Frequently Asked Questions

Vehicle Search & Auction

Q        Why use Auction System to buy used cars in Japan?

A        There are more than 50 Auction houses in Japan the most popular being the Used Car System (USS). We are members
of 30 Auctions that run from Monday to Sunday.  We use the computer system to access the details of the vehicles to be
auctions the next day. We can also go physically t o the car Auction hall to bid for the cars. There are three benefits of buying
cars from the Auction: Inspection & Grading Reports: Each vehicle sold at the auction has an auction sheet, i.e. an individual
condition report by expert vehicle inspectors. For each vehicle, an inspector fills out an auction sheet after they perform a
comprehensive car inspection of the mechanical condition and cosmetic appearance of the vehicle, and they assign a grade to
the vehicle, which indicates the vehicle's condition. This condition report by the third party, i.e. an auction sheet from the Auto
auction, enable and promotes fair trades between a seller and a buyer. You will be able to know about the condition of the
vehicle before deciding whether to bid, as we will give you the complete details of the vehicle by using an auction sheet.
Choose vehicles from a very wide selection: There are many Auction companies and every week offer about 20,000-50,000
vehicles on sale. This is a place you can easily find the type of vehicle you are searching. Price Comparison: Car Auctions
results allow comparing prices of cars sold in the previous week or month to allow an estimate of how much one expects to
purchase a given car. Because there are many sellers and buyers, price competition may operate to the advantage of the
buyer. There are many Auction companies and every week offer about 20,000-50,000 vehicles on sale. This is a place you can
easily find the type of vehicle you are searching.

Q        How can I search for the type of car I am looking for?
A        We provide a list of cars by make, brand, model, shape and purpose. Check our comprehensive car model review to find
the exact car you are looking for. Kindly note that your extra options many be difficult to find.

Q        How to bid in auction?
A        Cars are sold every 15 seconds, simultaneously on the left screen and on the right screen. Dealers come to the auction
view the cars being sold either and then bid on the cars in this auction room by clicking on a button. The computer system
only requires to feed in the bid price in advance and wait for the results. Skill is required, mistakes being punished with a
80,000yen fine for a cancellation.

Q     Can I purchase a used car with confidence even though I have not seen it myself?
A        Auction houses have developed a carefully structured vehicle inspection system that is strictly applied to every car
submitted for auction. Cars are inspected by car experts who give comprehensive reports based on grade inspection system.
The inspection reports give details of the vehicle condition and with two photos, there is no need to worry. Our service is to
ensure that we help you to select & buy a vehicle with good quality which you are aware of its history and present condition.
We will explain and translate the Auction sheet into English for you before we bid the car of your  choice.

We wills translate & summarize the Auction indicating key information
Item                                                 Example                                        
Vehicle Name                                    Toyota Landcruiser Prado
Chassis Number                                KZJ78W-0032165
Vehicle Grade/Type                           SX W 4WD Turbo
Engine Size                                       3,000cc
Fuel Type                                          Diesel
Transmission                                    Automatic
Year of 1st Registration/Model         1,995
Number of Doors                              5
Colour                                              Green
Mileage                                            About 128,000kms
Options                                            AC, PS, PW, PM, CD, Stereo, 4WD, 8 seats
Auction Grade                                  3

Q        How to get market price?
A        The car market price will be determined by mileage, year, auction grade, model, brand & equipment. We provide weekly
market price (Final Auction price & FOB Japan in USD) on our website. This gives you a general picture of the price trends of
the car you are looking for. Note that this will be the exact price you will buy a similar vehicle, as the price will change up or
down wards.

Q        What to do after successful bids?
A        Before you bid, we request that you pay a deposit fee. Depending on the customer, they may want to pay total
estimated CIF at once to avoid paying extra banking charges. If your bid is successful, we request that you pay any
outstanding balance amount, if any, to our bank account within 5 days after the auction.


Q        What other costs related to car Auction
A        
  • Successful Auction Fee 21,000 JPY
  • Tax Japan Government 5% of the Auction bid price
  • Transport from Auction House to the nearest Port Nagoya, Yokohama, Osaka, or Kobe
  • Shipping costs charges (Ship booking & documentations)

Payments
Q        How To make Payment?
A        We accept all payment via bank transfer only. Our Banking Details are below
Account Name:                      TAHMI INTERNATIONAL
Account Number:                   1282337
Bank Name:                           RESONA BANK
Branch Name:                        FUJISAWA  Branch
SWIFT CODE:                        DIWAJPJT

Note:
That Money will arrive in USD & changed by the Bank at the USD=JPY exchange rate of the day. We will send you a
receipt from our Bank once a remittance has been effected to our Bank by Fax or email or together with the other original
documents. All Bank charges will be paid by the Customer

Q        Do you deal with foreign currencies?
A        Currently, we accept payments in Japanese Yen (JPY)  & United States Dollars (USD). Other currencies, you send Money
from your Bank and our Bank automatically changes it to Japanese Yen at the Exchange rate of the day your money reaches
our Bank in Japan. You can convert Japanese Yen to other currencies at this currency converter
http://www.xe.com/ucc

Shipping Service
Q        Do You offer shipping?
A        We have made partnerships with shipping agents at Nagoya, Yokohama & Osaka ports in Japan to arrange prompt
shipment at lowest possible cost for our customers. Our partners are able to book the vehicle to the next ship within a period
of two weeks.  We ensure that the Export process in Japan is done with efficiency to avoid any problems during the rest of
the export process.
http://www2.nykline.com/nykinfo/car_carrier_services/service_network/11.html
For our East African customers, we have identified partners at Mombasa & Dar Es Salaam Ports to ensure that precious
vehicles accessories are not kept in good hands immediately the vehicle leaves the ship until it reached the hand of the
customer. Note: Currently, we are offering shipping cars by Pure Car Carrier (PCC) ships only. Contact us if you want to book
shipping your car with other items in a container.

Q        What services are included in your shipping charges?
A        There are three levels customers incurs shipping Charges;
1.        Export Shipping Charges in Japan
2.        Ocean Freight to customer’s nearest port of discharge
3.        Export Documentation; Invoice, Bill of Lading & Export Certificate.
All the Above costs are included in our FOB Prices

Export Shipping Charges in Japan: We have negotiated with our shipping partners in at Yokohama, Nagoya and Kobe and
have agreed to charge our customers
less than 300USD per vehicle unit. The charge includes ship booking, documentations
and ship loading.
Ocean Freight to customer’s nearest port of discharge: We have worked with our clearing agent partners at Yokohama,
Nagoya & Osaka to negotiate with Shipping companies for the best M3 rates. The ocean charges are determined by the rate
size of the vehicle usually measured in cubic metres (M3). Click here for M3 sizes for common vehicles we have been shipping.

How long it will take to reach car?
The duration varies depending on the region and port of destination. For example it takes approximately one month from
Yokohama to Mombasa port in Kenya.

What documents we will I receive?
Beginning July 2005, vehicle export rules in Japan have been tightened and more shipping documents are required to be sure
that you have We will send following documents:
  1. Three copies of Original Bill of Lading B/L (released two weeks after vehicle leaves Japan).
  2. Commercial Invoice & Packing List
  3. De-registration certificate (Japanese & English translated copy)
  • JAAI Certificate (For some Countries) is necessary

We will ship your original documents by Express Mail or Courier that is traceable. We currently use, EMS, DHL & FEDEX. Once
we dispatch, the document package we give you the tracking number and we are both able to trace the documents until the
final destination.
Thank You for Choosing TAHMI INTERNATIONAL for your Direct Vehicle Import from
Japan
All Right Reserved TAHMI INTERNATIONAL Ltd 2008
Physical Address:
TAHMI INTERNATIONAL
CHIGASAKI SHI, SERIZAWA
5450-1, Kanagawa  Ken, Japan
Telephone & Fax:
Tel: +81-46-752-3756
Fax: +81-46-7523756
Mobile:
+81-90-29430838
Online:
E-mail : info@atmcarsjapan.com
Email:  atmmisbahulkabir@yahoo.com
Website: www.atmcarsjapan.com
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