How to Buy - FAQs

Can I buy my car from the Japanese Auctions?

Yes you can. Our team will share the best cars coming up in the auctions so you can choose your preferred options and agree your bidding strategy with us. Talk to the team and they will help you understand the process in more detail. Tel: +44 (0) 1483 275 756 (UK office).

What is FOB (Free on Board)? This is an export term used to explain the price quoted includes the cost of the vehicle plus all local costs for pre shipment up to the port of departure. It does not include any shipping costs or marine insurance.

What is C&F (Cost and Freight)? This is a exporting term which explains that the price quoted includes the cost of the vehicle plus all other local costs applicable pre-shipment . It also includes the cost of shipping to the destination port but does not include marine insurance.

What is CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight)?

This is an exporting term which explains that the price quoted includes the cost of the vehicle, all other local costs applicable pre shipment, the shipping costs to the destination port and the marine insurance.

Can I have my car delivered to my address?

We frequently deliver cars to our clients in Kenya, New Zealand, Mauritius, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Fiji. Always ask the team and they will do their best to accommodate your needs.

How do I search for a car ?

Go to the stock pages to view all stock available from the major Japanese car wholesalers. Use the filters on the left hand side to set your search criteria.

For cars which have reached the UK, you can view these on the UK website MHHjapanesecars.co.uk.

Do countries have vehicle import age restrictions?

Yes, for example Kenya has an 8 year age restriction, whereas import taxes rise sharply in Tanzania on vehicles older than 10 years. Whereas, Mauritius, has a strict import age range from 18 months to no older than 4 years. Other countries like Uganda, currently do not have any age restrictions. Our team are very familiar with the vehicle import restrictions for each right hand drive country, so please get in touch and we'll be glad to help.

What happens if the car I receive does not match the spec of the car I ordered?

We are pleased to say this has never happened as we are meticulous on details. Specification is carefully checked prior to purchase and full photos are and spec is shared prior to the car being shipped.

Can I get a refund on my deposit if the car I want is no longer available?

Yes, we will send you a refund within 3 working days or we can hold it until we find you a suitable replacement if you wish.

What happens if the details need to be amended on the Bill of Lading after it has been approved?

There are a number of free days up to when the Bill of Lading can be amended after the draft is issued. We ask you to confirm the Bill of Lading is correct within 72 hours of receipt. After this time, there may be a manifest correction fee charged to you. Normally, it is not possible to make any further changes 1 week before the vessel arrives as the manifest will close.

Can I pay in any other currency than USD? To keep our prices competitive, we accept payment in USD. If you need to pay in alternative currency, please get in touch with the team and they will help you.

How safe is my payment once I have sent it to you?

We request payment to either our HSBC USD or our NCBA Kenya account for your peace of mind. We will always send you a Receipt of Payment once your funds are received.

What methods of payment are acceptable? Wire transfer is preferred for speed so you do not lose the opportunity to buy the car you have selected. In the event any refund is due, MHH will only credit the original account from where the payment originated.

What is a Road Worthiness inspection?

Road Worthiness inspections are compulsory in several countries around the world. They are typically a multi point inspection on the car that is performed in Japan pre shipment. If a Road Worthiness inspection is required, MHH will not ship a car unless it passes the test. Tests are usually carried out by companies such as QISJ, JEVIC, Intertek, Bureau Veritas or SGS.

Are there any extra charges I need to know about? Our price to you will include all costs that are relevant to the quoted export service. There are no hidden charges.

How do I know the mileage on my car is genuine? We do not sell cars with questionable mileages. We can provide an independent mileage verification by ATL in Japan on request. You will be able to cross check the last odometer reading on the Export Certificate against the mileage quoted at the time of buying.

Where are your offices located? We have an office in the UK located on the historical Dunsfold Park, home of Top Gear. We also have an office Nairobi, Kenya and agents in Japan, New Zealand Australia, Fiji and Zimbabwe.

If you have any other questions that we can help you with, please get in touch and we will be delighted to help you.

Let the car import specialists help you find your perfect car.