Prices
Generally it is thought that prices constantly go down. Once a car is bought cheaply, it can always be bought at that price. On the contrary, as in other markets, prices go both up and down. Read more here>>

Colour
Many dealers complain about the lack of colour in the Japanese market. Too many blacks and whites. There is a reason for this. Read more here>>

Auctions
The number, their range is astounding. Read more here>>



Prices

Prices in the Japanese market fluctuate during the year. Although not the rule, there are several times that during the year tend to be cheaper.

End of March Period
For many of companies this is the end of the accounting year and they need to sell of cars to pay taxes.

Mid May
Excess stock has now been sold off through the auctions, prices come back up to previous levels

Late October to December fall
The most expensive time of the year in Japan for a company is the end of the year. Bonuses, end of year parties require companies to sell off stock to release more cash. Especially noticed at the end of December.

Other Factors
Other factors can cause a price of a certain type of vehicle to drop without apparent reason. For example, the drop in the Irish and English punt and pound in '98 caused Pajero prices to nose-dive for the first time in 2 years.

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Colours

Many dealers complain about the lack of colour in the Japanese market. Too many blacks and whites. There is a reason for this.

Every car has it's own favourite colour in Japan. However, generally these conclusions can be made.

White - Perhaps the most common colour in Japan. The Japanese like it as it makes the car feel big or spacious. The number one colour for sports cars at the moment. Prices for a white sports car will be higher than other colours.

Black - The number one Honda colour. Black automatic.

Pearl - The number one expensive saloon colour. A new car costs up to 100,000yen more due to the price of this paint. Resale value higher.

Wine - Next most popular colour although not popular in sporty cars like the skyline.

Silver - More popular colour than wine in sports cars, popular also in Hondas.

Gun - Similar to white, a popular colour.

Red - Not popular, especially in sports cars.

Others - Purples, blues, greens etc. are down the bottom in terms of popularity.

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Auctions

Auctions in size from between 150 cars to over 10,000 cars. The smaller ones tend to be slower in pace and generally cheaper in price while the bigger ones tend to be fast moving, slightly more expensive but providing the variety of models and types that buyers are looking for.

At the above auction, cars are sold every 15 seconds, simultaneously on the left screen and on the right screen. Dealers come to the auction view the cars being sold and then bid on the cars in this auction room by clicking on a button. Skill is required, mistakes being punished with a 80,000yen fine for a cancelation.

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