FAQ - Frequently asked questions
Here you will find the most frequently asked questions about car import from BCJ!
• Why is it worth importing from Japan?
• In Japan, traffic drives on the left and cars are right-hand drive, right?
• Why are there left-hand drive vehicles in Japan?
• Are there left-hand drive diesel vehicles in Japan?
• When was the last service inspection performed?
• How do you inspect and test drive your vehicles?
• How much would the vehicle "XYZ" approximately cost?
• Are the vehicle prices negotiable?
• Can I use my own car as a down payment?
• What is my security when buying a car?
• How is shipping from Japan done?
• How long does it take to import a car from Japan to Germany?
• Driving a vehicle from Japan in Germany - is it legal?
• What does a "German approval" mean?
• How long does the approval process take?
• Where do I pick up the vehicle?
• What can I do if I notice errors or defects after purchasing the vehicle?
Why is it worth importing from Japan?
Importing cars from Japan offers three main advantages:
Firstly, they impress with their surprisingly low mileage, due to the short distances in Japanese cities.
Secondly, thanks to the meticulous care given by Japanese car owners, these vehicles are often in almost new condition.
Thirdly, vehicles from Japan are particularly attractive due to competitive prices and favorable exchange rates of YEN (¥) to EUR (€).
In Japan, traffic drives on the left and cars are right-hand drive, right?
Yes and yes, but we import almost exclusively left-hand drive vehicles. Nevertheless, right-hand drive JDM vehicles also receive attention from us.
Why are there left-hand drive vehicles in Japan?
Overall, there are many reasons for the popularity of left-hand drive vehicles in Japan. In addition to the higher resale value due to the export market and the prestige associated with a left-hand drive vehicle, these factors influence the decision of many Japanese to purchase such a vehicle.
Are there left-hand drive diesel vehicles in Japan?
Very very rare, left-hand drive vehicles in Japan are mostly high-powered gasoline vehicles.
What about Japan Domestic Market vehicles?
JDM vehicles also get our attention. Simply submit a request under the "Request for desired vehicle" section or simply click here: Vehicle Request
When was the last service inspection performed?
Japanese, Germans, or those who own luxury cars in general are known for being very careful with their vehicles, including service intervals and documents. At Beyond Cars Japan, we will of course give you the original documents. This means that you have sufficient evidence that the vehicle has the original mileage.
You can find information about service and maintenance for each of our vehicles at the bottom of the product page.
How do you inspect and test drive your vehicles?
Our team test drives each existing vehicle for at least 30 minutes. We bring the engine up to operating temperature and test all gears thoroughly.
How much would the vehicle "XYZ" approximately cost?
Since we specialize in the re-import of used cars, the prices of the vehicles can vary greatly. These differences are possible even for vehicles of the same manufacturer, year of manufacture and color.
If the vehicle you are interested in is not currently available in our inventory, you are welcome to submit a Vehicle Request. As soon as we have found the right vehicle, we will contact you.
Are the vehicle prices negotiable?
Please contact us if you are interested in a vehicle. Let us know your price expectations and wishes - depending on the vehicle, we may be able to find a suitable solution for you.
Can I use my own car as a down payment?
Since we are a company based in Japan and specialize in importing vehicles, we unfortunately cannot accept cars as a deposit.
For information on purchasing a vehicle and our payment methods, please see the following link: Payment Conditions
We are also happy to help you personally at any time.
What is my security when buying a car?
We place great value on transparency and trust. Your payment goes directly to our official WISE account, which is specially set up for secure transfers between Japan and Germany - without any middlemen.
For further information please see our page: Safety & Warranty
How is shipping from Japan done?
Your vehicle will be delivered to Bremerhaven by container or roll-on-roll-off transport (direct loading by moving the vehicle onto the ship). Transport by plane is rarely considered but is also possible.
How long does it take to import a car from Japan to Germany?
The time it takes to transport a vehicle from Japan to Germany varies depending on the shipping method:
- Container shipping: approx. 6-12 weeks
- Roll-on Roll-Off (RORO): approx. 6-12 weeks
- Airplane: approx. 3-14 days
Please note that these time frames are estimates and may change depending on specific circumstances.
Driving a vehicle from Japan in Germany - is it legal?
The registration of a Japanese re-import vehicle in Germany is legal. However, this depends on the vehicle type and compliance with German regulations and requirements. A successful MOT/AU is a mandatory requirement. Our existing vehicles include registration (TÜV) for Germany.
What does a "German approval" mean?
The vehicle is immediately legally registered for road traffic in Germany. So you can drive your stylish Japanese import in a relaxed manner and without any worries.
How long does the approval process take?
We are well prepared to register your vehicle. You should definitely expect it to take 1-4 weeks.
Where do I pick up the vehicle?
You can pick up your vehicle from us near Bremen. The vehicle will then be provided with your license plate.
If you can't wait, you have the opportunity to view the vehicle in person once it arrives in Germany.
What can I do if I notice errors or defects after purchasing the vehicle?
If any unexpected defects occur after the purchase that were not apparent before, we will of course be happy to help you. You can find detailed information on this on our website: Security & Warranty