Mileage of cars
This article explains the mileage of cars in Japan, providing a reference when buying used cars from Japan. In Japan, because the country is small in size, fewer people tend to drive long distances. Additionally, cars in Japan serve as a means of transportation and are often maintained with a strong focus on cleanliness and longevity. This is particularly evident with family cars like one-box vehicles, such as the Vellfire or Alphard.
Why does this happen? The answer is quite simple: many Japanese people own cars that are more expensive than two years of their rent, which makes them keen to preserve their value.
In Japan, it is rare to find people owning cars that have exceeded 100,000 kilometers. I, being a native Japanese, have only seen someone own a car with over 100,000 kilometers when I was around 18 years old. We young drivers who had just obtained our license were inspired by VIP cars like the older Celsior or the Zero Crown.
Mileage Explained
In Japan, mileage refers to the distance a car has traveled so far. Generally, the benchmark for Japanese cars is considered to be "10,000 km per year." However, this benchmark may vary depending on the lifestyle and usage of the vehicle.
Usually, the shorter the mileage, the better the condition it is considered to be. However, if the mileage is significantly below average, it could mean the car was stored for long periods without being driven, which might suggest insufficient maintenance. On the other hand, cars with mileage significantly above the average might have increased risks of parts wearing out.
[Reference] Can you trust the mileage of cars in the auctions？
Simply put yes. The punishment and fines that have to be paid for a company selling a car that has an adjusted odometer are immense. The selling company will loose their auction membership. The police could get involved. Historically the car can be easily checked through previous auctions and the registration office. That is why some cars have a ? on the odometer reading on the auction sheet. It is the sellers insurance, get out of jail card. It is too risky for the selling company to sell a questionable car. The tiny potential increase in profit does not outway the heavy risk of loss and livelihood.
Mileage as an Important Factor in Buying a Used Car
Mileage is a key factor when choosing a used car. For instance, a car that has only traveled around 30,000 km over 5 years can be expected to be in "good condition for its age." Understanding the psychological impact of mileage numbers can also help you find a bargain.
POINT 1: "Just Over xx,000 km" as a Bargain
People tend to be sensitive to round numbers like "3," "5," and "10," which significantly impact their impression of a vehicle. For example, the difference between 49,000 km and 52,000 km might reflect more in price than in actual condition.
Consider the following to find a bargain:
- If you want a car that is clean and new: a car with slightly over 30,000 km.
- If you want a car that is relatively new and in good condition: a car with slightly over 50,000 km.
- Foreign buyers often put the "non-Japanese market mileage " at 70,000 kms.
- If you want an older but affordable car: a car with slightly over 80,000 or 100,000 km.
Regardless of mileage, a well-maintained car is less likely to break down.
If you want to minimize maintenance hassle, it’s advisable to look for cars slightly over 50,000 km. If you wish to reduce costs, consider well-maintained cars with over 80,000 km. You always have to remember, lower kms means higher prices in the auctions.
This advice is consistently provided by used car dealers in Japan to their customers. We will introduce the benefits that this advice offers for our customers.
- Improved Cost Performance: In Japan, there is a tendency for cars with higher mileage to be priced lower, despite often being in good condition. This allows import buyers to purchase vehicles with higher mileage at a lower cost while still obtaining a car of satisfactory quality. In particular, the perception in Japan that "cars with over 100,000 km are risky" is not as prevalent overseas, which creates an opportunity to acquire high-quality cars at a lower price.
- Options for Well-Maintained Vehicles: Japanese cars are generally used with care and stored in good conditions. Therefore, even cars that have exceeded 50,000 km or 80,000 km often remain in excellent condition. This makes it easier to select a car in good condition that will last a long time when importing, providing a well-balanced option in terms of quality and cost.
- Peace of Mind with Maintenance Records: In Japan, car maintenance is given great importance, and even cars with higher mileage often have a consistent maintenance history. Cars that have exceeded 50,000 km or 80,000 km, if well maintained, can be used safely after import.
- Understanding Market Price and Value: In the Japanese used car market, mileage has a significant impact on price, and even slight differences can greatly affect pricing. By utilizing this knowledge, import buyers can identify the optimal price range for a car and secure favorable deals. For example, choosing a car with slightly higher mileage that allows you to purchase a quality car at an affordable price.
- Increased Options at Auctions: In Japanese used car auctions, cars with slightly higher mileage that are in good condition often present great value for buyers. Having knowledge about popular cars at auctions helps import buyers participate in bidding effectively, increasing the chance of purchasing a high-quality car at the best time. Especially for cars with higher mileage that may have less demand in Japan, auctions can provide opportunities to acquire these higher km cars at lower prices.
POINT 2: "Cars Over 100,000 km Are Dangerous" Is an Old Tale
You may have heard that cars with mileage exceeding 100,000 km are dangerous, but that’s an outdated notion. In Europe and America, it’s common for cars to have over 200,000 km, and taxis often reach beyond 400,000 km.
In Japan, there’s still a persistent image that cars over 100,000 km are risky, which often makes these cars relatively inexpensive for their condition.
The L curve phenomenon for cars over 100,000 kms
This especially happens for younger vehicles with higher kms, but also with all ages. As the price decreases with the increasing kms, the decrease in price flattens out soon after 100 to 120,000kms. Don’t expect a 160,000km vehicle to be a lot cheaper than a 140,000km vehicle!
POINT 3: Well-Maintained Cars Are Less Likely to Break Down Even with High Kms
In addition to mileage, the maintenance history is also crucial. Even with low mileage, insufficient maintenance could impact safety and future running costs. Particularly with higher mileage cars, always verify the condition of engine components as written on the auction sheet. Engine noises, warning lights on, oil leaks etc.
POINT 4: Understand the ? Odometer Listed Vehicles in the Auctions
A certain number of cars in the auctions have a ? after the written odometer reading on the auction sheet. Perhaps the car has had a faulty odometer and has had it changed. If it was done by a registered maker dealer there could be maintenance records to show so. This is a selling point for the car so the seller will list these records on the auction sheet. Perhaps it is a performance car and an aftermarket odometer with a higher maximum km range replaced the original. Perhaps it appeared in an auction previously with lower kms, the seller will state so on the auction sheet.
The risk to selling a car with an incorrect odometer reading in the auction is huge: Auction membership loss, cancelation by the buyer, fines from the auction and even police involvement.
Car Longevity: 200,000 km? Maintenance for Long Life
In Japan, cars are currently considered to have a lifespan of "13-15 years after the first registration" or "over 150,000 km." However, with proper maintenance, it is possible to drive a car for over 20 years and between 200,000 to 400,000 km.
The main factors affecting a car’s lifespan related to mileage are the timing belt and engine life. The timing belt generally has a lifespan of around 100,000 km, while the engine lifespan is approximately 150,000 km.
Summary
In this article, we provided an in-depth explanation of the mileage of used cars in Japan. In Japan, the average mileage is considered to be 10,000 km per year, which is an important factor when buying used cars. While lower mileage generally indicates a better condition, the maintenance history significantly affects a car's overall state. Cars with mileage exceeding 100,000 km are often avoided by the Japanese public, but with appropriate maintenance, they can be expected to have a long life.
Secure Your Used Car Purchase with Provide Cars
Understanding Mileage of cars is key to expanding your options when purchasing a vehicle, helping you find the best car that matches your needs. Each model and specification comes with distinct features, equipment differences, and advantages, making it crucial to know the details before making a decision.
Why Choose Provide Cars?
- Extensive Experience and Proven Track Record
Provide Cars specializes in exporting Japanese used vehicles with over 27 years of experience. We help YOU select the best vehicles tailored to your requirements and handle the complex auction process on your behalf.
- Expert Support from Our Team
If you have any questions about Mileage of cars our expert staff at Provide Cars are here to assist you. We also offer free translation of the auction sheets upon request to ensure you have all the details you need before bidding.
- Transparency and Reliability
While auction vehicles come with a large volume of information, some important points can be easily overlooked. Provide Cars ensures that every detail is accurately communicated, guaranteeing a transparent and trustworthy buying process.
- Comprehensive After-Sales Support
Leave the paperwork and aftercare to Provide Cars. From title transfers and export documentation to vehicle maintenance, our professional support covers every aspect of the process, making your experience worry-free.
Get in Touch Today!
If you’re considering purchasing a vehicle through Provide Cars, feel free to reach out. We are a trusted exporter with customers worldwide, and we’re ready to help you find the perfect car that meets your needs, ensuring a smooth import process from Japan. We look forward to serving you!
Q＆A
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Why is mileage an important factor when buying a used car from Japan?
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Mileage reflects how much a car has been driven and is a key factor in assessing its condition. In Japan, cars with lower mileage are often considered in better condition, while well-maintained cars with higher mileage can still provide excellent value.
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What is considered average mileage for cars in Japan?
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The typical benchmark in Japan is around 10,000 km per year. This standard helps assess whether a car has been driven extensively or lightly, with low-mileage cars generally being preferred.
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Is a car with over 100,000 km automatically considered risky?
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Not necessarily. While cars over 100,000 km are often avoided in Japan, with proper maintenance, they can remain in excellent condition. Many cars globally reach 200,000 km or more, and the perception of high-mileage cars as risky is increasingly outdated.
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How can I verify a used car's mileage and avoid tampered odometers?
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Check the auction sheet for mileage details and verify maintenance records, as these documents often include previous mileage readings. Announcements regarding odometer tampering are also made at auctions, so consult a professional if you have concerns.
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Can cars in Japan exceed 200,000 km with proper maintenance?
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Yes, with good upkeep, cars can last well beyond 200,000 km. Regular maintenance, especially of the timing belt and engine, is essential to ensure longevity and reduce future running costs.
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