FAQ

Congratulations for discovering the best route for privately importing a used car from Japan! You will now need to email us and request to simply be put on the daily email list for your model of your desired car. We are the Major UK used vehicle Importer / Supplier for more than 30 years and supply to the UK trade, you have the opportunity to import under trade conditions and save thousands of pounds! Here are some help points below on the most commonly asked questions and below are a series of FAQ’s.

UK customers wishing to purchase a used vehicle from Japan have a couple of alternatives. They can check used vehicle sites within the UK, but these outlets are often very limited in stock choice and rather expensive. A simple search via the internet will display thousands of vehicles with far better specifications and very attractive prices on offer in Japan. Of course the problem is then just how does a customer in the UK buy and import the vehicle. UK customers can purchase from the ‘Export Agents Network’ or the Japanese Auctions which are every day except Sunday. The Export Agents network has over 350 Agents, they are authorised and approved to arrange sales of used 3rd party vehicles for export Globally and to the UK.  The Export Agents rarely own these vehicles but are authorised to sell on behalf of dealerships via the network. To proceed you cannot simply purchase the vehicle, you will need an Agent. Most Agents are Japan based and will assist you in the Japan purchase and freight but then you need to proceed on the importation, customs clearances and payment, Port release, UK conformity, MOT and UK registration. Algys Autos are UK members of this network and being UK based will facilitate on the entire system, both Japan side and UK. The Export Agents rarely see the 3rd party vehicles and act as intermediary only. The network will add only authorised vehicle dealerships and them being represented for sale and export by an Agent is financially very worthwhile and also a great benefit to the dealership to have this avenue at their disposal. To misuse or abuse the trust of the network could mean removal, which of course would mean a long-term disadvantage. The advantage of the export network system over the Japan auction system, is one of detail. The customer would get far more detail and photographs of the vehicle than if it were in an auction. Typically, at Japanese auction you would get 3x photographs and an independent inspection sheet. Via the export network you can expect 30+ photographs, plus of course more time to ask a question regarding the vehicle. Algys Autos has access to both systems and can assist the customer in any level of enquiry regarding the purchase and import of any used japan located vehicle into the UK.

The Japanese auctions are, on average, 10 auctions per day with as many as 14,000 units in any 1 auction. Agents attend every auction and can arrange a physical inspection of the vehicle. The bidding must be done via an Agent and only Agents or invited guests can attend the auction. A person cannot simply walk into a Japanese auction site unauthorised or uninvited.  An agent can bid on more than one vehicle for a customer and take instructions as to the ceiling of the bid. Be aware that it is a contract and must be honoured on a successful bid. A customer cannot instruct a bid on any unit unless they pay the fully Agent’s fee in advance. The fee varies between Agents and it will also depend on the value of the vehicle bid. Generally, It will start from £500 per unit for the Agents fee.

You are welcome of course to call us at any time for further un-obligated assistance. See our ‘Contact’ page.

F.A.Q: (For Auctions) For ALL – purchases READ and understand the T&C’s sent to you.

1. I see Japan auctions with some photos and an auction inspection sheet, what does the auction sheet mean? A: It is an independent subjective inspection showing the age, mileage, model and any faults or salient points. The report is very precise and ‘picky’. They highlight even the smallest mark, scratch or stain. It is in Japanese language and you will need to request a translation. Most Agents can do this for you and advise.
2. What do the letters on the Japan auction inspection sheet mean? A: U is a dent, B is a pointed dent like a Supermarket Trolley dent. A is scratch. The numbers next to any letter is the degree or severity starting at 1 and finishing at 4.
3. What is the Auction Grading? A. Grading is given by an independent vehicle examiner appointed by the auction hall, it can vary from auction venue and inspector, but generally it is recognised numbering. It is: S is brand New, 0 or delivery mileage, it is then 0-5, with 5 being ‘As New’. It then declines in .5 increments. 4 is very good and 3.5 is about average. Expect a 3.5 for a 10 year old car with age-related marks and dinks. Interior is graded A-E. A is ‘As New’. Expect C as average, B is above average. ‘R’ Grade is replacement parts or panels, normally with manufacturers approved but we need to inspect the part/panel.
4. What is the price next to the comments? A. That is a guide price OTR UK (On the Road UK). It is a simple guide and you can bid up or down from the guide.
5. What does the On The Road (OTR) UK guide price include? A. It includes the purchase price in Japan, all necessary export transportation and documentation, Freight to UK, Import duties and Vat, UK conformity testing, Mot (Subject to pass) & UK Registration.
6. Does the OTR price include the Agent fee? A. No. The Agent fee is separate (£420)
7. What other fees should I add? A. None except UK Road tax for the Vehicle at the current rate.
8. Is the OTR UK price as suggested, a quote? A. No, it never can be as it is an auction, it is a simple guide to help you place a bid and avoid you trying to calculate the additional fees.
9. How do I calculate the Japan auction bid price? A.  That will always depend on the Agent that you employ. If it is a Japan based agent, he will have no idea as to the additional fees that the UK customer will face, such as import duties, port fees, conformity and UK registration. If it is a reputable UK agent with knowledge they can calculate those additional fees and give you a far better idea of the Japan auction bid to place. With a good UK based Agent the customer would state desired OTR UK price and the Agent will calculate and arrange the Japan auction bid.
10. What if the auction bid is insufficient of the Japan reserve selling price? A. You won’t buy the car and it would remain unsold or sold to a higher bidder.
11. What if the bid high and won within my bid price? A. The bidder will pay the winning bid price regardless of your ceiling bid.
12. Can a UK custome bid without paying the Agent fee? A. No, they may get auction vehicle details but unable to bid or ask for inspections
13. How many attempts can a customer have to bid in the Japan auctions? A. Unlimited, as long and as many as the customer wishes
14. What if I never succeed in any bidding? A. The Agent Fee is refunded in full (less any Paypal or credit card charge that may have been made)
15. When do I bid? A. Japan is 8 or 9 hours +GMT. You must bid the evening before the Japan auction at the latest to be sure of a bid submission
16. Are all cars inspected prior to Auction bidding? A. This will depend on your Agent that you appoint, some do not arrange an inspection and bid according to the first inspection sheet. You need to request your Agent to ask for additional inspection, Algys Autos can advise on this.
17. How long does this take? A. Generally from Japan purchase to UK drive 12-15 weeks. (Unless circumstances beyond the agents control such as manpower strikes, vessel unserviceable, war, port closure etc). These factors are rarely known in advance and whilst disappointing, they are out of the control of any Agent
18. Do I need to do anything at all? A. No. We take care of the entire procedure from purchase to UK Drive. We can even deliver to your door.
19. What if I see a car on an email orJapan auction site and I want more details? A. Then you need to speak to your Agent, if it is Algys Autos, Either Pick up the phone and call or email us, a member of staff will be on-hand to assist. 01803 391142
20. What if I don’t fully understand the Auction Inspection Report? A. Either Phone or email and ask, experienced staff will always answer your questions.

Should I do anything else? A. You should always read the Terms and Conditions in the link above and before you commit read and understand the T&C’s sent to you via email for reading and signature. Algys Autos and A1 Auto Imports never own these vehicles, they are the property of 3rd parties overseas. We act as Agent Only and accept NO liability for any faults or omissions whatsoever, and any description is from a 3rd party, we act as intermediary only. That applies to all vehicles regardless if from Japan Auctions or 3rd party Export Agents.