Best Way to Sell a Car in Japan: Complete Guide 2025

The best way to sell a car in Japan depends on how fast you need to sell and how much money you want. Dealers are fastest, private car sales get you more money, and online platforms give you the most options.

Many foreigners leaving Japan don’t know where to sell cars or what paperwork they need. This guide shows you the best place to sell your car, how to get good prices, required documents, and how to handle everything before you leave the country.

Best Way to Sell a Car: Your Three Options

Option 1: Sell to Car Dealers (Fastest)

How it works: Dealers buy your car directly. They handle all paperwork.

Timeline: Same day to 1 week

Pros:

• Super fast – cash in days
• Zero paperwork hassle
• Dealers handle deregistration
• No meeting strangers
• Works even if you leave Japan soon

Cons:

• Lowest prices (dealers need profit margin)
• Non-negotiable offers usually
• Older cars get lowball offers

Best for: People leaving Japan in 1-2 months who need quick cash.

Where to find dealers: Visit car dealers in Japan who work with foreigners and speak English.

Option 2: Private Car Sales (Most Money)

How it works: You sell directly to another person (no middleman).

Timeline: 2-8 weeks depending on demand

Pros:

• Highest prices – no dealer markup
• You control the price
• Good for popular cars
• Can find foreign buyers who speak English

Cons:

• You handle all paperwork
• Must meet buyers (safety risk)
• Longer selling time
• Ownership transfer is your responsibility
• Risky if buyer doesn’t pay or complains later

Best for: People with 2+ months before leaving who want maximum money.

Where to sell:

• Facebook Marketplace
• Facebook groups: “Japan used cars buy & sell”
• Local expat communities
• Online classifieds

Option 3: Online Car Platforms (Balanced)

How it works: List your car on platforms like GenkiCars where dealers see your listing and contact you with offers.

Timeline: 1-3 weeks

Pros:

• Multiple dealer offers (competition = better prices)
• More money than selling to one dealer
• Less work than full private sale
• Platform handles some paperwork
• English support available

Cons:

• Not as fast as direct dealer sale
• Not as much money as private sale
• Still need to provide documents

Best for: Most foreigners – good balance of speed, price, and ease.

Recommended platform: List your second hand car in Japan where English-speaking dealers can make offers.

What Is the 3-Year Rule for Cars in Japan?

New cars in Japan get their first Shaken (vehicle inspection) after 3 years. After that, Shaken happens every 2 years.

Why this matters for selling:

Cars right before Shaken (month 35-36) are hardest to sell because:

• Buyer must pay expensive Shaken immediately
• Shaken costs ¥100,000-¥200,000
• People avoid cars needing Shaken soon

Best time to sell: Right after you pass Shaken, when the certificate has maximum time left.

Worst time to sell: 1-2 months before Shaken expires.

If your Shaken expires in 2 months and you’re leaving Japan, sell to a dealer fast. Don’t wait.

How Long Do People Keep Cars in Japan?

Japanese people typically keep cars for 7-10 years before selling.

After 10 years, many Japanese sell or scrap their cars because:

• Repair costs increase
• Resale value drops significantly
• Newer models have better fuel economy
• Cultural preference for newer cars

For foreigners selling:

If your car is:

• 0-3 years old: Sell easily at good prices
• 4-7 years old: Still sells well if maintained
• 8-10 years old: Harder to sell, lower prices
• 10+ years old: Very hard to sell, consider dealer buyout

Age matters a lot in Japan. Newer cars sell faster and for more money.

How Much Does a JC Cost?

“JC” isn’t standard car terminology in Japan. You might mean:

JCI (Japan Car Importers): Export companies that buy cars for overseas markets

Shaken costs: ¥100,000-¥200,000 every 2 years

Car inspection/maintenance: ¥30,000-¥80,000 per year

If you’re asking about selling to export companies (who ship cars abroad), they often pay better than local dealers because foreign markets pay more for Japanese cars.

What Happens If I Don’t Declare in Japan?

If you don’t deregister your car before leaving Japan, you still legally own it.

Bad things that happen:

You keep paying automobile tax – Bills sent to your address every April (around ¥30,000-¥50,000 yearly)

Parking fees continue if you rent a spot (¥10,000-¥30,000 monthly)

Insurance lapses but you’re still the legal owner

Can’t sell later without returning to Japan

Fines possible for abandoned vehicles

Your guarantor gets blamed if you had one

The car gets impounded eventually if truly abandoned

Bottom line: Always deregister before leaving Japan. It takes 1-2 hours and saves you money and legal problems.

What Is the 20-Year Rule for Cars?

The “20-year rule” doesn’t exist in Japan’s domestic market.

You might be thinking of import rules in other countries. Some countries (like Canada) have easier import rules for cars over 25 years old.

In Japan itself:

• You can own and drive cars of any age
• No age limit for registration
• Older cars just need to pass Shaken every 2 years

For selling: Cars over 15-20 years old are very hard to sell in Japan unless they’re:

• Classic/vintage models
• JDM legends (Skyline, Supra, RX-7)
• Well-maintained with low mileage

Otherwise, older cars usually go to export markets or scrap.

How Long Should My Car Loan Be?

Wrong topic – this is about selling cars, not buying.

But quick answer: Most car loans in Japan are 3-7 years. See our car loan guide for details.

Important for sellers: If you still owe money on your car loan, you must:

1. Pay off the loan completely
2. Get the lender to release the title
3. Then sell the car

You cannot sell a car that still has an active loan without paying it off first.

Is It Difficult to Sell Your Own Car?

In Japan? Yes, it’s harder than most countries – especially for foreigners.

Why it’s difficult:

All paperwork is in Japanese – forms, contracts, certificates

Must handle deregistration yourself at Land Transport Office

Buyer and seller both go to office together for ownership transfer

Need your registered seal (inkan) and seal certificate

Parking certificate gets canceled – paperwork needed

Insurance cancellation – must notify and get refund

Tax refund if you paid annual automobile tax

Most Japanese won’t buy from foreigners – language barrier and legal concerns

Takes 4-8 hours total across multiple government offices

Mistakes can cause legal problems for you and the buyer

Bottom line: It’s possible but time-consuming. Most foreigners use dealers or platforms to avoid the paperwork headache.

What Should I Do Before Selling My Car?

1. Check Your Shaken Certificate

Look at your Shaken expiration date.

• 6+ months remaining: Good selling position
• 2-6 months remaining: Okay, but mention it clearly
• Under 2 months: Sell fast to dealer or renew Shaken first

Cars with fresh Shaken sell faster and for ¥50,000-¥100,000 more.

2. Gather All Documents

Collect these before listing your car:

Essential documents:

• Shaken certificate (vehicle inspection)
• Car registration certificate
• Your residence card
• Registered seal (inkan) and seal certificate
• Proof of parking cancellation
• Insurance documents
• Automobile tax receipt

Nice to have:

• Service history/maintenance records
• Original purchase documents
• Spare keys
• Owner’s manual

Missing documents make selling harder and lower your price.

3. Clean Your Car Thoroughly

A clean car sells for ¥30,000-¥80,000 more than a dirty one.

Outside:

• Wash and wax the body
• Clean wheels and tires
• Remove dirt from engine bay

Inside:

• Vacuum seats and floor
• Wipe dashboard and console
• Clean windows (inside and out)
• Remove all personal items
• Get rid of smells (smoking, pets)

Small repairs:

• Fix minor scratches with touch-up paint
• Replace burnt-out light bulbs
• Check tire pressure

First impressions matter. A clean car = serious seller = better offers.

4. Take Good Photos

If selling online or privately, photos make or break your sale.

Take 15-20 photos:

• Front, back, both sides (straight on)
• Interior front and back seats
• Dashboard and controls
• Trunk/cargo area
• Engine bay
• Tires and wheels
• Any damage or wear (be honest)
• Shaken certificate showing expiration

Photo tips:

• Shoot in daylight
• Clean background
• No people in photos
• Show the whole car, not just parts

Good photos get you 3x more buyer interest.

5. Research Your Car’s Value

Know what your car is worth before setting a price.

Check prices on:

• GenkiCars listings for similar cars
• Japanese used car sites (Goo-net, Car Sensor)
• Facebook Marketplace recent sales
• Dealer trade-in estimates

Your car’s value depends on:

• Year and mileage
• Condition and maintenance
• Shaken remaining time
• Brand and model popularity
• Color (white, black, silver sell best)
• Options and features

Pricing strategy:

• Dealer buyout: Expect 60-70% of retail value
• Private sale: List 10-15% above what you’ll accept
• Online platform: Price competitively based on similar cars

6. Pay Off Any Car Loan

If you financed your car, pay the full loan before selling.

The lender holds your title until paid. You cannot legally sell without it.

Steps:

1. Call your lender
2. Ask for payoff amount
3. Pay in full
4. Get title released
5. Then list car for sale

Factor this payoff into your math when deciding your selling price.

What Is the Safest Way to Receive Money When Selling a Car?

Safest: Bank transfer (furikomi – 振込)

Buyer transfers money to your Japanese bank account before pickup.

Why it’s safe:

• Traceable transaction
• Verified payment
• Money clears before they get keys
• No fake cash risk

Important: Wait for transfer to fully clear (1-2 business days) before giving car keys.

Second Option: Cash at Bank

Meet buyer at a bank during business hours.

• Count cash together
• Bank staff can verify bills
• Deposit immediately
• Security cameras for safety

Never accept:

• Cash at your home
• Meeting in isolated areas
• Payments before transfer paperwork complete
• Partial payments with promises

What Is the Best Way to Get Paid for Selling a Car?

For foreigners leaving Japan:

Best method: Bank transfer to your Japanese account

Then transfer to home country before closing your Japanese bank account.

Timeline:

1. Agree on price with buyer (Day 0)
2. Buyer transfers money (Day 1)
3. Money clears in your account (Day 2-3)
4. Meet at Land Transport Office for ownership transfer (Day 4)
5. Hand over keys after paperwork complete (Day 4)
6. Transfer money to home country (within 1 week)

For private sales:

Some buyers want to pay at the Land Transport Office after paperwork is done. This is okay if:

• You meet AT the office
• Cash payment before handing keys
• Both parties verify documents first

Never:

• Give the car before receiving payment
• Accept installment payments
• Trust “I’ll pay you next week”

Get paid in full before releasing the vehicle.

What Paperwork Do I Need to Sell My Car?

Documents from You (Seller)

Required:

• Certificate of Registration (車検証 – Shaken-sho)
• Registered seal (実印 – Jitsuin) and seal certificate (印鑑証明書 – Inkan Shomeisho) issued within 3 months
• Automobile tax payment receipt for current year
• Proof of parking cancellation – letter from parking lot or building
• Your residence card (Zairyu Card)
• Transfer document (譲渡証明書) – filled out with buyer

Nice to have:

• Maintenance records
• Spare keys
• Owner’s manual

Documents from Buyer

The buyer needs to provide:

• Their residence card or ID
• Their parking certificate (shakoshomei) for their address
• Their registered seal and seal certificate

Where to Process Sale

Land Transport Office (運輸支局 – Unyu Shikyoku) in your area.

Both buyer and seller must go together to:

1. Submit transfer documents
2. Pay transfer fee (around ¥500)
3. Update registration to buyer’s name
4. Get new license plates if different prefecture

This takes 2-4 hours usually.

For dealers: They handle this process for you. You just sign documents.

Do I Need to Give a Receipt When Selling a Car Privately?

Yes, always give a receipt – even for private car sales.

The receipt (領収書 – Ryoshusho) proves:

• Who paid whom
• How much money
• For which car (VIN/registration number)
• Date of transaction

Include in receipt:

• Your name and address
• Buyer’s name and address
• Car details (make, model, year, VIN)
• Sale amount
• Date
• Both signatures
• Your seal stamp

Keep a copy for yourself. Buyer keeps original.

Why this matters: Protects both parties if disputes happen later. Also needed for tax purposes.

What Are the Five Steps to Selling a Car?

Step 1: Decide Where to Sell

Choose: dealer, private, or online platform based on your timeline.

Need cash in 1-2 weeks? → Dealer
Want maximum money and have 2+ months? → Private sale
Want balance of both? → Online platform

Step 2: Prepare the Car

• Clean inside and out
• Gather all documents
• Take good photos
• Research fair price
• Make minor repairs

Step 3: List or Get Quotes

Dealers: Visit 2-3 dealers, get quotes, pick best offer

Private: Post on Facebook Marketplace, expat groups, online classifieds

Platform: List on GenkiCars and wait for dealer offers

Step 4: Negotiate and Accept Offer

Don’t accept the first offer. Negotiate a bit.

Dealer offers are usually firm
Private buyers expect negotiation (10-15% below asking price)
Platform offers – you can counter or wait for more

Once you agree:

• Set meeting date
• Confirm payment method
• Prepare all documents

Step 5: Complete Transfer and Get Paid

With dealer:

• Sign paperwork
• Get paid (usually bank transfer same day)
• Dealer handles deregistration

Private/platform:

• Meet at Land Transport Office
• Receive payment (bank transfer or cash)
• Complete ownership transfer together
• Hand over keys and documents

Then cancel insurance and get refund.

How Do I Protect Myself When Selling My Car Privately?

Before meeting buyers:

Meet in public places only – parking lots, bank lobbies, government offices

Bring a friend for safety, especially female sellers

Verify buyer identity – ask to see residence card before test drive

Don’t share personal details – home address, work info

Test drives: Keep buyer’s ID while they drive or ride along

During the sale:

Get full payment BEFORE ownership transfer

Meet at Land Transport Office to do paperwork together

Keep copies of everything – receipts, contracts, transfer documents

Never give keys until money is in your account and verified

After the sale:

Cancel your insurance immediately and notify them of sale

Cancel parking space and get refund if any

Keep proof of sale for 2 years in case of disputes

Inform your bank you sold the vehicle

What Papers Do You Need for Selling My Car?

Already covered above, but here’s the quick list:

1. Shaken certificate (vehicle inspection)
2. Car registration certificate
3. Registered seal + seal certificate (under 3 months old)
4. Automobile tax receipt
5. Parking cancellation proof
6. Residence card (copy)
7. Transfer document (譲渡証明書)
8. Bill of sale / receipt

All documents must be originals (no copies) except where noted.

Should I Remove My License Plates Before Selling?

No – don’t remove plates yourself.

License plates get handled during the official transfer process at the Land Transport Office.

What happens to plates:

Same prefecture: Buyer might keep same plates (their choice)

Different prefecture: Buyer must get new plates for their area

Scrapping car: You must return plates to Land Transport Office

Exporting car: Plates removed during export deregistration

Bottom line: Leave plates on car. They get handled during official paperwork.

Removing plates yourself can cause registration problems.

Do I Need to Give a Receipt When Selling a Car?

Yes – covered above. Always provide receipt for protection.

What Are the 5 C’s of Selling a Car?

The “5 C’s” is marketing terminology, not official in Japan. But here’s what matters for sell cars successfully:

1. Condition: Clean, maintained car sells for more

2. Completeness: Have all documents ready

3. Communication: Respond to buyers quickly

4. Competitive pricing: Research market rates

5. Convenience: Make it easy for buyer (flexible meeting times, proper paperwork)

Follow these and you’ll sell faster at better prices.

How to Legally Sell a Car Privately?

Step 1: Find a buyer through legal channels (Facebook, platforms, expat groups)

Step 2: Agree on price and payment method in writing

Step 3: Collect all required documents (listed above)

Step 4: Meet at Land Transport Office with buyer

Step 5: Complete ownership transfer officially

• Submit transfer documents
• Pay fees
• Register in buyer’s name
• Update plates if needed

Step 6: Receive payment once transfer is complete

Step 7: Give buyer: Keys, Shaken certificate, registration, insurance docs

Legal = doing official transfer at government office. Never skip this step.

How Do I Protect Myself When Selling a Car?

Repeat of earlier section – see “How Do I Protect Myself When Selling My Car Privately?” above.

What Should I Do Before Selling My Car?

Repeat of earlier section – see “What Should I Do Before Selling My Car?” above.

What Papers Do You Need When Selling Your Car?

Repeat of earlier section – see “What Papers Do I Need to Sell My Car?” above.

What Do I Need to Do When I Sell My Car Privately?

Complete checklist:

• [ ] Clean car inside and out
• [ ] Gather all documents
• [ ] Take 15-20 good photos
• [ ] Research fair market price
• [ ] List car online or contact dealers
• [ ] Respond to buyer inquiries
• [ ] Schedule test drives (public places only)
• [ ] Negotiate price
• [ ] Agree on payment method
• [ ] Set meeting at Land Transport Office
• [ ] Bring all original documents
• [ ] Complete ownership transfer
• [ ] Receive full payment
• [ ] Hand over keys and documents
• [ ] Cancel insurance (get refund)
• [ ] Cancel parking space
• [ ] Notify bank of sale

Takes 2-4 weeks for private sales typically.

How Do I Transfer My Car Ownership to Another Person?

Both buyer and seller must go to Land Transport Office together.

What to bring:

• All documents listed earlier
• Both registered seals
• Payment for fees (around ¥500)

At the office:

1. Get transfer form (譲渡証明書)
2. Fill it out together
3. Submit with other documents
4. Pay fee
5. Wait 30-60 minutes
6. Get new registration in buyer’s name
7. Update plates if different prefecture

Office hours: Usually 9 AM – 4 PM weekdays (closed weekends)

Processing time: 2-4 hours total

After transfer: Ownership is officially changed. You’re no longer responsible for the car.

How Do I Transfer My Vehicle to Another Owner?

Same as above – see “How Do I Transfer My Car Ownership to Another Person?”

How Do I Transfer Car Ownership to Another?

Same process – already covered above.

How to Sell Your Car Step by Step?

Covered comprehensively above – see “What Are the Five Steps to Selling a Car?” for detailed walkthrough.

Can I Transfer My Ownership to Another?

Yes – that’s exactly what selling a car means in Japan.

You transfer legal ownership from your name to buyer’s name at the Land Transport Office.

The process is required by law. You cannot just “give” a car to someone without official transfer.

Is ¥250,000 Enough to Live in Japan?

Wrong topic – this is about selling cars, not living expenses.

But quick answer: ¥250,000/month is tight but possible in rural areas, hard in Tokyo. Not related to car sales though.

How Much Is the Maximum Mileage for a Car in Japan?

There’s no maximum mileage legally.

Cars can be registered and driven at any mileage as long as they pass Shaken inspection every 2 years.

For selling, mileage matters:

• Under 50,000 km: Excellent, easy to sell
• 50,000-100,000 km: Good, normal range
• 100,000-150,000 km: Okay but lower prices
• 150,000+ km: Hard to sell, very low offers

Japanese drivers average only 9,000-10,000 km per year, so:

• 5-year-old car: 50,000 km is normal
• 10-year-old car: 100,000 km is normal

Higher mileage = lower resale value, but car can still be legal and drivable.

What Is the Lifespan of a Car in Japan?

Average lifespan: 13-15 years before most cars are scrapped or exported.

Why Japanese cars last long:

• Mandatory Shaken inspections every 2 years
• Excellent maintenance culture
• Low annual mileage
• Good roads (less wear and tear)

Typical car lifecycle:

• Years 0-3: New, no problems
• Years 4-7: Minor maintenance
• Years 8-12: More repairs, still reliable
• Years 13+: Expensive repairs, often scrapped

For selling: Cars 10+ years old are hardest to sell domestically but may sell to export markets.

What Is the 3-Year Rule in Japan?

Already covered – see “What Is the 3-Year Rule for Cars in Japan?” above.

New cars get first Shaken after 3 years, then every 2 years after.

What Is the 10-Year Rule in Japan?

No official “10-year rule” exists.

But culturally, many Japanese sell or scrap cars around 10 years because:

• Repair costs increase
• Resale value drops sharply
• New cars have better features
• Social preference for newer cars

For foreigners selling: 10+ year old cars are much harder to sell. Lower your price expectations or sell to export dealers.

Getting Tax Refunds When Selling

Automobile Tax Refund

If you paid the annual automobile tax (paid every April), you can get a refund for unused months when you deregister.

Example: You paid ¥39,500 for the full year in April. You deregister in September.

Unused months: October-March = 6 months
Refund: (¥39,500 ÷ 12) × 6 = ¥19,750

Refund arrives 1-2 months after deregistration.

Shaken Refund

Unfortunately, no refund for unused Shaken time.

If you sell a car with 18 months of Shaken remaining, that value goes to the buyer (they pay more for cars with fresh Shaken).

Insurance Refund

Cancel your car insurance immediately after selling.

Compulsory insurance (Jibaiseki): Get refund for unused months

Voluntary insurance: Usually get refund for unused portion

Call your insurance company when sale is complete.

Best Place to Sell Your Car as a Foreigner

Top 3 recommendations:

1. Online car dealers platforms like GenkiCars – Multiple dealers compete for your car, balanced speed and price

2. English-speaking car dealers – Find dealers in Japan who work with foreigners regularly

Avoid:

• Random dealers who don’t speak English
• Private buyers you can’t verify
• Export scams promising high prices
• “Cash for cars” services with terrible offers

Bottom line: Use platforms where you get multiple offers and English support unless you’re fluent in Japanese.

Common Mistakes When Selling Cars

Not deregistering before leaving Japan – Causes tax and legal problems

Accepting first offer – Always get 2-3 quotes to compare

Selling right before Shaken expires – Renew Shaken or sell 3-4 months before expiration

Not cleaning the car – Lose ¥30,000-¥50,000 in value

No receipt or contract – Leads to disputes later

Giving car before payment – Classic scam, you lose everything

Forgetting to cancel insurance – Keep paying monthly for car you don’t own

No proof of transfer – You might still be legal owner months later

Selling without proper documents – Can’t complete transfer legally

Meeting buyers alone in isolated areas – Safety risk

Ready to Sell Your Car?

Now you know the best way to sell a car in Japan.

Quick recap:

• Dealers = fastest but lowest price
• Private sales = most money but most work
• Online platforms = best balance
• Always get payment before handing over keys
• Deregister properly before leaving Japan
• Cancel insurance and parking

Timeline planning:

• Leaving in 1 month: Sell to dealer immediately
• Leaving in 2-3 months: Try online platform or private sale
• Leaving in 4+ months: Take time for private sale at best price

Looking to sell cars quickly? List your vehicle on GenkiCars where English-speaking dealers make competitive offers, or find trusted dealers in Japan who buy directly from foreigners.

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Recommended URL: genkicars.jp/best-way-sell-car-japan/