Find answers to common questions about buying Japanese used vehicles
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Ordering & Purchasing
How do I order a vehicle from Seiko Auto Trading?
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Ordering a vehicle from Seiko Auto Trading is simple and straightforward:
Browse our stock: Search through our extensive inventory using filters for make, model, year, price, etc.
Send an inquiry: Click on any vehicle you're interested in and submit an inquiry form or contact us directly.
Receive a Proforma Invoice: We'll send you a detailed invoice with the vehicle price, shipping costs, and total amount.
Make payment: Transfer the required deposit or full amount to secure your vehicle.
We handle the rest: We'll prepare the vehicle, handle export documentation, and arrange shipping to your port.
You can also request us to find a specific vehicle if it's not in our current stock.
Can I request a specific vehicle that's not in your stock?
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Yes, absolutely! We offer a vehicle sourcing service where we can find specific vehicles based on your requirements. Simply tell us:
Make and model you're looking for
Preferred year range
Maximum mileage
Budget range
Any specific features or specifications
We'll search through Japanese auctions and dealer networks to find the perfect vehicle for you. This service is free of charge - you only pay if we find a vehicle you want to purchase.
What is included in the vehicle price?
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Our vehicle prices (FOB - Free On Board) typically include:
Vehicle purchase price
Auction fees (if applicable)
Domestic transportation to the port
Export inspection and documentation
De-registration in Japan
Not included: Ocean freight charges, marine insurance, import duties and taxes in your country, and local clearance fees. These are quoted separately based on your destination.
Can I inspect the vehicle before purchasing?
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While visiting Japan to inspect vehicles in person is welcome, we understand this isn't practical for most customers. We offer several alternatives:
Detailed photos and videos: We can provide additional photos and video walkarounds upon request.
Auction sheet translation: We provide translated auction sheets showing the vehicle's condition grade and any noted defects.
Third-party inspection: We can arrange for an independent inspection service to provide a detailed report (additional fee applies).
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Payment & Pricing
What payment methods do you accept?
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We accept the following payment methods:
Bank Transfer (T/T): International wire transfer to our Japanese bank account (preferred method)
PayPal: For deposits and smaller transactions
Western Union: Money transfer service
MoneyGram: Global money transfer
Bank transfer is our preferred method as it typically has lower fees and faster processing. Please note that all bank charges outside Japan are the buyer's responsibility.
Do I need to pay a deposit?
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Yes, a deposit is required to secure your vehicle and begin the export process:
Stock vehicles: $500 - $1,000 USD deposit
Auction vehicles: $1,000 - $2,000 USD deposit (required before bidding)
The balance must be paid within 5 business days of purchase confirmation. Full payment in advance is also welcome and may qualify for a small discount.
Are your prices negotiable?
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Our prices are already very competitive, but we're always willing to discuss. Factors that may allow for negotiation include:
Purchasing multiple vehicles
Being a repeat customer
Making full payment in advance
Vehicles that have been in stock for an extended period
Contact us with your best offer and we'll do our best to accommodate you.
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Shipping & Delivery
How long does shipping take?
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Shipping times vary depending on the destination port:
Southeast Asia: 2-4 weeks
Middle East / Africa: 4-6 weeks
Europe: 6-8 weeks
Americas: 4-8 weeks
Oceania: 2-4 weeks
These are estimated times from the date of shipping. Additional time is needed for vehicle preparation and booking (typically 2-3 weeks after payment is received).
What is the difference between RoRo and Container shipping?
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RoRo (Roll-on/Roll-off):
Vehicle is driven onto the ship and secured on the deck
Most economical option for single vehicles
Available to most major ports worldwide
Vehicle must be in running condition
Container Shipping:
Vehicle is loaded into a 20ft or 40ft container
Better protection during transit
Recommended for high-value or classic vehicles
Can include spare parts or additional items in the container
Ideal for multiple vehicles (2-4 per container)
Is my vehicle insured during shipping?
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We strongly recommend marine insurance for all shipments. We can arrange comprehensive marine insurance coverage at competitive rates (typically 1.5-2% of the vehicle value).
The insurance covers damage or total loss during ocean transit. Claims must be filed immediately upon receiving the vehicle at the destination port with photographic evidence.
If you decline insurance, the vehicle ships at your own risk and we cannot be held responsible for any damage during transit.
Can you ship to my country?
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We ship to most countries worldwide. Some of our popular destinations include:
Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, South Africa, Nigeria
Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait
Asia: Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
Oceania: Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea
Caribbean & Americas: Jamaica, Trinidad, Guyana, Chile, Peru
Europe: UK, Ireland, Cyprus, Russia, Georgia
Contact us with your destination port and we'll provide a shipping quote.
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Documents & Customs
What documents will I receive with my vehicle?
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You will receive the following documents, which are required for customs clearance and registration:
Original Export Certificate: Issued by Japanese Customs
Bill of Lading (B/L): Shipping document showing vehicle details and consignee
Commercial Invoice: Stating the vehicle value for customs purposes
De-registration Certificate: Proof the vehicle has been de-registered in Japan
Inspection Certificate: If required by your country
Documents are typically sent via courier (DHL/FedEx) once the vessel departs Japan.
Do you provide inspection certificates?
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Yes, we can provide the following inspection certificates based on your country's requirements:
JAAI (Japan Auto Appraisal Institute): Pre-export inspection
JEVIC: Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center
QISJ: Quality Inspection Services Japan
Roadworthy Certificates: For specific destinations
Inspection fees vary depending on the certificate type. Please inform us of your country's requirements when placing your order.
Will I need to pay import duties?
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Yes, import duties and taxes are payable in your country and are not included in our prices. The amount varies significantly by country and may include:
Import duty (based on vehicle value or engine size)
VAT or sales tax
Environmental levies
Registration fees
We recommend consulting with a local customs broker or clearing agent in your country to understand the exact costs before purchasing.
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Auctions
Can you bid on vehicles at Japanese auctions for me?
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Yes! We have access to all major Japanese auto auctions including USS, TAA, HAA, JU, CAA, and many more. Our auction service includes:
Access to thousands of vehicles weekly
Translated auction sheets with condition grades
Professional bidding on your behalf
Post-auction inspection before purchase confirmation
A refundable deposit is required before we can bid. If we don't win or you decide not to proceed, the deposit is returned minus any applicable fees.
How do auction grades work?
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Japanese auction grades provide a standardized way to assess vehicle condition:
Grade S: Like new condition, minimal mileage
Grade 6: Excellent condition, very minor wear
Grade 5: Very good condition, clean vehicle
Grade 4.5: Good condition, minor scratches or dents
Grade 4: Average condition, some wear visible
Grade 3.5: Below average, noticeable wear/damage
Grade 3: Fair condition, needs some repair
Grade R/RA: Repaired accident damage
We recommend Grade 4 or higher for most buyers. The interior is graded separately (A, B, C, D) with A being the best.
Still Have Questions?
Our customer service team is here to help you with any questions you may have.