The used car market is expected to grow as more consumers opt out of purchasing new cars. However, in recent years, the cost of buying a used car locally has become increasingly more expensive. This led people to realize that they could import used cars from overseas, especially Japanese used cars, at a lower cost. On top of that, many have started to notice the surprisingly high quality and affordability of used cars from Japan. Especially older classic models, their appearance can pass as dealership quality!

But that’s where you start doubting whether the mileage displayed online is real or not. That’s okay, you are just being a wise consumer! After you have finished this article, you will know whether this is the real deal or not, and you might even want to import your very own car from Japan yourself!

What is the “Shaken” Law in Japan?

Have you ever heard of the term “shaken”? Shaken (車検) is the mandatory vehicle inspection system that ensures vehicles meet the safety and emission standards. First introduced in the 1950s, the Shaken system was placed to ensure vehicle safety and environmental compliance since the number of cars on the road began to increase. Tokyo’s population grew roughly 3 million more compared to the 50s, so safety standards had to become stricter.

The vehicle inspection system (shaken or sometimes referred to as JCI inspection) has to be performed every 2 years so that all the cars on the roads are safe to drive and no illegal modifications are done to the car. 

The Shaken Law Prompts People to Sell Early

Is having low mileage on a used car a bad thing? Perhaps. It’s normal for anyone to doubt the purchase, especially in case of exporters trying to scam you or the mileage that appears on the odometer is not genuine. But in Japan, low mileage on used cars is rather normal aside from commercial vehicles like buses or larger trucks used for businesses. Usually after four or five years, a vehicle is put out of service in Japan because of the Shaken Law. 

Japanese Used Cars are Among the Lowest Priced in Asia

At this point, we all know that the prices of Japanese cars are some of the most affordable ones in Asia. It is easy for locals to frequently buy new cars once they are introduced. So, they sell off their old used cars at a very low price and the cycle repeats. It is also a part of the Japanese mindset and culture to take care of their possessions, including their car. So, it becomes easy to find a well-maintained used car at a low price in Japan.

How Does the Shaken Law Affect the Used Car Market?

Although buying a car isn’t very expensive in Japan, keeping one is. Especially in bigger cities like Osaka or Tokyo, getting a parking space is expensive and with the narrow spaces, it’s not easy to get around by car. So, most locals prefer using bicycles or the metro. With the Shaken law being stricter, you have to get a proper inspection at a recognized Shaken center before registering it.

The fee for the initial inspection isn’t too expensive but the amount of paperwork is a headache. After the initial inspection, the following ones can cost up to $2,000! Imagine having to pay for that every 2 to 3 years especially the older your car gets, the more expensive it becomes to maintain it.

The Shaken law makes it expensive for local Japanese people to keep their cars for long. But it benefits the rest of the world where the domestic used cars market is getting more expensive. In fact, in countries like the U.S., UAE, or Australia, consumers are opting to import a used car from Japan instead!

Yes, the paperwork could be frightening, and importing while inexperienced can be daunting but with reliable exporting companies like Carused.jp, the team of experts will make sure that you receive your car in a pristine condition while saving you lots! If you are still unsure, feel free to contact us and let us walk down this import journey together!

Last Updated on November 7th 2024 for accuracy and relevancy. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.