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 toJapan 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