When you’re looking to buy a quality used vehicle from Japan, choosing the right Japanese second hand car dealers is critical. There are many exporters out there — but among them, UFS AUTO stands out for its transparency, reliability, and cost-effective process.
This article explains why UFS is the best choice for buyers who care about trust, affordability, and smooth exporting.
1. The Appeal of Japanese Second Hand Car Dealers
Japanese used cars are in high demand globally. Cars from Japan are known for:
- Excellent maintenance standards
- Low mileage (often)
- High reliability and longevity
Because of these advantages, many international buyers turn to Japanese second hand car dealers to import vehicles that deliver great value. Even after factoring in shipping and import duties, Japanese used cars often offer a much better deal than local purchases in many countries.
2. Why Import Costs Matter — And How UFS AUTO Keeps Them Low
Importing a car from Japan involves costs that can inflate the final landed price. Key costs include:
- Import Duty: In Kenya, import duty is generally 25% of the CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) value.
- Excise Duty: Charged on top of CIF + import duty, often around 20% for many used vehicles.
- VAT: 16% on the total of CIF, import duty, and excise duty.
- Railway Development Levy (RDL): About 1.5% of CIF.
- Import Declaration Fee (IDF): Around 2.25% of CIF.
- Pre-shipment Inspection: Required by Kenyan regulation; inspections are typically done by JEVIC or QISJ.
- Clearing & Port Charges: Local agents handle customs, documentation, and delivery.
Many Japanese second hand car dealers hide or understate these costs, leading to surprises. But we operate differently, we provide clear, detailed cost breakdowns. Our transparency ensures buyers know exactly what they will pay, with no hidden charges or last-minute surprises.
3. Trust and Reliability: Why UFS AUTO Stands Out
Trust is perhaps the most vital factor when choosing among Japanese second-hand car dealers. Here’s why we have earned strong trust from buyers worldwide:
- Long Track Record: UFS has been operating in the Japanese export industry for many years, building a reputation for fairness and reliability.
- Inspection Coordination: They coordinate with accredited inspection bodies (JEVIC/QISJ) to ensure that all cars meet Kenyan road-worthiness standards.
- Validation Compliance: We understand Kenyan import regulations thoroughly including the latest KEBS guidelines that require proper validation of import documents.
- End-to-End Service: From helping you choose the right vehicle to coordinating shipping, supporting clearing agents, and ensuring full compliance — we provide complete end-to-end assistance that many Japanese second-hand car dealers simply don’t offer.
4. Export Process Simplified
Working with UFS AUTO means a smoother exporting process. Here’s a typical breakdown when buying from them:
- Select Your Car: Browse their large inventory of used Japanese cars, filtering by model, year, mileage, and other specs.
- Inspection & Certification: UFS ensures pre-shipment inspections via trusted agencies to certify vehicle condition.
- Shipping from Japan: Vehicles are shipped via RoRo (or container if needed) to Mombasa. Typical shipping lead time is several weeks.
- Customs Clearance: UFS works with licensed clearing agents who manage customs, duty payments, and necessary import declarations.
- Destination Inspection: On arrival in Kenya, KEBS may conduct a destination inspection, with UFS’s help to validate documents.
- Registration: Once cleared, you can register the vehicle with NTSA and get it road-ready.
5. Compliance with Kenyan Regulations
Navigating Kenya’s import rules is complex, but our experience helps you remain compliant. Key regulatory points include:
- Age Limit: Imported used vehicles must be less than 8 years old from first registration.
- RHD Vehicles Only: Kenya generally accepts right-hand-drive (RHD) vehicles.
- Document Validation: KEBS now enforces validation of import documents like logbooks and export certificates via QISJ to prevent fraud.
- Inspection Certificates: Pre-shipment certification from JEVIC or QISJ is typically necessary.
By working with a dealer that understands these rules, you reduce the risk of being non-compliant or facing delays.
6. Cost Savings through UFS AUTO
Here’s how we help you save more compared to working with less-experienced Japanese second-hand car dealers:
- Better Auction Access: UFS sources cars from top Japanese auctions, helping you get good deals on well-kept vehicles.
- Combined Shipping Solutions: They optimize shipping methods which can reduce per-car shipping costs.
- Avoid Hidden Fees: Because they transparently list every cost (inspection, port, duty, etc.), you avoid unexpected surcharges later.
- Local Partnerships: Their network in Africa (UFS East Africa) ensures strong local handling, which helps cut delays and extra cost.
7. Why UFS AUTO Is the Best Choice Among Japanese Second Hand Car Dealers
Putting it all together, here’s why we stand out as a top-tier option:
- Transparent Pricing: Clear breakdowns of all costs – no hidden “gotchas.”
- Well-Vetted Cars: Inspections by trusted agencies ensure quality.
- Regulatory Expertise: They deeply understand Kenyan import rules and help you comply.
- Seamless Process: From Japan to Kenya, UFS offers a streamlined, full-service export experience.
- Trusted Experience: Their long-standing presence and global network (including East Africa) make them one of the most reliable Japanese second hand car dealers.
8. Tips for Buyers Using UFS AUTO
If you’re planning to work with us, here are some practical tips to maximize value:
- Define Your Budget Clearly: Include the car cost, CIF, and all import duties when calculating.
- Choose Cars Near the Age Limit: Newer to 8-year-old vehicles often give the best balance between cost and quality.
- Ask for a Full Cost Estimate: Request a detailed quote from UFS that itemizes inspection, freight, duties, and local handling.
- Understand Inspection Reports: Review the inspection certificate from JEVIC or QISJ carefully.
- Plan for Delivery Time: International shipping takes time — build in a buffer for 4–8 weeks.
- Engage with Local Clearing Agent: Even though UFS helps, having a trusted local clearing partner speeds up port clearance and registration.
Conclusion
When you search for Japanese second hand car dealers, choosing the right exporter can make all the difference. UFS AUTO combines affordability, reliability, and deep regulatory expertise. We make the entire importing experience seamless — from browsing inventory in Japan to registering the car in Kenya. For buyers who value transparency and trustworthiness, we consistently stand above many other dealers.
FAQs
- Are UFS AUTO’s shipping charges transparent?
Yes, we provide a detailed breakdown of shipping, inspection, and port costs in our quotes.
- Does UFS AUTO arrange pre-shipment inspection?
Yes — they coordinate inspections through JEVIC or QISJ for roadworthiness and compliance.
- Is there an age limit for cars imported into Kenya?
Yes — Kenya only allows used cars that are under 8 years old from first registration.
- Can I import non–right-hand-drive cars into Kenya?
Generally no — Kenya requires right-hand-drive vehicles unless for special-purpose vehicles. - How long does it take to ship a car from Japan to Kenya?
Shipping usually takes 4–8 weeks, depending on vessel schedule and shipping method.
