Checklist for Buying Ex-Japs over the Internet

There are a number of things that you need to take into consideration when buying a used Japanese vehicle over the internet. This is something on which we have previously dwelt in-depth on this platform. A car is a big investment, and can tie up your income for a number of years. It’s important, therefore for Zimbabweans and other Africans to make sure that the purchases that they make are the correct ones. Here are a few tips for those that are looking at buying ex-japs from the internet;

1. Don’t buy a car unless you can fully pay for it. There are cars at Beitbridge, Plumtree and Dar El Salaam that have been auctioned because the owners made their purchases without taking into consideration the customs fees that they needed to pay to get their cars on the road. In Zimbabwe, as an example, you pay duty that is, roughly speaking, the same as the amount that you need to get your car to its port of entry. The calculations that are made by ZIMRA are inclusive of shipping and handling costs. So, what you need to do is make sure that you have all the money, including duty fees, set aside.
2. There is no hurry in Africa, right? Well, that may be a bit of a cliché, but the thing to understand is that there are thousands of used vehicles on BeFoward and many are actually being added on a daily basis. There is, therefore, no need for your to hurry when making your purchase. Make sure that you have properly carried out research about the vehicle that you wish to buy before going onto the platform. Cars on BeForward will not run away from you.
3. Choose a car that has low mileage. All things being equal, a car that has lower mileage will be mechanically better than one that has been driven for longer distances. Indeed, there is really no need for anyone to buy a vehicle that has been driven for over 100 000KM. Diesels are an exception in this regard. When I bought my own car three years ago, it had around 25000KM. I have not had any problem with it ever since. In fact, it is now approaching the 50000KM mark, and I plan to keep it around till it gets to 100000KM, which is another five years from now. Of course, I may need to dab a coat of paint or two in the interim, but really, I fully expect my car to last long. A car that has low mileage is usually for keeps. Of course, there is debate on the validity of the mileages that are on ex-japs, but that is another story altogether. It’s my firm belief that people in Japan, a developed country, would not bother rewinding a car’s mileage only to sell it for $1000. It seems to be too much trouble for nothing.
4. Choose a car that you can maintain. This goes without saying. Buying fancy cars is, nevertheless, a mistake that many, particularly first time buyers, often make. A car is a means of transport, first and foremost. It won’t do to buy a car that you will keep parked at home three quarters of the time because you cannot afford to fill it up with petrol or diesel.