Mirai buyer help

Frequently Asked Questions: Buying a Vehicle from Japan

These frequently asked questions help you find the right next step, whether you are comparing vehicles, arranging payment or preparing for arrival in the United States.

Frequently asked questions: find your next step

Choose the question that matches your stage of buying. The answers below cover auctions, money, preparation and arrival, with the detailed agreement on How We Work.

Choose the right buying page

QuestionDetailed page
Purchase, deposit and refundHow We Work
Service scope and costsOur Services
Federal and state handoffUSA import guide
Company and licenseAbout Mirai
Visit or dealer sourcingBuyer tour · Dealer account

A question about your own purchase?

Include the vehicle or order reference and tell us whether you need a payment, document or shipment answer. That gives the team a useful place to start.

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Questions about buying from Japan

What does Mirai source?

Mirai sources used kei trucks, vans, Japanese sports cars, performance sedans and classics for U.S. buyers. Start with the services overview and define the factory specification, budget and destination state.

How do customers request auction access?

Request customer access through Our Services so Mirai can set up a vehicle search and explain the bidding process.

Does an auction grade guarantee condition?

No. The grade summarizes a house-specific inspection scope, not every mechanical or history detail. Read the auction-sheet guide and request targeted inspection evidence.

Can I specify a chassis, engine and transmission?

Yes. Put those requirements in the candidate brief, along with condition tolerance and destination. How We Work explains how the actual vehicle and approved bid enter the agreement.

Is there a vehicle warranty?

No. Used vehicles are sold as-is under the documented condition record and agreed terms. Review the condition-review policy while the vehicle remains in Japan.

What payment methods are available?

International wire transfer, Wise and PayPal are available; the invoice identifies the agreed method and details. Follow the deposit and balance terms rather than a generic payment instruction.

How much deposit is required?

The purchase agreement requires a 30% deposit to secure and authorize purchase. The process page identifies the vehicle, price, timeline and refund conditions.

Is my deposit fully refunded if Mirai cannot buy?

Yes. Outbidding, vehicle unavailability or a Mirai-side issue leads to a full deposit refund. The distinct after-purchase cancellation rules are explained on How We Work.

When must the balance be paid?

The balance is due within 14 days of auction purchase and must be received and settled before proceeding. The payment timeline includes a seven-day grace period after the due date.

What happens after the grace period if I do not pay?

Mirai reserves the right to resell to recover costs, refunding any surplus above incurred costs to the original customer. The deposit is subject to the actual-cost deduction and remainder-refund provisions on the process page.

Where can I find the costs of canceling an order?

Before balance payment, the deposit is refunded minus verifiable actual costs already incurred, including auction and inspection fees. The cancellation terms also cover unpaid balance without cancellation notice.

Is the third-party inspection fee disclosed?

Yes. The fee is disclosed in advance and an independent third-party inspection follows purchase. The inspection stage includes the report, auction sheet and Mirai’s own condition notes.

Can maintenance be arranged in Japan?

Yes. Tire, battery and oil replacements and other basic repairs are available with scope and additional cost agreed before work. Discuss them through the services page; this is not a full restoration or warranty.

How long does purchase to U.S. arrival take?

The estimate is 3–6 weeks for the whole purchase-to-arrival process. The shipping stage explains settlement and booking; repairs, vessel availability, ports and customs can change the estimate.

Which documents do I receive?

Digital export-document copies are sent immediately on shipment, then originals by Yamato or DHL. The document stage describes insured couriers and reissue at Mirai’s cost and time if a shipment is lost.

Can I raise a condition claim after departure from Japan?

No. The shared condition record is final once the vehicle leaves Japan under Mirai’s policy. The condition and transit policy distinguishes transit or customs damage, which is an insurance and clearing-agent matter.

Does the quote automatically cover all U.S. costs?

No. Brokerage, duties, port handling, insurance, inland delivery and registration must be identified if included. Use the quote-scope checklist to ask for an itemized proposal.

Does a 25-year-old car automatically get a state title?

No. Federal entry and state title, registration and road-use requirements are separate decisions. Start with the U.S. import guide and use the applicable destination rules.

Where do I check kei truck road rules?

Use the state-legality hub to reach the specific state guide. Confirm the vehicle class, intended roads and insurance with the destination agency and insurer.

Can an engine swap affect the EPA age route?

Yes. EPA’s over-21 guidance calls for the same engine model and configuration as originally installed. The federal import guide explains why a changed engine needs a specific review.

Where is Mirai located and licensed?

Mirai Trading LLC (Mirai Trading 合同会社), Noda, Chiba, Japan. Used goods dealer license 441080002435, issued by Noda Police Station.

Does Mirai work with U.S. importers?

Yes. Mirai already works with importers in Hawaii, Maine, California and Texas. The services overview explains that each order’s U.S. scope and state eligibility must still be agreed.

Are buyer tours available?

Yes. Tiers 1–2 are free; VIP visits are 3–5 days at $350–$600, with the tour fee credited on qualifying car or parts purchases of at least $10,000. The tour page sets out venue permission and itinerary planning.

Can U.S. businesses apply for a dealer account?

Yes. Wholesale pricing, a dedicated account manager and container shipments are offered. Use the WhatsApp dealer application builder; completing the draft does not send it or approve an account.

Company details

Mirai Trading LLC (Mirai Trading 合同会社), Noda, Chiba, Japan. Used goods dealer license 441080002435, issued by Noda Police Station.

Still looking for an answer?

Tell us what you are trying to arrange and which part remains unclear. We can answer in the context of your vehicle or order.