FAQ
Buying & Inventory
Do you offer warranty on used cars?
Yes. All premium used vehicles sold through CAR IN JAPAN include a 12-month mechanical warranty covering major components such as the engine and transmission. Exact coverage can vary slightly by vehicle grade and destination market, so our team confirms the specific terms before you complete your purchase.
Can I test drive before buying?
Since vehicles are sourced and shipped directly from Japan, an in-person test drive isn't possible before purchase. Instead, every listing includes a detailed video walkaround, high-resolution photos, and a full auction inspection report covering mechanical condition, mileage, and any visible damage, so you can evaluate the car thoroughly before committing.
Are the mileage records verified?
Yes. Every vehicle's odometer reading is checked against Japan's official auction inspection records at the point of sale. This auction-grade verification is one of the reasons Japanese used vehicles are internationally recognized for accurate, trustworthy mileage compared to many other used-vehicle markets.
Do you accept trade-in vehicles?
We don't currently offer trade-ins, since our inventory is sourced directly from Japan's auction network rather than purchased from individual sellers. If you're looking to sell a vehicle locally, we're happy to point you toward trusted resources in your market.
Can you source specific car models?
Yes. Our team has direct access to Japan's major auction houses, including USS, and can search for a specific make, model, model year, trim, or color on your behalf. Sourcing requests typically return matching options within a few business days, depending on how specific the request is.
Are financing options available?
Yes. We work with trusted financing partners to offer flexible payment plans for international buyers, and our team can walk you through eligibility and typical approval timelines for your destination country.
Is the price negotiable?
Our pricing follows a transparent CIF model (Cost, Insurance, and Freight), calculated from real-time global auction and shipping data rather than local guesswork. Because pricing already reflects fair market value, there's little room for negotiation, but it also means you're never paying inflated dealer markup.
Do you deliver worldwide?
Yes. We ship to ports across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond, with full logistics, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery coordination included in the process.
Are import duties included in the price?
Import duties and taxes are set by your destination country's customs authority and are generally the buyer's responsibility, separate from our CIF price. Our team provides an estimate of likely duties for your specific market before you finalize your order, so there are no surprises at clearance.
Can I view vehicle inspection reports?
Yes. Every vehicle comes with a full inspection report, including the original Japanese auction sheet, condition photos, and VIN-verified history, shared with you before you finalize your purchase.
Import Services
How long does shipping take?
Shipping typically takes 4 to 8 weeks from the time your vehicle leaves Japan, depending on your destination port and regional logistics. Vehicles usually travel by RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessel, the standard, cost-effective method for shipping cars internationally.
Which countries do you export to?
We export to buyers across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and beyond. If you're unsure whether we currently ship to your country, contact our team and we'll confirm shipping options and estimated timelines for your location.
Do you handle customs clearance?
Yes. Our team manages export-side documentation in Japan, including deregistration and export certification, and can also guide you through customs clearance requirements on your end to help minimize delays at the port.
Can I track my shipment online?
Yes. Once your vehicle departs Japan, you'll receive shipment tracking updates so you can follow its journey from the export port to your destination in real time.
What is your import service fee?
Our service fee is built into our transparent CIF pricing, which combines the vehicle cost, insurance, and freight into a single, clear quote, so there are no separate or hidden service charges on top.
Do you inspect cars before shipping?
Yes. Every vehicle passes a multi-point inspection before export, verifying mechanical condition, mileage, and matching the vehicle to its auction sheet and VIN records, so what you see in the listing is what arrives at your port.
Can I choose specific car colors?
Where available in Japan's current auction inventory, yes — you can request specific exterior and interior color preferences when we search for your vehicle.
What if the car arrives damaged?
All shipments are insured for transit. If a vehicle arrives with shipping-related damage, contact our team immediately with photos and documentation, and we'll coordinate the claims process on your behalf.
Do you export hybrid and electric vehicles?
Yes. Japan has one of the world's largest hybrid vehicle markets, and hybrid models are regularly available through our sourcing network. Fully electric vehicles can also be sourced on request, subject to your destination country's import regulations for EVs.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No. We work with individual buyers purchasing a single vehicle as well as businesses and dealers placing bulk or fleet orders, with no minimum quantity required.
Verification & Trust
How do you verify car history?
We cross-reference each vehicle's VIN and chassis number against Japan's official auction and inspection databases to confirm accident history, prior ownership, and service records, combined with the vehicle's original auction sheet, the standardized condition report used throughout Japan's auction system.
Are your mechanics certified?
Our inspection process follows the standards used across Japan's certified auction and inspection network, widely regarded as among the most rigorous in the world for used vehicle grading.
Can I bring my own mechanic?
Since inspection happens in Japan before export, arranging an independent in-person inspection isn't practical for most buyers. To compensate, we provide a detailed auction sheet, condition photos, and inspection report so you have the same information a mechanic would confirm on-site.
Do you provide documentation immediately?
Yes. Once your purchase is confirmed, you'll receive full vehicle documentation, including the auction sheet, inspection report, and export paperwork, so everything is on hand before shipping begins.
How do you prevent odometer fraud?
Every vehicle's mileage is checked against Japan's official auction inspection records before listing. Japan's auction system is widely recognized internationally for reliable odometer accuracy, largely due to strict domestic vehicle inspection requirements (Shaken) that make mileage tampering far less common than in many other used-vehicle markets.
Is your company officially registered?
Yes. CAR IN JAPAN CO., LTD. is officially registered and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, operating within Japan's regulated vehicle export industry.
Do you offer post-sale support?
Yes. Our team remains available after your purchase for documentation questions, warranty claims, and general support, so you're not on your own once the vehicle ships.
Can I see past customer reviews?
Yes, we're happy to share verified customer feedback on request, and we're working on building out a dedicated reviews section on our site so buyers can see feedback directly.
What if the car differs from its description?
We stand behind our listings. If a vehicle doesn't match the condition or specifications described, contact our team with documentation and we'll work with you directly to resolve it.
Do you verify engine and chassis numbers?
Yes. Engine and chassis numbers are verified against official Japanese registration and auction records as a standard part of every vehicle's inspection, helping confirm the vehicle's identity and history.
After-Sales & Service
Do you offer routine maintenance packages?
We can connect you with trusted service partners in your region for ongoing maintenance after delivery. As an export company based in Japan, we don't operate our own service centers in every destination market, but our team can help point you toward reliable local options.
Where can I get my car serviced?
Service options depend on your location. Contact our team after delivery and we'll help connect you with a trusted service provider near you where possible.
Do you stock genuine spare parts?
We can help source genuine parts through our supplier network in Japan on request, though availability and shipping times depend on the specific part and your location.
Can you help arrange complex engine repairs?
For major repairs, we can refer you to trusted, qualified service partners in your region, though the repair itself is handled locally rather than by our team directly.
Is pickup and drop-off available?
Availability depends on your location and local service partner network. Contact our team to check what's possible near you.
Do you provide loaner cars?
Loaner vehicles aren't currently part of our service, since after-sales support is coordinated through regional partners rather than our own service centers.
How do I request service support?
Contact our team directly with your vehicle details, and we'll help coordinate service options through our regional partner network where available.
Do you support vehicles bought elsewhere?
Our after-sales support is focused on vehicles purchased through CAR IN JAPAN, since we have full documentation and history on file for those units.
What is your warranty claim process?
Contact our team with your warranty documentation and a description of the issue, and we'll guide you through the claims process step by step.
Do you offer tire replacement support?
Availability depends on your region's local partner network. Reach out to our team and we'll help point you toward options near you.
General Information
What are your opening hours?
Our team is available Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Friday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Japan time. We're closed on Sunday. Since we work with buyers across many time zones, email is often the fastest way to reach us outside these hours.
Where are you based?
CAR IN JAPAN is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. Because we operate as an export business serving buyers worldwide, all communication and purchasing happens online — no showroom visit is required to buy a vehicle from us.
Do you speak multiple languages?
Yes. Our team supports multiple languages to make the buying process easier for international customers — let us know your preferred language when you reach out.
Can I buy a car as a company?
Yes. We support both individual and corporate or fleet purchases, including invoicing and documentation suited to business buyers.
Do you offer gift cards or vouchers?
Gift cards aren't currently available. If you're purchasing on behalf of a business or placing a bulk order, contact our team about corporate account options instead.
How do I contact your sales team?
You can reach our sales team directly by email at sales@carinjapan.com, and we'll respond as quickly as possible.
Do you participate in motor shows?
Contact our team for the latest updates on any events or motor shows we may be participating in.
Can I subscribe to your newsletter?
Yes. You can subscribe using the newsletter signup in our website footer to receive updates on new inventory and offers.
Do you offer fleet management solutions?
Yes. We support bulk and fleet orders for businesses and dealers, including sourcing multiple vehicles and coordinating shipment logistics together.
How do I file a complaint or feedback?
You can reach out directly to our team by email with details of your concern, and we'll respond and work toward a resolution as quickly as possible.