FAQ
JapanCarDirect.com
What is JapanCarDirect.com?
Japan Car Direct (JCD) is a Limited Liability Company specializing in the export of used vehicles. JCD has their Japanese Used Vehicle Dealer’s License, and are members of all the major used vehicle dealer’s auctions in Japan. We are a small, efficient company, providing personalized service. Our low overhead allows us to pass the savings onto all of our customers.
Why should I choose JCD?
JCD provides all of it’s customers with no frills professional service. We work with an open book policy allowing customers to see where their every yen is being spent. It is this philosophy that separates us from the majority of our competitors. In the end, all of the dealer/exporters have equal access to the auctions, so it’s really about trust, and the level of service provided to each and every customer. Nobody works harder for customer satisfaction than JCD.
What are JCD’s terms for buying vehicles?
Please see our Terms and Conditions
Can I use your service to import Japan domestic market (JDM) vehicles if I am a private buyer, and not a car dealer?
Of course JCD is happy to assist anybody interested in JDM
cars. However, please be aware that some countries have restrictions in place
which only allow for importation of vehicles by licensed dealers. Please check
with your local government agencies and familiarize yourself with the import
procedures and government/custom regulations in the country of destination, not
limited to, but including regulations on emissions, age of vehicle, steering,
aftermarket equipment, and any vehicle testing or certification necessary
before importation.
Are there left-hand-drive (LHD) vehicles at auction?
Yes, there are Mercedes, BMWs, Porsches, and other foreign vehicles with left hand steering. Unfortunately it is very rare to find a Japanese model vehicle with LHD in Japan.
Can I talk to someone at JCD?
Yes, if you have Skype on your computer you can use it to contact us. Please click on our Skype button at the bottom of the page. Alternatively you can call, fax or email us. You can find all of our contact information here.
How long does it take JCD to ship vehicles?
JCD has a contract and excellent working relationship with
the oldest forwarder in Yokohama, The Keihin Co., Ltd., which
gives us easy access to ship bookings worldwide. When customers decide to
purchase a vehicle, we will make a reservation on the next ship heading to the designated
country. If a vehicle is not purchased in time, we will cancel the reservation
and make one on the next ship. This ensures the quickest delivery of vehicles possible.
Does JCD export vehicles other than cars, SUVs, vans and small trucks?
Yes, JCD handles a variety of buses, campers and construction equipment. Some of the auctions specialize in smaller sized forklifts, shovels, bulldozers, cranes and a good variety of large trucks, including mixers, fire trucks, car transporters, dump trucks etc.
If I purchase a vehicle from JCD and need some parts sometime in the future, will you supply the parts?
Yes. JCD will be happy to provide you with whatever parts
you require to the best of our ability. We can purchase new, used and OEM compliant parts, and
send them to you at your expense.
Can I view vehicles at auction through your site?
Yes, please fill in the Contact Us Form and indicate that you would like a password to view auction vehicles, and we will supply you with it. You will then be able to search for the vehicles you are looking for at your leisure 24/7.
Can I bid on vehicles myself?
JCD will place all of your bids for you, as only auction
members are allowed to bid at the dealer’s auctions. JCD will also translate
the auction sheets for you to see before deciding to bid, and have a third
party inspection done on the vehicle if you choose to have one.
How do I search the auctions through JCD’s site?
Using the auction search engine is easy.
- JCD will give you a password and the address to Japan’s largest English auction search engine, ASNET.
- Enter the auction section
of the site.
- Choose the auction days that you want to search.
- Select the maker of the vehicle, and the model.
- Narrow your search by selecting the year(s) you are most interested in, and all of the vehicles at auction for those days will be displayed.
- You can view the auction report, a front, rear, and sometimes an interior photo, the auction location, car specs, mileage, color, chassis number, auction time and starting bid price.
- When you see a vehicle you are interested in, please copy and paste the internet address (URL) in an email, and send it to us. Alternatively, tell us the Auction site and Lot No.
- We will then translate the auction sheet and inform you of the overall condition and history of the vehicle.
- We can then discuss whether you want a third party professional vehicle evaluator to do an additional inspection for you, and what price range you are willing to pay for the vehicle depending on the finer points of the vehicle ‘s condition.
- As the additional inspection will be performed on the morning of the auction, it is sometimes difficult to communicate the results with you depending on where you are in the world before the bidding time limit has passed. Usually, if the vehicle meets all of your expectations, we will use your prior permission, to bid for you.
- If you’re bidding limit was 500,000yen, and we win the car for 480,000yen, you will of course only pay the 480,000yen price.
That’s it, easy, fun and exciting. As well as very satisfying, when you win a vehicle that you really want, at a price you can afford.
When are the auctions held?
The auctions are held from Monday to Saturday, pretty much
every week of the year. They are not held for three weeks during the "New Year’s”
holiday in the first week of January, the "Golden Week” holiday in the first
week of May, and "Obon,” a week in the middle of August from around the 13th –
16th. The number of vehicles varies from day to day with Monday and Saturday
having the least number of active auctions, and the middle of the week
Wednesday and Thursday having the biggest selection of vehicles. Also the
largest number of vehicles comes to auction in the spring, as the government’s
fiscal year, and the school year, run from April 1st to March 31st, and most
graduates start their new jobs at the start of April. Also a lot of leases run
through the same time period, so there is a lot of movement of people and
purchasing of new vehicles at this time of year. Therefore a lot more vehicles
show up at the auctions too.
How many vehicles can I bid on?
You may bid on as many vehicles as you wish, but your deposit of 100,000 yen only covers one successful purchase. We will bid on the cars that you have selected in the order that they come to auction, until we have a winning bid. If you wish to purchase more vehicles, we need a deposit of 100,000 yen for each vehicle.
How can I be sure that the vehicle I want to bid on has not been involved in an accident?
The Japanese car auctions list information regarding the condition of all parts of the car on the inspection report, including the condition of all the panels, members, pillars, radiator core support and whether the vehicle has experienced an accident (minor or major). All parts that have been replaced are also noted on the inspection report.
How can I be sure that the odometer on the vehicle I want to bid on is accurate?
Each vehicle in Japan has its odometer reading recorded every two years during the mandatory vehicle inspection (shaken), as well as each time the car is auctioned. When the vehicle comes to auction and there is a discrepancy between the odometer reading and the current shaken or previous auction records, it is noted on the inspection report for all to see.
How do I read the auction sheets/reports?
The auction sheet below is an example from the USS auction network. Most of the auctions use slightly different sheets. Please contact us for a detailed explanation and translation of each particular report that you are interested in.
Below is a general explanation of the number values and abbreviations on the Japanese auction reports. Some auction houses use slightly different abbreviations and definitions.
Below is a general explanation of the number values and abbreviations on the Japanese auction reports. Some auction houses use slightly different abbreviations and definitions.
Overall Evaluation/Score
| 6 or S: | New. Less than 5,000km |
| 5: | Near new condition. Less than three years old. Kept in excellent condition. |
| 4.5: | Extremely good condition. Some minor scratches, dents or slightly worn interior. |
| 4: | Very good condition. Driven less than 100,000km. Possibly a few moderate dents, scratches, or minor rust. Interior may be dirty with very minor damage. |
| 3.5: | Good condition. Some body repair may be necessary. Interior may be dirty and worn with some moderate damage. |
| 3: | Fair condition. Some body repair necessary. Interior is worn and may be dirty, with possible cigarette burns, stains, or abrasions. Some parts may need replacing. |
| 1 or 2: | Bad condition. Major body and interior repair required. Not recommended for purchase unless to be used as a parts vehicle. |
| R: | Accident repaired. (Requires a professional 3rd party inspection for accurate evaluation) |
| RA: | Accident repaired. Quality work. (Requires a professional 3rd party inspection for accurate evaluation) |
| A: | Has been in an accident or been modified. (Requires a professional 3rd party inspection for accurate evaluation) |
| X: | Cannot be evaluated as the door, hood, etc. does not open. |
Exterior Evaluation
A: Body is like new.
B: A few minor scratches or dents. Some repair may be necessary.
C: Some moderate scratches and dents, minor rust, or paint fade. Repairs may be necessary.
D: Some major scratches and big dents. Subject to corrosion. Repairs necessary.
E: Multiple major scratches, dents, corrosion, etc. Major repairs necessary.
Interior Evaluation
A: Interior is like new.
B: Good condition. Possibly needs cleaning. Normal wear.
C: Dirty. Possible cigarette burns, stains, abrasions, etc.
D: Very dirty. Worn out. Parts need replacing.
E: Major repair necessary. Very dirty. Smells badly.
Body, Bumper and Undercarriage
Scratches and Cracks
A1: 0 to 5 centimeters.
A2: 6 to 10 centimeters.
A3: 11 to 20 centimeters.
A4: Over 20 centimeters.
A5: Full length of panel.
Dents
B1: Less than 1 centimeter in diameter. Almost unnoticeable.
B2: About 1 centimeter in diameter. Noticeable.
B3: 2 to 20 centimeters in diameter.
B4: Over 20 centimeters in diameter.
B5: One panel or more. May need to be replaced.
Scratch and Dent Repair
W1: Good
W2: Average
W3: Poor
Other
C: Major rust/corrosion.
M: Marks from items removed. (ex. spoiler, roof rack).
P: Paint fade.
S: Minor rust.
U: Dent.
X: Part needs replacing.
XX: Part has been replaced.
Example Auction Report Translation
Auction House Lot Number: 2235
The first registration date: H7 + 1988 = 1995, 6 = June
Model: Lancer, Doors 4, Sedan, Grade: GSR Evolution 3
Auction Grade: 3.5, Body A, Interior C
Private Use, 2000cc, Gasoline, Type: E-CE9A
Odometer: 129,289km, Recycle Fee: 9,170yen, Capacity: 5 passengers
Shift: Manual Floor 5, Air Conditioning, White, Color Code: W83
Sales Points: One Owner, After Market: muffler, air cleaner, tower bar,
alloy wheels. Remote control locks, power steering & windows
Notice/Other: Apexi muffler. Car manual and warranty books included
Chassis No: CE9A-0106889, Dimensions: length 431cm, width 169cm, height 142cm
Auction House Inspectors Report: a lot of undercarriage rust, seats worn & worn outin some places, right side of crossmember corroded
Diagram: LR door has small dent (U1), FR bumper has scratch 6-10cm (A2), RF door has small dent (U1) and minor paint fade (P1), RR door also has minor paint fade (P1)
Purchasing Process
What is the procedure to purchase a vehicle through JCD?
Please see How to Buy.
Can I see the actual auction house invoice after making a successful bid?
Yes, all of the documentation related to every purchase including the auction house invoice will be either scanned and e-mailed, or faxed to you after a successful bid.
How long does it take to have the vehicles shipped to me?
We aim to deliver vehicles to you as quickly as possible. We have every incentive to do so, as the quicker you get the cars, the happier you are, and a happy customer tends to use our service again. To give you an idea of what happens from the time you buy a car at auction, to when our involvement ends, take a look at the following steps:
- We make a reservation on the next ship heading for your country. If we haven’t completed the buying process in time, we will cancel the reservation and make a new booking. The availability of ships depends on the destination country, and the method of transportation, either Roll On/Roll Off, (RORO), or by container.
- We win the car at auction.
- We pay for the car within a couple of days.
- We have the car washed (if requested), and transported to the nearest domestic port.
- The documents are sent from the seller to the auction. (The original seller will usually do this in a day or so, but the auction rules allow them up to two weeks.)
- The documents are sent from the auction to us.
- The registration of the vehicle for use on the Japanese roads is canceled, and the Export Certificate is made at the District Transport Bureau
- The Invoice, Shipping Instructions and Export Certificate are sent to the forwarder that handles both the ship bookings and Customs Clearance.
- The car leaves on a ship bound for the country designated by the customer.
- The Bill of Lading, unless surrendered in Japan, and the original Export Certificate are couriered to JCD.
- We send the Bill of Lading, Invoice (Bill of Sale), Export Certificate, English Translation of the Export Certificate (where necessary), and any other required documents such as JAAI Certificates, or Certificates of Origin that are necessary to take procession of the vehicle.
- The total time after a vehicle has been won at auction, until it is loaded on the ship, ranges on average between two weeks and a month. The two main factors to consider are how fast we get the documents from the auction house after purchase, and the timing of the ship leaving the port in Japan. Then of course there is the time on the ship between Japan and the destination port, which varies from a few days, to more than a month, depending on the location.
Costs
What are all of the costs charged for a vehicle purchased through JCD?
| ¥80,000 ￥65,000 |
JCD’s flat service fee has been temporarily discounted due to the present poor exchange rates. JCD’s service fee includes:
|
| ¥??,000 | Cost of vehicle at auction, minus
5% reimbursable sales tax. JCD will make application with the local tax
office to be reimbursed the 5% sales tax. |
| ¥15,000-20,000 | Auction house fee. |
| ¥10,000 | Bank & courier fees. |
| ¥6,000-15,000 | Domestic transportation depending on distance to the nearest port. |
| ¥14,000-19,000 | Customs Clearance depending on vehicle size. |
| ============= |
|
| ¥125,000-144,000 |
Approximate total Japan side charges not including the price of the vehicle at auction. |
The following certificates are required in some countries:
¥9,000: JAAI Inspection Certificate
¥2,450: Certificate of Origin from Chamber of Commerce
Additional costs include freight charge to the designated country, domestic customs clearance in designated country, duties and taxes, as well as compliance and registration fees. Please check destinations for information on these costs in your country or region, or email us, and we will make a quote for you.
What currency are prices listed in on your site?
All of the costs are listed in Japanese yen, unless otherwise specified. You can use the currency converter here to calculate an approximate price in your currency.
Does JCD accept payment in currencies other than Japanese yen?
Yes, in addition to Japanese yen, JCD accepts payment in US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand, British and Euro funds. Please see our bank information here.
How is the international freight charge calculated?
Freight is calculated based on the M3 size of a vehicle when shipped RORO, or the number of vehicles loaded in one container determines the cost per unit. The prices also vary with the port of destination, and the shipping line used. The approximate cost of shipping will be included in a pro forma invoice before JCD bids at auction on your behalf.
A document that establishes the terms of a contract between a shipper and a transportation company. It serves as a document of title, a contract of carriage and a receipt for goods.
A truck trailer body that can be detached from the chassis for loading into a vessel, a rail car or stacked in a container depot. Containers may be ventilated, insulated, refrigerated, flat rack, vehicle rack, open top, bulk liquid or equipped with interior devices. A container may be 20 feet, 40 feet, 45 feet, 48 feet or 53 feet in length, 8'0" or 8'6" in width, and 8'6" or 9'6" in height.
A Term of Sale where the seller pays the costs and freight necessary to bring the goods to the named port of destination, but the risk of loss of or damage to the goods, as (continued) well as any additional costs due to events occurring after the time the goods have been delivered on board the vessel, is transferred from the seller to the buyer when the goods pass the ship's rail in the port of shipment. The CFR term requires the seller to clear the goods for export.
A Term of Sale where the seller has the same obligations as under the CFR but also has to procure marine insurance against the buyer's risk of loss or damage to the goods during the carriage. The seller contracts for insurance and pays the insurance premium. The CIF term requires the seller to clear the goods for export.
An International Term of Sale that means the seller fulfills his or her obligation to deliver when the goods have passed over the ship's rail at the named port of shipment. This means that the buyer has to bear all costs and risks to loss of or damage to the goods from that point. The FOB term requires the seller to clear the goods for export.
When vehicles are presented to the auction house for sale, the auctioneers undertakes a rigorous inspection of the vehicle prior to the auction and prepares an Inspection Report for prospective buyers to view. This is effectively a 3rd party inspection, as the inspection is not commissioned by the private individual, dealer or corporation submitting the vehicle for auction, and this seller has no control over the contents of the auction house's report; moreover, the auction houses apply flat fees for the vehicles appearance at auction (i.e. they have no vested interest in the vehicle itself). They tend to be very strict with the recording of any perceived faults (as well as fairly representing the sales features of the vehicle), and for good reason - there is a claim/return procedure to which the auction house can be held accountable should the condition of the vehicle not be represented wholly and accurately on the Inspection Report.
An itemized list of goods shipped to a buyer, stating quantities, prices, shipping charges, etc.
A document, issued by a bank per instructions by a buyer of goods, authorizing the seller to draw a specified sum of money under specified terms, usually the receipt by the bank of certain documents within a given time.
Broadly, insurance covering loss or damage of goods at sea. Marine insurance typically compensates the owner of merchandise for losses sustained from fire, shipwreck, etc., but excludes losses that can be recovered from the carrier.
Original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, is a term that refers to containment-based re-branding, namely where one company uses a component of another company within its product, or sells the product of another company under its own brand. OEM refers to the company that originally manufactured the product.
A quotation in the form of an invoice prepared by the seller that details items which would appear on a commercial invoice if an order results.
Proxy bidding is a system that allows you to bid the maximum amount you are willing to pay for a vehicle with the possibility of winning the vehicle for less. Your bid is kept secret from all other bidders as the auction proceeds. The system will automatically enter your lowest possible winning bid and continue to increase your bid until your maximum bid is reached. If all other bidders stop bidding before your maximum bid is reached, you will win the vehicle for the amount of the final bid plus a standard 3,000 yen increment. You pay the lowest possible winning bid and do not have to pay the full amount of your maximum bid. If there are two or more identical “winning” bids, the bid that was placed first will win the vehicle.
A shortening of the term, "Roll On/Roll Off." A method of ocean cargo service using a vessel with ramps which allows wheeled vehicles to be loaded and discharged without cranes.
The most common payment method that requires the use of cable or telegraph to remit funds. Money does not move physically. The order to pay is wired to an institutions’ casher to make payment to a company or individual.
Known as “shaken” in Japanese. This bi-yearly inspection and component replacement regime also includes mandatory liability insurance, weight tax, vehicle tax and can cost upwards of $1,500 US. New vehicles depreciate at a considerably faster rate than in other countries, and beyond a certain mileage (50,000 miles/85,000 km) it becomes economically prohibitive to renew the “shaken,” as the resale values approach residual. This stringent (some say draconian) system, coupled with the Japanese zeal to own the latest models, gives rise to an abundant number of used vehicles in great condition reaching the auctions every day. The bi-yearly “shaken” also makes tampering with the odometer very difficult as a running record of the car’s mileage is kept and vehicles that deviate from this record are marked on the auction house inspection reports.
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Import Rules & Info
PARTS: New, Rebuilt, Used
PARTS PARTS PARTS !!
Let JCD take care of all your parts needs. As a licensed dealer we get a discount on new parts at all of the major manufacturers. We also have an excellent relationship with the local wrecker. There we can use their Japan wide network and order the exact used or rebuilt part you need. All you need to do is scan and mail, or fax us a copy of your export certificate to assure we get the correct parts for your vehicle. We will then have your part mailed directly to you for a nominal service fee.
LOWER FEES !!
Due to the high yen exchange rate with all other major currencies, JCD has temporarily reduced our service fee. We have cut our fee 80,000 yen to 65,000 yen to give our customers a break from the poor exchange rates. Our service fee per vehicle is further reduced with the number of vehicles per shipment:
Let JCD take care of all your parts needs. As a licensed dealer we get a discount on new parts at all of the major manufacturers. We also have an excellent relationship with the local wrecker. There we can use their Japan wide network and order the exact used or rebuilt part you need. All you need to do is scan and mail, or fax us a copy of your export certificate to assure we get the correct parts for your vehicle. We will then have your part mailed directly to you for a nominal service fee.
LOWER FEES !!
Due to the high yen exchange rate with all other major currencies, JCD has temporarily reduced our service fee. We have cut our fee 80,000 yen to 65,000 yen to give our customers a break from the poor exchange rates. Our service fee per vehicle is further reduced with the number of vehicles per shipment:
1-2 vehicles/shipment = 65,000yen
3-4 vehicles/shipment = 60,000yen
5-7 vehicles/shipment = 55,000yen
8+ vehicles/shipment = 50,000yen
Let us take care of you. We'll work to find the best available vehicles at the very lowest possible price!!
