How Japanese used car auctions work

There may be some mystery about how Japanese used car exporters buy cars from auctions, but actually the process is very simple.

A dealer or exporter will have joined an auction house as a trade member. This membership gives them access to lists of cars and details usually through the auction house's website.

If you have requested a specific type of car the exporter will browse the website until they find something nearly matching and get an idea of the price.

Once the auction for that car is underway the exporter will bid electronically via a satellite system or in person at the auction hall.

Electronic bidding is popular as it enables many cars to be bid on throughout the country from the dealers office.

Once the auction is finished the winning bid gets the car and purchase papers are sent to the dealer, usually within minutes of the close.

The exporter then contacts you with details of the car, including any excess if the bidding went high.