Hello from Japan! Well, not quite – I'm actually back home now, but back in February I found myself standing in the middle of one of the busiest car auctions in Tokyo: USS Yokohama. 

It was rammed with beautiful cars. Seriously, rows upon rows of mint-condition motors that would put most UK car dealership forecourts to shame.

I was out there sourcing some absolute gems for the Clever Car Collection, and while I was there I thought I’d shoot a video to explain why Japanese imports should definitely be on your radar.

Here’s why I think they’re worth a closer look — and why I’ve started buying more and more of them for our customers.

1. The condition is next level

Let’s start with the obvious. Japanese car owners really look after their vehicles. As I explained in the video:

“The Japanese absolutely love their cars and they love driving, and that means they look after them very, very well indeed.”

We're talking well looked after exteriors and immaculate interiors. And because Japan doesn’t use salt on its roads in winter, the underbodies are rust-free, which is rare on a UK car that’s seen a few winters.

“If you look underneath them or underneath the bonnet, they are very, very clean indeed.”

And that’s no exaggeration. I’ve seen 10-year-old cars over there that look like they’ve just rolled out of the showroom.

2. It’s not all tiny vans and weird Daihatsus

When people hear ‘Japanese import’ they often think of quirky little kei cars or obscure models you’ve never heard of. And yes — there are plenty of those if you want something unique. 

But you’ll also find well-known cars built for the Japanese market that are just as good, if not better than their UK equivalents.

I bought an Up while I was there, one of a few cars we’ve bought in, and it had low mileage, full auto box, and was in outstanding condition. It’s the same car, from the same factory, just originally sold in Japan. So why not take advantage of that?

• Check out our latest stock here

3. Low mileage, big benefits

Another big plus is the mileage. Japanese city driving means shorter distances and less wear and tear. You’re often looking at cars that have done far less than the UK average, but are better maintained.

“You’re not only getting a lower mileage car, but one that’s in much better condition.”

It’s a double win. And the resale value tends to hold strong, especially as more buyers wake up to how good these imports really are.

4. No hidden drawbacks

So what’s the catch? Honestly, not much.

Most of these cars are fully serviceable in the UK, parts are readily available, and insurance isn’t usually an issue for popular models. It’s just about knowing what to look for and buying smart which is where we come in. Insurance is best sourced via Admiral for Japanese imports and the tax may be marginally more expensive, but not by much.

Come and see one for yourself

We’ve got some stunning Japanese imports at the Clever Car Collection right now, and I’d love to show you around them in person. If you're local to Gosport, Hampshire, pop in or just drop us a message and we’ll send over a video tour.

“Come and visit us at the Clever Car Collection and I’ll very happily show you around one of these cars — and I am sure you will be very impressed indeed.”

And if you haven’t already, check out the video from the USS Yokohama auction to see where it all begins — it's up now on our YouTube channel or embedded above.

Thinking about your next car? Don’t ignore the imports… they might just surprise you.

Post by James Baggott, founder, Clever Car Collection. James is the founder of the business and the CEO of Baize Group, a media publishing company that produces the award-winning Car Dealer Magazine. He has been a journalist for more than 25 years and has specialised in the motoring industry for two decades.