JDM Importing Tips
How to Verify your JDM Car’s Real Mileage Before you Buy It
Rolling back a vehicle’s odometer, typically by replacing it with a lower KM unit from a junkyard, is an easy way to increase profits when a dealer is selling a car.
Despite the fact that it is illegal – some unscrupulous Japanese exporters still do it. By some estimates, as many as 80% of vehicles have had their odometer tampered with.
**How can you protect yourself when buying a car in Japan, sight unseen? **
Look no further than JEVIC. By verifying the mileage on cars after it leaves the auction house, and before you purchase it, JEVIC makes sure you know the real distance the car has covered on the road preventing you from being overcharged for an underwhelming vehicle.
What is JEVIC?
Japan Export Vehicle Inspection (JEVIC) is a reputable Japanese organization which inspects the car’s condition before it is exported offshore.
Why Should You Trust JEVIC?
That’s a valid question, given the fact that you weren’t even aware of JEVIC’s name five minutes ago. Fortunately, though, JEVIC is a brand that is trusted by worldwide governments. Hence the reason why most countries have conditions binding their car importers to receive a JEVIC certificate before importing any vehicle from Japan. That means you can afford to trust this company.
How JEVIC Works?
There are two options available to you through JEVIC:
#1: Checking the National database
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Cost: 3500 Yen
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Type of inspection: From records
While a JDM import’s history won’t be visible within a Carfax report in Canada or the USA, it is available from the country of origin. Every country has a database where it stores data regarding the cars running on its roads, and Japan is no exception.
In fact, the standards for vehicle inspection in Japan (aka “Shaken”) are much more robust than in North America. This database is updated every time a car undergoes its mandatory inspection.
Hence the reason why JEVIC turns to this option. It knows that the car seller might fool you, but the seller cannot fool the system. They check the national database to compare the mileage logged there against what the car is showing.
#2: National database + Physical Inspection
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Cost: 6000 Yen
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Type of inspection: From records + physical inspection
To really reduce your risk, this option includes an inspector from JEVIC who will visit your premises to check the car’s condition. With their company-defined standards, they check your car’s odometer and other relevant parts to gauge the veracity of its mileage.
They also perform an inspection which gives you additional information to decide whether or not the car’s condition warrants its price.
Conclusion
Although the JEVIC method is undoubtedly the best, there are other ways to assess whether a car’s given mileage is accurate. Our mileage verification guide covers the full range of tools and checks available before you commit to a purchase. For instance, a worn-out steering wheel, battered gear knob, and shabby brake pedal are indicators that the car has seen long-term use. That said, if you want a clear picture, nothing beats JEVIC.
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