Frequently asked Questions

Oiwa is not just a corporation; it's a gateway to owning a part of Japan's rich automotive heritage. Based in California, we specialize in the sourcing and international export of the finest used JDM vehicles. Leveraging over ten years of experience as a licensed broker, Oiwa has exclusive access to Japan’s major dealer auctions and a wide network of specialty dealers. Our expertise allows us to procure vehicles in exceptional condition at wholesale prices. As a family-oriented, efficient company, we offer professional and personalized services, including comprehensive import guidance. Our commitment goes beyond transactions – we aim to make your dream of owning a classic Japanese vehicle a reality.

Choosing Oiwa means choosing transparency and professionalism. Our philosophy revolves around providing comprehensive information on vehicles through accurate auction sheet translations and detailed pre-bidding inspections by third-party professionals. This thorough approach distinguishes us in the competitive market. Access to auctions is a level playing field, but trust and service quality make the difference. Oiwa works relentlessly to ensure customer satisfaction, building lasting relationships based on trust and exceptional service.

Communication is key at Oiwa. You can easily reach us by calling +1 562-661-8859 or sending an email to oiwa@info.co. Whether you have questions, need guidance, or simply want to explore your options, our team is ready to assist you every step of the way.

To ensure clarity and transparency in our transactions, we have outlined detailed terms and conditions for purchasing vehicles. These can be found on our 'Terms and Conditions' page on our website. We encourage all potential clients to review these terms to understand our process thoroughly, ensuring a smooth and informed purchasing experience.

The upfront deposit is a crucial part of our auction process, serving as a commitment token and a safeguard against potential costs associated with auction re-entry. In instances where a customer is unable to fulfill the total payment post-auction win, the deposit is used to cover the costs incurred. Any surplus from the deposit, post auction re-entry, is refunded to the customer. For our regular clients, particularly those purchasing over five vehicles per year, we offer the convenience of retaining the deposit on file for subsequent purchases, simplifying and streamlining the buying process.

At Oiwa, we are dedicated to ensuring a seamless, transparent, and satisfying journey for all our clients, from auction to driveway. Trust us to deliver not just a vehicle, but an experience enriched with the finest aspects of Japanese automotive excellence.

Oiwa enthusiastically caters to both private buyers and car dealers seeking to import Japanese domestic market (JDM) vehicles. Our services are designed to make the process accessible and straightforward for enthusiasts and collectors alike. It is important to note that certain countries have specific import regulations that might necessitate a licensed dealer for vehicle imports. We highly recommend that all prospective buyers familiarize themselves with the importation guidelines of their respective countries. This includes understanding restrictions on emissions, vehicle age, steering requirements, aftermarket modifications, and any necessary testing or certifications. Our team at Oiwa is dedicated to guiding you through these complexities, ensuring a smooth and successful import process. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a first-time buyer, Oiwa's expertise is at your service for a seamless acquisition of your dream JDM vehicle.

Auction sheets are the backbone of informed decision-making when it comes to purchasing JDM vehicles. While each auction house may present these sheets in various formats, Oiwa specializes in providing detailed, accurate translations and explanations for each report. Understanding these auction sheets is crucial for assessing the true value and condition of a vehicle. Here’s a breakdown of common grading systems and abbreviations you might encounter:

Example of Auction Sheet Grading:

Auction Sheet Abbreviations

AC – Air conditioner
FA/AT – Automatic transmission
F5 – Manual (5-speed) transmission
PS – Power steering
SR – Sunroof
AW – Alloy wheels
AAC – Climate control air conditioner
CA – Column automatic transmission
F6 – Manual (6-speed) transmission
PW – Power windows
TV – Television
カワ・革 – Leather seats
エアB – Airbag

E3 – Some dents which are barely visible.
U1 – A dent which is the size of a thumb.
U2 – A dent which is the size of a palm.
U3 – A dent which is more than size U2.
Y1 – A tear which is the size of a thumb.
Y2 – A tear which is the size of a palm.
Y3 – A tear which is more than size Y2.
W1 – Repair Mark/Wave (hardly detectable).
W2 – Repair Mark/Wave.
W3 – Obvious Repair Mark/Wave (needs to be repainted).
S1 – Rust which is the size of a fist.
S2 – Rust which is more than size S1.
C1 – Major rust corrosion which is the size of a fist.
C2 – Major rust corrosion which is more than size C1.
X – A panel which needs to be replaced.
XX – A panel which has been replaced.

Understanding these details is crucial in choosing the right JDM vehicle. At Oiwa, we're committed to providing you with the most accurate and comprehensive information to make your import experience as seamless as possible.

Our meticulous third-party inspection is designed to ensure each Kei truck and other JDM classics meets our high standards. The inspection includes:

• Engine Evaluation: Inspecting for leaks, vibrations, or noises; checking maintenance history.
• Radiator and Power Steering: Assessing for leaks, coolant levels, and operational integrity.
• Accident and Repair Quality Analysis: Especially for R-rated vehicles, ensuring quality repairs.
• Undercarriage Inspection: Checking for rust, corrosion, scuffs, and dents.
• Drive Shaft and Suspension: Evaluating for any potential issues.
• Transmission and Differential Leaks: Ensuring no leaks are present.
• Performance Checks: Assessing acceleration, exhaust integrity, and any smoke emissions.
• Tire and Brake Inspection: Checking tire condition and brake functionality.
• Trunk Examination: Looking for rainwater damage, rust, and ensuring the presence of spare tires and tools.
• Exterior and Interior Review: Evaluating paint condition, electrical components (like sunroofs, power windows, air conditioning), and the interior for cleanliness and wear.
• Windshield and Modifications: Checking for chips and assessing any car modifications.
• Honest Vehicle Assessment: Gathering inspectors' overall opinion and additional picture requests at auction houses. This thorough process guarantees a detailed understanding of the vehicle’s condition, providing peace of mind for our customers.

es, we offer pre-export maintenance and repair services. Whether your Kei truck or JDM Classic requires basic upkeep or more significant repairs, our capable yard staff and network of trusted mechanics at each port are ready to assist. We can perform a range of services, from simple maintenance jobs to comprehensive mechanical repairs, ensuring that your vehicle is in excellent condition before export. This service is part of our commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable Kei trucks to our customers, ensuring satisfaction and vehicle longevity.

In auction scenarios, it's not uncommon to wonder why a higher bid doesn't always result in a win. This can occur due to the unique structure of auction bidding, which involves multiple bidding terminals. When several dealers bid on the same vehicle using the same terminal, only the highest bid is automatically entered. Consequently, the auction system determines the winner by a small margin over the second-highest bid, which can occasionally be less than your bid. It's a two-way process that sometimes works in your favor, allowing you to win at a lower price than your maximum bid. We advise bidding the highest amount you are comfortable with, hoping to secure the vehicle for a significantly lower price.

At auctions, if a vehicle does not sell, it's typically because the seller's reserve price wasn't met. This reserve price is confidential, known only to the auction house and the seller. In such cases, the vehicle is either moved to negotiation or offered for direct purchase. Direct purchase means buying the vehicle at a set price. During negotiation, there's a possibility of back-and-forth discussion to determine the final price. Understanding this process can enhance your strategic approach to bidding and purchasing at auctions.

Auction negotiations start from a base price, which is the lowest possible winning bid for a vehicle. If a bid is placed and accepted by the seller, the vehicle must be purchased at that agreed amount. However, if the seller proposes a higher price, it opens the door for counter-offers and further negotiation within the confines of your maximum bid. Our role in this process is to negotiate vigorously to secure the best possible deal for you, always keeping within your set budget. Note that a successful negotiation incurs an additional fee of 10,000 yen, charged by the auction house. This fee is a standard part of auction negotiations and is factored into the overall cost of acquiring the vehicle.

When exploring the purchase of Japanese mini trucks or other vehicles, understanding the difference between buying from a dealer and an auction is crucial. At a dealership, the first step involves confirming the availability of the vehicle and the dealer's openness to wholesale transactions. We prioritize wholesale purchases because they offer cost benefits, require less paperwork for export, and transactions can be managed directly from our offices.

However, many dealers opt for retail sales, focusing on local customers by offering service and warranty packages. This approach, while beneficial for local consumers, poses challenges for international buyers like us. Retail purchases require our physical presence at the dealership. The process involves several steps: reregistering the vehicle in our name, handling taxes and insurance payments, ensuring the vehicle passes the Shaken road inspection, and securing proof of parking space, as mandated by local authorities. Only after completing these steps can we deregister the vehicle for export.

The time and costs associated with retail purchases are significantly higher, making them impractical for our customers. Therefore, we do not offer this service. In cases where a dealer agrees to a wholesale deal, we conduct a thorough assessment. This includes requesting additional photographs, possibly a video walkthrough, and verifying the mileage through the vehicle’s title. A cooperative dealer usually indicates a good-quality vehicle. The overall costs and process of buying a vehicle from a dealer's lot align with those at auction, barring the additional steps required for retail purchases.

Left-hand-drive vehicles are indeed present at Japanese auctions, but their availability varies, especially for Japanese models. The auctions typically feature a range of foreign brands like Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, and others, which are more likely to be found in LHD configurations. These vehicles cater to a specific segment of buyers interested in European or American auto models.

However, it is relatively rare to find Japanese brand vehicles with LHD in Japan. The reason for this is the Japanese market predominantly uses right-hand-drive vehicles due to the country's driving regulations and road design. For those specifically looking for LHD vehicles, our auction network provides access to a diverse range of foreign vehicles. It’s important to note that while we can source these vehicles, the options for Japanese brands in LHD may be limited.

Our role in this process is to assist our customers in navigating these auction landscapes, identifying the best available options that meet their preferences for steering configuration, make, and model. We leverage our expertise and network to provide access to a wide range of vehicles, ensuring that our clients have the best possible chance of finding the vehicle that suits their needs, whether it's a classic European luxury car or a more utilitarian vehicle.

When two or more clients of Oiwa are interested in bidding on the same vehicle at an auction, our approach prioritizes fairness and transparency. We inform each client about the competition for the vehicle. In our open bidding system, clients are encouraged to submit their highest possible bid. This ensures that everyone has a fair chance to acquire the vehicle at their maximum willingness to pay.

Once all bids are received, only the highest bid is entered into the auction system. This strategy is crucial because, in most auctions, the winning bid is only marginally higher (by one increment) than the second-highest bid. Therefore, by not entering multiple bids from our clients, we prevent artificially driving up the price of the vehicle.

Clients are advised to bid the highest amount they are comfortable with, which might result in winning the vehicle for less than their maximum bid. This approach is beneficial as it potentially allows clients to acquire vehicles at better prices, while also ensuring that we do not contribute to inflated auction prices.

Shipping vehicles internationally is a complex process, and at Oiwa, we are committed to ensuring this process is as efficient and smooth as possible. We have established strong relationships with several forwarding companies, which allows us to quickly secure shipping bookings. Depending on the specific needs of each customer and the condition of the vehicle, we choose the most suitable shipping method, be it container shipping or Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) services.

Our ability to offer a choice between container and RORO shipping provides flexibility and efficiency in meeting our customers' diverse needs. Container shipping is often preferred for its added protection, especially for high-value or delicate vehicles, while RORO is a cost-effective option for standard vehicle shipments.

The time it takes to ship a vehicle varies depending on multiple factors, including the destination, current shipping schedules, and logistics. Our team works diligently to navigate these variables and secure the fastest possible shipping time while maintaining the safety and integrity of the vehicle. We provide regular updates to our clients throughout the shipping process, ensuring they are informed and reassured about the status of their vehicle.

At Oiwa, we understand that sometimes our clients need to store their vehicles for extended periods. That's why we offer a variety of storage options to accommodate different needs. Initially, we provide free storage for up to 45 days at our Roll-on/Roll-off (RORO) yards. This service is particularly beneficial for clients who may need additional time to arrange for transportation or finalize their importation plans.

For clients requiring storage beyond the initial 45 days, we have long-term storage solutions available. These options are designed to offer flexibility and peace of mind, ensuring that vehicles are kept safe and secure for as long as needed. We can tailor our storage services to suit the specific requirements of each client, whether it's for a few additional weeks or several months. Clients interested in long-term storage can inquire for a custom quote by reaching out to us at info@oiwa.co. Our team will provide detailed information, including the costs and conditions associated with extended storage, to help you make an informed decision.

Yes, Oiwa's expertise in vehicle exportation extends well beyond standard cars, SUVs, vans, and small trucks. We recognize the diverse needs of our clients and thus handle a wide array of vehicles, including buses, campers, and various types of construction equipment. Our access to specialized auctions across Japan enables us to source an extensive range of heavy machinery and specialized vehicles.

These include smaller-sized forklifts, essential for warehouse operations; shovels and bulldozers, crucial in construction and mining industries; cranes for lifting heavy materials; and a variety of large trucks tailored for specific purposes, such as mixers for construction, fire trucks for emergency services, car transporters for logistics, and dump trucks for transportation of bulk materials. This broad spectrum of vehicles and equipment allows us to cater to the unique requirements of different industries and individual clients, providing a one-stop solution for sourcing and exporting a wide range of vehicles and machinery from Japan.

For clients who have purchased vehicles from Oiwa and may require parts in the future, we offer a comprehensive parts supply service. Our commitment to customer satisfaction extends well beyond the initial purchase. Whether you need a replacement part or an upgrade, we are ready to assist. We can ship the necessary parts directly to you via post. In addition to our direct supply services, we guide our clients to several trusted websites that specialize in vehicle parts and offer international shipping. This ensures that you have multiple avenues to obtain the parts you need, wherever you are located. It’s important to note, however, that due to changes in shipping policies, we are no longer able to provide shipping of parts as inner cargo via shipping lines. This service is part of our dedication to ensuring long-term support and the best possible ownership experience for our clients.

Yes, you can view and access vehicles available at auction through Oiwa's dedicated auction site. We encourage interested clients to register at https://oiwa.co/auction-page. This registration grants you access to our comprehensive auction database, where you can search and browse a wide array of vehicles at your convenience, available 24/7. Our auction page is tailored to provide you with detailed information, including vehicle specifications, bidding history, and current status. This user-friendly platform is designed to make the vehicle selection process as seamless as possible, giving you the tools to find the perfect vehicle to meet your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a rare collectible, a specific make or model, or a workhorse for your business, our auction site is your gateway to Japan’s extensive vehicle market.

As an Oiwa client, the process of bidding on vehicles at dealer auctions is facilitated exclusively by our expert team, given the necessity of a licensed used vehicle dealer for direct auction access. When you identify a vehicle of interest, we encourage you to communicate your maximum bid amount to us. Our experienced professionals, who possess a deep understanding of auction procedures and vehicle valuation, will place bids on your behalf. This ensures that your interests are represented by knowledgeable individuals who are adept at navigating the intricacies of auction dynamics. Our goal is to secure your desired vehicle at an optimal price, leveraging our expertise and auction insights.

Vehicle auctions, a key component of Oiwa's services, operate on a regular schedule throughout most of the year, from Monday to Saturday. However, these auctions observe breaks during major Japanese holiday periods. Specifically, auctions are not held during the New Year’s holiday in the first week of January, the Golden Week holiday in the first week of May, and the Obon holiday, typically from August 13th to 18th. The availability of vehicles varies each day, with early and late week days, like Monday and Saturday, generally featuring fewer auctions compared to mid-week days like Wednesday and Thursday, which offer a broader selection of vehicles. The spring season, particularly around the end of the fiscal and school years on March 31st, is a notable period for vehicle auctions. This time sees a surge in the number of vehicles available, driven by a combination of new graduates beginning their careers, the conclusion of numerous vehicle leases, and a general increase in vehicle purchases and turnover. This seasonal trend offers a diverse range of vehicles, catering to various preferences and requirements of our clients.

At Oiwa, the process from winning a vehicle at auction to delivering it to you is comprehensive and involves multiple steps:

1. Winning the Vehicle at Auction: We successfully bid and secure the vehicle at auction based on your preferences and bid amount.
2. Payment Processing: After receiving your full payment, we complete the purchase of the vehicle.
3. Domestic Transportation: The vehicle is then transported to the nearest domestic port in Japan, a process that is meticulously planned for safety and efficiency.
4. Document Management: We handle the transfer of documents from the seller to the auction house, and subsequently to us. This process can be quick, but sometimes it may take up to two weeks as per auction rules.
5. Shipping Reservations: We book a spot on the next available ship heading to your country. The frequency and availability of ships can vary based on your location and the chosen method of transportation (Roll On/Roll Off or container).
6. Registration Cancellation and Export Certification: We manage the cancellation of the vehicle's Japanese road registration and obtain the Export Certificate from the District Transport Bureau.
7. Forwarding and Customs Clearance: The Invoice, Shipping Instructions, and Export Certificate are sent to our forwarder, who is responsible for ship bookings and customs clearance.
8. Overseas Transit: The vehicle is then shipped to your designated country.
9. Final Documentation: We manage and receive the Bill of Lading and other necessary documents from the port. These documents are essential for the legal transfer and import of the vehicle.
10. Dispatch of Documents to Customer: We send you all the necessary documents including the Bill of Lading, Invoice, Export Certificate, and any required translations or certifications (e.g., JAAI Certificates, Certificates of Origin).
11. Overall Timeline: The entire process, from auction win to loading onto the ship, generally ranges from two weeks to a month. This duration is influenced by the time taken to receive documents from the auction house and the ship's departure schedule.
12. Sea Journey Duration: The shipping time from Japan to the destination port can vary significantly, from just a few days to over a month, depending on the location of the destination port and the chosen shipping route.

In the context of vehicle purchases from auctions, the identities of both the buyer and seller are kept confidential by the auction house. This practice aligns with the norms of Japanese business and auction protocols, emphasizing the privacy and non-disclosure of parties involved. Vehicles are typically sold in an "as-is" condition, meaning the history or background of the seller is not a focus of the transaction. At Oiwa, we adhere strictly to these regulations and customs, and thus do not facilitate any form of contact with previous owners. We recommend our clients to utilize pre-bid inspections, a service we encourage, to assess the vehicle's condition thoroughly before bidding. For insights into the vehicle's history, examining any maintenance records provided with the vehicle or using a vehicle history service can be beneficial. This approach allows you to gather as much information as possible about the vehicle's past maintenance and usage.

The Export Certificate is a critical document for vehicles exported from Japan, acting as the title for the vehicle. It's indispensable for the registration process in your home country. The importance of this document cannot be overstated – it should be safeguarded meticulously, as it is unique and not reissuable. If you lose the Export Certificate, it could significantly complicate the registration process of your vehicle. Unfortunately, obtaining a duplicate is not a standard practice, and in many cases, it may not be possible. It's advisable to keep this document in a secure place and consider making digital copies as a backup. In the event of loss, you may need to consult with local vehicle registration and import authorities to explore any possible alternatives, but be prepared for a challenging and potentially uncertain process.