In today’s society, cars have become one of the most important necessities in our day to day living. Along with being a necessity, they also give a sense of status within the community. However the price of brand new cars can mean obtaining your desired vehicle is out of reach for many.
This is where the used Japanese car market comes in by providing many consumers the opportunity to fulfill the desire to own a near new, low mileage, quality car in great condition for a fraction of the price of a new vehicle.
Why Are There So Many Relatively New Japanese Cars On The Market?
In Japan the costs involved with registering your vehicle go up dramatically after its fourth year, so it is in the best interests of the owner to purchase a new vehicle on a regular basis to avoid these increased costs. This process not only provides Japan with a large export market, but also protects and enhances the new car marketplace in-house.
As a result of this constant movement of vehicles, Japan has developed a lucrative export market which leads to around 1.5 million cars (2017) leaving Japan for off shore markets each year. This figure continues to grow year on year, with the used car market expanding at a rapid pace.
5 Advantages Behind The Demand For Used Cars
All this demand for used cars must be for a reason right? Here are the top 5 benefits to buying a Japanese imported car.
- High Quality. Japanese used cars go through strict inspection standards in Japan, so you can trust the condition and quality are accurate according to the reports on the vehicle. It is not in the overall interest of Japan’s second hand market to skimp on this process.
- Affordability. Not all buyers are able to afford brand new cars, they have to look to an alternative market and the used car market provides a relatively new vehicle with many features consumers require at very good value for money.
- Durability And Reliability. Japanese cars are known to be reliable when it comes to major issues regarding mechanical breakdown. In fact, most owners of used Japanese vehicles report being able to drive 200,000 to 300,000 kilometres before major repairs are required and warranties can be purchased through car dealerships.
- Additional Features. Many Japanese imported cars come with various high spec features which today's drivers expect in a vehicle, including heated seats, electric windows, air conditioning (many with dual zone systems), all-wheel drive, cruise control, child safety locks, optional sunroofs and the list goes on.
- Resale Value. Because of all of the these extra qualities and features Japanese imported cars tend to hold their resale value well, and in fact are often sort after in many countries like the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand and Australia.
Who Buys Japanese Used Cars?
The popularity of the Japanese used car market is not restricted to just a handful of countries. There is around 1.5million used vehicles exported to over 160 countries throughout the world, with the highest number of cars going to UAE, New Zealand, Myanmar, Chile, Pakistan, Kenya, South Africa, Russia, Tanzania, Mongolia, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Jamaica, Bangladesh and Uganda taking around one million of those.
Most of these countries have been importing vehicles for many many years indicating the demand for good quality, tidy, well priced vehicles is an ongoing requirement of consumers across the world.
With so many countries importing Japanese used cars, this has in turn opened other markets directly related to the importing of Japanese cars in their country of destination. These include an increase in the number of shipping companies, compliance centres, vehicle transporters, valets, car audio accessories providers and of course the extra car sale yards needed to bring these cars to the market.
What Are The Most Popular Exported Used Car Brands?
Of all the cars exported the ones mentioned in this list will probably come as no surprise, they continue to be popular and all bring to the market a range of vehicles in differing motor and body sizes which meets the market demand. The most popular Japanese exported car brands are:
- Toyota
- Honda
- Nissan
- Mazda
- Mitsubishi
- Suzuki
- Subaru
- BMW
- Audi
- Mercedes
- VW
- Volvo
In conclusion the used car market has, and continues to, occupy a tremendous space globally providing a number of benefits to buyers in countries all over the world. As we all know at the end of the day money matters to buyers and this is why many people opt for used vehicles as compared to new ones despite the ever increasing average car values.