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Its a very big
decision, you need an automobile and you want the best value for
you hard earned dollar. What is the best vehicle for you? What
are the specifications of the Japanese domestic automobiles?
What new features do they have. There are a lot of questions.
There are many Japanese domestic cars (JDM), some of which you
may not have considered. This
section of our website will try to answer some of these concerns
by providing information on Japanese vehicles. We do not import
all the JDM models produced because of parts availability,
Vehicles intended for the Japanese
Domestic Market (JDM) are always designed to a higher
specification than for the export market,
and while
in Japan suffered less abuse. Nevertheless, due to particular
social & economic constraints, used vehicles in superb condition
can be obtained at good prices.
Superb and
cheap automobiles, beautiful countryside and perfectly
maintained roads should make Japan a motorist paradise.
Unfortunately, congested urban areas, costly toll roads and
tight holiday schedules take most of the fun out of long
distance car travel. Toll highways traffic jams longer than 100
kms are common on major holidays.
The
efficient rail and subway transportation system is always
favored for daily commuting, and the SHINKANSEN (bullet train)
takes care of more serious traveling needs.
Consequently, having been through less use & abuse, the overall
condition for cars of similar age will be considerably better in
Japan than in most other countries.
Most
cars, even tuned-up performance units or fully loaded SUV, are
never used to their potential and spend their entire life in
extended neighborhood use and/or proudly displayed on
courtyards.
The
large majority of vehicles is still acquired new from a dealer,
by trading in the current one usually at Shaken renewal time,
after 3, 5, 7 or 9 years. (Shaken is the equivalent to our
Fitness and Licensing). Private car sales are non existent in
Japan, because technically impossible. From one owner to the
next, the vehicle MUST pass through the hands of an authorized
dealer for ownership transfer.
Trade-in
value for used cars is determined by factors others than actual
condition, or potential market value. The new car salesman
offers a price ridiculously low by non Japanese standards
(actually a rebate on the new vehicle), before selling the
vehicle via one of the leading auto auction houses.
Purchasing
a car in Japan is relatively cheap however owning it is not.
Example:
-
Annual
road tax ranges from JP Yen 40,000 for ordinary cars, up to JP
Yen 70,000+ for luxury units (US$1 = JP Yen 100)
-
Shaken
renewal costs at least JP Yen 120,000 not inclusive of
necessary repairs/replacements (every 2 years, after the first
original 3 years)
-
Parking
monthly fee amount to JP Yen 10,000 to 30,000 depending on
area (parking space within a few hundred meter from residence,
is mandatory to purchase a car, police will come to verify
size and location).
-
Insurance
premiums (other than basic comprised in shaken) amount to at
least JP Yen 10,000 per month.
General
maintenance/repairs are traditionally never undertaken by the
owner himself, but by the dealer at high price (services, labor,
rent & advertising are very costly in Japan)
Shaken
basic price is identical at each renewal and will eventually
amount to more than the value of the car itself. This explains
why only an eccentric person would consider keeping a car longer
than seven or nine years, regardless of its condition. When
coming to
Japan
to purchase a brand new car, you will have to buy the shaken
(and provide evidence of parking space, etc.,) even though
intended for immediate deregistration and export. Note that
going through the above procedure still allow for large savings.
The large
majority of these vehicles are sold at auctions and exported to
the rest of the world at a current pace of over 30,000
units/month.
Resource information :Crism |
