Questions of Import: Third Party Inspection

The more I have thought about importing a car from Japan, the more questions I come up with. And in conversations with friends, they come up with even more questions. While the previous post was more focused on questions about the purchasing and importing process, with this post I am going to develop more specific questions about the condition of the vehicle and a third party inspection.

General:
  • Can you provide translation and guidance on reviewing the auction condition sheet?
  • What is included in the "third party" inspection?
  • What items would an inspector flag?
  • Would anything cause you to reject or not bid on a vehicle?
Exterior:
  • Can you identify shallow vs deep scratches?
  • Can you identify damage that might need replacement vs repair?
  • Can you identify rust locations?
    • Specifically, the wheel wells and floorboards?
  • Can you determine if the car has been re-painted?
  • Are the wheels scratched or dented?
  • Are the tires in good condition?
  • Does the hardtop fit correctly? 
  • Do all lights work? 
  • Any cracks in windshield?
Interior:
  • Did anyone smoke in the car?
  • Are there any missing switches, dials, etc?
  • Is there evidence of leaks or water damage?
  • Any rips in seats? 
  • Aftermarket radio?
  • Verify heat/AC work?
  • Has odometer been tampered with?
  • Is the spare tire included?
Engine/Drivetrain:
  • Are there any leaking fluids?
  • Are the fluids the proper color?
  • Are there any aftermarket additions to engine?
  • Is exhaust rusted?
  • Are battery terminals corroded?
  • Can you start up the vehicle?
    • Does it start OK?
    • Any ticking or other noises?
    • Is exhaust any color (white, black, etc)?
  •  Do brakes look OK?
  • Is brake pedal firm?

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