Hello there! Ever wonder why Japan is known for super low-mileage used cars? It is a bit like a secret treasure chest for car buyers all over the world. Japanese families often sell their cars when they are still very new. They do this for many reasons. This means great things for you if you are looking for a high-quality used car.
We are here to tell you the why and how this works. We will show you why getting a japanese used car is a smart choice. These cars are often clean, well-kept, and come with very few miles on the clock. It is like getting a nearly-new car for a used-car price!
The Big Reason: Japan’s Strict Car Check (Shaken)
The main reason people change cars is a very strict rule. It is called Shaken (pronounced “shah-ken”). Shaken is a check-up for cars in Japan. It makes sure every car is safe and clean for the environment.
Shaken is The Law
The Shaken inspection is not just a simple oil change. It is a full check of the car. It looks at the brakes, lights, tires, engine, and more.
- New Cars: The first Shaken is 3 years after the car is bought.
- Older Cars: After that, the Shaken must be done every 2 years.
Shaken Costs A Lot of Money
Passing the Shaken can cost a lot. It is not just the check fee. You also have to pay a big tax called the Automobile Weight Tax. Plus, you need mandatory insurance.
The Cost Gets Higher for Old Cars
The rules are harder for older cars. If a car is 13 years old or more, the taxes get even higher! This is a big push for families to buy a new car. They save money by avoiding the big Shaken repair and tax costs.
Small Roads, High Parking Fees
Japan is a country where many people live close together. Big cities like Tokyo and Osaka are very crowded. This also makes owning a car hard and costly.
Parking is a Must-Have
In many places in Japan, you cannot buy a car until you prove you have a parking space. This is a rule called shako shomei.
- It Costs Money: The parking spot itself is often very expensive to rent or buy.
- Space is Tight: People often like smaller cars that are easier to park.
Low Driving Miles
Because cities are crowded, and public transport is great, people do not drive long distances.
- Trains are King: Japan has some of the best train systems in the world. Many people take the train to work every day.
- Car for Weekends: The family car is often just used for trips, shopping, or local driving. This means low mileage on the car’s clock!
A Culture of Newness and Quality
The way people think about things in Japan is also a big part of the car change cycle. There is a strong focus on new things and keeping things perfect.
Cars are Kept Like New
Japanese car owners are very careful with their cars. They treat their cars with great respect. They keep them super clean, inside and out.
- Clean is Key: You will not find many dirty or messy used cars from Japan.
- Service is Done: All the needed service and maintenance are done on time. They follow the book!
Desire for the Latest Tech
Japan is a leader in new technology. People like to have the newest features in their cars.
- New Gadgets: New cars come with better safety features, new radios, and more fuel-saving engines.
- Quick Upgrade: This desire to keep up with the new tech makes them sell the old, good car quickly.
How This Helps You: The Buyer’s Benefit
So, Japanese families sell their cars early and for all these reasons. This is where you get a fantastic deal! Their need to sell quickly becomes a huge win for car buyers overseas.
You Get a Near-Perfect Car
When you buy a used car from Japan, you get a car that is almost like new.
- Low Miles: The cars have very few kilometers or miles on them.
- Great Condition: They are super clean, not damaged, and have no major problems.
- Well Maintained: Every service was done on time because of the strict Shaken rule.
Better Value for Your Money
You are buying a car that was forced out of its home country because of high taxes, not because it was broken.
- Reliability: You get the famous Japanese quality, like Toyota or Honda, which are known to last a very long time.
- Great Price: You pay a used-car price for a car that still has most of its life left to give.
Looking at a Great Example: The Toyota Raize
One great example of a car that is often sold this way is the toyota raize 2021.
Why the Toyota Raize 2021 is a Smart Buy
The Toyota Raize is a small SUV. It is perfect for city life, just like in Japan.
- Compact Size: It is small enough to drive and park easily, but still has good room inside for a family.
- Modern Features: The 2021 model has good safety tech and a modern engine.
- Fuel Saver: It is known for being great on fuel, which is a big plus for any driver.
When a Japanese family sells their 2021 Raize after just 3 or 4 years, it is a great find. It is a modern, reliable, low-mileage car that you can buy for a smart price.
Trust and Authority: Why You Can Feel Safe
When you buy a car that came from Japan, you can feel safe. The system there is designed to keep bad cars off the road.
The Auction Sheets
Most exported Japanese cars are bought through big auctions. These auctions use inspection sheets.
- Full Report: These sheets give a full report on the car’s condition. They show the grade, mileage, and any scratches or dents.
- Truth is Important: This system is very honest and helps build trust. What you see is what you get.
Global Trust
The whole world trusts used cars from Japan. This is why you see them on roads everywhere. The high quality is known by people from many different countries.
Final Thought
The reasons why Japanese families replace their cars quickly are clear. It is mainly due to the Shaken rule, high costs, and a love for new technology. But this situation creates a wonderful chance for you. It means you can buy a clean, low-mileage, and reliable car for a great price. It is a win-win for everyone!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the main reason Japanese people sell their cars quickly?
A: The main reason is the Shaken car inspection. It happens every two years and gets very expensive for older cars. This pushes people to buy new cars instead of paying the high repair and tax fees.
Q2: Are used cars from Japan in good condition?
A: Yes, they are in excellent condition. Japanese people keep their cars very clean. The Shaken rule also makes sure the cars are well-maintained and pass strict safety checks.
Q3: What does ‘low mileage’ mean for a Japanese used car?
A: It means the car has not been driven many miles. Because of good public transport, Japanese families use their cars less. It is common to find 3- to 5-year-old cars with very low mileage.
Q4: Is it safe to buy a car that was sold only because of the Shaken rule?
A: Yes, it is very safe. The Shaken system proves the car was safe right before it was sold. They sell the car not because it is broken, but because the cost of keeping it is too high.
Q5: Do Japanese used cars come with a full history?
A: Many cars sold for export go through auctions. These auctions give detailed inspection sheets. These sheets show the car’s true condition and mileage, giving buyers a lot of good information.
