Import Kei Trucks, Japanese Mini Truck and Mini Bus from Japan.

There are several ways to purchase used cars from Japan.

1. Use an online classified site such as https://ucarworld.com/.
   Search for vehicles for sale on a site that lists used cars. Contact sellers and Estimate the price of a used car, including shipping costs to your country. Negotiate the price and confirm the delivery time to your country. Request an invoice and make the payment via wire transfer or online transfer. Once the seller confirms your payment, they will proceed with the shipping arrangements and inform you of the shipping date and the expected arrival date. After the transfer, all you need to do is wait for the car and its documents.
2. You can also use Japanese used car exporters or brokers specializing in used car exports.
   If you search for "Japanese used car exporters" on Google, you will find many used car exporters in the search results. Visit their websites, and if you find a vehicle that interests you, contact them for more information. Be sure to confirm the following: whether the vehicle is still in stock, how many days it will take for the car to arrive in your country after payment, the shipping date, and the conditions for coverage if there are any issues with the vehicle. Keep in mind that not all used car exporters are reliable. If you feel uncertain, feel free to contact Ucarworld for assistance.
3. Purchasing directly from auto auctions.
   Used car exporters purchase over 95% of their vehicles from auto auctions. Therefore, it is also possible to become a member of an auto auction and buy vehicles directly. However, the membership requirements for auto auctions are quite strict, so this option is not highly recommended.

The requirements for joining an auto auction include obtaining a secondhand dealer's license, residing in Japan, securing at least two guarantors who own real estate, and depositing a 500,000-yen security fee, among other stringent conditions. As a result, it takes at least six months to join an auction and start purchasing directly, which is why this approach is not generally advisable.

For example, if you purchase a car priced at 500,000 yen from an auction, the costs before shipping will include:

Vehicle price (500,000 yen)
Auction fees (10,000–20,000 yen)
Transportation costs from the auction site to the port (5,000–40,000 yen)
Shipping charges, including customs clearance fees (15,000–25,000 yen)
In addition to the above, the shipping cost to your country will apply. For instance:

Toyota Vitz to Tanzania: 90,000 – 120,000 yen
Toyota Vitz to the USA: 250,000 – 300,000 yen
After arrival, you will also need to cover costs for customs clearance, import procedures, and local duties or taxes.
Your costs will include:
Car purchase price
Export agent fee (varies depending on car price – includes inspection, purchase, transport to Port, deregistration procedures, export paperwork and postage of original documents)
Shipping (roll on / roll off or container)
Import taxes, Customs, Quarantine and clearance charges
Transport from the Port
Compliance procedures for imported cars
Normal licensing and registration costs

After arranging the transfer of payment for the vehicle, the time it takes for the car to reach your country will depend on the distance from Japan to your destination and the frequency of shipping services to your country. Below are the approximate shipping durations for various countries:

• USA: 4–6 weeks
• Jamaica: 5 weeks
• Bahamas: 5 weeks
• Tanzania: 4 weeks
• Kenya: 4 weeks
• South Africa: 4 weeks
• UK: 4 weeks
• Germany: 5 weeks
• France: 5 weeks
• Russia: 1 week
• New Zealand: 2 weeks
• Australia: 2 weeks
• Chile: 6 weeks

In addition to these shipping times, it typically takes about 2 weeks from the time the payment reaches the exporter's bank account to the departure of the ship. This includes:

• Ownership transfer procedures: 1 week
• Shipping preparations: 1 week

However, this timeline can vary based on factors such as the vehicle's location in Japan, its condition, the frequency of shipping services to your destination, and other logistical considerations. For detailed and specific information, please confirm with the seller.

There are several reasons for this:

1. No customs duties on Japanese cars: Japanese cars are developed by domestic manufacturers, which means they are not subject to customs duties. As a result, they can be sold at lower prices.
2. Consumer preferences in Japan: Japanese consumers tend to prioritize high-quality or brand-new products, even at higher prices, and generally avoid purchasing low-quality items, even if they are cheap. This cultural preference leads to a tendency to avoid cars with high mileage, noticeable scratches, dents, or other defects. Consequently, such vehicles attract fewer bids in the used car auction market, allowing exporters specializing in used cars to acquire them at lower prices.
3. Significant depreciation of the yen since 2022: Following a major shift in the exchange rate, the yen has weakened by about 30–40 yen against the US dollar compared to 2021. This makes Japanese products, including cars, more affordable for international buyers. Compared to three years ago, prices have decreased by 20%–40%, making Japanese cars among the cheapest in the world.

The Japanese used car market is highly dynamic, as both affluent residents of urban areas and middle-class individuals frequently purchase newly released vehicles. As a result, a continuous stream of well-maintained used cars enters the trade-in market. Many vehicles that have been used for only about two years are available, attracting users who prefer relatively new cars.

However, cars that are over five years old see a sharp drop in price, even if they are of high quality and performance. Given the durability, fuel efficiency, and overall reliability of Japanese cars, their prices in the used car market are very reasonable. This makes Japanese used cars an excellent choice for buyers worldwide.

It is possible to export Japanese used cars to most countries around the world. According to Japan's customs statistics for 2023, used cars were exported to 171 countries, with over 100 cars exported annually to 101 of those countries. Below are the top destinations by export volume:

1. Russia: 218,191 units
2. UAE: 204,404 units
3. New Zealand: 114,252 units
4. Tanzania: 81,683 units
5. Mongolia: 79,765 units
6. Chile: 65,644 units
7. Kenya: 61,170 units
8. South Africa: 56,990 units
9. Thailand: 55,095 units
10. Philippines: 35,273 units
11. Malaysia: 35,066 units
12. Jamaica: 33,574 units
13. Cyprus: 29,900 units
14. Uganda: 29,680 units
15. UK: 27,557 units
16. Pakistan: 27,407 units
17. Zambia: 23,552 units
18. Australia: 22,516 units
19. Myanmar: 22,307 units
20. Guyana: 21,301 units

Points to Consider

While exporting Japanese used cars is common, there are critical points to consider to avoid unexpected costs or complications, such as being unable to complete import procedures or needing to ship the car back.

1. Understand Import Regulations in Your Country

Before purchasing, ensure that the car can be registered in your country after import. Rules such as age restrictions, emissions standards, and compliance with local regulations (e.g., Euro 4 or Euro 5 standards) vary by country.

• USA: Only vehicles older than 25 years can be imported if they are right-hand drive, such as Nissan Skyline GTR R33/R34, Silvia S15, Toyota Supra, and others.
• Tanzania: No age restrictions, but an additional tax applies to vehicles older than 8 years. Cars manufactured in 2018 or later are preferred. Tanzania also requires a pre-shipment inspection certificate from agencies like EAA or JAAI.
• Kenya: Vehicles must be less than 8 years old from the date of first registration, so only vehicles from 2017 onward are eligible.
• New Zealand: Strict compliance with standards. Only vehicles with a model code starting with a 3-letter designation (e.g., AAA, ABA, DAA) manufactured in 2005 or later can be imported.
• South Africa: While many used cars are exported to South Africa, most are re-exported to third countries like Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Zambia.
• Dubai: Dubai Auto Zone, a free trade zone, handles approximately 10,000 Japanese used cars monthly. These cars are often re-exported to Africa and South Asia.

2. Verify Vehicle Condition and Compliance

The condition of the vehicle is a key factor. Before finalizing a purchase, confirm the following with the seller:

• Engine and electrical system condition
• Accident history
• Exterior damages, such as scratches or dents

Many countries require quality inspections similar to Japan's "shaken." For example:

• New Zealand: Vehicles with frame repairs or significant rust may require extensive work before registration.
• Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Jamaica: Pre-shipment inspections by recognized authorities are mandatory before export.

Ensure the vehicle complies with your country's inspection and registration standards before purchasing.

By understanding these regulations and verifying the condition of the vehicle, you can make an informed decision and avoid unnecessary complications.

1. Since 2022, the strong US dollar and weak yen have allowed international buyers to purchase Japanese products at 20-30% lower prices.
2. Japanese cars in Japan are the cheapest in the world, given their local availability and competitive pricing.
3. Japanese consumers prefer high-quality products and are willing to pay a premium for them. However, they tend to avoid older, outdated, or lower-quality items, even if they are still functional. This results in a frequent turnover of products, as older items are quickly replaced with newer ones.

The cost of a vehicle (C&F price) until it arrives in your country varies depending on the model, condition, and year. The breakdown of costs is as follows:

• Vehicle price: ¥1,000,000
• Transportation to the port: ¥5,000 to ¥40,000
• Ownership transfer: ¥3,000 to ¥10,000
• Shipping charges (includes storage in bonded areas, documentation, customs clearance, and loading onto the vessel): ¥15,000 to ¥30,000
• Freight cost (based on vehicle volume and cost per cubic meter to the destination): ¥100,000 to ¥300,000

Example

If you purchase a Vitz for ¥1,000,000 in Yokohama and ship it to a port in the USA, the total cost would be approximately ¥1,300,000 to ¥1,450,000.

The estimated shipping duration from Japan to major countries is as follows. Shipping schedules and transit times to each destination are provided by the shipping companies. For more detailed information, please feel free to contact us.

• USA: 4–6 weeks
• Jamaica: 5 weeks
• Bahamas: 5 weeks
• Tanzania: 4 weeks
• Kenya: 4 weeks
• South Africa: 4 weeks
• UK: 4 weeks
• Germany: 5 weeks
• France: 5 weeks
• Russia: 1 week
• New Zealand: 2 weeks
• Australia: 2 weeks
• Chile: 6 weeks

Japanese used cars are highly regarded for their safety, durability, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Compared to American and European cars, Japanese vehicles offer exceptional fuel economy and superior maneuverability. Even after covering over 200,000 kilometers, they can continue to run smoothly with proper maintenance, such as replacing engine oil and batteries.

It's safe to say that Japanese cars offer the best cost-performance in the world. This is equally true for commercial vehicles, including trucks and mini trucks, which share the same qualities of reliability and efficiency.

Japanese cars are considered the most reliable in the world, often running over 300,000 kilometers with minimal repairs. This makes them incredibly cost-effective. This reliability isn't limited to recently released models; even vehicles from 20+ years ago, manufactured by brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan, Suzuki, Subaru, and Daihatsu, are known for their durability and resistance to breakdowns.

Japanese engineers have always prioritized the needs of users, refusing to compromise and dedicating themselves to research and development until they are completely satisfied with the results. This commitment to excellence has made Japanese cars highly reliable and performance-oriented, earning trust worldwide.