HOW PURCHASING YOUR VEHICLE FROM JAPAN AUTO AUCTIONS WORKS

 Share with us type of vehicle you are looking for either by messaging us or schedule an importation consult through the links above

 After the call, if you choose to proceed, we require a signed agency agreement and a $500 refundable deposit. Payment options include ACH, bank transfer, or credit card (with a 3.5% transaction fee).

Selection :  We’ll send you photos and details, including a translated Japanese auction sheet, of vehicles that match your criteria.

Bidding : If you’re interested in a listing, we’ll suggest a maximum bid based on auction data. Agreeing to this bid requires an additional 50% deposit (invoice emailed to you) before we place the bid.

Winning : If we win, the remaining balance is due within 24 hours. We then handle importation and delivery to the nearest port, with options for self-pickup or arranged delivery.

Outbidding : If outbid, you can choose to refund or transfer the 50% deposit to your ‘wallet’ for future auctions.

Timing : Auctions typically start at 04:00 PM PST and last just 7 seconds.

Bidding Mechanism : The winning bid is the second-highest bidder’s amount plus one increment. For example, if your max is 900,000 yen and the next highest is 500,000 yen, you win at 510,000 yen.

 The current timeline from auction purchase to port delivery is approximately 45 days, subject to change.

Vehicle Cost: Variable

Japan Side Cost: $1500 (includes auction fees, domestic transport, deregistration, and exportation)

Roll On Roll Off - Ocean Freight: $1800

Customs: $400 + 25% tax on kei trucks/vans or 2.5% on cars and passenger vans

Oiwa Service Fee: $1589 + 10% of vehicle cost

Port Pickup and Delivery: $350 + $1.25/mile

Auction House Fees and Export Customs Clearance

At OIWA, we believe in transparency, especially when it comes to costs. Fees can vary based on the auction house, section of the auction house, export yard, and vehicle size. For instance, USS auction houses' Meisha section imposes an extra 10,000 yen for winning bids. Oversized vehicles like campers or firetrucks, exceeding a specific volume, also attract an additional fee of 10,000 yen. We ensure all potential costs are communicated clearly to our bidders before they enter the auction. Inland transportation fees are determined by the distance and the size of the vehicle.

The Thrill of Simultaneous Bidding

Japanese car auctions are a dynamic and high-energy marketplace, offering a plethora of fantastic deals. Bidding here is a rapid-fire process, with numerous bids placed within seconds, all in real time. During peak times, "simultaneous bidding" may occur, where multiple bids are entered at the exact same moment. In these instances, bids are electronically queued, and it's possible for your bid to exceed your maximum by up to JPY20,000. While rare, this ensures you don't miss out on a sought-after vehicle. Although you might pay slightly more than anticipated, securing your dream car makes it worthwhile.

Variability in Additional Costs

We also have several variable costs to consider:

• Pre-bidding inspections by third parties: $150
• Auction negotiation fee: ¥10,000 (if applicable)
• Disposal fees for inner cargo (as most carriers no longer accept these)
• Country-specific additional inspections
• Storage fees beyond 30 or 45 days: 700-900 yen per day, depending on the port yard and vehicle size
• Change in export yard leading to additional transport costs
• Re-entry fee for vehicles in auctions: ¥40,000
• An extra ¥40,000 deposit for bids on uninspected vehicles (avoidable with third-party inspection)
• Vehicle washing at port: ¥30,000
• Professional vehicle measurement ¥25,000 ~ ¥45,000

At OIWA, we're committed to making your import experience as smooth and transparent as possible. Feel free to contact us at 562-661-8859 for any queries or to place a bid. Join us in bringing your dream vehicle from Japan right to your driveway.