Two cars of the same model can have very different prices because they differ in year, grade, engine, mileage and condition, and because prices may be shown on a different basis (FOB or C&F). Compare cars on the same points, and on the same price basis, before you decide which one is better value.
Key takeaways
- Check the dates first: the first registration date and the manufacture date decide whether the car meets your country’s age rule.
- The grade (trim level), engine, hybrid or petrol, and 2WD or 4WD all change the price of the same model.
- Mileage and the condition score on the evaluation sheet explain much of the rest of the difference.
- Compare FOB with FOB and C&F with C&F, for the same destination. Prices can differ by destination and payment method.
1. The dates: first registration and manufacture
The car’s dates are the first thing to compare. Two cars that look the same may be a year or more apart.
On our car pages you will see two dates: the R Year / Month (first registration in Japan) and the P Year / Month (production). They are not always the same, and countries count age in different ways. The P Year comes from a Japanese vehicle database and may show only the year, so ask our office to confirm the manufacture date before you pay, especially for Uganda. Kenya counts from the year of first registration. Uganda counts from the year of manufacture.
If your country has an age rule, a car that misses it by one month is not a bargain. You cannot import it. Test the dates in our import age checker, and read our guide to Kenya’s car import age limit if you are buying for Kenya.
2. The grade, engine and drive
One model name covers several versions, and each one is priced differently.
- Grade (trim level): Japanese models come in grades with different equipment. For example, the Toyota Probox van has been sold in grades such as DX, DX Comfort, GL and F. A higher grade usually has more equipment.
- Engine: many models are sold with more than one engine size, and the engine size can also affect the duty in your country.
- Hybrid or petrol: a hybrid and a petrol version of the same model are different cars with different prices.
- 2WD or 4WD: 4WD versions are priced differently from 2WD, and not every engine comes with 4WD.
The grade is shown on each car’s page. If two cars have different grades, compare what each one has, not just the name.
3. Mileage
Mileage is one of the clearest reasons for a price gap. A car with low mileage for its age can be priced higher than the same car with high mileage.
Compare the mileage with the car’s age and with the evaluation sheet. Our guide on checking a vehicle’s history explains how to look for mileage that does not add up.
To compare like with like, browse our full stock and filter by maker, model and registration year.
4. Condition and the evaluation sheet
Condition explains much of the difference between two cars with the same year, grade and mileage.
Where a car’s page shows an Evaluation result (an auction or inspection sheet), it usually gives an overall grade, often a separate interior grade, and a map of marks on the body, such as scratches, dents and paintwork. Cars with repair history to the frame or structure are marked R or RA. Expect a lower resale value, and ask what was repaired.
A higher grade does not mean the car is perfect. Read the notes on the sheet, not just the number. Our guides explain what auction grades 3.5, 4 and 4.5 mean and how to read the auction sheet.
5. Colour and equipment
Smaller details can also change the price, such as the colour, the navigation system, alloy wheels or safety features. These matter less than the points above, but they can explain a small gap between two cars that otherwise look the same.
6. The price basis: FOB or C&F
Check what the price includes before you compare two cars. A price on a different basis is not the same thing.
Our cars are listed with an FOB or C&F price. FOB is the price of the car in Japan, without sea freight and insurance. C&F also includes shipping to the destination port. Because of freight charges and payment methods, the price and currency can differ by destination, so select your country on our website to see prices for your location.
Some cars show “ASK” instead of a price. Sign in to your account or select your country at the top of the page to see the price. If it still shows ASK, send a request from the car’s page.
Our guide to FOB, C&F and CIF explains each basis.
7. What you pay after the car arrives
The price of the car is only part of your total cost. Duty and taxes in your country can depend on the car’s value, engine size and age, so two cars with a small price gap in Japan can cost different amounts to clear.
Use our landed cost checklist to see every cost to ask about, and the official calculator of your tax authority for the duty. Ask your clearing agent for the local costs before you pay.
How to compare two cars fairly
Put the two cars side by side and check the same points for each one.
- Both cars meet your country’s age rule (R Year and P Year).
- Same grade, engine, fuel type and drive, or you know what the difference is.
- Mileage compared with age.
- Evaluation sheet: grade, marks and any repair notes.
- Same price basis (FOB or C&F) and the same destination.
A price far below similar cars, together with pressure to pay quickly, is a warning sign. Our bank accounts are all in Japan and the beneficiary is always Autocom Japan Inc. Read how to avoid scams when buying cars from Japan.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the price change when I select my country?
Freight charges and payment methods differ by destination, so the price and currency can change. Select your country on our website to see the price for your location.
Why is one car much lower in price than others of the same model?
Check its dates, grade, mileage and evaluation sheet. A lower price can be explained by an older car, higher mileage or repair history, such as an R or RA grade on the sheet.
Is the R Year the same as the year the car was made?
Not always. The R Year is the first registration in Japan, and the P Year is the production date. Your country’s age rule decides which one matters.
Does a higher auction grade always mean a better car?
No. The grade is a summary. Read the marks and notes on the sheet, and ask our staff about anything you do not understand.
What does “ASK” mean instead of a price?
The price is hidden. Sign in to your account or select your country at the top of the page. If it still shows ASK, send a request from the car’s page and our sales staff will contact you.
