A Simple Guide to Japan Auto Auctions
Want to source used vehicles directly from the source?
Japanese car auctions offer the world’s best selection of makes, models, and conditions—but they are restricted to licensed local dealers.
Robust bridges the gap. As a certified exporter, we offer international buyers a seamless, professional gateway to these auctions. From placing proxy bids to managing the final export, we handle the logistics so you can focus on growing your inventory. Let us be your eyes and ears in Japan.
Why can’t international buyers join Japanese car auctions directly? Direct membership at major houses like USS, TAA, and CAA is legally restricted to Japan-registered businesses with a valid used article dealer license (kobutsusho) and Japanese-speaking staff. To bypass these requirements, overseas buyers partner with licensed local auction agents.
Robust Auto acts as your official gateway, managing the bidding process, verifying vehicle details, and coordinating full export services on your behalf.
Browse the Auction Listings
Fill out the AUTO AUCTION FORM above by telling us the Car Make, Year, Approximate Mileage, and the Car Color you are interested in. We’ll search the auctions and send you the best options available
Check Vehicle Condition
We send you listings of all the cars available, more than 100 auction houses hold sales across Japan, offering over 100,000 cars. New vehicles are listed every day, so check back often. Browse the listings and choose a car you would like to bid on.
Vehicle Details Translated into English
Send us the listings you’re interested in, and we will provide a complete translation. We take the time to do this thoroughly, so you know exactly what condition the car is in. If anything is unclear, please feel free to ask!
Place your Bid on the Car
Once you read the translation and decide you want the car, just let us know the highest amount you’re willing to pay. We’ll handle the bidding for you and guarantee we won’t go over your limit. If the car sells for less than your maximum bid, you only pay the actual winning price.
Winning the Bid and Making Payment
After you win, we’ll send you an invoice for the cost of the car, our service fee, and the shipping to your country. Please pay the full amount within three days.
Have us check the car for you (optional service)
For an extra 20,000 yen, you can choose our optional inspection service. We’ll have your vehicle brought to our lot for a thorough check before it’s shipped. We’ll take over 80 photos and 5 detailed videos to show you exactly what to expect. This gives you peace of mind before the car is loaded onto the ship, helps you prepare for its arrival, and makes any insurance claims much simpler.
Ocean Shipping
Your vehicle will then be transported to the port of export, where it’s prepped and loaded onto the next available vessel. We’ll notify you of the shipping date as soon as it’s confirmed, and we’ll send the vehicle title along with all required paperwork before it arrives in your country.
Almost There!
When your vehicle arrives, it needs to clear customs. Most customers hire a customs broker to handle the paperwork and make the car legal to drive in their country. For some destinations, we can recommend a broker to help you.
If this sounds complicated, don’t worry—our sales team will walk you through every step. Whether you’re buying your first car or you’re a dealer purchasing in bulk, we have the experience to help buyers at every level. No question is too basic or too complex.
When you break it down step by step, the process is actually quite simple. If you’ve been avoiding Japanese imports because they seemed too difficult, we’re here to show you how straightforward it can be.