Are Japanese imports reliable

The short answer is yes when they are sourced and prepared correctly.

Japanese import vehicles have become very popular in the UK especially automatic and smaller petrol cars. Unfortunately there is still a lot of outdated and confusing information online which can put buyers off unnecessarily.

As a dealer that regularly supplies Japanese imports we believe in being open and honest about what makes them a sensible choice.

Why Japanese imports are often better cared for

Japan has one of the strictest vehicle inspection systems in the world. This often results in vehicles being replaced earlier than in the UK even when they are still in very good mechanical condition.

Because of this Japanese imports are often lower mileage better maintained and show less corrosion due to milder winters and no road salt. Interiors are commonly cleaner and overall condition is usually very good.

Automatic gearboxes

Automatic gearboxes are one of the biggest advantages of Japanese imports.

In Japan automatic transmissions are far more common than manual. Vehicles are designed mainly for automatic use and are typically driven in smoother urban environments. This often results in less drivetrain wear compared to UK city driving.

This makes Japanese imports particularly suitable for buyers looking for small reliable automatic cars.

Parts and servicing

Parts and servicing are not a problem.

Most Japanese imports are mechanically identical to UK or European models. They are fully supported by UK garages and parts are readily available. Any minor specification differences are identified and explained before sale.

What we do differently

Preparation matters.

Before any Japanese import is sold by us it is fully inspected correctly registered in the UK checked for underbody condition and corrosion and supplied with documentation where available. Warranty cover is included as part of our preparation process.

We only supply vehicles we would be happy to drive ourselves.

Insurance and resale

In most cases insurance costs are similar to UK supplied vehicles and many insurers are now import friendly.

Demand for well prepared Japanese imports remains strong and resale confidence continues to improve as more buyers understand the benefits.

The JSMC Japanese Import Assurance Package

Every Japanese import sold by Joseph Sutton Motor Company is supplied with our JSMC Japanese Import Assurance Package.

This package is included in the advertised price and applies only to our Japanese import vehicles. It is designed to remove uncertainty and give customers confidence when buying an imported car.

What is included

Each Japanese import includes a 24 month nationwide warranty subject to warranty terms. Warranty work can be carried out at VAT registered garages across the UK.

A pre delivery service is carried out before sale. This includes engine oil replacement oil filter replacement and a safety inspection.

Any required UK compliance work is completed before sale including rear fog light installation and MPH speedometer conversion where required.

Each vehicle is supplied with a fresh MOT prior to handover.

A comprehensive mechanical inspection is carried out as part of our preparation process.

All vehicles are professionally cleaned and prepared before collection.

Where available we provide Japanese auction inspection sheets and mileage verification documents.

Each vehicle also includes 12 months free AA Breakdown Cover.

Our honest advice

Japanese imports are not a gamble. When sourced responsibly and prepared correctly they often offer better value better condition and strong reliability particularly for automatic vehicles.

If you are unsure whether a Japanese import is right for you we are always happy to explain everything clearly with no pressure.

Thinking about a Japanese import

If you are considering a Japanese import or would like advice feel free to get in touch or visit us in Maidstone. We are always happy to help.