Why buyers choose used cars from Japan
Japanese cars are known for good quality, low mileage and clear inspection. Every car sold at auction has a sheet that shows its condition. The choice is wide: family cars, kei cars, SUVs, vans, trucks, bikes and machinery.
The steps
- Check the import rules of your country. Look at the age limit, the side of the steering wheel, the emissions and the taxes.
- Choose your way to buy: your own licence and auction membership, or a licensed exporter.
- Find the cars. Search the auction lots or the stock list. Read the sheet and the photos.
- Bid or confirm the price. Agree the fees in writing.
- Pay. Send the money in the way agreed with the exporter.
- The car is moved to a yard. The Japanese registration is cancelled and the export certificate is prepared.
- Pre-shipment inspection, if your country needs it. Some countries ask for an inspection certificate before the car leaves Japan.
- Ship the car. Use RoRo (roll-on, roll-off) or a container.
- Receive the shipping documents, for example the invoice, the bill of lading and the export certificate. Use them to clear customs.
RoRo or container?
| RoRo ship | Container | |
|---|---|---|
| How | The car drives onto the ship | The car is loaded into a container |
| Good for | Standard cars, one car at a time | Several cars or bikes, spare parts, protection |
| Cost | Often lower for one car | Lower per car when the container is full |
Common problems to avoid
- Buying a car that your country does not allow to import.
- Paying a company you did not verify.
- Not reading the auction sheet.
- Forgetting the costs after the auction: transport, paperwork, freight and duty.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to export cars from Japan?
To buy at auctions you need a dealer licence and membership, or a licensed exporter who does it for you.
How long does it take to ship a car from Japan?
It depends on the port and the route. Plan for several weeks from the purchase to the arrival.
What documents do I get?
Usually the invoice, the bill of lading, the export certificate and, if needed, an inspection certificate.
Can I export a car that has an accident history?
Yes. The auction sheet shows the repair history. Some buyers want only cars without repair history.
Last updated: 9 November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the details with the authorities.