Japanese Used Car Exporting

Advantages of Buying Japanese Used Vehicles (JUV's)

This website is simply to promote the Japanese used vehicle market as a whole and be a center for information. We do not sell vehicles. We hope our advice is helpful for you.

Here are some facts about Japanese Exports:

In 2006, over 1,100,000 JUVs were exported from Japan.
Factors such as culture, regulations, and a competitive market have made trade more favorable.
The number of importers (businesses, but also individuals) is increasing each year.

Why should you invest money, time, and effort into buying JUVs?

Well, here is a few reasons:

Low Price

Owning used cars is expensive in Japan! This causes used cars to be sold early and cheap.
- Shaken - Greatest cost for owners of cars is the car safety inspection (also written shyaken or syaken).
  - The longer you have a car in Japan, the more it will cost you.
  - New cars: the first “Shaken” is usually included into the cost and lasts for 3 years.
  - After 3 years, car must have "Shaken" every 2 years.
  - Meanwhile, the car’s official value drops and it costs more to have it pass (very strict).
- Other Expenses
  - For more information view Cost of Owning a Vehicle in Japan.
Out with the old! Japanese love new vehicles.
- World Leaders - Japan is the world's leader in manufacturing new cars.
- Accelerated Turnover - Perceived value loss in old vehicles and cheaper new cars accelerate turnover.
  - Most cars in the Japanese used vehicle market are 3-9 years old.
- New is Better - Japanese like to have new and society promotes keeping up to date.
Efficient sales system. Reselling cars has become a well developed system.
- Easy - Many involved in this market are well experienced, making everything smooth.
- Safe - Almost all exporters are accountable and the market overall is trustworthy.
- High Supply - Many cars are auctioned/sold every week. In 2006 over 1,100,000 JUVs were exported.

High Standards

Vehicles in Japan are maintained very well and used lightly.
- Cleanliness - Most Japanese take excellent care of their vehicles.
  - Reduced wear on interior and reduced rusting.
- High Standard Inspections - It is very expensive and difficult to pass (more on Shaken).
  - Average total inspection costs can be around $3000
- Smooth Roads - Roads in Japan are among the best and to find a car that has gone off-road is rare.
- Low Mileage - Traveling long distances in Japan by car is expensive and frustrating.
  - Most cars don't see over 90,000 kilometers (56,000 miles).
  - Alternative transportation
    - Trains - Reduces the use of cars between cities.
      - Road tolls are expensive
      - Traffic can be very bad
      - Japan has one of the fastest trains in the world
    - Bicycles - Cities are very dense.
      - People can often walk or bicycle for most daily activity.
  - Driving is often a very short distance at low speeds.

Unique Vehicles

JDM-only Models - Specially made by Japanese auto manufactures for Japan.
- Performance cars: Cars are often designed for Japan with higher power output than outside of Japan.
  - Japan has higher-than-average octane levels in their fuel.
  - Many models outside of Japan are re-badge with a new name and are sometimes power restricted.
  - Kei class vehicles: are small, unique and have many special uses.
    - They come in all shapes: car, truck, van, and others.
More Equipment - Japanese vehicles contain what in most countries consider "extras".
- For example, navigation systems and alloy wheels.
Manual or Automatic - Both transmissions are popular.

Choice

You will see on average 40,000 JUVs available on the market each week.

Buying Japanese vehicles can be a fun and exciting experience. Whichever reason you might be interested in buying Japanese cars, importing them yourself can be a rewarding time.

Going Further

Buying Auction Vehicles
Buying Stock Vehicles

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