Import Grades
Nowadays, it's not just the wealthy few who have access to new cars as auction houses worldwide are starting to see a rise in sales from buyers overseas. In Japan specifically, where used car auctions every hour, an international grading system allows you to know exactly what your purchase will look like before committing money on it!
It's always important to know what import grade your vehicle is before committing. This can give some insight into how well-maintained or repaired for Australian market cars might be when bought overseas!
Here's a quick guide to auction grades
- Grade 5: Showroom condition, all original body parts, low mileage.
- Grade 4.5: Excellent condition. Maybe some tiny marks.
- Grade 4: Good condition, some scratches and dents from regular use.
- Grade 3.5: Average condition with scratches and dents visible
- Grade 3: Scratches and dents, worn components, chance of rust.
- Grade 2: Badly corroded, damaged or modified.
- Grade 1: Not far away from being scrap or heavily modified.
- Grade RA or A1: Has been in a minor accident. Repaired to a good standard.
- Grade R or A: Has been in an accident and had some parts repaired or replaced.
A car's condition can be judged by its grade. Experts who know what they're doing will assign grades to cars with relative accuracy, so your purchase of a four or higher gives you peace of mind that the vehicle is in good shape.
Pre-Purchase Car Inspection
A mechanical inspection is the best way to know you're getting a good car. You need to have your mechanic take a look at it before buying, and they'll point out any problems with its current state or what might be wrong in future months/years down the road.
- Putting this off could cost more money than necessary!
GET A JAPAN VEHICLE HISTORY CHECK
If you're buying an import vehicle, then make sure to check out its odometer reading. It's a common issue for Japanese import cars in Australia to have their odometers tampered with. If you have a car from Japan and it's been imported, there is an extremely high risk of tampering with the odometer. Find out more by getting an Instant Japanese Import Car Report.
Features of Carify Japan Vehicle History Check for Japanese Import Cars
- The reported odometer in Japan and Australia
- Reported auction dates & locations
- Accident history in both Japan & Australia
- Vehicle SOLD price
- Original condition sheet & vehicle photos
- Condition Grade
Tips and tricks for choosing a goody
Make sure you fully understand all the features and specifications of a car before purchasing to avoid any future complications. For example, some Japanese imports may have different technology than Australian models, such as navigation and head units!
If possible, go for a popular make and model. When you have to repair your car, the more popular it is will make things easier and cheaper. Try to buy well-known performance vehicles, Hiace Vans or Estima people movers.
What's the deal with rust? The Japanese climate is wet and snowy, meaning that some of their vehicles will be badly affected by corrosion. Auction house names in the Carify report may help to avoid this. Always recommend a physical check underneath If the car is imported from the North Japan (Sapporo) area.
Make sure you have the correct number of seats. It is essential to check that your pink import compliance plate's seating capacity matches what's on at rego papers or through government records, so don't forget about this!
