Frequently Asked Questions

1. Find Your Perfect Car — Browse our collection and click "Get Free Quote" on any listing.
2. Confirm Your Order & Receive Invoice — We send an official invoice with bank details.
3. Complete Payment & Share Proof of Transaction — Transfer funds and send your receipt within 48 hours.
4. Vehicle Shipment & Documentation Processing — We arrange shipment and send your documents via courier.
5. Receive & Register Your Vehicle — Coordinate customs clearance and registration at your destination.

As long as you meet the payment deadline (48 hours for T/T copy & 120 hours for payment confirmation at our bank from the time the invoice is issued), the product is reserved for you.

If you cannot find your nearest port, it is not in our common port list. Please select the closest available port in your country or region.

Yes, you can. Send us an inquiry with your requirements, and we will provide you with pricing.

The contract is established between you and the seller (mentioned in the invoice) when we send you a 'Payment Confirmation' email.

Log in to your account on SAWAMOTOR to track shipment progress.

We generally do not provide extra pictures to keep costs low.

No, we do not provide this service.

The contract is between you and the seller of the product. SAWAMOTOR acts as your representative.

We do not guarantee a spare key. If one is available, it will be sent with the car.

We do not provide this service for listed cars, as installation costs in Japan are about 30% higher than in most other countries.

Cancellation policy:
• Before payment: Free cancellation.
• After payment but before shipment: 50% cancellation fee or $2,000 minimum (whichever is higher).
• After shipment is scheduled: No refunds.
• If documents are not provided within 30 days: Order may be cancelled.

• A vehicle is reserved for three business days unless otherwise stated.
• Minimum 50% payment is required within the reservation period; otherwise the order is automatically cancelled.
• Shipping begins once the agreed deposit is received.
• Full payment is required before sending all documents via courier (Japan POST, DHL, FedEx).
• A scanned T/T copy must be submitted after payment to avoid delays.

• FOB (Free-On-Board): Covers the vehicle cost and expenses until it is loaded onto the ship in Japan. Ocean freight is not included.
• CFR (Cost and Freight): Includes the cost of the vehicle plus ocean freight charges.
• CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight): Includes all expenses to the destination port, including insurance.

T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) is the fastest, safest, and most effective method. Letters of Credit (L/C) are accepted for select countries.

Yes, creating an account with SAWAMOTOR CO. LTD is completely free.

1. Click "Sign Up" on the homepage.
2. Enter your name, email address, and password.
3. Click "Create Account" to complete registration.

1. Click "Log In" at the top of the page.
2. Enter your registered email address and password.
3. Click the login button to access your account.

Visit the Forgot Password page. An email will be sent to your registered email address with reset instructions.

Try the following:
• Use the Forgot Password option to reset your credentials.
• Verify you are using the correct email and password.
• If the issue persists, contact our support team.

We use SSL encryption to protect all information transmitted to our website.

Yes, it is safe. Providing accurate details ensures that invoices and shipping documents contain the correct Consignee and Notify Party information.

Japanese auction houses use a standardised grading system to assess vehicle condition:

• Grade 6 / S — Brand new, less than 12 months old, under 10,000 km.
• Grade 5 — Nearly new with exceptionally low mileage.
• Grade 4.5 — Very slightly used, up to 100,000 km, no accident history.
• Grade 4 — Minor visible flaws, no accident history.
• Grade 3.5 — Good condition, visible flaws, no accident history.
• Grade 3 — Average condition with minor damage.
• Grade 2 / 1 — Poor condition, significant damage but still functional.
• Grade R — Repaired after past accidents.
• Grade RA — Minor accident history, fully repaired.

• A — Excellent, like new.
• B — Good condition, clean and well-maintained.
• C — Minor stains or cigarette burns.
• D — Noticeable stains, cigarette burns, or unpleasant odors.
• E — Poor condition with significant wear and damage.

• A — Excellent, like new.
• B — Small scratches (up to 15 cm).
• C — Scratches (up to 30 cm) or minor dents.
• D — Visible scratches, rust, or minor corrosion.
• E — Poor condition with extensive rust, corrosion, or body damage.

• A1/A2/A3 — Small, medium, large scratches.
• B — Dent with a scratch.
• E1/E2/E3 — Few, several, or many small dents.
• U1/U2/U3 — Small, medium, or large dents.
• W1/W2/W3 — Minor to significant repair marks.
• S1/S2 — Minor to heavy rust.
• X/XX — Parts needing replacement or already replaced.
• B1/B2 — Distortion of the radiator support.
• Y1/Y2/Y3 — Small to large cracks or holes.
• X1/R/RX — Windshield cracks requiring repair or replacement.
• G — Stone chip in the glass.
• C1/C2 — Light to heavy corrosion.
• P — Marked paint.
• H — Faded paint.

A dedicated communication channel between you and our team for a specific vehicle or request.

FOB (Free On Board) price covers the product cost, domestic transportation, and customs clearance within Japan. Ocean freight is not included.

CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) price includes all costs up to the designated port of destination before customs clearance.

DSP includes the product price, consumption tax, recycle fee, and domestic transportation within Japan.

An inspection carried out before shipment. A valid certificate will be issued upon passing the inspection.

A document issued by SAWAMOTOR that reserves the product for you until the payment deadline.

The recipient of the vehicle. Their details must be accurate as they appear on all shipping documents.

The party responsible for assisting with vehicle clearance at the destination port.

A payment receipt from your bank confirming the transfer. You must share this copy within 48 hours of invoice issuance.

• ETD — Estimated Time of Departure: the date the vessel is expected to leave the origin port.
• ETA — Estimated Time of Arrival: the date the vessel is expected to arrive at the destination port.

A document that confirms the vehicle has been legally deregistered in Japan and is cleared for export.

A document that certifies the vehicle has been shipped and specifies the consignee details. Required for customs clearance at the destination port.

A digital version of the Bill of Lading. It allows you to print and use it for clearance without waiting for the original to arrive by post.

A licensed agent responsible for handling customs clearance at the destination port on your behalf.

An agent who manages the transportation of the vehicle from the port to your final destination.

To purchase a car, you must first register on our platform, browse the stock or submit a vehicle request, and follow the purchase process.

Both automobile dealers and individual buyers can register.

We typically have over a thousand vehicles in our regular inventory. Additionally, you can access around 150,000 cars per week through various online auctions.

Due to frequent credit card fraud, we do not accept credit card payments. We only accept telegraphic transfers (T/T).

The delivery time depends on the shipping schedule. Generally, it takes between 4 to 8 weeks.

No, there are no membership fees or hidden charges.

If the car price is FOB, you will need to cover freight charges, clearance fees, import duties, registration fees, and compliance costs.

LHD cars are rare in Japan. However, we have access to inventories from Korea and the United States.

Yes, but canceling an order incurs additional costs. Please refer to our cancellation policy for details.

Yes, every car undergoes a thorough inspection to verify that the specifications match those listed.

We accept payments in USD and JPY.

Once purchase terms are agreed upon, we will issue an invoice detailing the payment amount, deadline, and bank account details. Payments can be made via bank transfer.

No, full payment via T/T (Telegraphic Transfer) is required before shipment.

Unfortunately, we cannot assist in retrieving funds sent to an incorrect account. Please double-check all bank details before making a transfer.

Currently, we do not accept L/C payments. This may change in the future.

The T/T copy must be shared within 48 hours of invoice issuance. The full amount must reach our bank within 120 hours.

The buyer is responsible for all bank transfer fees.

Yes, we will hold the product for up to 120 hours if the T/T copy is shared on time.

Shipping duration depends on your destination port, vessel schedule, and weather conditions. Generally, it takes 25–35 days.

No, Japanese export regulations do not allow spare auto parts to be shipped with vehicles, except for original spare wheels and tool kits.

If your vehicle has not been loaded onto a ship yet, you may request a change of destination. However, additional costs may apply.

We require:
• Full name
• Full address
• Telephone number
• Consignee & notify party details
• Destination port
• Invoice number

Yes, but a $100 amendment fee applies.

Yes, shipping schedules may change due to weather conditions, ship routing, or other operational factors.

You can check the Shipping Schedule page for updates. For precise tracking, contact the shipping company listed on your Bill of Lading.

You will receive:
• Two original Bills of Lading (BL)
• Original export certificate
• Original inspection certificate (if applicable)

Your documents should arrive before your shipment. Use the tracking number provided to check their delivery status. Contact us if you need assistance.

You can email us at ask@sawamotor.com or check with your local port authorities for recommended clearing agents.

Congratulations on your purchase! Please coordinate with your local clearing agent for registration. We would love to hear about your experience.