Frequently Asked Questions
Why do Japanese cars have such low mileage?
Japan’s world-class public transit and walkable urban design mean most people commute by train—often fully subsidized by employers. High parking fees, tolls, and running costs also make daily driving impractical. Consequently, most personal vehicles are reserved for weekend use, keeping average mileage remarkably low.
How does the auction bidding process work?
You send us your maximum bid, and we bid on your behalf (live or auto). Auctions last 10–30 seconds, and the highest bidder wins. You’ll pay just above the second-highest bid (e.g. if second is ¥700,000 and your max is ¥800,000, you might win at ¥705,000). Each car has a reserve price — if it’s not reached, the car is unsold. If you’re the only bidder to reach it, you win at the reserve price.
Do you physically inspect the car before export?
Yes, if you select our Pre-Export Vehicle Report, our team will physically inspect the car and document its condition in detail before it ships. Alternatively, clients looking to minimize inland transport costs can opt for Direct-to-Port delivery, where the vehicle goes straight from the auction to the port based on the auction house’s verified grading report.
How common are shipping delays?
While most shipments depart on schedule, international ocean freight schedules are dynamic and subject to factors beyond our direct control—such as adverse weather, port congestion, or carrier route adjustments.
Shipping lines occasionally add, delay, or cancel sailings at short notice. We actively track your vessel’s status and notify you immediately of any schedule updates as soon as they are confirmed by the carrier.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept international bank wire transfers directly to our Japanese corporate bank account in Japanese Yen (JPY). While standard commercial banks can execute the transfer, specialized currency transfer platforms often offer lower transaction fees and superior exchange rates. Contact our team if you would like recommendations on the most economical transfer methods available for your region.
Do you charge inbound payment receiving fees?
No. Although Japanese financial institutions charge an incoming receiving fee (approx. ¥2,500 JPY) on international wire transfers, Robust Auto absorbs this cost on all vehicle purchases and initial deposits. For smaller payments under ¥50,000 JPY, we also accept Wise and PayPal with zero incoming handling fees.
Is the security deposit refundable?
Yes. Your deposit is refundable upon request at any time prior to winning a vehicle. If you choose not to proceed, we will return your funds promptly. Please note that a flat ¥5,000 JPY processing fee is deducted from the total refund to cover outbound international wire transfer charges and banking transaction fees.
Should I avoid R-grade auction cars?
Not necessarily. In Japanese auto auctions, “R” stands for “Repaired,” meaning the car underwent prior accident repair; it is not a salvage or branded title. The grade covers everything from minor bolt-on structural panel replacements to major repairs. Because the exact nature and location of the repair are clearly mapped out by official auction inspectors, well-repaired R-grade cars often represent incredible value without compromising mechanical quality.
Can I trust the mileage on Japanese auction cars?
Yes. Japanese auto auctions thoroughly inspect every vehicle and record the odometer status directly on the auction sheet, clearly identifying any rollbacks or instrument replacements. Because most tampering happens after vehicles leave Japan via dishonest third-party dealers, purchasing directly through the auction guarantees full transparency—allowing you to bid exclusively on cars with genuine, verified mileage.
Do you ship via Container or RORO?
We support both shipping methods. RORO (Roll-on/Roll-off) is generally recommended because it is the most cost-effective and secure option, utilizing the same dedicated vehicle carriers trusted by new car manufacturers. However, if your destination, vehicle condition, or specific cargo requires container shipping, we will advise you accordingly and provide competitive quotes for both options.
How quickly do you book shipping after purchase?
We schedule your shipment the same day we receive the vehicle’s export documentation (deregistration title) from the auction house or seller. Our streamlined logistics process ensures your car is booked onto the earliest available departure vessel with zero administrative delays.
How long will it take to receive my vehicle?
From auction win to port arrival, the total timeframe is typically 5 to 10 weeks, broken down into two stages:
- Preparation & Export Departure (3–5 weeks): Securing documentation, domestic transport to the port, export customs clearance, and vessel loading.
- Ocean Transit (2–5 weeks): Sailing time varies depending on your destination country and carrier route schedules.
We will provide an estimated arrival date (ETA) and vessel tracking information as soon as your booking is confirmed.
Can I have the car serviced before it ships?
Yes. Pacific Coast Auto works closely with trusted local mechanics and specialist shops to handle any servicing, routine maintenance, or upgrades prior to export. Japanese OEM and aftermarket parts are widely available and often significantly cheaper locally. This optional service ensures your car arrives fully sorted and ready to drive or resell immediately upon arrival.
How long do I have to pay for an invoice?
Full payment—covering the vehicle, export fees, and ocean shipping—must clear into our account within 7 calendar days of purchase. Because international wire transfers typically take 2 to 4 business days to process (excluding weekends and banking holidays), we advise initiating your payment within 3 business days of winning the vehicle to ensure uninterrupted logistics.
Can you handle export-only logistics for a vehicle?
If you are purchasing a car from a Japanese dealership, yes—we can handle the transaction, title transfer, and export while saving you Japan’s 10% domestic consumption tax (subject to our standard ¥100,000 JPY export fee).
However, if you already own the vehicle in Japan and solely need shipping, working directly with an independent freight forwarder is generally more cost-effective, as handling it through our agency requires an unnecessary corporate title transfer and service fee.
What are the advantages of using an auction agent?
Working with an auction agent gives you direct access to Japan’s nationwide wholesale dealer auctions, bypassing middleman markups and importer margins. This allows you to secure higher-grade vehicles at true market value—often 10% to 20% below standard retail dealer prices—while enjoying complete transparency and a vastly wider selection of vehicles.