Getting U.S. car to pass emissions in Japan

[Darian]

There's a good chance I will be working on a Navy base in Japan in spring. I want to bring my 2013 Mustang over but am worried about the stringent requirements for importing a car: needs to pass Japanese emission test and 'may' need special emissions/safety equipment installed. The emissions test is 250,000 yen and if work needs to be done on the car, additional 140,000-400,000 yen and when the car is emissions tested again, fork up another 250,000 yen! So how hard is it to get the car to pass the first time??? Anybody been there, done that?

What if the car doesn't pass first time, can you just not register the car and store it in the garage without registration or license? Or can you sell it to a Japanese National and let them worry about getting it registered? I mean it's one thing to fork out $2,300 U.S. for the emissions test but to fork out an additional $5,000 - 7,000 is getting ridiculous.

 

[Grandpa Frank]

Seems things have not changed much since I was in the Navy stationed in Japan. Back in 1970 + 71 it was expensive and darn near impossible to get a US made car into the country. Back then it cost a fortune and took forever. Driving a large car and a car with the steering wheel on the wrong side was a pain too. Getting a driving license and insurance was also a hassle. Most of just used taxies , buses , or trains , ferry boats , etc. to get around. It was the way 98% of people get around then and super cheap with few problems. I drove a 6 man crew cab Dodge pickup for a base issued vehicle and it was like piloting a super tanker. Driving my friends 280Z in and around Fukuoka and Kyushu back then was nerve racking with narrow roads and other crazy kamikaze drivers. Store or sell your car and buy something when you get to Japan , or just use the available transportation and you will enjoy your time there a lot more I think.

 

[WonkoTheSane]

This is a bad idea for all the reasons Frank mentioned. Also, this is one of the most pointless places to own a big, fast car.

In answer, though:

Virtually certain it won't pass the first time.

Might find a starry eyed Japanese guy to buy it, but massively unlikely since it won't be able to be registered.

Storing it might be difficult if you want to have a car to drive. SOFA status personnel can only own 1 car per licensed driver (not sure how hard to get around this, but VRO doesn't tend to be flexible).

This might all be moot. You have to be above, I believe, E4 to get a license.

If you really want a big, fast car here, just buy one. The used car market is pretty good and you can usually sell the car for about what you paid for it if you don't go crazy spending too much in the first place.

 

[Mike Cash]

He's 61, so if he ain't made E4 by now, he ain't going to....

I know nothing about the topic at hand, but I would like to point out that if you think you might ever wish to ride a motorcycle in Japan and don't already have a motorcycle endorsement in your license, the hugest favor you can do yourself is to rush and get one more than 90 days before you leave the U.S.

 

[Darian]

This will be my second SOFA tour in Japan; was there for 15 years earlier. At the time I drove 4-cyl cars with sub 2 liter engines, which I mainly used to go to the Commissary and Exchange. I'm an O-4 equivalent, so no problem owning a car, but I can only own one.

While traveling throughout Japan, I used Japanese car rental. I know about the narrow roads (I've done Iya Valley in 2012, 200+ km of the narrowest roads in Japan). The Mustang is not feasible for travel as gas mileage is horrific, barely 200 miles to a tank of gas.

I picked up the Mustang from Military Overseas Sales, on my way back to the States. Got a real good deal and do not want to sell the car. Reason I can't store the car in the U.S. is exhorbitant storage fees, minimum $275/ month, do the math. So yeah, would be willing to pay $2300 for the emissions test if it passes first time.

I was hoping for a response from somebody who has done a late model car. The 2013 Mustang should pass compared to something in the 80s. It has HID headlights, fog lamps, trick rear lighting with the sequential turn signals, so I don't see any lighting deficiencies. I was hoping to bring the car over, not register it (so no need the emissions test) and just store it in the garage I get with an offbase apt. Knowing how Japanese regs work, don't think this will fly.

I want to get a smaller car for daily use but SOFA only allows one car per person. I could possibly transfer the title of the Mustang to a (trusted) Japanese friend to offload it, but you can't do this unless the car is registered and licensed so I'm back to where I started. Plus I'd have to pay JCI and that other insurance for two cars, too expensive.

Unless I flat out sell the car before I leave, I guess I will have to get the car registered for my own use in Japan. Drive it once a week to the Commissary and Exchange to charge the battery. Then at some point I could sell it to a Japanese National. At least I would get more for it than in the U.S. The car is Ferrari Red, loaded with performance options, and real flashy; it will turn heads in Japan. Remember that mass traffic accident in Japan several years ago where a bunch of supercars were wrecked in a car crash at high speed on the freeway? Hope to sell the Mustang to one of these people. I think this Mustang for $45K U.S. would be pocket change for them compared to their stable of $250,000 supercars. Right now on the U.S. resale market, the car is worth maybe $27K. I would factor in the cost of the emissions test and whatever else needs to be done to the car to register it into the sales price.

 

[Glenski]

Why can't you just store the car with a friend or family member, put it up on blocks and cover it, and take most of the insurance off it? Far cheaper.

 

[Mike Cash]

I think I see an option you may have overlooked.

Bring the car with you but just don't register it. Have it taken out to your off base apartment on a flatbed truck (shouldn't cost much), put it in the garage, and just store it for the time you're here. That shouldn't count against your one car limit and you won't have the expense of insurance either. Get a practical car for daily use and just rent parking space for it. Either that or go with a scooter/motorcycle for daily use and just rent a car for trips.

 

[WonkoTheSane]

Good eye, Mike, I didn't look at age.

Since you say O4 equivalent I figure you're GS or contractor. Check and see if they'll pay storage for a POV as part of your contract. It might be something you can negotiate.

I have a feeling the flatbed idea won't work, VRO will likely be notified that his POV was shipped and I have a feeling it'll turn into an issue. I could be totally wrong, though.

Unfortunately motorcycle license is out of the question for the foreseeable future, the trainer position is unfilled and likely to remain so (both Okinawa and main islands, from what I've heard).

 

[Majestic]

Reason I can't store the car in the U.S. is exorbitant storage fees, minimum $275/ month, do the math.

Can't do the math unless we know how long your tour of duty will be. Two years? 275 x 24 months = $6,600. Sounds like a bargain compared to the heartache and cost of importing, modifying, certifying, and then disposing, of an American-made performance car in Japan. Plus, if you store it in the States it will be waiting for you in decent condition when you return. Or, another option; put an ad in the paper for someone with extra garage space who will store it for less than $275 a month. Craig's list has a ton of options in your area.
san diego parking & storage - craigslist

Browsing the Japanese sites it looks like the minimum for privately importing and certifying a US-made car is over 1 million yen (say, US$8300k).
【車の個人輸入】 アメリカから→日本へ - 輸入車 - 教えて！goo

You probably already noticed that some car storage companies have military discounts
Military Discount | AAAA Auto Storage & Car Park, San Diego, CA

Note that I'm not trying to discourage you from importing and driving your mustang here. To me it feels like way more trouble than its worth. I did see a 2013 Mustang for sale in Japan for about $40k.
マスタング シェルビーGT500SS仕様 走行確認書(埼玉)の中古車詳細 | 中古車なら【カーセンサーnet】

 

[Darian]

I think I see an option you may have overlooked.

Bring the car with you but just don't register it. Have it taken out to your off base apartment on a flatbed truck (shouldn't cost much), put it in the garage, and just store it for the time you're here. That shouldn't count against your one car limit and you won't have the expense of insurance either. Get a practical car for daily use and just rent parking space for it. Either that or go with a scooter/motorcycle for daily use and just rent a car for trips.

This is what I had planned to do, but from what I know about Japanese and their regs, don't think this will fly. Because there could be unsavory importers trying to sell cars - not that a gray market is possible for that. I'm pretty sure the Ministry wants to keep track of any car that enters the country and it's fate. Plus it's on my orders and the base Vehicle Registration Office (VRO) might be keeping track.

I think one thing that would fly is if I do get the emission test done once - the Ministry at least has 250,000 yen for that. If it doesn't pass, I'm pretty sure I can take it home to my garage and leave it there unregistered. Nobody can force me to register the car. But the car will count as one I own because I have the certificate of ownership. I could ask the VRO office if I can get a waiver to get another car if I tell them I can't afford to pay several more thousands of dollars to get the car passed, and that I plan to eventually sell the car to someone who can afford to do so.

 

[Mike Cash]

I normally don't point people toward other forums, but I know for a fact there are people far more knowledgeable about this at Gaijinriders which is essentially a bike forum but there are current military guys there as well as some who do vehicle import/export.

 

[Darian]

Can't do the math unless we know how long your tour of duty will be. Two years? 275 x 24 months = $6,600. Sounds like a bargain compared to the heartache and cost of importing, modifying, certifying, and then disposing, of an American-made performance car in Japan. Plus, if you store it in the States it will be waiting for you in decent condition when you return. Or, another option; put an ad in the paper for someone with extra garage space who will store it for less than $275 a month. Craig's list has a ton of options in your area.
san diego parking & storage - craigslist

Browsing the Japanese sites it looks like the minimum for privately importing and certifying a US-made car is over 1 million yen (say, US$8300k).
【車の個人輸入】 アメリカから→日本へ - 輸入車 - 教えて！goo

You probably already noticed that some car storage companies have military discounts
Military Discount | AAAA Auto Storage & Car Park, San Diego, CA

Note that I'm not trying to discourage you from importing and driving your mustang here. To me it feels like way more trouble than its worth. I did see a 2013 Mustang for sale in Japan for about $40k.
マスタング シェルビーGT500SS仕様 走行確認書(埼玉)の中古車詳細 | 中古車なら【カーセンサーnet】

My tour will probably go 5-7 years, with a good chance for 7. So for storage fees you are looking at least $16,500.

The problem with finding someone I don't know to store the car in their garage is the car could get damaged incidentally or possibly stolen and that will open a can of worms trying to get reimbursed from the insurance company. I'd probably have to pay at least $100/month anyway. Right now my only option to leave it here is at my parent's house outdoors, but it will rust away fast even with a car cover on (remember it's a Ford; there's already rust underneath the car due to the cost cutting on paint by the factory).

I have been a GS-12 civilian and will be going back to the same job and base actually, and plan to get the same apartment building right outside base. They provide you with a covered garage (one of those rotating deals where you drive the car in). I can take out the battery and put a car cover on it. Just need to pump up the tires every couple of months.

As for the command storing my car in CONUS, already looked into that. The DOD will only do that for active duty personnel, even if you are single. It does not apply to civilians except in emergency situations.

 

[Darian]

Actually, after much thought, I've decided the best thing to do is bring the car to Japan especially if the command will pay to ship it. Might as well take advantage of that. I'd like to retire in Japan eventually so the car has to come over anyway. If I leave the car in CONUS it will devalue greatly each year and would have to sell it for less than what I could get in Japan. If the car passes emissions first time I will register and drive it mainly to get around base. I'll be going to Yokosuka and really nowhere to open up the car there. The Miura Kaigan area is too small and I'd have to hit the turnpikes just to clear Tokyo area so I don't plan on any joy riding.

Plus the $2300 or so for the emissions check is what I might have to pay for a decent used car on base anyway.

If it doesn't pass and I decide to leave it in the garage unregistered, I can get to the Commissary and Exhange and back to my home by bike. I never used my car on my last tour in Yokosuka anyway; I left it parked behind the building I worked at on base all year round and only used it to buy groceries. I could walk home from there to my apartment off base in 5 minutes. Now you know why I am going back to the same job! For traveling, I always rented a 600 cc car for the GPS and good gas mileage and navigation on the narrow roads. Traveling anywhere south of Shizuoka Prefecture and north of Tochigi wasn't worth taking your personal car anyway.

On the lemon lot at Yokosuka, always saw a lot of American cars for sale, e.g., BMWs, V-6 Mustangs. Don't seem to me it's that hard bringing a car over. You can't get much money for them on base though, like $5,000-8,000 for a fairly late model Mustang, but I never saw any V-8s.

 

[Darian]

Note that I'm not trying to discourage you from importing and driving your mustang here. To me it feels like way more trouble than its worth. I did see a 2013 Mustang for sale in Japan for about $40k.
マスタング シェルビーGT500SS仕様 走行確認書(埼玉)の中古車詳細 | 中古車なら【カーセンサーnet】

That's a strange car. Normally a GT500 Shelby is a 5.7 liter V-8 with 625 HP and costs $65,000 new. That one is a V-6 and already going for $40K U.S.

 

[Majestic]

Maybe these guys can help with some more specific info?
[CAR MOVE] IMPORT TO JAPAN. EXPORT FROM JAPAN. TO:UK, USA, NZ

 

[Glenski]

Right now my only option to leave it here is at my parent's house outdoors, but it will rust away fast even with a car cover on (remember it's a Ford; there's already rust underneath the car due to the cost cutting on paint by the factory).

Your profile says you are from San Diego. I suspect that the salt air around there contributes to this, too. Think about it. Why would things be any different on an island in the Pacific Ocean?

I question the whole idea of shipping a car to Japan in the first place. Why is this such a fixation in your mind? If you think you're going to enjoy driving it around a new country for 5-7 years, you should determine just how often you will have a chance to get out and what the driving options will be wherever you are stationed. My advice is to sell this admitted rustbucket and save yourself a heap of money before you return to the States, at which time you can enjoy another car in a land where people drive on the side of the road that you are used to, where road sign language is not confusing, where road tolls are not so expensive, where speed limits are higher, and where any accidents can be discussed in a language you understand.

 

[johnnyG]

I'm not at all an expert on car sales here, but the fact that rust has been noted, makes me wonder...

In other markets (e.g., high end guitars) top dollar only goes to the most pristine, unblemished items. How about cars?

Also, thinking of $45k when the yen was at 80/$ is a different thing than now, when it is 118/$. That "adds" about 1,700,000 yen to the price a local buyer would have to pay. Or, if the yen value/price of a given car has not changed over that time, a car that once sold for the equivalent of $45k is now selling for the equivalent of about $35k.

 

[Mike Cash]

A slight tangent, but I'm curious about the retiring in Japan bit. How does that work as far as visa category goes?

 

[WonkoTheSane]

Are you in DoDDS? If not, how are you going to get around the 5 year rule as a GS?

Just wondering since it's going to hit me...

I'm working out of Yokosuka. I think you stand a better chance with VRO here than in Okinawa. They seem strict but reasonable, you might get a waiver if your command goes along with it and you just want to park the car.

 

[Glenski]

A slight tangent, but I'm curious about the retiring in Japan bit. How does that work as far as visa category goes?

You're here legally or not. You'll need a visa or PR. One would think that by the time a person retires here, they would have spent enough years in Japan first, and thereby accumulate the time and experience needed to get PR.

 

[Mike Cash]

You're here legally or not. You'll need a visa or PR. One would think that by the time a person retires here, they would have spent enough years in Japan first, and thereby accumulate the time and experience needed to get PR.

I wonder if time spent on SOFA status counts, though.

 

[kaspersky]

Time spent on SOFA status does not count. Even if he spent 20 years here, it means 0 day on the Japanese immigration system.

 

[Glenski]

Makes sense, as SOFA is not considered working on Japanese soil, I suppose. No visa from immigration, either.

 

[Darian]

A slight tangent, but I'm curious about the retiring in Japan bit. How does that work as far as visa category goes?

The simplest way around this is I'd have to find me a wife on this tour. Not unless I win the $200 million Powerball lottery and can afford to travel incessantly and live out of fancy ryokans for 3 months at a time - even then, you'd need a wife for the ryokans. I suppose if you pay for two they'd let you book.

 

[Darian]

Are you in DoDDS? If not, how are you going to get around the 5 year rule as a GS?

Just wondering since it's going to hit me...

I'm working out of Yokosuka. I think you stand a better chance with VRO here than in Okinawa. They seem strict but reasonable, you might get a waiver if your command goes along with it and you just want to park the car.

Seven is possible because the command I'm going to is good about that. That was why I was able to stay 15 my last tour. They are cracking down now and seven is about it.