With the Japanese yen constantly low, lately even falling under 5, Japanese used automobiles have develop into considerably cheaper for Hong Kong fans of JDM (Japanese Home Market) fashions. Japan gives all kinds of used automobiles, from Ok-Automobiles to basic fashions and varied hybrids, lots of which aren’t accessible by Hong Kong sellers. Need one thing distinctive that catches everybody’s eye? Kwiksure shares the method and prices of shopping for Japanese used automobiles, together with 5 ideas for bidding on nice offers.
Japanese Used Automotive Public sale Course of and Prices
Step 1: The place to View Japanese Used Automobiles
Most Japanese used automobiles imported to Hong Kong come from USS Tokyo auctions, the place autos are graded by third events, making it simpler for consumers to evaluate their high quality. Nevertheless, USS is just accessible to trade professionals, so common consumers cannot entry public sale particulars straight and should depend on Hong Kong parallel importers with USS memberships to supply info.
Different Japanese used automobile public sale websites embody JPAuc, JP Heart, and Yahoo! JAPAN Auctions (Buyee in Chinese language). Be aware that some Yahoo! JAPAN automobiles are personal transactions with much less dependable high quality, counting on sellers’ self-reported car grades, which may be riskier.
Step 2: How one can Assess Japanese Used Automobiles
Japanese used automobile public sale listings embody a grading sheet (situation report) that helps consumers perceive the car’s situation. The report contains primary particulars equivalent to mannequin, mileage, and colour, with an total grade within the higher proper nook. The grade is given by a third-party evaluator based mostly on the automobile’s situation, together with the physique, inside, and elements. Grades vary from R, 1 to six, and S, offering essential reference for abroad consumers who cannot examine the car in individual.
Sometimes, public sale automobiles are graded 3.5 or above, with grades above 6 indicating almost new situation and better costs. Grades 4-5 are extra fairly priced and normally do not require main repairs after arriving in Hong Kong. Listed below are some grading standards:
Total Score
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Standing
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6
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Mileage below 30,000 km, like new, no repairs wanted
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5
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Mileage below 60,000 km, well-maintained, no repairs wanted
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4
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Mileage below 150,000 km, no vital collision injury, minor physique scratches
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3
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Common situation or has undergone main repairs
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Along with total grading, the report contains particulars on physique imperfections, with varied indicators equivalent to scratches (A), dents (U), restore marks (P/W), fading/peeling (P), rust (S), and corrosion (C), with subcategories indicating the severity.
Step 3: Negotiating the Highest Bid Value
As soon as you’ve got chosen a car, negotiate with a Hong Kong parallel importer in regards to the bidding course of. Since bidding is time-sensitive and accomplished inside minutes, it is best to agree on the utmost acceptable bid worth beforehand. After confirming the bidding settlement, a purchase order contract ought to be signed, and a deposit paid, which normally ranges from HK$10,000 to HK$50,000 relying on the car worth. The deposit will likely be deducted from the ultimate automobile worth in case you win the bid.
Make sure that the contract specifies what occurs to the deposit if you don’t win the bid, equivalent to persevering with to bid on different autos or getting a refund.
Step 4: Prepare Supply and Delivery
After efficiently successful the car, the parallel importer will deal with the native supply course of in Japan, together with paying for the automobile, choosing it up, and arranging transport to the dock. This course of normally takes about two to a few weeks.
Step 5: Publish-Arrival Procedures in Hong Kong
Delivery from Japan to Hong Kong usually takes simply over a month. As soon as the car arrives, the parallel importer will handle the required procedures, together with customs declaration, emission testing, and changing parts to fulfill Hong Kong laws (e.g., black home windows or seatbelt labels). After passing inspection, you possibly can organize insurance coverage and register the car with the Transport Division. As soon as all is full, you possibly can drive it on Hong Kong roads.
Private Import Procedures
In the event you plan to bid on a automobile and import it your self, that you must deal with supply and transport preparations after the public sale in Japan. Nevertheless, registration in Hong Kong is essential, so right here’s a information for post-arrival procedures. Be aware that you need to submit an import declaration and supporting paperwork to Hong Kong Customs inside 30 days of the import. You need to additionally apply for preliminary registration with the Transport Division and search approval/exemption from the Environmental Safety Division for car emissions and noise requirements. It’s really helpful to verify these necessities earlier than bidding.
Step 1: Submit Import Declaration
Submit the import declaration type on-line by the “First Registration Tax System” web site or ship it in individual to the Hong Kong Customs Motor Automobile Valuation Part, together with the next paperwork:
Supporting Paperwork:
- Producer and distributor invoices/cost receipts
- Insurance coverage certificates/receipt/bill (if accessible)
- Automobile registration paperwork earlier than import/export certificates (if accessible)
- Different related paperwork (certificates, inspection completion certificates, and so forth., if accessible)
Delivery Paperwork:
- Invoice of lading/air waybill/Hong Kong import cargo listing
- Arrival discover/pickup slip
- Packing listing and freight bill (if accessible)
Step 2: Submit Automobile Inspection Paperwork
After finishing car inspections with the Transport Division and Environmental Safety Division, submit the inspection paperwork to Customs.
Step 3: Customs Valuation
Be aware that Customs will assess the car based mostly on its market worth, age, and authentic retail worth, not simply the acquisition worth. Customs will problem a “Provisional Taxable Worth Discover.” In the event you settle for the valuation, you possibly can pay the preliminary registration tax and acquire license plates from the Transport Division. In the event you disagree with the valuation, you possibly can request a overview in writing with ample causes.
Prices of Japanese Used Automotive Auctions
When buying a Japanese public sale automobile by a parallel importer, pay attention to extra prices past the car worth. For instance, for a 2021 Honda Freed, the estimated prices are as follows:
Estimated Prices:
Automobile Value (2021 Honda Freed)
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¥2,000,000 (approx. HK$100,000)
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Miscellaneous Prices (Japan)
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Public sale home charges, native transport, and transport to Hong Kong, and so forth. (approx. HK$13,000)
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Miscellaneous Prices (Hong Kong)
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Inspection, car registration, authorities paperwork, towing, parking charges, and dealing with charges, and so forth. (approx. HK$13,000)
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Alternative of Hong Kong Compliance Components (e.g., black home windows, seatbelt labels)
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approx. HK$3,000
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Preliminary Registration Tax
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approx. HK$75,000
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Whole Automobile Price
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HK$204,000
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*Preliminary Registration Tax: Calculated based mostly on the taxable worth decided by Hong Kong Customs at completely different tax charges:
- First HK$150,000: 46%
- Subsequent HK$150,000: 86%
- Subsequent HK$150,000: 115%
- Remaining quantity: 132%
Be Cautious of Traps in Japanese Used Automotive Auctions
Some parallel importers promote “all-inclusive” offers, however watch out for potential additional prices or poor transactions. Listed below are some ideas:
- Particular car sorts like four-wheel drives or hybrids might incur extra prices for inspection in Hong Kong.
- Storage charges whereas ready for transport or after arrival in Hong Kong.
- Autos might accumulate dust or injury throughout transport, so request primary cleansing earlier than supply.
- Specify the gasoline degree upon supply.
- Make clear dealing with and obligations for any injury throughout transport.
- If involved about odometer tampering, refurbishing, or doubts in regards to the grading sheet, think about using paid verification companies.
Really helpful Japanese Used Automotive Web sites
Bayauc
Established in 1977, Bayauc was the primary on-line public sale web site for used automobiles, requiring membership and providing a vendor ranking system. It’s a serious public sale home in western Japan with auctions held each Wednesday, that includes round 2,000 autos and almost 35,000 collaborating corporations.
USS
Additionally operates on a membership foundation, with Hong Kong consumers accessing information by parallel importers. USS is one among Japan’s largest and most clear public sale homes, extensively utilized by used automobile sellers.
JPAuc
Provides an English interface and auctions each enterprise day, making it simpler to search out desired automobiles and perceive market costs.
GAZOO
Options over 43,000 listings with 360-degree views and situation experiences. It additionally gives paid home transport companies in Japan.
JP Heart
Aggregates listings from varied Japanese auctions, detailing public sale dates and occasions, and offering latest transaction costs for comparable fashions.
Carsensor.web
Lists over 400,000 used automobiles with distinctive options like undercarriage photographs to verify for rust.
5 Ideas for Bidding on Nice Offers
- Respected Public sale Websites
Select respected public sale websites to make sure the reliability of the grading sheets.
- Grading Assurance
Go for automobiles graded 4 or above to keep away from potential mechanical points not seen from the report.
- Mileage
Increased mileage signifies extra put on and tear, growing the chance of repairs.
- Automobile Age Restrict
Keep away from autos older than 7 years until they’ve low mileage or are basic fashions.
- Examine Configurations
Japanese automobiles might have superior options; search for lively security techniques, exterior decorations, and high-quality wheels.
*Supply: Hong Kong Customs