We all are acquainted with Japanese used vehicles’ sales quality and performance. Most people prefer Japanese used cars over European, German, and American automobiles. Toyota, the most demanding brand in Japan today, hits a ton in 2021 with total sales of 1.42 million cars, despite the decrease in the previous year. Furthermore, Japanese used cars have low mileage and high fuel efficiency. Owning a Japanese-used vehicle is a great way to start when looking for a car. Buying a Japanese-used car from a dealership is the perfect way to find your dream car.
Japanese manufacturers are also planning to protect the environment from global warming. Toyota and Nissan are releasing environmentally friendly models in town. Toyota’s new electric vehicle “bZ4X” will be released in the mid of 2k22.
With that said, Japanese used cars are efficient, comfortable, and affordable vehicles you can buy today. But there are some faults which can be found, and you can identify them. Let’s check out the major defects found in old Japanese vehicles.
Reading the inspection sheet
When you buy a car from the Japanese market, whether from the auction or exporter, a specific inspection will be provided with each vehicle. It does not matter how old the car is. So, the inspection sheet includes all the nitty-gritty condition detail of the vehicle, which you must acknowledge.
There are the grading numbers that are mentioned on the inspection sheet. Moreover, other information is also mentioned on the sheet. Likewise, the engine size, car’s production date, lot numbers, exterior, and interior parts, Chassis numbers, chassis codes, mileage, features, and accessories.
The grading numbers are: –
- Grade 6: – The vehicle is less than 12 months old and new.
- Grade 5: – The car has low mileage and good fuel efficiency, considered new as well.
- Grade 4.5: – The car might be used a bit but has good mileage.
- Grade 4: – The vehicle can have some faults; better check it out.
- Grade 3: – Average condition car with minor faults.
- Grade 2: – The car has a lot of damage. Companies do not prefer this car.
Faults Present in old Japanese vehicles
Performance, maintenance, and quality are what we have discussed in this blog, but a few faults can be found in old Japanese vehicles for sale. Let’s discuss them below.
- Takata Airbags: – There were several vehicles manufactured with Takata airbags. The airbag caused around 19 deaths in the United States. There were vehicles also affected by this airbag, such as Acura (Honda) 2003, BMW serious (2008-13), etc.
- Damaged Dashboards: – This is one of the problems, which will be in most Japanese cars. Moreover, this will degrade the interior of your vehicle.
- Engine leaks: – The rubber should be replaced regularly of Japanese cars engines or else, and your oil can leak.
- Engine light: – The engine is standard in all vehicles, but Japanese car owners tend to ignore it, whether it is working or not.