Buying used cars online from Japan

It is a well-known fact that the Japanese cars are the most reliable, efficient and the least polluting cars in the world. In Japan, all vehicles have to undergo a thorough inspection every two years. The inspection fee increases as the car gets older. That’s why many Japanese prefer to sell their cars and go for a new car. So many high quality used cars, trucks, 4WD, vans, etc. are available for sale in Japanese market. Thanks to the Internet, it is now possible to buy these Japanese used cars online. However, there is still a challenge in buying cars online from Japan. Why? We will discuss the several reasons for it here.

First issue is the language problem. Many Japanese sellers can not speak in English and prefer to do business in Japanese language. Even many online auction sites for used automobiles in Japan are in Japanese language. So the language poses a big challenge to those who wish to buy used Japanese automobiles from the Internet.

So it is better to check if the company web-site is written in standard English. It also makes a sense to send few inquiry mails or call the company salesperson to check if they can communicate effectively in English. When you speak on the phone with the Japanese salesperson, make sure that he/she understands your requirements.

Second issue is that of the ‘Trust’. When a customer buys a used car online, he can neither see it with his own eyes, nor, he can take the test drive. Also as all Japanese online car exporters require 100% advance payment, company trust is also very important, to get the guarantee that the used car is in the same condition as described on the company web-site.

There are several ways to check the trustworthiness and legitimacy of the company. The easiest one is to note the facts such as
1. How frequently the vehicle stock is updated?
2. How clearly are the buying procedures described?
3. How specific are the details of the used cars?
4. If the company owns the domain of the website?
5. Does the company have affiliation with Automotive Association of Japan?
6. Is the company a private limited or public limited company?
7. Is the company registered with Foreign Trade Chamber?
8. Is the name of the Bank account same as the Company name?

You will also need to check with the import rules and regulations of your country to make sure that the car you wish to import does not fall under any restrictions. Most countries have liberal laws on importing used vehicles and if there are any restrictions, they mostly relate to the gas emission level or the year of manufacturing. You should also check and make sure what export related documents you need from Japan.

Once you have purchased your Japanese Used Car online from Japan, to get it as early as possible, you would have to make some checks. If there are frequent ships to your country/ designation port, and the car is already deregistered - you can get your car on board within a week or two. Also, make sure that you receive all the important documents from your dealer - such as bill of lading and certificate of deregistration by express mail – to ensure minimal problems while receiving your car at the designation port.