Im in the military. How easy is it to get my car to japan. Secondly is it worth it?

Question

I have heard some conflicting stories about how I can bring my car to Japan. Some tell me that it is easy and some say that the money that I will pay to do it is not worth it. I have a 2004 Mazda MPV and I only owe like $9,000 on it (paid off in one more year). Open to suggestions..... Thanks

Answer 1

It probably is not worth it to take your car to Japan. Depending on where you are located, you might not even need a car to get around, and considering how expensive it is to drive in Japan, it is going to be a lot cheaper to just take the bus/train everywhere or even walk. If you are stationed in the boondocks, maybe a car might be useful, but if you are anywhere near a big city, probably not.
You will need an international drivers license, gas is much more expensive, unless you own a brand new car, the inspections and the cost will kill you, as well as your car will probably need a major overhaul to be in line with the laws in Japan.

With some google-fu, I came up with:
After the vehicle has cleared customs, it must go through a battery tests and conversions to ensure that the vehicle is fit for use on Japanese roads. Those tests and conversions include the following:

GAS TEST
Done to determine what type of fuel was used in the vehicle prior to importation to Japan as well as which fuel sold in Japan will be suitable.
This tests also determines what type of equipment must be removed and installed in the vehicle so that it may safely use Japanese fuels.

CONVERSION
After the Gas Test determines the various factors pertaining the vehicles fuel use, the proper alterations are then made.

SUPPLEMENTAL
After all alterations are made, the vehicle undergoes another series of tests to ensure that all equipment has been installed properly and that there is no leakage of fuel.

* The above test and inspection takes about 5 days to a week.

After the conversion and inspection have been completed, the vehicle has to be registered. At this time, the vehicle is subject to the following taxation and fees:

1. Vehicle tax
2. Weight tax
3. Proof of adequate parking facilities fee
4. Registration fee
5. Insurance fee

In sum, these taxes and fees amount to approximately 10%-12% of the vehicles value. *Registration takes approximately 1 week. In total, after customs clearance, the vehicle can be used in Japan after about 2-3 weeks.

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Seems like it would just be cheaper/easier to just buy one over there, if you really need one.

Answer 2

It's not worth it. As military you get a special deal on taxes and insurance so you will pay less than Japanese do to have a used car on the road. Good used cars in Japan are plentiful and cheap, and you could most likely buy one right on the base from someone going home. It might be different if you had a vehicle that was special in Japan, but a Mazda MPV is like carrying coals to Newcastle.

Answer 3

If you can leave it with someone I suggest you do that. You can get a cheap car in Japan. You will make a lot more money a month there depending on your job and dependents. You can get a cheap car and come back to a paid off car with lower miles on it. A win win situation.
You can get your car over there- you will need to call Personal Property to find out the specifications- however, there are several reasons not to. One is that you may have to pay the same amount of money to get it over that you would spend on a japanese car. Two, if something happens to the car then you will have a time getting it fixed. It may void any current warranty you have. So there would be some reasearch involved.
Third- Parking in Japan is at a Primium. If you can get a small car over there- do it. Parking big American cars is no fun! And if you have to end up living on the economy you may be limited on your house because of your large car.
In closing, its just easier if you can leave your American car here and get a Japanese car for Japan. Plus, they are a lot of fun to learn to drive. Its not hard at all.

Answer 4

your in the military you said whats your rank if its pretty high up just say that this is a special ops vehicle and its needed for a demonstration right away in japan put it on a cargo plane strap a chute to it and when you see your destination attach the rip cord VERY IMPORTANT attach the rip cord get in the van lower the cargo bay door start the vehicle put it in gear then floor it and you will hit your destination shortly sounds cheap to me if your not up in the ranks either bribe or blackmale someone that is or wait until you get promoted up in the ranks or just go down to long beach harbor and ask any one of the big ships captains if he could hook you up with a lift to japan and when he tells you the price just say why do you got to get a come up from me then he might give you a better deal but then the taxes and fees and levy's that you will encounter will start to pile up you know what the first idea is best floor it out the cargo door oh yeah BUCKLE UP

Answer 5

I see some very good posts but I'd like to add something to consider. The prices of used cars on the bases are really cheap since so many people are often coming and going. When they PCS out of Japan they need to get rid of their cars. A lot of guys PCS to Japan and buy Skylines.

Answer 6

The cost of cars in japan are by far more cheaper then they are in America. You will be totally suprise of how little you will have to pay in japan for a new car. I would sell my car or I would put my car up on blocks in a garage until after I return after removing the tires and emptying the gas tank and covering my car......

Answer 7

usa merely likes to press abode that is dominance interior the international. They dont want any united states to take over through fact the main useful united states. individuals have consistently been jealous of england as we had an empire that they might in basic terms dream of. Their history spans not plenty greater beneficial than 500 years jointly as Britain can boast a history going back around 2000 years. individuals are uneducated and brainwashed while in comparison with British way of existence and class. all the individuals can circulate away the international as a legacy is McDonalds and Walmart, jointly as the British gave the international democracy and a justice device that has been copied in maximum countires world extensive. And to good all of it they voted for Bush two times....there is not any desire left.

Answer 8

You would have to follow their pollution rule for cars which are much harder than our laws.

That is why it is hard for the US car manufactures to sell cars in Japan. They have different emission rules.

So you will need to see if the car will have to have updated muffler system or some other stuff added. Then factor in the license plate and drivers license (you need that to drive your car) also the cost for the car to me moved. Then were will you keep the car, do you need to rent a garage or can you park it where you live

Answer 9

One more point, vehicle ownership in Japan requires proof and confirmation of a registered parking space. The space must be within a 1 kilometer radius of your registered residence. When I bought my car, I had to have my building owner and local police box confirm this.

Answer 10

Put your present car in storage in the states, and when you get to japan, buy you a clunker, when you get over there you will know why. Nuf said.