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ホーム/ 購入/ [Complete version] Where should I look on the sales site? How to choose a car with confidence

[Complete version] Where should I look on the sales site? How to choose a car with confidence

What you can learn from this article
  • Features and usage of the three main services
  • 10 things to check on sales sites
  • Points to check that are easy to overlook when buying only online
  • The process of buying a used car without failure

Features and usage of the three main services

car sensor

The number of listed cars is one of the largest in Japan
Compatible with smartphones and easy to use even for beginners
Good at narrowing down certified cars and cars with warranties
Enhanced new email notification function

Goonette

Our strength is the depth of information such as maintenance records and vehicle evaluation information.
Full of user reviews
Unique inspection information such as “Goo Report” available
Easy to compare prices under the same conditions

Manufacturer certified used car

Toyota certification/Honda U-Select etc.
Strict purchasing standards minimize verification items for finance vehicles
Full warranty and after-sales service
The price is high, but the sense of security is at the highest level
ℹ According to CAR Field JAPAN’s explanation, “It is efficient to first narrow down your search to cars that are certified or have a warranty using Car Sensor, and then search for properties with the same conditions on Goonet and compare them.” We recommend using two sites together.

10 things to check on sales sites

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① Be sure to check the “total payment amount”

Comparing only the vehicle price requires careful confirmation. “Miscellaneous expenses” may include automobile tax, weight tax, compulsory automobile liability insurance, registration fee, agency fee, consumables replacement fee, etc. Compare the amount you actually pay by looking at the total amount paid.

⚠ Even if the price of the product seems cheap, miscellaneous fees may add hundreds of thousands of yen to the price. Be sure to compare by displaying the “total amount paid”.
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② Check if there is any repair history

Be sure to use the “No repair history” filter. Cars that have been repaired are cheaper, but may be less safe and durable. If you remove the filter, cars with a history of repair will also be displayed.

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③ Check the combination of model year and mileage

Goonet recommends “prioritizing mileage.” Even if the model is new, if the mileage is high, the wear and tear will be severe; even if the model is old, if the mileage is low, it may be in good condition. The general guideline is “model year x 10,000 km”.

⚠ If the mileage is extremely low for the model year, there is a possibility that the mileage has been falsified (meter rewound). Inquire on CARNET.
📋

④ Check maintenance records and vehicle evaluation information

On Goonet, you can narrow down the list of cars that have maintenance records and evaluation information posted. Having maintenance records is proof that oil changes and inspections have been carried out properly.

✓ Vehicles that have been inspected by a third-party organization such as Goo Report are highly reliable.
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⑤ Check the store’s ratings and reviews

LINK Motors explains, “Check user reviews and ratings of dealers, and stores with particularly high evaluations of politeness and after-sales service are likely to be trustworthy.”

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⑥ Check the warranty details and period

Even if a product comes with a “warranty”, the contents vary greatly depending on the retailer. Be sure to check specifics such as “parts covered by the warranty,” “warranty period,” “mileage limitations,” and “cost burden.”

ℹ Car Sensor allows you to narrow down your search by “with warranty”. However, the details of the warranty must be confirmed directly with each retailer.
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⑦ Check the number, quality, and location of photos

A conscientious dealer will post photos from various angles, including the exterior, interior, engine room, and undercarriage. If there are few photos or the angles are lopsided, there may be something you want to hide.

⚠ Don’t make a purchase decision based on the photo alone. LINK Motors’ commentary warns that “scratches and dirt may be noticeable when you actually look at it.”
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⑧ Check publication date and inventory period

According to Bande-gi’s explanation, “The better the specimen, the more likely it will be posted → it will sell within a few hours to a few days.” On the other hand, if a car has been on the market for a long time, you need to consider the possibility that it may have some problem and remain unsold.

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⑨ Use keyword search

Searching by grade name/option name (such as “Panorama Roof”, “Toyota Safety Sense”, “ProPilot”, “BOSE”, etc.) is effective. You can also narrow down your search by model (“MXPJ15”, “ZWR90W”, etc.) to see if it has the desired equipment.

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⑩ Set new notification/save conditions

Bande-gi’s explanation advises, “By setting the notification frequency immediately or several times a day, and by shortening the flow of notifications → instant access → instant contact, you can contact us before your competition.”

中古車販売店 外観

If you find a car that interests you online, be sure to visit a physical store. Odors, scratches, and driving sensations that cannot be seen in photos can only be confirmed by seeing the actual vehicle.
車検 整備工場 点検

By having a professional mechanic accompany you when you test drive or inspect the vehicle, you may be able to discover problems that you would not notice online.

Points to check that are easy to overlook when buying only online

  • Smells that cannot be seen in photos (cigarettes, pets, mold):Be sure to open the door when inspecting the vehicle.
  • Discrepancies between published information and actual vehicle’s scratches/condition:Confirm the condition “confirm before delivery” in writing
  • Driving feel/handling issues:A test drive is required. The stability, especially at high speeds, can only be known by actually seeing the car.
  • Transparency of expenses:If the “total payment amount” is not specified, be sure to check the details.
  • Land transportation fees will be charged for distant vehicles:Land transportation costs can cost tens of thousands of yen and must be considered in the total cost.

The process of buying a used car without failure

1

Decide on your budget, purpose, and desired car model

Set a budget based on the total cost, including the total payment amount and monthly maintenance costs.

2

Narrow down candidates with car sensor + goo net

Narrow down the candidates to 3 to 5 by “no repair history”, “with warranty”, and “total amount paid”

3

Check vehicle history on CARNET

Inquire about accident history and mileage history using the chassis number of the candidate you are interested in.

4

Check and test drive the actual vehicle at a physical store

Be sure to check the actual vehicle for odors, scratches, and driving feel that cannot be seen in photos.

5

Confirm the warranty details and fees in writing

Confirm the warranty scope and total payment amount in writing, rather than through verbal explanations.

6

Setting up insurance after name change

After completing the purchase, immediately change the name of the optional insurance and enroll in a new insurance policy.

Summary: How to use sales sites correctly

  • Compare by “total payment amount” instead of vehicle price
  • Be sure to narrow down to “no repair history” and “with warranty”
  • Compare by prioritizing mileage over model year.
  • Prioritize cars with maintenance records and inspections
  • Check store reviews and ratings
  • Don’t make decisions based on photos or online information; be sure to check the actual vehicle.
  • Comparing Car Sensor and Goo Net together
  • Set new arrival notifications to quickly find good properties