Buying used Japanese vehicles in New Zealand

Looking for a cheaper deal? Whether for personal use or business, new vehicles mean more money and during hard times it’s practical to set aside luxury for necessity.

There are lots of ways to get a better bargain. Used Japanese vehicles are a safe bet, since most used vehicles from Japan are fairly in good condition. Buying used Japanese vehicles could be the cheaper and best alternative and here are a few smart tips on how to start.

1. Do your home work.
Search used japanese vehicles in your local trade magazines, publications or online.
Motohound.co.nz, for instance, is a trusted source of used Japanese vehicles with an extensive inventory to choose from online. You get to search the inventory and also get to choose the dealer depending on your location without worrying about shipping.
Some online and offline publications by Auto Trader, have classified ads of used Japanese imports as well.
If those options still don’t work for you, you may check out IBC Japan. IBC Japan is the leading vehicle exporter in Japan with a wide-ranging vehicle inventory. You can also access their online auction service-iDirect and get to bid daily and purchase vehicles from more than 100 auctions held weekly in Japan, with over 150,000 units to choose from.

2. Review your notes.
Take time to see which vehicles and dealers work better for you while taking into consideration the Freight on board (FOB) and Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) fees as they may add up to roughly 10% of the total price.
Skim through and check the pictures and vehicle specifications for further reference.
Avoid dealers who do not provide condition reports, stolen vehicle checks ,odometer certifications and accident histories.

There could be better sources just around the corner and some local dealers might just have the right models and services you are looking for.
Some online sources include shipping costs on the price of their vehicles but make sure you carefully read and understand the trade terms.
A test drive is a must and if you can’t do a test drive on the vehicle you are about to purchase, make sure to buy only from a reputable source.

3. Stock the docs. (pre import)
Before you import, it is pertinent that you check and stock the important documents.
Be sure to secure vehicle registration documents and previous ownership records.
Light and heavy vehicles previously registered in Japan must have an original deregistration certificate or export certificate issued by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT)
Make sure to also provide certified translations of all the non-English documents. (eg, bills of sale, purchase receipts etc).

4. Ship wisely. (pre import)
After ordering your vehicle, see to it that you understand the shipping details and options. Containerization could be a better alternative to Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) and be sure the company handling this follows the best practices and safety procedures. You wouldn’t want your vehicle to arrive with scratches and dents .

5. Immigrant? For immigrants who want to import a preregistered vehicle in New Zealand, read here or log on to www.ltsa.govt.nz for other queries.

by: Amalia Aviles
AutoTerminal.com New Zealand