HAN JAPAN · INSPECTION SERVICES

Pre-purchase car inspection in Japan

Understand the car’s history and condition before you buy. Han combines Japanese vehicle-record checks with a physical pre-purchase inspection, detailed photographs, videos and a clear written report.

KNOW THE HISTORY

Japanese public records and vehicle ownership history

Han can request official vehicle registration records through Japan’s Land Transportation Bureau. These records help us trace a car’s registered ownership and registration locations, and compare its background with what the seller has told you.

We review the available registration history alongside auction records, inspection documents and maintenance records. Our report explains the history we can establish, any differences between the documents and the questions that need resolving before purchase.

What we check	What it helps you understand
Previous owners and registered users	How many registered owners appear in the available history, who is recorded as the current owner and user, and when those details changed.
Previous registration locations	Where the car was registered, its recorded address changes and any history that calls for closer rust inspection.
Ownership transfers and sale history	Recorded ownership changes, compared with available auction and seller records to understand how often the car has changed hands. Administrative changes are identified separately from evidence of a sale.
Mileage history	The current odometer compared with available Japanese vehicle-inspection records, previous auction sheets and dated service records. We flag inconsistent readings and any disclosed instrument-cluster replacement.
Vehicle identity and registration status	Chassis number, model, first registration and current registration or deregistration information, matched to the car and its documents.
Maintenance and repair background	Available service invoices, auction findings, declared repairs and modifications, including gaps that require further evidence.

Registration records establish recorded changes; mileage verification also needs the odometer and supporting inspection and service records. Record availability and request requirements depend on the vehicle. Kei cars use a separate records process.

Request a pre-purchase inspection

Why previous registration locations matter for rust

A car’s current dealer location tells only part of its story. Previous registration in northern Japan or another area with salted winter roads is a reason to pay close attention to corrosion. Coastal exposure, outdoor storage and maintenance also matter.

Han uses the location history to guide the physical inspection. We look closely at accessible chassis rails, sills, wheel arches, suspension mounts, brake and fuel lines, floor sections and jacking points. Fresh underseal, repaired areas and restricted access are recorded for further review.

Location is a clue, not a verdict on the car. The report describes the corrosion actually observed and includes photographs of the affected areas wherever access allows.

Liens, finance and the right to sell

As part of the pre-purchase review, Han checks the registered ownership details and available information about registered mortgages or liens. We also check for ownership retained by a dealer or finance company and ask for the documents needed to release that interest and complete the transfer.

If the registered owner differs from the seller or user, we clarify the relationship and request the appropriate authority and release paperwork. Any unresolved ownership or finance issue is highlighted before you approve the purchase.

A registration search does not reveal every private finance arrangement. Where finance or retained ownership is involved, we seek confirmation and release documentation from the relevant party rather than relying on the seller’s description alone.

CHECK THE ACTUAL CAR

A full vehicle pre-purchase inspection

Documents are one part of the assessment. Han can arrange a physical inspection of the actual vehicle, with a scope agreed around the car, its location and your concerns. We review the exterior, interior, underside and mechanical condition, and record the checks performed.

Inspection area	Checks within the agreed scope
Identity and specification	Chassis and model plates, factory-variant evidence, visible modifications, keys and supplied accessories.
Bodywork, paint and glass	Scratches, dents, panel alignment, repair signs, paint readings where suitable equipment and access allow, glass and seals.
Underside and corrosion	Accessible structure, suspension mounting points, floor, sills, leaks, rust and signs of previous repair or coating.
Engine and cooling system	Starting and running observations, abnormal noises or smoke, visible leaks, fluid condition and available maintenance evidence. A cold start is requested where possible.
Transmission and drivetrain	Clutch and gear-selection observations, transmission behaviour and visible leaks within the access and testing permitted.
Brakes, suspension, wheels and tyres	Visible condition, damage, tyre wear and age markings, with further workshop checks agreed where needed.
Interior and electrical equipment	Seat and steering-wheel wear, trim, odometer, warning lights, air conditioning, windows and other equipment that can be operated.

Lift access, road tests, diagnostic scans, compression tests and specialist assessments are confirmed before the visit. For an RX-7, this may include a rotary-specific compression test; for a Ferrari, Lamborghini or modified GT-R, it may call for a marque or tuning specialist. Tests requiring extra access or equipment are agreed separately.

A pre-purchase inspection records the condition and checks possible at that time. Any inaccessible area or unperformed test is clearly identified in the report.

As many useful photos and videos as possible, with a full report

We aim to take as many clear, useful photographs and videos as the inspection access allows. The goal is to show you the car in detail, including defects and areas that deserve attention, so you can make an informed decision from overseas.

Photographs and video

Exterior views, individual panels and close-ups of damage or repairs.
Interior, seats, controls, engine bay, chassis identification and odometer.
Underbody, corrosion and leak photographs where safely accessible.
Walkaround, start-up and engine-running videos where permitted.
Additional images of the specific areas you ask us to examine.

Your inspection report

Vehicle identity, inspection date and agreed scope.
Ownership, registration-location and mileage findings from the records obtained.
Ownership or finance questions and the status of required documents.
Body, interior, underside and mechanical observations, supported by available images.
Translated findings, concerns and recommended follow-up before purchase.
A clear list of missing evidence, access limits and tests not performed.

We bring the records, inspection findings and media together in a detailed report, then explain the points that matter to your purchase. The amount of media depends on seller permission, vehicle access and the time available; we do not substitute a fixed photo count for useful coverage.

AUCTION REVIEW EXAMPLE

What the R34 GT-R evidence tells us

The R34 GT-R V-Spec II sheet and photographs in our auction guide illustrate the document-review stage. This example has not been presented as a physical inspection carried out by Han.

Item	Evidence available	Follow-up
Auction grade	4.5 overall, B interior on the supplied sheet.	Read the inspector’s findings alongside the grade.
Mileage	51,070 km on the sheet; 51,066 km in the dashboard photograph.	Confirm the dates and 4 km difference; check supporting mileage records.
Cosmetic condition	Steering-wheel and seat wear, trim and wheel scratches, minor scratches and small dents.	Inspect the defects and obtain close-up photographs.
Service records	The booklet field is marked present; its contents and invoices are not supplied.	Request the records before describing the maintenance history as complete.
Underbody and mechanical health	No lift inspection, diagnostic scan or mechanical test results are included.	Arrange the physical checks needed for the buying decision.

View the sheet and six original photos

Pre-purchase inspection questions

Can I request an inspection before buying a car in Japan?

Yes. Send Han the dealer listing or auction reference before you commit. We confirm access, the inspection scope, timing and cost for the individual vehicle.

Can Han check how many owners a car has had?

Han can request available official registration history and review the recorded owners, users and ownership changes. We explain what the documents establish and distinguish registered changes from a complete history of every sale or driver.

Does an auction sheet replace a pre-purchase inspection?

No. It is valuable evidence, but additional checks may be needed to assess repairs, corrosion, mechanical condition and the vehicle’s history.

Will I receive photos, videos and a written report?

Yes. Han prepares a detailed report of the agreed checks and includes the photographs and videos obtained. We aim for thorough coverage and explain any limits imposed by access or seller permission.

How much does the inspection cost?

The cost depends on location, inspection access, records requested and any specialist tests. Send the vehicle details for a quote before authorising the work.

Arrange your pre-purchase inspection in Japan

Send the car. Share the listing or auction reference, chassis number if available, and any deadline.
Tell us your priorities. Identify your concerns about rust, mileage, ownership, repairs, modifications or mechanical condition.
Agree the work. Han confirms the available record checks, physical inspection scope, timing and charges.
Review the findings. Receive the report and available media, discuss follow-up questions and decide whether to proceed.

Dealer listings on this site have not automatically been inspected by Han. Ask for the evidence and inspection you need for the particular car you are considering.

Ask Han for a pre-purchase inspection