Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our export process, vehicle quality, pricing, shipping, compliance, and more. Contact us anytime if you need additional information.
Export Process & Getting Started
The process is simple: (1) Browse our inventory by category, (2) Select your vehicle, (3) Request inspection photos/video, (4) Confirm price and terms, (5) We handle all export paperwork and shipping to your port. Most orders take 2-3 weeks from confirmation to shipment.
Required documents vary by destination country. Generally, you’ll need: (1) Import license, (2) Bill of Lading, (3) Certificate of Origin, (4) Inspection report, (5) Export certificate from Japan. We provide all Japanese export documentation; your local customs broker handles destination-country requirements. We can recommend certified brokers in Nairobi, Lagos, or Dar es Salaam.
We welcome single-unit purchases AND bulk fleet orders. Single vehicles ship via shared containers (cost-efficient), while bulk orders (5+ units) receive dedicated container pricing and fleet management support. Contact our sales team for volume discounts.
Timeline: Selection (1-2 days) → Inspection & Paperwork (3-5 days) → Port booking (2-3 days) → Shipping (14-21 days ocean freight) → Destination delivery (3-7 days). Total: approximately 4-5 weeks. Rush orders available (+20% premium).
Yes. Every vehicle undergoes our proprietary 150-Point Digital Inspection Protocol before export. You receive: (1) High-resolution photos, (2) Video walkthrough, (3) Technical specification report, (4) Engine/transmission diagnostics, (5) Battery health report (EVs/hybrids). All included in price—zero hidden inspection fees.
We accept: (1) Bank transfer (T/T) – 50% deposit, 50% before shipment, (2) Letter of Credit (L/C) – for corporate clients, (3) Western Union/Money Gram – for urgent payments. We do NOT accept credit cards or PayPal to protect both parties.
No minimum order value. You can purchase a single $3,000 compact car or a fleet of $500,000+. Pricing is the same per vehicle regardless of order size. However, bulk orders (10+ vehicles) qualify for 3-5% volume discounts.
Vehicle Quality & Certification
Yes. Every vehicle in our inventory is certified by Japan’s automotive standards (JIS). We only source from: (1) Official dealerships, (2) Certified fleet operators, (3) Authorized auction houses. No salvage, flood-damaged, or accident vehicles. Full disclosure in inspection reports.
150-Point Digital Inspection covering: (1) Engine compression & health, (2) Transmission diagnostics, (3) Chassis integrity, (4) Electrical systems, (5) Interior condition, (6) Exterior paint & body, (7) Tires & suspension, (8) Electronic diagnostics (computer scan), (9) Battery State-of-Health (EVs/hybrids), (10) Odometer verification. Result: comprehensive digital dossier sent within 48 hours.
Yes. Submit your vehicle specifications (make, model, year, mileage range, color, features), and our sourcing team searches Japan’s secondary market network. We typically locate options within 1-2 weeks. Success rate: 85-90% for common models; 60-70% for rare/specialty vehicles.
Most vehicles have 40,000-120,000 kilometers (25,000-75,000 miles). Average is ~80,000km, reflecting Japan’s used-vehicle market profile. All mileage verified through automotive databases and inspection records. We clearly state mileage in every listing.
Yes, limited availability. New cars (0-100km) cost 30-40% more than certified pre-owned but available for popular models (Toyota, Honda, Nissan, BMW). Lead time: 2-3 months. Minimum order: 5 units for new vehicle sourcing.
We specialize in EVs and hybrids. Every EV/hybrid receives: (1) Battery State-of-Health (SoH) report, (2) Charging system verification, (3) Range testing, (4) Electronic diagnostics. Popular models: Toyota Prius, Lexus hybrid, Nissan Leaf, Tesla Model 3. EVs typically have 50,000-100,000km, with 80%+ battery health.
Pricing & Payment
Pricing based on: (1) Model/year/mileage, (2) Condition grade (A/B/C), (3) Market demand, (4) Export logistics costs, (5) Inspection fees. We quote factory-direct (Japan wholesale) + transportation to port. Your country’s tariffs/taxes are separate. Price transparency: no hidden fees, all included.
Limited flexibility on factory-direct vehicles. For bulk orders (5+ vehicles), we offer 2-5% volume discounts. Individual vehicle prices are firm but competitive vs. other exporters. Request a custom quote for fleet orders.
Price includes: (1) Vehicle, (2) 150-Point inspection, (3) Export documentation, (4) Deregistration, (5) Japan export license, (6) Container/shipping to your port, (7) Port handling. NOT included: Destination import taxes/tariffs/duties (your customs responsibility), Insurance (optional, available), Inland transport from port (optional, available).
No direct financing, but we work with partner finance companies in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) and West Africa. If interested, we can introduce you to approved lenders. Typical terms: 40% down, 12-36 month payment plans at 8-12% interest.
Prices locked in at quote (valid 30 days). If market conditions change drastically (rare), we notify you 10 days before shipment with updated pricing. You have right to cancel without penalty if price increases >5%. Most prices stable 30-45 days.
Shipping & Logistics
Two options: (1) Container shipping (standard) – 1-3 vehicles per 40′ container, 14-21 days transit, $1,200-1,800/container to Nairobi/Mombasa, (2) Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro/Ro) – for bulk orders 10+, cheaper per unit, 21-28 days. We book and manage all shipping; you receive Bill of Lading and tracking.
Primary ports: (1) East Africa – Mombasa (Kenya), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Dar (Uganda via rail), (2) West Africa – Lagos (Nigeria), Tema (Ghana), Port Harcourt, (3) Southern Africa – Durban (South Africa), Maputo (Mozambique). We can arrange shipment to other ports—contact for availability.
Optional insurance available at point of shipment: (1) Full coverage (All Risk) – covers damage, loss, theft in transit, ~3-5% of vehicle value, (2) Basic coverage – covers total loss only, ~1-2%. Many importers self-insure or use destination-country policies. Insurance payable with vehicle order.
Yes. Every shipment assigned tracking number within 24 hours of port departure. You receive: (1) Shipping confirmation, (2) Bill of Lading, (3) Container/tracking numbers, (4) Estimated arrival date, (5) Real-time tracking link (TradeLens/container tracking). Updates sent weekly until delivery.
Rare (occurs in <1% of shipments), but covered if insurance purchased. Claim process: (1) Document damage with photos upon arrival, (2) File claim with insurance within 7 days, (3) Inspection by loss adjuster, (4) Reimbursement or replacement. If uninsured, we assist with carrier liability claims (recovery rate: 50-70%).
Japan to East Africa: 14-21 days (Yokohama/Kobe to Mombasa/Dar). Japan to West Africa: 21-28 days (Yokohama to Lagos/Tema). Japan to Southern Africa: 28-35 days (to Durban/Maputo). Times subject to port congestion and vessel schedules. Express options available (+15-20% cost premium).
Vehicle Categories & Selection
We offer 14 categories: (1) Export Trucks (Actros, FH), (2) Fleet Vans (Transit, Sprinter), (3) Luxury Coupes, (4) Economy Cars, (5) Premium Convertibles, (6) Commercial Coaches & Buses, (7) Executive Estate Cars, (8) Family MPVs & 7-Seaters, (9) Commercial Pickups, (10) Sports Cars, (11) Compact Hatchbacks, (12) Certified SUVs, (13) Business Sedans, (14) Mid-Size SUVs. All certified and export-ready.
Top 5: (1) Toyota Hilux/Land Cruiser SUVs, (2) Ford Transit vans, (3) Honda Civic/Accord sedans, (4) Isuzu D-Max pickups, (5) Nissan X-Trail/Sylphy. These dominate African markets due to reliability, spare-parts availability, and resale value. Lead times: 1-2 weeks for popular models; 2-4 weeks for rare variants.
Yes. Most of our inventory is right-hand drive (Japan standard), but we source left-hand drive vehicles for: (1) Nigeria, (2) Ghana, (3) Some DRC regions, (4) Mozambique. Lead time +1-2 weeks; price premium +3-5%. Specify requirements at quotation.
Yes. Popular models: (1) Toyota Land Cruiser (LC200/LC300) – best-in-class, (2) Mitsubishi Pajero – rugged, (3) Isuzu D-Max pickup – versatile, (4) Nissan Patrol – luxury off-road. All equipped with high ground clearance, traction control, reinforced suspension. Recommended for remote/rural African markets.
Sedan: Economy-focused, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, ~$3,000-6,000, suits first-time buyers/taxi fleets. Executive Sedan: Premium business vehicles, BMW 3-Series, Lexus ES, ~$8,000-18,000, suits corporate fleets/wealthy individuals. Same sourcing/inspection; different market segments.
Compliance & Regulations
We comply with: (1) Japan MLIT (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport) export rules, (2) Japanese Customs regulations, (3) JATO/JAAI certification standards, (4) CITES regulations (for endangered wood interiors – rare), (5) Partner country import regulations (Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, etc.). Full compliance documentation provided with every shipment.
No strict age limit, but vehicles 10+ years old undergo stricter emissions/safety checks. Most export-ready vehicles: 3-8 years old. Vehicles 15+ years old: Possible but require: (1) Additional emissions certification, (2) Extended inspection, (3) Destination-country verification (some countries restrict age). Recommend checking destination import rules.
All vehicles meet Japan’s emissions standards (equal to Euro 4/US EPA standards). Newer vehicles (2015+) meet Euro 5-6 equivalent. Older vehicles (pre-2010) may not meet some African city standards but acceptable for rural/agricultural use. We provide emissions documentation; you verify with destination customs.
Yes. Included in our service. We handle: (1) Japanese registration cancellation, (2) Tax clearance, (3) Export certificate issuance, (4) Customs documentation. Process takes 5-7 days. No additional cost—included in vehicle price.
Your responsibility, but we assist. You (or your customs broker) must obtain: (1) Import license, (2) Duty assessment, (3) Safety inspection approval (if required by destination). We provide technical specs/documentation to support your import application. Typical timeline: 5-10 business days with broker.
Fleet & Bulk Orders
Yes. Volume discounts: (1) 5-9 vehicles: 2% discount, (2) 10-20 vehicles: 4% discount, (3) 20+ vehicles: 5% discount. Additional benefits: Dedicated account manager, fleet inspection coordination, consolidated shipping (reduced per-unit freight), financing partner introduction, 60-day payment terms available.
Yes. For fleet orders (10+), we source tailored specifications: (1) Uniform color/trim, (2) Specific mileage range, (3) Feature consistency, (4) Delivery timing. Lead time: 2-4 weeks vs. 1-2 weeks for mixed-inventory orders. Requires fleet specifications document; we source, inspect, and coordinate delivery.
Standard: 50% deposit, 50% before shipment. Fleet orders (15+ vehicles): Flexible terms negotiable. Options: (1) 40% deposit, 60% before shipment, (2) 30% deposit, 70% on sight of B/L, (3) L/C (Letter of Credit) for corporate buyers, (4) Staggered shipments with proportional payments. Contact sales team for custom terms.
Limited direct support, but we provide: (1) Bulk spare-parts sourcing assistance, (2) Maintenance documentation for each vehicle, (3) Warranty referral to partner service centers in East/West Africa, (4) Technical support (phone/email) for first 90 days. Extended support packages available upon request.
Payment & Security
Yes. We use bank transfer (T/T) only, which creates paper trail and buyer protection. Process: (1) You pay 50% deposit to our verified Japan bank account, (2) We confirm receipt and begin vehicle sourcing, (3) We send inspection photos/reports, (4) You approve and pay remaining 50%, (5) Vehicle ships within 48 hours. Bank details verified with our registration documents.
Full refund of deposit (100%) if: (1) Vehicle doesn’t match specifications, (2) Inspection reveals undisclosed damage, (3) You cancel before payment of 50% balance (within 48 hours of photos). No refund if you cancel after final payment—vehicle already committed for shipment. Read inspection report carefully before finalizing.
We guarantee: (1) Vehicle condition matches inspection report, (2) Mileage accurate (verified via databases), (3) No salvage/flood/accident history, (4) All export documents genuine and complete, (5) Vehicle successfully clears Japan customs for export. If any guarantee violated, we replace vehicle or full refund (minus 5% admin fee). Guarantee valid 30 days from ship date.
Dispute resolution: (1) Contact us within 7 days of receipt with photos/evidence, (2) We request independent inspection (cost split 50/50), (3) If inspector agrees with your claim, we replace vehicle or refund, (4) If inspector disagrees, dispute goes to arbitration (Japan International Arbitration—binding). Most disputes resolved within 14 days.
Company Information & Credentials
Founded 2013 (13+ years experience). Based in Tokyo with operations in Yokohama, Kobe, and regional offices in Nairobi (Kenya), Lagos (Nigeria), and Dar es Salaam (Tanzania). We’ve exported 2.1+ million vehicles across 60+ countries. Certified by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure & Transport (MLIT).
Yes. Registered as: (1) CAR IN JAPAN CO., LTD. (Tokyo Corporate Registry), (2) Licensed exporter with Japan MLIT, (3) Customs-approved export agent, (4) Member of Japan Automotive Exporters Association, (5) ISO 9001 certified (quality management). Full credentials available upon request.
Yes. Regional representatives in: (1) Nairobi, Kenya – handles East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda), (2) Lagos, Nigeria – handles West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon), (3) Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – handles Southern Tanzania & Mozambique. Contact regional reps for local payment/logistics coordination.
Verify via: (1) Contact MLIT (Japan Ministry of Transport) – search registration, (2) Check Japan Automotive Exporters Association membership, (3) Video call with our Tokyo office (schedule on website), (4) Request client references from established African importers, (5) Verify bank details with Japan bank directly. We welcome verification—transparency builds trust.
Vehicle Delivery & Beyond
Your responsibility begins: (1) Customs clearance at destination port, (2) Pay import duties/taxes (assessed by destination customs), (3) Inspection by destination-country authorities (if required), (4) Transport from port to your location. We provide: (1) Release letter to customs, (2) Technical documentation, (3) Recommended customs brokers in your region. Typical port-to-ownership: 3-7 days.
Yes, optional service. We coordinate with regional logistics partners: (1) Truck transport to Nairobi/inland Kenya: $400-600, (2) Transport to Lagos/Southwest Nigeria: $300-500, (3) Transport to Dar/inland Tanzania: $350-550. Delivery time: 1-3 days depending on distance. Cost quoted separately; optional.
Warranty: 30-day mechanical inspection warranty (covers hidden defects discovered post-delivery). After 30 days: No direct warranty, but you own vehicle and can service at any Japanese-brand dealer. We provide: (1) Comprehensive maintenance manual, (2) Spare-parts sourcing assistance (phone/email), (3) Technical support (90 days), (4) Recommendations for local service partners. Extended warranty packages available for $200-400.
No—registration is your responsibility per local rules. But we provide: (1) Complete documentation package, (2) Clear title transfer documents, (3) Technical specifications for registration application, (4) Recommended local registration brokers in major cities (Nairobi, Lagos, Dar). Typical registration cost: $100-300 depending on country.
No direct trade-in, but we occasionally buy back well-maintained vehicles (2-5 years post-export, under 200,000km) at wholesale price. We also partner with African dealers for resale assistance—if you want to resell fleet vehicles, we facilitate dealer connections and pricing guidance. Not a guarantee, but available upon request.
Once vehicle ships (bill of lading issued), cancellation not possible—you’re legally obligated as buyer under FOB terms. Your options: (1) Accept shipment as contracted, (2) Sell/transfer shipment rights to another buyer (we assist for $100 fee), (3) Arrange insurance claim if condition issues post-shipment (insured vehicles only). Plan carefully before final payment.
96% repeat-customer rate (verified by industry surveys). Most complaints resolved within 14 days. Common issues: (1) Minor cosmetic damage in transit (<2% of shipments), (2) Late arrivals due to port delays (covered by tracking), (3) Customs processing delays (your broker responsibility). 98% of customers report satisfaction in post-delivery surveys.
Yes! Referral program: Introduce a new customer → you earn $100-500 commission (depending on vehicle value) once their order completes. No limit on referrals. Payments via bank transfer within 30 days of delivery. Refer traders, dealers, logistics companies—everyone qualifies.
Contact options: (1) Website: carinjapan.com, (2) Email: sales@carinjapan.com, (3) Phone: +81-90-XXXX-XXXX (Tokyo office), (4) WhatsApp: +254-7XX-XXXXX (Nairobi office), (5) Schedule video consultation: calendly.com/carinjapan. Response time: <24 hours for emails, immediate for phone/WhatsApp.
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