Buying a used car imported from Japan can be a great way to get a high-quality vehicle. Japanese cars are known for their reliability and excellent maintenance standards. However, because the car has been used in a foreign country, checking its history is crucial. This process is different from checking a local car’s history, as you won’t have a standard VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) report like a CarFax.
If you are buying through an importer or directly fr
om reputable Mi Auto Japan car sellers in Kyoto, you must ensure they provide the necessary documentation. Thoroughly checking the car’s past will help you avoid hidden problems like flood damage, accidental repairs, or rolled-back mileage.
1. The Most Important Document: Auction Sheet
The Japanese Auction Sheet (JAAI/USS) is the single most vital piece of information you need. When cars are sold through Japan’s centralized auction system, an independent inspector creates this detailed report.
What to Look for on the Auction Sheet:
Grade: This is the overall quality rating of the car. Grades typically range from S, 6, 5 (Excellent/New) down to 3 or 2 (Poor condition). A car with an ‘R’ grade means it has had major accident repair.
Mileage: This confirms the mileage at the time of the auction. Always compare this number to the mileage currently shown on the odometer.
Exterior/Interior Diagram: The sheet includes a diagram of the car with clear codes marking any dents (A), scratches (U), or rust (S).
Inspector’s Comments: Look for comments about the engine, transmission, or interior condition (e.g., “Smoke smell,” “Seat torn,” or “Requires repair”).
Crucial Step: Get the auction sheet translated and verified. Never trust a blurry photo or a verbal summary. Many importers provide a verification service to ensure the sheet is genuine.
2. Verify the Odometer (Mileage Check)
Mileage rollback is a significant risk with imported Japanese cars. The auction sheet helps confirm the mileage at the time of auction, but you need more verification.
Export Certificate (Deregistration Certificate): This official Japanese government document is issued when the car leaves Japan. It records the mileage twice: once at the time of the last Shaken (Japanese inspection) and once at the time of deregistration.
Comparison: Check these two mileage entries against the auction sheet and the car’s current odometer. If the numbers don’t match or show sudden drops, the mileage has likely been tampered with.
3. Check the Japanese Inspection (Shaken) Records
Shaken is Japan’s mandatory and very strict vehicle inspection. The Shaken certificate proves that the car met high safety and emission standards at the time of the inspection.
Inspection Stickers: Check the car’s windshield and license plates for official Shaken stickers, which show the inspection date.
Service Records: Ask the seller for any maintenance booklets or service records. Since the Shaken is so thorough, genuine maintenance history is a strong sign of a well-kept vehicle.
4. Use the Chassis Number (Not VIN)
Japanese cars don’t use the standard 17-digit VIN found in North American or European cars. They use a shorter Chassis Number (or Frame Number).
History Check Services: Several online services can provide a basic history report using the Chassis Number. These services usually confirm if the car has been involved in a major accident or was stolen, based on Japanese databases.
5. Final Inspection
Even with all the paperwork, a physical inspection is essential.
Look for Rust: While Japan uses less road salt than many other countries, coastal cars can still have rust. Check under the chassis and near the wheel wells.
Check the Seat Belts: Pull out the seat belts all the way and check for water stains or mud. This is a tell-tale sign of flood damage.
Engine Bay: Look for signs of non-standard repairs or parts that look much newer than the rest of the car, which could indicate a recent engine replacement due to damage.
By focusing on the Auction Sheet and the Export Certificate, you can be confident that the Japanese car you are buying has an honest and verifiable history.
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