What should foreigners pay attention to when choosing a used car and how to choose?

I think there are many foreigners who have been living in Japan for a long time who are considering buying a car.
Which is better, a new car or a used car? People have different opinions on the advantages and disadvantages of each.

The graph below shows the trend in the number of new and used cars sold. When comparing the two, we can see that the number of used cars sold is greater than the number of new cars sold.

Why are there more used cars sold than new cars?

• You can buy a car cheaply
• Delivery is faster than a new car
• A wider selection of cars

Possible reasons include the following:

(Source: Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association)

I want to buy a used car! But which dealer is best? There are many types of cars, as well as budgets, delivery dates, and many other things to consider. So, this time we will explain the key points for buying a used car in an easy-to-understand way for foreigners living in Japan.

Where can I buy a used car?

There are two ways to buy a used car: from a dealer or from a used car dealership. We will look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

"dealer"

Merit

1. Where you can see the actual car
   ⇒ A used car is a car that someone else drove before they bought it. It is a so-called antique car. For that reason, some used cars may have scratches, unexpected parts may be broken, or may not function properly. For foreigners who are worried or anxious about such things, being able to see them with your own eyes is a satisfactory purchasing method and an advantage.
2. The warranty is generous
   ⇒ Because used cars are sold directly by dealers, they come with high-quality warranties and extensive support. Many dealers also provide after-sales services such as maintenance and inspections after delivery, so you can purchase used cars with peace of mind.

Demerit

1. The vehicle price is high
   ⇒Because they only deal in high-quality used cars and offer comprehensive warranties and after-sales service, the vehicle prices are set higher than at regular used car dealerships. This may not be the best option for foreigners looking to save money.
2. Limited vehicle selection
   ⇒ Dealers have exclusive contracts with certain car manufacturers and handle cars from those manufacturers, but do not sell used cars from other manufacturers. The disadvantage is that you are limited in your options because you only handle vehicles from the same manufacturer. It is difficult to ask about cars from other manufacturers, so it is difficult to compare car models or ask for advice.

《Used car dealer》

Merit

1.  A wide variety of car models
   ⇒ Most used car dealerships do not stock only a specific model of car, but rather buy a wide range of used cars, so you can choose from a wide range of makes and models of used cars.
   Since we handle cars from multiple manufacturers, you can get a wide range of advice from the staff and compare the used cars you have your eye on.
2.  Fast delivery
   ⇒Due to the semiconductor shortage, it will take 10 months to over a year for a new car to be delivered.
   In the case of used cars, the registration procedures and delivery are carried out on already-built cars, so delivery can take anywhere from 3 days to 2-3 weeks.

Demerit

1.  It is difficult to judge whether the price is fair
   ⇒The price of a used car varies considerably depending on the condition of the car and if the car is rare. Cheap cars can cost hundreds of thousands of yen, while expensive cars can cost hundreds of thousands of yen. We recommend that you compare prices with other stores and check whether the car has a warranty and has been maintained before purchasing.
2.  The condition of each car is different
   ⇒Used cars have different original owners, so the condition of each car is completely different. Therefore, there are cases where the purchased car breaks down or becomes undriveable due to lack of maintenance. Make sure to get a warranty on the car you purchase.

Things to look out for when choosing a used car

When buying a used car, there are many things you should look at. Among them, the year of manufacture and mileage are the most important factors to look at.
So, how much importance should you actually place on these two? If you don't know the appropriate criteria for making a decision on both, you may encounter problems with the used car you have purchased. We will explain in detail in the next section so that you don't make any mistakes!

■Why are older cars not good?

Simply put, the model year is the year the car was first registered as new. So why are older cars not acceptable? There are three reasons.

• Old shape
• Taxes increase after 13 years
• Dirt, scratches, or prone to malfunction

first,
・ Old shape
⇒Older model cars have designs that are a generation out of date, so the resale value is quite poor.

-Taxes will increase after 13 years
⇒The tax burden will be increased by 15% due to environmental reasons. This applies to all cars, both regular and light.

-Easy to get dirty, scratched, or break down
⇒Even if the exterior is clean, it is common for the interior to be dirty. It is inevitable that the car will be dirty because it is a used car, but if it is 13 years old, the color of the seats will have worn off, and it is a different story from a used car from one year ago. Also, since the parts are from a generation ago, if they are weaker than current ones, they may break in invisible parts.

■Why are cars with high mileage not good?

Mileage refers to the total distance a car has traveled. How long can a car be considered long?
It is generally said that a car with more than 100,000 km on the clock is considered to have a high mileage. So why is a high mileage car a bad idea?
Every part of the car will need replacing. The parts are cheap, but the labor costs are quite high.
In addition, the longer the mileage, the more likely it is to have breakdowns or driving problems.
For these two reasons, be careful of cars that are over 10 years old! Be careful to avoid old cars/cars with high mileage!

What kind of used car should I choose?

There are three points to keep in mind when choosing a used car when you're unsure.

1. Fuel economy
   A fuel-efficient car means you don't have to fill up with gas as often, which helps keep your gas bills down throughout the year.
2. Popular
   Popular cars are sold at high prices even as used cars, but because they are popular with many people, they often have good usability, performance, and design, which leads to satisfaction in car life. Also, because they have a good resale value, buyers will buy them at a high price when you sell them.
3. Circulation volume
   Cars with a large distribution volume have the advantage that there are more options for mileage, year, grade, etc., making it easier to find a car that meets your desired conditions. If you can find a car with the equipment you want, such as a car navigation system, ETC, or manufacturer options, the cost of adding them later will be kept low.

If you're not sure what to buy, try this! Recommended car models for foreigners

I have a family, so it's better to have a car that can carry a lot of people. I also want a car that can carry a lot of luggage.

Then we recommend Alphard for you!

Alphard

A large LL class minivan produced and sold by Toyota Motor Corporation. It can carry a lot of luggage and passengers!

A small car with good maneuverability is better, and it should be easy to drive.

If you're not used to driving yet, we recommend the Yaris!

Yaris

It is a compact car produced and sold by Toyota Motor Corporation. It has good fuel economy and is maneuverable.

I want to enjoy driving more than carrying luggage.

Then Insight is the right choice for you!

Insights

The secret to its popularity is not only its high level of perfection as an eco-car, but also its maneuverability and mobility that make it a sporty ride.

I want to drive a stylish and cool car. I would be happy if I could use it for everyday use and leisure.

Then we recommend the Mazda CX-30 for you!

CX-30

It's a crossover SUV sold by Mazda. It's big, but maneuverable and easy to drive!

How was it?
Since this is a rare purchase, it is natural that foreigners would be hesitant to buy it.
In a sense, it's all about feeling, so if you have any concerns, please talk to the staff.
Make it a purchase you won't regret!