealers require you pay 100% upfront with by bank transfer (or telegraphic transfer T.T.) before the car is bought at auction or readied for shipping. Others require a less amount as a deposit and then a balance on completion of purchase at auction or when the car is ready for shipping. You may feel nervous sending money to a foreign country and unknown company so you should be sure of the dealers trustworthiness before you enter into a contract or send any money. You can do this by checking to see if the dealer displays a company registration number and address on their website, then ask the Japanese embassy in your country for confirmation - although this may take a long time and cost you extra. You can also check the bank account. Japanese banking laws are strict when it comes to monetary movements and bank accounts. All registered businesses are required to have their accounts under exactly the same name that they registered their company.If you are buying a used car online from Japan and the name on the bank account is different from the name of the trading company, or if its an individual, then you should investigate more. Delivery Delivery times will vary according to distance and number of ships to your country. Here is a rough guideline. * Russia and Hong Kong: three days * New Zealand and Australia: three weeks * Rest of world: between four to six weeksThere may be other times to include in the delivery period such as a deregisteration certificate for the Japanese owner which shows the car has been sold by him, and finding a space on a boat to your port. These extra processes can take up another four to six weeks.ArrivalYour car has arrived at your port and now you have to pick it up. Take the documentation which the dealer sent you to a shipping agent who will arrange the offloading of the car from the ship. Depending on your country's laws you may have to pay import tax, licence the car, get car safety tests done, and insure the car. Now your car is legally imported and in your hands. Drive home carefully!SummaryIn conclusion buying and exporting a used Japanese car is fairly straightforward, and can save you a fair bit of money compared to buying a car in your own country. Choosing a reputable firm is probably the biggest priority to ensure a smooth transaction, and you should be aware of any extra costs your government may impose to make the car conform to safety and emission standards.For more information please visit the Japanese used car exporter portal. Includes detailed information, dealer directory and car reviews.