Japanese Auction Agent and Exporter Imeka Cars has put together a useful guide to commonly asked questions about buying vehicles through auction in Japan. 

What checks are done on vehicles at auction?  - Each auction does a comprehensive check of each vehicle sold and provides a grading for each vehicle. Grade 5, which is basically a new car, right down to Grade 2 which would be in poor condition and possibly have some rust. Grade R cars will have had a structural or panel repair. Mileage discrepancy, engine noises etc. are all noted. 

How are costs calculated? This is on the basis of the car cost at auction, plus a fee of 100,000 JPY, plus the shipping cost to Dublin including inland transport to the port in Japan. There are no other hidden costs or fees.  This means it is easy to calculate total costs and set bid limits. Imeka can provide clients with previous sold prices of similar vehicles at auction, and the estimated total cost shipped to Dublin before bidding. 

What about customs clearance?  This is the same process as when a vehicle comes from the UK, so many clients will already have a customs agent they can use.  If you need help with customs clearance, Imeka can recommend its customs clearance partner in Dublin.  

What about rust? Again, auction grading and sheets give information on corrosion issues on vehicles, so it is easy to stay away from these at auction. In general the climate in Japan is much drier than in Ireland/UK so the underside condition of the vehicles is much better. 

When do you pay for vehicles purchased? When an account is set up a bidding deposit is required (1 0% of maximum bid or 150,000 JPY). Then Imeka can begin bidding and securing cars. Once a vehicle is purchased at auction, Imeka requires payment to be in its account within 3 business days of invoice. 

Can I just bid and buy directly myself at the auctions in Japan?  No, all auctions are Japanese dealer only. So unlike the UK/Ireland, the public is not admitted to any of the auctions, and all members will be verified and licensed dealers based in Japan. 

How long does it take from buying a vehicle at auction to arrival into Dublin? Normally 10-12 weeks. After purchase Imeka will get each vehicle transported to port, shipping booked, all export documentation processed, customs clearance in Japan processed, and then the vehicle will go on the next available ship. Buyers then receive documents for each vehicle, with Original Export Certificate, translated Export Certificate, Original Invoice and a copy of the shipping BL. 

Jarlath Keary of Imeka says, “We know the process of importing may seem daunting for those who haven’t previously tried it before, but we make the system simple and as clear as possible so dealers can concentrate on realising a great margin on their newly imported vehicles. Feel free to drop us an email or give us a call to start importing from Japan with Imeka Cars.”

Contact Jarlath Keary at Imeka Cars based in Japan. Tel/Whatsapp: +81-70-1655-0126    e-Mail: imekajdm@gmail.com