5 Tips for Finding the Best Japanese Used Car Exporters

Buying a used Japanese car can either save you thousands or cost far more than you expected. Various Japanese used car dealers import vehicles globally, including South Africa, but not all of them are worth trusting. With so many dealers operating online, knowing who to trust can become overwhelming. From verification to documentation, every step tells you a lot about your dealer’s credibility. So the big question is, why does choosing the Right Japanese Used Car Exporter matter?

Why Choose the Right Japanese Used Car Exporter Matters 

Choosing the right Japanese Used Car Dealer is very crucial, as your entire car-buying experience depends on it. Importing a used car involves several steps, and it is important that your dealer is there to guide you at every step. The right Japanese used car exporter will ensure that the vehicle they sell matches the description and arrives right on time. It will be clear and transparent, so you won't have to worry about any unavoidable delays or customs complications. 

You should know that you are not only looking for the right model, but also being sure of the exporter. We are here to guide you through the key steps to find the most reliable Japanese used-car dealer. 

1. Research Japanese Used Cars 

You will find various Japanese car dealers exporting Japanese used cars for sale in South Africa, as the Japanese market is one of the largest used car markets in the world. Every month, more than 50,000 used cars are exported from Japan to many countries, such as South Africa, Kenya, Bangladesh, and South America. While it is easy to browse a Japanese used car catalogue, shortlisting a reliable exporter is a job in itself.

 For that, the most important step for you is to do your research. Once you land a Japanese exporter that exports to South Africa, you should make sure that it meets the following requirements:

• Licensed in Japan
• Member of the Japan Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association (JUMVEA)
• Provides the address and contact details in Japan

Compare Multiple Used Car Dealers

Once you’ve checked all the boxes above, it's helpful to read feedback on authentic platforms such as Trustpilot. Hundreds of buyers worldwide give honest feedback on these sites, so you should check if the reviews are consistent. 

Tip 2: Is The Exporter Legit and Credible?

If an exporter cannot prove that it's legit, that alone is the most important dealbreaker. So its important that you carry out some checks and balances to make sure that your dealer is someone you can trust. 

Verify Exporter Membership

To begin with, you should verify whether a dealer is a member of the Japan Used Motor Vehicles Exporters Association (JUMVEA). When you confirm that a Japanese dealer is a JUMVEA member, you know that the dealer is licensed and complies with Japan’s export rules and regulations. It's a stamp that verifies that the dealership is backed by a recognised association, which ensures that its members follow export laws. Besides confirming membership, you should also request a copy of the “Certificate of Registration,” which further builds credibility

Check for its Physical Presence

A trusted used Japanese car dealer will have an official address in Japan along with a contact number. You can use Google Street View to confirm the address is genuine and not a residential home. Checking for further loopholes, you can also ask for their corporate number and verify it. 

Tip 3: Ask For Vehicle History and Documentation

Demand an Auction Sheet

To begin with, know that every Japanese car bought from Japanese auctions comes with an auction sheet. From mileage to maintenance history, that sheet covers everything a buyer needs to know about Japanese used cars for sale. Make sure that your dealer has auction sheets easily available for the car you wish to buy. Seeing an auction sheet is the first sign that your dealer is transparent with what they sell. Apart from the auction sheet, there are other documents that you must request to ensure legitimacy:

• High Definition Video and Photos from different angles
• Vehicle maintenance history
• Vehicle’s ownership history
• Export Certificate

Ask for Inspection Reports

Japanese dealers adhere to Japan’s strict Inspection System, which is called “Shaken”. While Shaken certificates are not always available, you can ask for third-party inspection reports. So it is important that you make sure that the vehicles listed on the dealer sheet are inspected. It's because unreliable dealers usually delay third-party checks. You can arrange for a third-party inspector to give you a comprehensive report on the used car’s condition. 

Tip 4: Break Down the Total Cost of Importing to South Africa

This is the most important step that will help you avoid fraud and filter out the best Japanese car exporters for yourself. Understanding the total costs helps you make sure that your dealer is not hiding any fees or padding prices. Following is how you will calcuate total import cost to import a car to South Africa:

Calculating Total Import Cost

• FOB Price (Car+Export Costs)+ Shipping+ Insurance+ Local Taxes/Duties+ Agent Fees

To calculate this, you must understand the difference between the terms: FOB vs CIF.

Know Your Shipping Terms: FOB vs CIF

When importing a used car to South Africa, you will often encounter two abbreviations: Free On Board (FOB) and Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF).

 

• FOB (Free on Board): If you see your dealer following FOB, know that they will allow you to handle the shipping and insurance from the Japanese port.
• CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight): Your dealer will handle the shipping and insurance until the car arrives at the Durban, Gqeberha, or Cape Town port

While CIF is more convenient for new exporters, it is usually costlier. FOB sometimes saves you money. Make sure your exporter offers you either option so your import method aligns with your preferences. Ask them to give you a written cost breakdown.  

All in all, a reliable exporter will understand South Africa’s import procedure and ensure that they are aware of the country’s import rules and regulations.  

Tip 5: Secure Your Payment and Examine After-Sales Support

This is the step where scams usually take place, so you ought to be cautious in the following way: Before choosing a Japanese used car dealer, you should not only evaluate how it handles your payment, but also notice their communication after the deal is closed. These are some of the factors that speak volumes about the company’s reliability. 

Only Pay to Corporate Accounts

Scammers usually use websites that look professional to trick you into transferring money to personal accounts. So, it is important that you only pay to registered, company-owned bank accounts. Always perform a background check on the bank account to ensure the dealer is trusted. 

Evaluate Communication after Payment

Genuine used car dealers will answer your after-sales queries and not just end communication. For example, major exporters help their customers with sourcing and shipping genuine spare parts. A major red flag would be the dealer avoiding its responsibility after securing payment. Your dealer being there for after-sales support is a strong indicator of it being reliable. 

Choosing a Japanese Used Car Exporter in South Africa

Ever since the used car market went digital, it has become easier for people in South Africa to research reliable Japanese used car exporters for importing vehicles. You must be wary of potential scammers, and the tips above will help you find a credible dealer for yourself. It is important that you do your research, request auction reports, and review their payment process before settling on a dealer. By following the tips above, you can confidently shortlist reliable exporters and choose to buy through established platforms such as SAT South Africa. Such dealer platforms are experienced at providing buyers with access to a variety of Japanese auction cars.