Different types of export car dealers

There are several different types of export car dealers. Sometimes you will find single business owners who run their own company while other times you will see large corporations that handle an enormous volume of cars. Larger dealers usually cost a little more due to their additional overhead. The upside of working with a larger firm is that you have added the security of knowing you are dealing with a well established firm. You will need to decide if the extra cost is worth the peace of mind.

In an effort to give consumers confidence when purchasing export vehicles the Japanese government created the Japanese Used Motor Vehicle Exporters Association (JUMVEA). The JUMVEA has a web site where you can look up the name of exporters who are members. Members of the JUMVEA are used car exporters with excellent reputations and impeccable credibility. Member companies must have demonstrated a superior level of service over an extended period of time. This is an excellent first step in locating a high quality dealer.

Members of the JUMVEA will usually proudly display their membership on their own company web sites, and you can double check their credentials on the JUMVEA web site. There are a limited number of used car export companies who have received JUMVEA accreditation. If you purchase a used car from someone without accreditation, the following tips will be very useful: ?Look to see if the bank details for the company are listed on their web site. ?Make at least one call to the company to clear up any questions you may have. High quality companies will have a representative who will be happy to answer your questions in English, although you may need to be little patient. ?Ask for customer references. ?Only deal with dealers who honestly and straightforwardly answer any questions you may have.

The most important piece of advice is to follow your own instinct when it comes to choosing a dealer. If any part of the process just does not feel right, move on to another dealer.

Purchasing and Importing Your Used Car ?Check the Laws of Your Country Each country has its own laws about the types and numbers are cars you are able to import. These laws are usually fairly liberal, with most of them geared toward vehicle safety and emissions standards. Look into the model that you are interested in purchasing and be sure that it meets the importing regulations set by your country.

It is possible to import a car that does not meet these standards, but you will need to spend a significant amount of money in order to make it conform. If you have any questions speak with both your dealer and your local department of motor vehicles. You want to clear up any problems ahead of time so your car is not left sitting on the dock waiting for you to spend thousands of dollars on needed alterations. ?Requesting a Car Many dealers will show their car inventories on their web sites, giving you all the information as to the price and condition of the car. If the car you want is not in the dealers stock you can send them an e-mail describing the vehicle you are looking for. There is a car request form available on the web sites of most dealers.

Confirmation When you purchase a car from dealer stock you will quickly receive a confirmation of your purchase. When you request that the dealer find a specific vehicle they will send you the details of the vehicles they are able to locate at auction. You will then have the choice of confirming your purchase or requesting that they keep looking on your behalf.

Payment After you and the dealer have agreed on a specific car and the price, you need to pay the dealer. The amount you pay the dealer, as well as the method you use to pay, will vary depending on the dealer you use. Many dealers require that you pay for the vehicle 100% via wire transfer prior to either purchasing a vehicle at auction or preparing a stock vehicle for transport. Other dealers will take a small deposit initially, and then expect the balance once the car is purchased at auction or ready for shipping.

It is understandable that you may feel nervous about wiring money to someone you don't know in another country. This is why it is important to be sure that you are dealing with a legitimate firm prior to signing a contract or sending your money. One way to see if the company is legitimate is to get the company registration number and address from their web site and check with your local Japanese embassy. This process could take a while and may end up being fairly costly. Another option is to check the bank account of the company. Japan has very strict laws when it comes to bank accounts and money transfers. Companies are required to keep bank accounts in the exact name that they use to register their company.

You will need to conduct further research if you are purchasing a used car from a company that has a different name on their bank account or if you are doing business with an individual.

Delivery
 There is a great range of deliver dates, depending on where you are located. Some general guidelines are: Three days: Russia and Hong Kong Three weeks: New Zealand and Australia Four to Six weeks: All other countries

Other things that may extend these time periods are the de-registration process in Japan which proves that the previous owner has sold the vehicle and the available space on shipping heading to your port. These extra issues can add between four and six weeks to the process. ?Arrival Once your car arrives at your local port you will need to go pick it up. You will need to find a shipping agent to help you offload your vehicle and bring them the documentation you received from your dealer. The laws of your country may require that you pay an import tax, register your vehicle, have safety tests performed, and insure the vehicle. Once your car is safety in your hands, relax and enjoy the ride!