Cultural and economic differences create business opportunities
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Direct & private imports of pre-owned Japanese vehicles have been going on
for about 20 years. However, they truly became accessible to the general public,
with the advent of the internet revolution.
By
keeping in touch with latest trends, import rules and techniques, a
direct import is usually easier than it might seem
at first and could result in 20 to 50% savings off
local prices for equivalent models. Often more in the case of collectible
and rare or niche market units.
JDM, models for the demanding
domestic market are usually designed to higher specifications than export versions.
While in Japan, they
were usually well looked after, traveled for less distance, at
restricted speed, and on excellent roads. Nevertheless, due to Japan's unique social & economic constraints, used vehicles depreciate faster
here
than anywhere else.
If you wish to read more on
the topic, please follow links provided below: |
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From rare or prestigious,
to modern & affordable, over 500,000 units for sale monthly
via Japanese dealer auto auctions |
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A large volume of those artificially depreciated vehicles is sold at
auctions and exported to the world at a pace of over
30,000 units per month. We
source for our customers, the best of sport & all terrain Japanese or imported vehicles |
Congested urban areas, overpriced toll roads and tight holiday
schedules take most of the fun out of long distance car travel. This partly
explains why, Japanese used vehicles
usually come with relatively low
mileages.
An efficient rail and subway transportation system is always favored for daily
commuting, and the SHINKANSEN (bullet train) takes care of
more serious traveling needs.
Consequently, the overall condition for cars of similar
age will be considerably better in Japan than in most countries.
Tuned-up performance units & SUV of tremendous capabilities are never used to
their potential and routinely spend an entire life in extended
neighborhood use.
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There is a stigma
in Japan, attached to using or acquiring anything
"used". It affects all commodities, from home appliances to jewelry,
to houses, including of course automobiles.
Despite the current economic slowdown and a newly acquired Japanese taste for
bargains, the large majority of vehicles is still acquired new from a dealer, by trading in the
current one (usually at shaken renewal time, after 3, 5,
7 & 9 years).
Private car sales are non existent in
Japan, because technically impossible.
From one owner to the next, the vehicle MUST pass through the hands of an authorized dealer for ownership transfer.
Due to cut-throat competition and low new car prices, dealers in Japan often
make better income handling paperwork than by marking up car prices.
Recent, luxury or high performing
vehicles which had very little chance to be enjoyed to their capacities on Japanese
roads are the most recommended for export. Early depreciation is
intense as cars commonly lose 50% or more of their original value within the
first 3 years.
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Strictly
enforced speed limits of 30km/h in urban areas, 50km/h on highways and 80 to
100km/h on toll roads, help keep vehicles vehicles free of abuse.
Vandalism & car theft are virtually unknown in Japan, alarm systems are
still rare on Japanese cars.
On the other hand, features such as power steering, electric windows &
retractable mirrors, climate control, ABS and airbags are considered standard
equipment.
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Fierce competition and introduction of new models every four years, results in strong incentives to new car
buyers. Anyone with an
ID, a job and a guarantor can drive a brand new car out of a showroom with zero down payment
(4 to 6% interest on full loan is the norm).
In other words, purchasing a new car in Japan is relatively cheap, while
owning it, is not.
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For
instance:
-Annual road tax ranges from yen 40,000 for ordinary cars, up to yen 70,000 or more
for luxury units.
-Shaken renewal (required every 2 years, after the
first original 3 years) from yen120,000 basic models
-Parking space, within a few hundred meter from residence is required
prior to purchase of a car
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Shaken, a costly combination of taxes and mandatory roadworthy tests,
is added to the price
of all cars on the road. Shaken renewal is mandatory
after 3, 5, 7 & 9 years from first registration.
Beside providing huge income for the government, it also insures every motor vehicle
on Japanese road is safe and sound. Shaken price is identical at each
renewal and with time, will eventually amount to
more than the value of the car itself.
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When intending to purchase more than one car, we strongly encourage customers to visit us & see how it works for themselves.
Besides enjoying the best possible price conditions, chances are you will be delighted with your stay in
Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan, where most vehicles on the road are 4x4's. Its lively capital city Sapporo and world class powder snow ski in
Niseko, Hirafu or Hanazono areas, attract thousands of international visitors. Qantas & Australian (among other airlines) fly direct to Chitose International airport. Hokkaido is also famous for its hot springs, white water rafting, horse race stables, to visitors from Australia, Ireland, the United Kingdom and Canada who come here to work, study or play. Sapporo city was host to the 1972 Winter Olympics, to the 2002 soccer world cup, and is regularly voted the "most pleasant city of Japan".
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For travel tips & additional information, see visitors in Japan
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