FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about buying and exporting vehicles from Japan. If you are new to the process, we recommend reading our How to Buy section first.
Buying a Vehicle
Where do you buy your vehicles?
We purchase vehicles from major automotive auction houses, reputable dealers, online auction sites, and other sources throughout Japan.
Do I need to place a deposit before you can inspect or bid on a vehicle for me?
Yes. A deposit is required before we can inspect, bid on, or purchase vehicles on your behalf.
The minimum deposit is ¥150,000 or approximately 10% of the vehicle’s expected purchase price, whichever is greater. The expected purchase price and required deposit amount are determined by us based on the vehicle and current market conditions.
Is my deposit refundable?
Yes. Your deposit is refundable prior to us purchasing a vehicle on your behalf, less any applicable bank fees or costs.
If significant work or expenses have been incurred at your request prior to a refund being requested, additional costs may apply. Please see our Terms and Conditions for complete details.
What happens if I don’t win the vehicle I bid on?
Nothing. Your deposit remains on account and we continue looking for another suitable vehicle.
We do not charge a fee simply because an auction bid was unsuccessful.
Can you tell me what a vehicle will sell for at auction?
We can provide an estimate based on our experience, current market conditions, and comparable vehicles, but no one can guarantee an auction selling price.
Ultimately, a vehicle is worth whatever bidders are willing to pay for it on that particular day.
Do I decide which vehicle you purchase?
Absolutely.
We provide you with the available information, auction sheet translations, inspection information, photos, and our feedback so you can make an informed decision.
We do not purchase a vehicle without your authorization.
How does bidding work?
Japanese automotive auctions move very quickly. A vehicle may be auctioned in only a matter of seconds.
For that reason, we must have your maximum authorized bid before the vehicle goes through the auction. There generally is not enough time to contact you or adjust your bid while the auction is taking place.
Your maximum bid should be the absolute most you are comfortable paying for that vehicle.
How quickly do I need to pay after purchasing a vehicle?
The remaining balance is due within three business days after invoicing when we purchase a vehicle on your behalf.
Vehicle Condition & Inspections
What does the information on an auction sheet mean?
Japanese auction sheets contain information about the vehicle’s condition, equipment, mileage, damage, repairs, and other observations made by the auction inspector.
We translate and review auction sheets for our clients.
For more detailed information, see our Japanese Auction Sheets and Grading Guide.
Do you inspect vehicles before bidding?
When appropriate and available, we either personally inspect the vehicle or arrange a secondary inspection before bidding.
Our goal is to provide you with as much factual information as reasonably possible so you can make an informed buying decision.
Does an inspection guarantee the condition of the vehicle?
No.
These are used vehicles, and neither an auction inspection nor a secondary inspection can guarantee that every defect or future mechanical issue will be identified.
We provide you with the best information reasonably available before purchase, but used vehicles are sold on an as-is basis.
What maintenance should I perform when my vehicle arrives?
In many cases it is impossible to determine exactly when previous maintenance was performed.
We recommend having the vehicle thoroughly inspected and serviced after arrival, including checking fluids, filters, tires, brakes, belts, hoses, battery, and other normal maintenance items before regular use.
Shipping
How will my vehicle be shipped?
Vehicles are generally shipped by RO/RO (Roll-on/Roll-off) vessel and occasionally by container.
The appropriate method depends on your destination, vehicle, number of vehicles being shipped, availability, and cost. We will discuss the available options with you.
When will my vehicle ship?
On average, it takes approximately 3–5 weeks to receive a shipping booking, although this varies by destination, carrier availability, port schedules, and other factors outside of our control.
If we have not provided you with a shipping date, it is because no confirmed sailing has been assigned yet.
We do not provide guesses or tentative sailing dates. As soon as we receive confirmed shipping information, we will provide it to you.
Unless it has been more than approximately five weeks since your purchase, there is generally no need to contact us for a shipping update, as we will not have additional information until the carrier confirms the booking.
How long does ocean shipping take?
Transit time depends on the destination, shipping route, vessel schedule, and whether the vehicle is shipped RO/RO or by container.
Contact us for an approximate transit time to your destination.
How much does shipping cost?
Shipping costs vary based on the vehicle’s size, destination, shipping method, and current carrier rates.
RO/RO shipping is commonly calculated based on the vehicle’s cubic-meter measurement (m³).
We can provide an estimated shipping cost for the specific vehicle and destination you are considering.
What documents will I receive?
After your vehicle has shipped, we will provide the applicable documents, which generally include:
- Bill of Lading
- Export Certificate
- Commercial Invoice
- Shipping insurance documentation, when applicable
- Other documents required for your destination
Importing Into Your Country
How do I know whether a vehicle is legal to import into my country?
Import laws vary considerably by country and can change.
We have experience exporting vehicles worldwide and can provide general information, but it is ultimately the buyer’s responsibility to confirm that a vehicle is eligible for importation and registration in their country or jurisdiction before purchasing it.
U.S. customers should also review our USA Importation Guide.
Does Bulldog handle customs clearance when the vehicle arrives?
Our primary responsibility is purchasing and exporting your vehicle from Japan.
Import procedures, customs clearance, duties, taxes, registration, and other destination-country requirements are generally the buyer’s responsibility unless otherwise arranged. For US customers, we do have a recommended customs broker.
We can provide the necessary Japanese export and shipping documents and general guidance based on our experience.
General Questions
What do FOB, C&F, CIF and RO/RO mean?
These are common international shipping and export terms.
Please see our Shipping Terms Glossary for definitions and additional information.
When are the Japanese automotive auctions?
Automotive auctions operate throughout Japan on most days of the week except Sunday.
There are numerous auction houses and thousands of vehicles available each week.
Still Have Questions?
If you have read our How to Buy section and FAQ and still have questions about the process or a specific vehicle, please feel free to contact us.
If you are still researching vehicles, we also recommend signing up for our Auction Mailer/Newsletter on the bottom of our site to see upcoming vehicles and get a better understanding of current availability.