



Japan’s used car market remains a highly attractive sourcing destination for overseas buyers. In this report, we analyze auction data from June 20–21, 2025 (covering multiple models, with a focus on the Nissan Serena), highlighting trends in pricing by condition grade, listing activity by auction venue, sales status, and reliability scores to support precise and strategic purchasing decisions.

In this auction, 57.1% of the 14 vehicles were marked as "Negotiation (Nego)," which is a notably high proportion. Additionally, 28.6% were successfully sold, indicating strong demand.
The high number of vehicles under negotiation suggests that, depending on adjustments to price or vehicle condition, more sales are likely to follow. For buyers, moving quickly ahead of competitors will be the key to success.
Moreover, only two units remained unsold, accounting for just 14.3% of the total. This means over 85% of the vehicles received some form of market response, reaffirming the steady popularity of the Japanese used car market.
Well-balanced Regional Auction Distribution Presents Strategic Sourcing Opportunities

The auction data from this round reveals a well-distributed collection of vehicles across key regions such as Kansai, Chubu, Kanto, and Kyushu. In particular, HAA Kobe stands out for its high-quality vehicles, making it an ideal venue for buyers prioritizing vehicle condition.
On the other hand, major venues like TAA Yokohama and USS Nagoya offer excellent opportunities to target export-popular models such as the e-POWER series. Meanwhile, JU Fukuoka and NAA Tokyo feature listings with strong local characteristics, offering potential for vehicles with high resale value or rarity.
By understanding the unique traits of each region and recognizing venue-specific listing trends, buyers can make more precise sourcing decisions. Rather than focusing solely on price or mileage, it's essential to also consider “where the vehicle comes from” as part of a strategic procurement approach.
Number of Listings and Average Winning Bids by Auction Grade
Grade | Number of Listings | Average Winning Price (JPY) |
---|---|---|
3.5 | 3 unit | 976,333 |
4.0 | 1unit | 1,100,000 |
4.5 | 2unit | 1,679,500 |
Vehicles with a grade of 4.5 command slightly higher prices, but their high quality and strong resale value make them ideal for strategic procurement.
Even grade 3.5 vehicles can be sourced for under one million yen, offering excellent cost performance.
Trustworthiness Score Ranking|Based on Model Year, Auction Grade, and Number of Listings
The Trustworthiness Score is a normalized index calculated using the formula:
(Model Year × 0.3) + (Auction Grade × 0.4) + (Number of Listings × 0.3).
It visualizes the reliability of vehicles as sourcing targets.
Model Year | Grade | Average Price (JPY) | Trustworthiness Score |
---|---|---|---|
2020 | 4.5 | 1,749,000 | 0.973 |
2020 | 3.5 | 987,000 | 0.937 |
2019 | 4.5 | 1,610,000 | 0.922 |
Vehicles from model year 2020 with a grade of 4.5 recorded the highest trustworthiness score. This clearly shows that newer models, higher grades, and a sufficient number of listings are key factors in making reliable sourcing decisions.
Strategic Sourcing Insights for Future Auctions
- Vehicles with recent model years and a grade of 4.5 or higher may come at a higher price point, but they offer unparalleled reliability and perceived value in export markets. If your focus is on maximizing profit per unit, these are must-watch options.
- Meanwhile, vehicles graded 3.5 to 4.0 hit the sweet spot between affordability and demand responsiveness. This range is particularly attractive for cost-effective sourcing with high negotiation success rates, making it ideal for a balanced procurement strategy.
- By identifying trends unique to each auction venue and continuously comparing with past data, you can build a personalized “procurement map”—a powerful tool for shaping medium- to long-term sourcing strategies.

Are you searching for the most reliable, efficient, and hassle-free way to import cars from Japan?
Partner with us and enjoy smooth, stress-free results!
- Absolutely FREE to get started
- Browse at your leisure
- Your information is 100% secure
no fees, no spam, just smooth car imports!