CMI

WHY WOULD YOU BUY AN IMPORT?

Well apart from getting a great looking, reliable, high performance car to show off to your friends there are actually a few very good reasons based on cost, condition and performance which make Japanese imports the clear choice when looking for a great car.

COST

So why is the price of these these imports so low? Well fortunately for us the domestic value of Japanese cars declines very quickly for a variety of reasons

A car that is only five years old in Japan is worth only 30% of its original value on the domestic market, and a car 7 years old is worth a mere 16%! This is why the opportunity for us exists to import cars. So why is it this way?

Well, in Japan cars are sold to their masters with ‘shaken’, a combination of safety inspection, compulsory insurance, proof of parking space, weight tax and vehicle tax that is valid for three years. To renew 'shaken' is costly (an average of about 1000 pounds) and is also time consuming. It involves putting the car through meticulous inspection process like a mot inspection here as well as having to replace even slightly worn parts and prove things such as proof of parking permit (because space is limited) etc. This lasts you 2 years, then it’s the same again until you buy a new car…

For the driver, 'shaken' and government taxes make regular new cars an economical proposition. In the competitive Japanese market, dealerships provide customers with incentives to return their current cars as trade ins. So, when the 'shaken' expires after 3, 5, 7 or 9 years most cars are traded. The lack of domestic demand for second hand vehicles leaves dealers holding a lot of good quality second hand stock which are then moved on through auctions.

The condition of the average Japanese used car is a lot better than a car of a similar age elsewhere. Why?

1. Low annual mileage (under 6,000 miles average per year) due to the congested Japanese roads, high tolls and good public transport, restricts the wear on vehicles.

2. The detailed 'shaken' test that all Japanese cars must pass, means that they must replace many, even slightly worn parts. UK ‘compliancing’ means that on arrival each import is modified to comply with UK Design Regulations.

3. High costs to keep a car (eg. Up to 4,000 pounds per year for parking) make cars in Japan a luxury, as a result it seems that most drivers take pride in their machines keeping them pristine and servicing them regularly.

SPECIFICATION

The Japanese domestic car market is a highly competitive market, which affects the type, range and quality of vehicles offered.

1. Many ‘options’ that we would expect on only our top level cars, like air conditioning, power steering, power windows and mirrors etc, are standard on almost all cars.

2. Japanese consumers enjoy a greater choice of variants and engines, with options on the top spec vehicles like automatic headlight dipping, drop down front spoilers, drink chillers/food heaters and adjustable suspension settings etc.

3. The long manufacturer warranties given on the cars shows that the companies producing these vehicles have great confidence in their reliability because they are engineered so well.

IMPORT PROCESS 

The process of importing a car can be separated into the following six steps which cover everything from choosing the right model to getting it on the road.

Step 1: Choosing your car

Even with the range of imports on offer many of us know exactly the car we are after. If you arrive in the import market because you have recognised the value for money, performance and features of these vehicles, and are not sure about the make and model than we are more than willing to give advice.

Next you’ll need to decide on how much to spend with cars ranging from around £3000 to well over £35000. Whatever you decide, our job is to get you the best possible car we can for your budget.

Once you've decided on your budget and type of vehicle, speak to us!

Step 2: Finding your car

At this point we require 50% of our service fee, please click here for levels of service and costs. We have full time associates working in Japan who personally attend auctions to find and bid on your car. Once you have decided on the type of car and model you are after our buyers will search for and find that perfect car.

Step 3: Buying your car

When you are ready to buy we ask for the remaining 50% of our service fee which is totally refundable should a car of your liking not be found and you wish to pull out of the process. Once a suitable car has been found a report on the car and pictures will be sent to you via email or in person from us. You then decide, with our guidance, the price you would wish to pay for the car and then our associate will bid on the car on your behalf. Our aim is to get you the motor vehicle for the cheapest possible price. If your bid is successful, the importing process begins and you are immediately required to make the FOB (Free On Board is the total price you pay to get the vehicle on the boat, excluding shipping) payment for the car direct to the buyer by Telegraphic Transfer at your local bank.

Step 4: Shipping
We will then organise for your vehicle to be shipped as soon as possible to your nearest port. You will be notified of the ship's name and the arrival date. On arrival, shipping duties and taxes must be paid and then the car may be transported, ready for compliance testing.

Step 5: SVA Preperation and Testing
This is the process of making sure your car meets UK road safety standards. The car will be modified so it meets UK regulations, this process usually takes about 2 weeks. Once this process is completed and the car meets UK standards then the car can be registered under the MOT system, registration can be carried out and a number plate is fitted to the vehicle. For vehicles 10 years old and over the SVA test is not applicable and a normal MOT is carried out. 

Step 6: Enjoy!

At the end of the process you will have the car of your choice for the best possible price. Enjoy it!