Top Three Recommendations for Buying a Car in Japan
The first thing to consider when you’re shopping for a car is your price range. I’d always recommend buying with cash over taking a loan; you should get in the habit of treating debt like a sin akin to murder or adultery. Along with the price range, consider the upkeep costs. How much will you be spending on gas monthly? Is the fuel economy 燃費 good? Will you be driving it daily or just on the weekends? How much will the insurance be? You’ll also need to consider the average cost of 車検, the mandatory two-year inspection for used vehicles, but new vehicles are allowed a three-year grace period. Vehicles manufactured for business use have to undergo it yearly, but it’s usually cheaper than for vehicles made for private use. Another yearly expense is tire changes; when winter rolls around, you’ll need to switch to winter tires, and if you can’t change them yourself, well, that’s another yearly expense. How big is the engine? You’ll be charged a yearly tax based on that as well.
Does it have a good navigation system with updated maps? Most Japanese manufacturers charge around 20,000 yen for a map update. You could buy an aftermarket Android or CarPlay Navigation unit, but if you can’t install it yourself, you’ll be at the mercy of the car shops who can charge you more than your head unit actually costs.
What if something goes wrong with the internals? You’ll need to consider availability & length of the warranty as well.
But enough of the doom & gloom; the truth is shopping for a car can be extremely fun!
#1 Netz Toyota
This Toyota company offers a two-year warranty on used cars. I got my first car here and opted for the extended three-year warranty. It came in handy when my radiator broke, the transmission died, and my ECT machine stopped working. They were all fixed under warranty, and I got to drive around in a variety of the latest model Toyotas while they were in the shop. The downside is that being a big brand name dealer, it was way overpriced. If I had bought the same car at another smaller dealer or even from a private citizen, it would have been half the price or even a quarter. But then I would have been stuck with any potential repair costs.
#2 Rakuten
A lot of Japanese people don’t even know about this, but you can buy a new or used car off Rakuten the same way you buy toilet paper. You just add it to your cart and check out. If you need a loan, which I don’t recommend, you can fill out the paperwork in the email afterward. Just head over to Rakuten, select your model or search by price. You can have your car delivered as soon as three weeks from purchase. Warranties vary from seller to seller, but you can get Rakuten points and coupons for things like oil changes, tires, or coatings! The downside is that you may not be able to see the car if the dealer is far away. In terms of price, Rakuten offers the most economical and what I consider to be fair value for the cars listed.
#3 Carsensor
If you’ve been watching TV in Japan for any period of time, you’re probably familiar with Carsensor. It’s a massive car marketplace with dealers from all over Japan selling domestic and imported vehicles. You can filter cars based on a variety of factors like location, make & model, year, miles, and most importantly, price. The biggest drawback to this site is that prices don’t always match the value, and if the seller is far away, you’ll have to pay extra for delivery.
Conclusion
Choosing the right place to buy a car in Japan can make a significant difference in your overall experience and costs. Each of the options listed—Netz Toyota, Rakuten, and Carsensor—offers unique benefits, from extensive warranties and convenience to competitive pricing and a broad selection. By considering factors such as your budget, vehicle maintenance costs, and specific needs, you can make a more informed decision that suits your lifestyle. Remember to thoroughly research each option and weigh the pros and cons to find the best deal for you. Happy car shopping!
| Type | Tax Rates (Annual) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Tax Rate | New Tax Rate | Heavy Tax Rate | |||
| Three-Wheeled (660cc or less) | 3,100 yen | 3,900 yen | 4,600 yen | ||
| Four-Wheeled (660cc or less) | Passenger | Business Use | 5,500 yen | 6,900 yen | 8,200 yen |
| Private Use | 7,200 yen | 10,800 yen | 12,900 yen | ||
| Cargo | Business Use | 3,000 yen | 3,800 yen | 4,500 yen | |
| Private Use | 4,000 yen | 5,000 yen | 6,000 yen | ||
| Engine Displacement | Automobile Tax (Private Passenger Vehicles) from October 1, Reiwa Year 1 |
|---|---|
| 1,000cc or less | 25,000 yen |
| Over 1,000cc to 1,500cc | 30,500 yen |
| Over 1,500cc to 2,000cc | 36,000 yen |
| Over 2,000cc to 2,500cc | 43,500 yen |
| Over 2,500cc to 3,000cc | 50,000 yen |
| Over 3,000cc to 3,500cc | 57,000 yen |
| Over 3,500cc to 4,000cc | 65,500 yen |
| Over 4,000cc to 4,500cc | 75,500 yen |
| Over 4,500cc to 6,000cc | 87,000 yen |
| Over 6,000cc | 110,000 yen |
Data source: SBIS