Prime Autos Japan Magazine- December 2017 Edition

JAPANESE USED
CAR TRADING INDUSTRY
MOST DEMANDED
JAPANESE USED
CARS
PRIME AUTOS JAPAN MAGAZINE
DIFFERENT VEHICLE BODY TYPES
pproximately1,000,000 Japanese usedvehiclesare exportedto various countriesacross the globe.
1,000,000 Japanese used vehicles
are exported to various countries
across the globe.
Everything You Need To Know About Japanese Cars
www.primeautosjapan.com
DECEMBER
2017 EDITION

TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE
USED CAR TRADING INDUSTRY01
BASIC CAR RELATED
TERMINOLOGIES YOU MUST KNOW03
20 MOST DEMANDED
JAPANESE USED CARS07
CARIBBEAN
USED CAR MARKET08
CLASSIFICATION OF
VEHICLES ACCORDING TO09
THE CONCEPT OF
BASIC AUTO AUCTION12
THINGS TO KNOW
ABOUT USED CAR INSPECTION13

INTRODUCTION TO JAPANESE
USED CAR TRADING INDUSTRY
ACCORDING TO THE STATS, APPROX
1.4 Million
apan is a grey market for the international
trade of used vehicles. Japan has been
exporting used cars to diﬀerent markets
around the world since 1980s. The sale of
used cars and other vehicles is proﬁtable due
to the low cost and good condition of the
vehicles, despite of the fact that
transportation cost is really high. The factors
included in the feasibility of such export
include Japan's rigorous vehicle inspection
and high rate of depreciation which reduces
the worth of the vehicle after six years.
Moreover, the strict environment protection
regulations make the vehicle disposal costly in
Japan. Vehicle emission test standards are
really strict in Japan.
Page: 01
used vehicles were
exported from Japan
in 2006.
J

HOW JAPANESE CAR TRADING WORKS?
Page: 02
USED CARS SUPPLY
Used cars in Japan are mainly sold by car
owners and dealers at auto auctions.
Owners at auto auctions are hidden from
the bidders while the auctioneers offer
independent vehicle evaluation known as
the inspection sheets. Exporters also called
bidding agents use auto auctions as a main
source of their supply. More than 200
auction houses are operating all over Japan.
The other way to supply used cars from
Japan is through auto dealerships and
private sellers.
METHODS OF EXPORTING
Vehicles exported from Japan must be made
ready for the shipment. The procedure
involves deregistration of vehicle with the
government, receiving an export certificate
and making the car biosecurity risk free.
Exporter can ship the car via RORO or
container, as per the customer specification,
shipping schedules and the destination
ports.
VERIFICATION OF CAR
EXPORT COMPANIES
With the rise in the online auto export
companies, it is a fact that the online auto
trading scam is also on a rise. It is a duty of
the importer to verify and ensure the
authentication of the exporting company
and must make the payment once the
transactions are done with 100%
satisfaction.
DIFFERENCES IN THE
AUTOMOTIVE MARKET
There are various factors which make
exporting cars to other countries reluctant.
Japan has right hand drive vehicles- driver’s
seat on the right side of the car- in
accordance with the left hand side traffic in
Japan. Some countries with right side traffic
don’t permit right hand drive cars and are
required to convert them to left hand drives
which is feasible economically. The
conversions are usually done by the local
importers. Philippines is one such example
where conversion is common. Components
used in a vehicle such as windows, seat
belts, windshields, reflectors and mirrors
along with the design features of the car like
bumpers, fuel tank and structural strictness
may not obey the non-Japanese standards.
OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
When at the port of destination, the vehicle
is handed over to the importer/buyers once
all the documents are cleared. In case of any
damage or loss, the damages are beared
either by one or both the parties depending
on the terms decided earlier.

Page: 03
A
BASIC CAR RELATED TERMINOLOGIES YOU MUST KNOW
ven if you aren’t an auto enthusiast, you would have to buy a vehicle at
some point in life. There are some termonolgies that you all must be
aware of to understand about the vehicle that you are willing to buy. Here
are some relevant terms that auto drivers come across in their lives:
ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS)
Braking systems which sense wheel rotation and
automatically pump the brakes for the driver in
emergency braking conditions.
AIR BRAKES
Usually found on heavy-duty trucks, using
compressed air to operate.
AIR INJECTION
A method for reducing exhaust emissions. The
injection of fresh air into the engine exhaust
ports, combined with the high heat present in
the exhaust manifold, causes the burning up of
leftover fuel vapors.
ALLOY WHEELS
Any non-steel road wheel, usually aluminum, but
technically a mixture of two or more metals.
ALL-SEASON TIRES
Tires designed to provide good grip in snow and
slush without wearing too quickly on dry roads.
A-PILLAR
Vertical roof support between the windshield and
front edge of the front side window.
ALTERNATOR
A device that converts mechanical energy into
electrical energy for the purpose of charging the
car battery.
B-PILLAR
Vertical metal roof support between front and
rear side windows on the side of the vehicle.
BASE-COAT
A coat of paint acting as the base for other layers
to be applied.
BELTLINE
A horizontal line, usually imaginary but
sometimes indicated by a feature in the body
design, just below the window openings on a car
or truck body.
B
E

Page: 04
BENCH SEATS
Full-length seat that runs along the rear width of
the car cabin to accommodate two or more
passengers.
BRAKE PULL
Occurs when the vehicle pulls suddenly to the
left or right as the brake pedal is depressed. It
indicates the brakes may be out of adjustment.
BUMPER
A length of metal with spring or rubber backing
that sits rear-most on a car, and fronts the
radiator.
C-PILLAR
The vertical metal roof support between the side
edge of the rear windshield (also called the
backlight) and the rear edge of the rear window.
CABIN
The interior people-space within a car. For a
truck it’s called a Cab.
CARBURETOR
Device that mixes air with fuel, delivering the
mixture into the engine's combustion chambers.
CENTRAL LOCKING SYSTEM
On a vehicle with power door locks, the system
locks or unlocks all doors at one time.
CHASSIS
Part of the car in which the driver
sits and to which the engine and
suspension are attached.
DAMPER
A device which reduces vibration.
DASHBOARD
This may refer to the unit found between the
front driver and passenger seat that contains the
automatic transmission shifter, cup holders and
a storage compartment.
C
E
D
DEALER INVOICE PRICE
Also called dealer cost. The amount the dealer
pays for a car or truck.
DIFFUSER
A rear outlet for expelling engine noise.
DING
A small dent or scrape in the body of the vehicle.
ENGINE
The basic job of an engine is to take fuel and
convert its energy to some usable mechanical.
Usually made from alloy & block.
ESCROW
A process in which a neutral third party takes
care of the transfer of ownership of the vehicle.
EXCESS MILEAGE
Any mileage over the amount agreed upon
within a car hire lease contract.

Page: 05
FOUR-WHEEL DRIVE (4WD)
A transfer case distributes power to both axles in
order to drive all four wheels.
FOUR-WHEEL STEERING
Vehicle on which all four wheels turn when the
driver turns the steering wheel.
FOG LIGHTS
Two special headlights designed for cutting
through foggy conditions along the road ahead.
GEARBOX
A metallic enclosure containing several cogs,
each one affecting the effort in which the car
moves.
IDLE SPEED
The speed of the engine at minimum throttle and
the engine in neutral.
IGNITION SYSTEM
The system responsible for generating and
distributing the electrical spark needed to ignite
fuel in the cylinders and for altering the
frequency (timing) of that spark in relation to
changes in engine speed.
J-GATE
A metal plate with a J shaped whole, in which the
gear-stick must slip between during gear changes.
JUMP START
To transfer electrical power from one car battery
to another to enable the cars ignition system to
startup, using jump leads.
LOCK-TO-LOCK
The amount of turns the steering wheel must
rotated for the wheels to be turned from
rightmost to leftmost.
POWER STEERING
A steering system that uses a separate motor or
engine power to reduce the effort necessary to
turn the front wheels.
G
I
J
L
R
P
POWERTRAIN
The combination of engine and transmission.
PROJECTOR-BEAM HEADLIGHTS
A headlight that uses a spherical reflector to
tightly control the light beam. The bulb or light
source directs the light inward, toward the
reflector at the back of the headlight assembly,
which then projects it forward from the vehicle.
RADIATOR
The copper or aluminum device in front of the
engine through which hot engine coolant is
circulated and cooled. The liquid is then
recirculates back through the engine block to
cool it.
RAG TOP/SOFT-TOP
A convertible with a soft top, usually made from
canvas or a polymer.
REAR-WHEEL DRIVE (RWD)
The drivetrain in which power is applied through
the rear wheels only.
F

Page: 06
SUSPENSION
Springs, dampers, shock absorbers, hydraulics,
wishbones, roll bars, struts, and links used to
suspend the frame, body and engine above the
wheels.
TIMING VALVE
A valve in a fuel injection pump which times the
delivery of fuel.
TRANSMISSION
The transmission is used to take the high-speed,
low-torque power of the engine and convert it to
a lower-speed, higher-torque output, which
ultimately turns the drive wheels.
TUNE-UP
A regularly scheduled maintenance to check
normal operation of the vehicle.
VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (VIN)
A seventeen-digit identiﬁcation number, unique
to each vehicle, which includes codes for the
manufacturer, year, model, body, and engine
speciﬁcations.
V-TYPE ENGINE
In a V-6, V-8 or V-12 engine, the cylinders are
divided into two banks, each of which is angled
away from the other at the top, forming a 'V'.
S WHEELBASE
The distance between the center of the front
wheels to the center of rear wheels.
WOODY
Refers to a vehicle which has part of its side
body-panels covered or replaced with
decorative wood.
YAW
The rotation about a vertical axis that passes
through the car's center of gravity.
Z-AXIS
The plain of movement a road vehicle
can’t access.
W
Y
Z
T
V

20 MOST
DEMANDED JAPANESE USED CARSHere is the list of top 20 used Japanese cars which are high in demand and buyers’ top choice:
Page: 07

Page: 08
CARIBBEAN USED CAR MARKET
aribbean region is a lucrative market for used
cars. From the Jamaica in the west till the Guyana
in the south, the business of used auto trading is
rapidly increasing as the Japanese vehicles are
considered the most reliable and affordable cars. The
business of used cars in the Caribbean region is highly
encouraging and expedient and many auto dealer
across Caribbean market are drawn towards it.
People are forsaking buying cars from showrooms as
they prefer buying from reliable and affordable used
Japanese car dealers. The business of used cars is
making its name in the region and also provoking
dealers to focus in this business.
The increase in the sales of used cars is directly
proportional to the decrease in the sales of new cars.
Nearly all the shipments that come in the Caribbean
region are sold out. To stay in the market, even new car
dealers now offer second hand vehicles.
The major portion of the used car market is controlled
by the Japanese cars. Japanese car exporters offer the
best quality vehicles at best affordable rates. Japanese
cars give an opportunity to consumers belonging to
lower and middle income to own a vehicle without any
problem. Moreover, it also offers business
opportunities to small and medium enterprises.
Japanese vehicles are highly trusted across the globe
and almost every country of Caribbean region import
vehicles from Japan. For example, in Barbados, the
maximum share of the market is accounted by the
import of used car and the percentage is rapidly
increasing.
Purchase of a used vehicle is something that isn’t
frowned upon socially anymore, instead, it has
become a part of a lifestyle now. Customers
belonging to different income levels are now
purchasing Japanese used cars as they are worth the
money. The factors that contribute to the increased
purchase of Japanese cars is the reliability,
affordability and availability in every region. The role
played by the digital marketing in the increase of the
Japanese vehicles is pretty notable as it helped the
auto industry become an organized segment in the
market. It can be said without any doubt that the
globalization has contributed a lot in the growth of
the used auto business.
The automobiles produced are now better than
before as they are more fuel efficient, ecofriendly
and better for the environment with the emissions
and manufacturing processes. Instead of a luxury,
cars have now become more of a necessity in
everyday lives. Caribbean region has an increasing
demand for used vehicles because of their less
engine trouble and top quality.
C

Page: 09
ar buying is a tiring process, especially when you need
to make a purchase of your car for the very first time.
There are a few factors that individuals consider before
buying a car, for instance, price, family size, mileage, fuel
type etc. As far as the purchase of a used car is concerned,
one may check the mileage, number of owners and age of
the car.
Another important factor that effects the car buying
decision is the type of the body of the vehicle. For instance,
if a family consists of 6 members it will require a large car. A
single person who just want to use a car for commuting to
work and back might require a small sized car.
Car body types is a comprehensive topic to deal with and
the names of different body types may differ in other
countries. Let’s have a look at some body types:
CLASSIFICATION OF VEHICLES
ACCORDING TO THE
BODY TYPES
Ŷ HATCHBACK
Ŷ SEDAN
Ŷ MUV/SUV
Ŷ COUPE
Ŷ CONVERTIBLE
Ŷ JEEP
C

Page: 10
HATCHBACK
Hatchback is a small 4 door car with a boot.
These cars are speciﬁcally designed for
seating of 4 passengers and small boot space
for little luggage. The size of the hatchback
depends upon the design of the car. The
hatchback could be super mini or large in size.
Manufacturers are constantly making
improvements in their product range.
Hatchbacks are perfect for city driving
especially in heavy traﬃc, easy to park and
gives decent mileage.
Some famous hatchbacks include: Suzuki Alto,
Hyundai i10, i20, Toyota Passo Toyota Vitz,
Nissan Note etc.
SEDAN
Japanese vehicle Sedan is designed for the
seating of 5 passengers. Sedans come with
larger boot size to carry large quantity of
luggage. The features of Sedan consist of
larger dimensions like height, width, length
and the wheel base. Larger vehicles demand
higher tax rate and the cost of the overall
vehicle also increases.
Some famous hatchbacks include: Nissan
Maxima, Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Lexus IS
350, Honda Accord, Toyota Corolla etc.

Page: 11
MUV/SUV
Multi Utility Vehicle (MUV) and Sports Utility
Vehicle (SUV) are both similar designs but are
diﬀerent in terms of utility. MUV consists of
ﬂexible seating options ranging from 7, 8, 9, 10
and so on. To carry heavy and bulk luggage
the body is designed on the chassis frame.
Some famous MUVs include: Mahindra
Bolero, Tata Sumo, Toyota Innova and Force
Motors Trax.
SUV’s are vehicles that look like a station
wagon. It has a kind of mini truck platform.
These vehicles are best for rough textured
roads. The mid and small sized SUVs have
three rows of seats with a luggage or cargo
area behind the last seat rows.
COUPE
Coupe is a two door vehicle. The doors are
larger and in some models the rear seats are
also available. The main attraction of Coupe is
the styling, image and luxury of this car.
Coupes are mostly used in European
countries and very less people prefer such
body type car.
Some famous coupes include: Aston Martin
V8 Vantage Coupe, Audi RS 5 Coupe, Chrysler
Sebring, and Dodge Stratus
Some famous MUVs include: Mahindra Scorpio, Toyota Fortuner, Maruti Grand Vitara,
Ford Endeavour and Honda CRV.

Page: 12
CONVERTIBLE
Convertible cars are those whose roof line can
be reﬁtted or removed. These are basically
high end luxury cars and electro mechanical
devices are used to fold the roof lines.
Convertibles are usually used in countries
with cold weather and where the roads are
less dusty. This type of car is usually preferred
by people who have a passion of driving
stylish cars.
Some famous Convertibles include: Jaguar XK,
Porsche Boxster, Fiat 500, BMW 4 Series
Convertible, Audi A5 Cabriolet and Mazda
MX-5.
JEEP
Jeeps are similar to MUVs but they have an
option of hard or soft top. These type of
vehicles are a good combination of utility of a
sports car and also an MUV. Therefore, jeeps
are the best rides for long journeys or road
trips.
Some famous jeeps include: Renegade,
Wrangler, Cherokee, Compass, Patriot and
Jeep Grand Cherokee

Page: 12
ttending a car auction might be adventurous and exciting. A successful day at a car auction might help you
achieve a used car at an affordable price. Many licensed car dealers offer car auctions but now you can
also participate in an auction online. Car dealers publish a list of vehicles which are available for auction with
the required information about the vehicle like its history report or the car value. The main benefit that you
can get from an auto auction is that there are decent cars which are less costly as compared to the same cars
offered by a private dealer. Cost saving can be a major benefit if you take the risk of entering into an auto
auction and perform well and wisely under the pressure.
If you are thinking to make a purchase through auto auction, here is what you need to do:
Make sure that you properly read the auto auction catalog. The model offered at the auction might be famous
but also check the history of the vehicle. Recheck details like the ownership trails, VIN, reason of sale, condition
of the vehicle etc.
Attend the auction. You can even place the bid via phone call or online but it is best to attend the auction
physically so you can actually see what’s being sold.
Register yourself as a bidder and also show evidence that you have enough money to buy the car. A bank
statement or a contractual signature might be required to show your authenticity as a legit buyer.
Examine each car at the auction closely. Educate yourself with the model that you’re interested in or take an auto
enthusiast with you. Make sure you know how to understand the VIN codes and auction sheets. Check every
detail of the vehicle. Study the documents. If the car owner is present at the auction, ask questions about the
vehicle history and the work that has been done on the car.
Bidding is done best when the auction ringmen can see you. They watch the crowd closely and judge who is
seriously interested in buying the vehicle at sale. Set your top price but don’t go beyond your range.
Auction houses have renowned shippers who ship your vehicle at your destination. If you end up winning the bid
on your desired car let the auto dealers deal with the shipment procedures and save yourself from the shipment
costs.
THE CONCEPT OF
BASIC AUTO AUCTION
A

Page: 13
ut yourself in the driver’s seat before buying a used car. No
matter from who you’re buying the car, inspection is required.
If you are buying used vehicle from an auto dealer, it is more likely
that the vehicle is already inspected as many dealers have
pre-owned certiﬁed vehicle programs and the cars go through a
rigorous inspection process before they are oﬀered for sale. The
Federal Trade Commission FTC recommends auto dealers to get
their vehicles inspected.
While buying a vehicle from a private dealer, inspection is much
needed. Inspection will help you assure yourself that the vehicle is
safe and is in good condition. Inspection reveals if the vehicle has
undergone any damage or accident.
Make sure you have contact in the automobile industry or you have
a reliable expert to conduct inspection on your behalf. You can ask
the following to conduct the car inspection for you:
Inspection typically covers the following elements in a vehicle:
Ŷ Vehicle inspection companies (can be found in your local
area or online)
Ŷ Automobile repair shops
Ŷ Mobile car inspection services
Ŷ Mileage
Ŷ Engine
Ŷ Brakes
Ŷ Tires
Ŷ Radiator
Ŷ Fluids
Ŷ Exterior
Ŷ Interior
Ŷ Hoses
Ŷ Paint
Ŷ Transmission
THINGS TO KNOW
ABOUT USED CAR INSPECTION
WHAT DOES INSPECTION COVER?
P

Page: 14
If the inspection report is full of major problems, you can consider buying another vehicle for yourself or ask the
seller to ﬁx every issue in the car. On the other hand, if the vehicle has minor problems and you can get them
ﬁxed on your own, in that case you can ask the seller to renegotiate the price and sell it to you at a lesser price.
WHAT TO DO WITH THE CAR INSPECTION REPORT?

GET IN TOUCH
WITH US
info@primeautosjapan.com
Gifu-ken, Nakatsugawa Naegi 4933-3,
Maruichi Building 2f-2, 508-0101, Japan
+81 3-4588-8748

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