Are left-hand drive vehicles available in Japan?

Yes, left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are available, primarily as foreign luxury cars like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. LHD vehicles from Japanese brands are rare, typically limited to large SUVs imported from the USA.

Why does Japan have right-hand drive vehicles and drive on the left side?

Japan drives on the left side because of historical practices from the Samurai era, where they walked on the left to protect their sword arm. This tradition has continued, even though Japan was never an English colony.

Which foreign models are usually found in left-hand drive?

High-end models from brands like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are commonly found in LHD. Entry-level models, like an Audi A1, are usually right-hand drive, while luxury models, such as the Mercedes S-Class, are often left-hand drive.

How can I identify a left-hand drive vehicle in Japanese auctions?

First, focus on high-end foreign models that are likely to be LHD. Check the interior photos for steering wheel placement and, for certainty, request a translation of the auction sheet, which indicates whether a car is LHD.

Why are German LHD luxury cars generally cheaper in Japanese auctions?

LHD luxury cars tend to depreciate quickly in Japan because of limited demand for used luxury vehicles. Additionally, public transportation is the primary mode of travel, meaning these vehicles typically have low mileage, further contributing to their affordability in the second-hand market.

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Are There Left-Hand Drive Vehicles in Japan?

Jon French

The answer is yes. Lots of them. But they are nearly always of foreign make, i.e. the BMWs the Benz, the luxury Porsche and Lamborghini etc.

Are there Japanese maker left hand drive vehicles?
The answer is yes, but don’t get excited about them. They are usually large SUV Toyota’s imported in from the USA, privately. You will NOT find the run-of-the-mill work cars in left hand drive in Japan. Go to Korean or USA exporters for those!

Before we detail the foreign left hand drive vehicles available in the auctions and how to find them, one interesting fact:

Why does Japan drive on the left hand side of the road? It was NOT a colony of England! Blame that on the Japanese Samurai! Samurai have their sword or KATANA on their left side. The best means of self-defense when walking when your KATANA is on your left is on the left side of the path. Hence, Japan drives on the left side of the road and the cars are “right hand drive”!

What models are usually found in LHD?

We are talking about foreign makers now. Cheaper models, the Audi A1 for example will be in right hand drive. Go to the other Audi extreme, the Q8 and more likely than not it will be in left hand drive.

The same can be applied to all the foreign models, the higher up the pecking order of luxury the car is the more likely it will be in left hand drive. For example, you would more likely find left hand drive amongst the Benz S series, G series and AMG series, although you can still find those in RHD in the auctions. Unless a car was privately imported, you will not find left hand drive amongst the A, B or C class Benz series in the auctions in Japan.

How can you identify a LHD in the auctions?

First of all, you must recognize the likely models mentioned above that will be in left hand drive. You will not be finding a VW Polo in left hand drive for example.
Next, sorry about this, but you will need to look at the photos, especially the internal photos of these cars.
Finally, you can request a translation of the auction sheet, which DOES mention whether the car is LHD.
Have a look at some of the cars in left hand drive that we have bought for customers in the past below.

PORSCHE ALPINA BMW BENZ

Left hand drive porsche 911, BMW, Benz, all on sale in the auctions in Japan.

PORSCHE ALPINA

As most people know, Japanese drive on the left side of the road like Britain and it’s commonwealth countries. The question arises then, why do they sell and drive left hand drive vehicles in Japan? Probably because the only restriction to bringing vehicles into Japan is an emissions test, not what side of the car the steering wheel is on!

In Japan it is a status symbol to drive a left hand drive vehicle! If you want to show your wealth you drive a GAISHA or car from abroad, and if it is left hand drive, all the better! For this reason the auctions, especially USS Tokyo auction on a Thursday, are full of left hand drive Porsches, BMWs and Mercedes Benz.

Many of these, especially the sports cars, have low kms. The reason being they are usually only driven on special occasions by the drivers.

What makes German made LHD (left hand drive) vehicles and cars cheaper in the Japanese used car auctions?

Depreciation. The depreciation curve for a new car bought in Japan is probably the steepest in the world
Main transportation in Japan is by train, so a similar vehicle sold in the auctions of a certain age will normally have less kms on the odometer.
The market for luxury cars in Japan, is the new car market. The 2nd hand market for luxury LHD vehicles and cars exists but not at a premium. (If I have the money for a luxury car in Japan, I am going to buy it new, not used). Hence the decrease in value when they appear in the auctions.

Here are some cars bought recently by our customers, all left hand drive and bought in the auctions:

Mercedes CL550

Mercedes S550L

Maserati Quatroporte

Bentley

C63 AMG Coupe Black Series

(Most powerful high-performance C-class of all time, 6.3-liter, V8 engine with 380KW output, 517hp, from zero to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds.)

Secure your used car purchase through Provide Cars Left-hand drive vehicles do exist in Japan, but they are primarily foreign luxury cars. Left-hand drive vehicles are also available in Japanese used car auctions, and we hope this has helped you understand their characteristics and how to identify them. However, purchasing a car from an auction requires detailed information and specialized knowledge. That’s where Provide Cars comes in to assist as your partner.

Why Choose Provide Cars?

Extensive Experience and Proven Track Record

Our company specializes in exporting used cars from Japan, with over 20 years of experience. We carefully select the best vehicles according to your needs and handle the complex auction processes on your behalf.

Support from Expert Staff

At Provide Cars, our knowledgeable staff is always ready to assist you. We translate the auction sheets of the cars you select for free, including verifying whether a vehicle is left-hand drive, ensuring you can make a confident purchase.

Transparency and Reliability

Auction vehicles come with detailed information, but sometimes important points can be easily overlooked. Provide Cars ensures that all information is accurately conveyed to you, making the transaction transparent and reliable.

Comprehensive After-Sales Support

Leave the paperwork and aftercare to us after purchasing your vehicle. From title transfer and export procedures to vehicle maintenance, we offer professional support throughout the process.

Contact Us If You're Interested!

If you are considering purchasing a vehicle through Provide Cars, please feel free to reach out to us. We will help you find the best vehicle that fits your needs and assist with smooth import procedures. As a trusted exporter for customers worldwide, we look forward to serving you.

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Q＆A

Are left-hand drive vehicles available in Japan?: Yes, left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles are available, primarily as foreign luxury cars like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. LHD vehicles from Japanese brands are rare, typically limited to large SUVs imported from the USA.

Why does Japan have right-hand drive vehicles and drive on the left side?: Japan drives on the left side because of historical practices from the Samurai era, where they walked on the left to protect their sword arm. This tradition has continued, even though Japan was never an English colony.

Which foreign models are usually found in left-hand drive?: High-end models from brands like Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are commonly found in LHD. Entry-level models, like an Audi A1, are usually right-hand drive, while luxury models, such as the Mercedes S-Class, are often left-hand drive.

How can I identify a left-hand drive vehicle in Japanese auctions?: First, focus on high-end foreign models that are likely to be LHD. Check the interior photos for steering wheel placement and, for certainty, request a translation of the auction sheet, which indicates whether a car is LHD.

Why are German LHD luxury cars generally cheaper in Japanese auctions?: LHD luxury cars tend to depreciate quickly in Japan because of limited demand for used luxury vehicles. Additionally, public transportation is the primary mode of travel, meaning these vehicles typically have low mileage, further contributing to their affordability in the second-hand market.

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