Buying a car in Japan for a holiday.

[em177]

Looking for some advice.

After going to Japan last year, and previously importing a car. It'd be a dream to go to Japan, buy a car, use for the holiday and then leave to ship home afterwords.

Has anyone got any experience of this? Main issues would be how to register, insure, etc for short term use?

[alorotom]

I assume you're talking about a new car as used/older cars in Japan or amazingly expensive which is why most seem to be exported to Europe

Also what are you looking to buy ... this could be another thorn ... I guess it's something JDM or special to warrant??

[rossub]

Presumably not an SMX this time

[em177]

alorotom said:

I assume you're talking about a new car as used/older cars in Japan or amazingly expensive which is why most seem to be exported to Europe

Also what are you looking to buy ... this could be another thorn ... I guess it's something JDM or special to warrant??

Used. Something interesting to use for a road trip over there and being back to the uk.

I've done the import bit before, but would love to have a week or 2 use out of it in Japan before sending over here.

[em177]

rossub said:

Presumably not an SMX this time

You never know what the magic of beer will bring

[samoht]

I think this would be very tricky.

When I owned a car in Japan, I had to prove I had a parking space for it. I don't see how you could do so if you're there for 2 weeks on holiday. Albeit Keis don't need this.

The registration doc etc would need a Japan address I'd have thought, too. I can't imagine them registering a car to a hotel ?

Also, the two times I transferred ownership of a car to me, it took over 2 weeks to get it sorted. I'm sure it could be quicker, but would still seem to be an issue.

Basically, there was a lot of paperwork involved in transferring ownership, and it took time. The only way I can see it working would be if you had a friend resident in Japan who could register your car as theirs, and then come with you to de-register it at the end.

At least insurance is ok, 3rd party insurance for any driver goes with the car once it has shaken, I'm fairly sure. So I think it's just a matter of getting the car registered to you.

[joefraser]

I imported from Australia just uder 12 months ago, happy to help with the UK side of things if you ever reach that point.

[Newc]

samoht said:

I think this would be very tricky.

When I owned a car in Japan, I had to prove I had a parking space for it. I don't see how you could do so if you're there for 2 weeks on holiday. Albeit Keis don't need this.

The registration doc etc would need a Japan address I'd have thought, too.

Yeah, this. You can't buy a car without a space (and the dimensions of the car have to fit the dimensions of the space!). You can't have a space without an address. You can't have an address without a resident's ID. If you can't register it you can't get a legal plate / insurance. So no go.

I assume - never came across it so I don't know for sure - there's a concept of trade plates which a dealer or exporter would have, but can't see anyone letting you use their trade details for a fortnight's jaunt around the country.

[rodericb]

em177 said:

rossub said:

Presumably not an SMX this time

You never know what the magic of beer will bring

Oh hello, is there a story here?

[rossub]

Search readers cars for a Honda SMX and you'll find it. Quite amusing.

[KarlMac]

There a number of companies that let you rent Japanese classics. I'd suggest you do this then go to auction/dealer to buy your car