Buyer's guide
How to choose a used car
What to look at before you commit — mileage, model year, engine condition, auction grade and accident history.
Your inspection checklist
Check the mileage
Lower mileage generally means less wear, but context matters. A five-year-old car with 40,000 km of paved city driving beats a three-year-old with 80,000 km of mountain roads. Cross-reference mileage against the auction inspection report.
Consider the model year
Newer years bring updated safety technology and better fuel efficiency, but a well-maintained older model can offer exceptional value. Vehicles within the last seven years usually balance price, parts availability and reliability best.
Evaluate engine condition
Auction inspection reports rate the engine bay for oil leaks, unusual wear and general cleanliness. Engine ratings of A (excellent) or B (good) indicate a well-maintained powertrain with no recorded faults.
Review the auction grade
Japanese auction grades are an independent, standardised assessment of overall condition, assigned after physical inspection by a licensed appraiser. They are your most reliable quality indicator.
Understand accident history
Auction sheets mark repaired collision damage on a body diagram. Marks on structural panels — pillars, floor, engine compartment — are more serious than minor cosmetic repairs.
Auction grades explained
- Showroom condition
- Near-perfect inside and out. Extremely low mileage, no repairs, often ex-dealer stock.
- Excellent
- Virtually no scratches or dents. Very well maintained with complete service records.
- Very good
- Light surface marks only, no structural repairs. Recommended for most buyers.
- Good
- Minor cosmetic imperfections. Mechanically sound with no significant accident history.
- Above average
- Some visible scratches or small dents, good mechanically. A strong budget option.
Choosing for your use case
Family use
Consider a Toyota Alphard, Honda Odyssey or Nissan Serena for spacious seating, sliding doors and high safety ratings. Seven-seat SUVs such as the Land Cruiser Prado also suit larger families.
Business and commuting
The Toyota Prius, Honda Fit or Mazda Axela offer low running costs and easy urban parking. Hybrids meaningfully reduce fuel costs on high-mileage daily routes.
Off-road and rugged terrain
The Land Cruiser 200, Mitsubishi Pajero and Nissan Safari are built for demanding terrain. Look for low-range 4WD, differential locks and reinforced suspension.
Still need help choosing?
Our specialists will shortlist vehicles against your exact requirements and budget.