Buying a car from Japan: New or Used?

Publised : 11:14 05 / 29 / 2015

New or used

 

This is a question that faces all car buyers. How can you decide which is best for you? First of all you should keep in mind that when it comes to Japanese made cars, whether new or used, they are good quality cars that will last for a long time. This is different from other brands where it is risky to buy a used car because it may soon break down after you buy it. You do not have to worry about this when buying a car made in Japan. Some still feel more security with buying a brand new car, untouched by previous drivers. Do you value being the very first owner of your future car? Then buying a new car may be the way to go.

One obvious difference between buying a new or used car is the cost. The lower price of used cars attracts many buyers.  You can also decide just how used you want your car to be. When buying a used car, be sure to check the mileage. When it comes to longevity, many turn to Honda or Toyota. A Honda or Toyota that has 50,000 miles, for example, may last another 250,000 miles. So even when choosing what may seem to be a high mileage car, it can still last for many years to come. Some buyers like to buy a used car and then after a few years, sell that one and buy another used car. Then after a few more years, they sell that one and buy another used car. This ensures that you never have a very old car.

If you’ve decided that buying a used car is the way to go, then click here to view Real Motor Japan’s selection of Hondas, and here for Toyotas, with both lists arranged by mileage.

When your used car needs repairs

Publised : 14:13 05 / 28 / 2015

When you need repairs

No matter how good the quality of a car is, it is inevitable that it will need repairs at some point. When this happens, it can be stressful to try to find an auto repair company that you can trust will do the job correctly. You may be tempted to go to the first repair center you find when in a hurry. However, it may be best to go to an authorized service center.

Many people have complained that after taking their cars to a local repair company, they find the problem quickly returns because the parts used to repair the vehicle were not genuine. This wastes your time and money. The people fixing your car may not be properly trained. Also, if your car is still under warranty, there may be some repairs you won’t have to pay for if you go to an authorized service center. You will not get this benefit if you go to just any auto shop.

When you go to an authorized service center, you are guaranteed to have trusted experts working on your car. You can have peace of mind knowing that they will only use genuine parts. The service centers are also equipped with modern diagnostic equipment. How can you find a service center? Simply research online to find the one closest to you. For instance, if you have a Toyota and you live in Tanzania, you may search for “authorized Toyota service centers in Tanzania”. After getting to the website, put in your city to find the one closest to your home. They will likely require that you make an appointment. When you call, they can answer any questions you may have.

Looking for a fast car?

Publised : 10:08 05 / 27 / 2015

looking for a fast car

 

If you want a sleek car that is known for its speed, consider getting a sports car. Lightweight with a four cylinder engine and six speed transmission, the Mazda MX-5 Miata offers a very enjoyable driving experience. This two seat convertible has quick and responsive handling. It features a simple cabin so that the controls are easy to find and use.  With the ability to go to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds, you are guaranteed to have a fun ride with the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

The Nissan GT-R Nismo is a much faster car with the ability to reach 60 mph in just 2.7 seconds. It is one of the fastest cars available at any price. The twin-turbocharged V6 engine produces 600 horse power and 481 pound-feet of torque. This is the kind of car for those who want an exciting driving experience. Despite its speed, it brakes quickly and is easy to control. The GT-R also handles very well and is easy to drive in heavy traffic when needed.

A car that’s really fast doesn’t have to be expensive. To view Real Motor Japan’s selection of used Mazdas click here, and for Nissans click here.

Japanese Luxury Vehicles

Publised : 15:47 05 / 26 / 2015

Luxury Vehicles

 

The Acura RDX ranks very high compared to other luxury compact SUVs. Buyers find this vehicle exceptionally comfortable with plenty of leg room, leather seats that are adjustable to fit your needs, and heated front seats. The interior also comes equipped with a rear-view camera, a seven speaker sound system, GPS system, and separate climate controls for the front and back of the vehicle. The boot is 4 feet in width; an impressive size for cargo space. With a V-6 engine, the Acura RDX has plenty of power. If you are looking for a luxury vehicle that also has plenty of cargo space, this may be the one for you.

If you would rather opt for a luxury car instead of an SUV, you may want to take a look at the Acura TLX. The 2015 model has a four cylinder engine and has a smooth and quick acceleration. Although it is a powerful car, it is surprisingly quiet on the road. The 2015 model also comes with the P-AWS all wheel steering system. The system is designed to enhance maneuverability, stability, precision and control of the vehicle.

If you are looking for a reasonably priced used luxury vehicle, then click here to view our selection.

Honda vehicles popular with under 35s – Japanese car news

Publised : 11:29 05 / 25 / 2015

News 2

Honda Accord and Honda Civic: The most popular choices for young buyers

Over the past 11 years, the Civic and Accord have been the most popular purchases for those under 35. From 2004 to 2014, they have sold over 1 million vehicles. This is more than any other two cars. Over the past 11 years, either the Civic or the Accord has maintained the #1 spot for having the most buyers under 35. Young buyers are drawn to the attractive appearance, affordability, fuel efficiency, and the well known longevity of these cars.

With the upcoming release of its all-new Civic, Honda hopes to continue to draw young customers. The new Civic was recently debuted at the New York International Auto Show. The 2015 Honda Civic ranks #4 out of 44 for affordable small cars. Young buyers will be attracted to the modern and more sporty design than previous models. The new Civic has great fuel consumption of 78.5 mpg. With a fast acceleration and quick steering, it is sure to be enjoyable to drive for Honda’s younger customers.

Both the Honda Civic and Accord are available to buy used from Real Motor Japan – click here to view our selection.

Honda Fit – Car Reviews

Publised : 11:26 05 / 25 / 2015

Car reviews

Averaging 28 mpg for city driving and 35 mpg for highway driving, the Honda Fit is an excellent choice when it comes to fuel efficiency. Many appreciate its attractive exterior as well as a stylish and comfortable interior. With a hatchback design, it offers a roomy interior with plenty of space for cargo. The rear seats also fold down for more space. Many are surprised at just how much can fit into this seemingly small vehicle.

The Honda Fit has a four cylinder engine and is praised for being enjoyable to drive. It is light weight and can go from 0-60mph in less than 10 seconds. Buyers have the option of choosing between a five speed manual transmission or a five speed automatic transmission. The driver as well as passengers of a Honda Fit have great visibility of the road. With a tall roof and doors, many find it easy to get in and out of. The Honda Fit comes in front wheel drive or four wheel drive.

If this review has you convinced, then click here to view our selection of used Honda Fits.

New Nissan vehicle keeps drivers alert – Japanese car news

Publised : 10:11 05 / 22 / 2015

Japanese car news

 

Nissan debuts new Driver Attention Alert system to combat drowsy drivers!

With reportedly 1 in 5 deaths on the road caused by drowsy drivers, this problem deserves immediate attention. For this reason, Nissan has developed its new Driver Attention Alert (DAA) system. The system is available in the 2015 Nissan Murano crossover and in the 2016 Nissan Maxima sedan which has not yet been released. How can this system help prevent accidents related to drowsy drivers? The system first observes your driving patterns over a period of time. After it establishes your style of driving, it continues to monitor your driving. If you start driving in a way that is not your usual style, for example starting to swerve, the system will alert you. You will hear a chime and on the screen will pop up a picture of a coffee cup and a message suggesting that you take a break.

What about other factors such as road conditions, lane changes, and curves in the road which can also affect your driving? The system is also equipped to notice these external changes so as not to give you a false alert. The driver also has the option to switch off the system. Of course, responsibility lies with the driver to remain alert while on the road. However, Nissan is hoping to make a difference and help drivers with this new system.

Toyota RAV4 – Car Reviews

Publised : 10:09 05 / 22 / 2015

Car reviews

The Toyota RAV4 is considered a “compact SUV” or a “crossover”.  Many people appreciate the affordability of this vehicle compared to larger SUVs. The newer RAV4 seats a maximum of five people instead of seven. This allows for a more roomy interior. Even though it is compact, it offers plenty of legroom in the front seat as well as in the back seats. There is plenty of space in the boot for cargo. The rear seats also fold down flat to allow for extra cargo space. It has a smooth and quiet ride, even on highways. The Toyota RAV4 is great for traveling and also has great fuel efficiency.

As far as safety goes, the RAV4 ranks high and is equipped with seven airbags. Buyers have the option of choosing between front wheel drive or all wheel drive. It has a tall ride height, great for driving on unpaved roads. The interior is made of good quality materials and has an attractive appearance.

If this review has you convinced, then click here to view our selection of used Toyota RAV4s.

Be prepared for a roadside emergency

Publised : 14:33 05 / 21 / 2015

Be prepared for a roadside emergency

Even when you take good care of your car, roadside emergencies can be inevitable. Instead of panicking, you can take steps ahead of time to be prepared.

1. Keep extra fluids in your car. If your car starts acting up, it could be a simple problem with one of your fluids. Coolant, oil, and windshield wiper fluid are good ones to keep in the boot of your car.

2. Having an extra blanket is good to have even if you don’t live in a cold climate. A blanket can also be used to lie on when checking things underneath the car or changing a tire.

3. You should always keep jumper cables in your car. This way you can call a friend or flag down someone to help you instead of paying to get your car towed.

4. A flashlight is important to have in case you break down at night. You should also have road flares to warn other drivers of your road trouble so that they can slow down.

5. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher.  Car fires can happen for various reasons and can be deadly. In some countries it is mandatory to keep a fire extinguisher in your car.

How to prepare your car for a long trip

Publised : 09:58 05 / 20 / 2015

How to prepare your car

When preparing or a long trip you are probably busy making various arrangements. Be sure to prepare your car as well. Since your car will likely be running for hours at a time, you need to make sure it is in good condition. You can start preparing your car a few weeks before you leave for your trip. Here are some things you should do:

- Get any repairs done. If you know of any repairs that need to be made, take care of those. Schedule a checkup to find out any other problems you need fixed.

-Check your tires. Start by checking the tire pressure. Double check what the pressure for your car should be in the user manual. Adjust if necessary. Check the tread on your tires. Make sure you have a spare tire and it is properly inflated and you have all of the tools to change a tire.

-Make sure you have your owner’s manual and registration. Don’t travel without these things.

-Check your battery to make sure it’s strong. Get a replacement if necessary.

-Check all fluids. This includes engine oil, windshield wiper fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.

-Check the air filter to make sure it’s not clogged.

Buying a used car: Automatic vs. manual transmission

Publised : 15:18 05 / 19 / 2015

Autoatic vs. manual

Something every car buyer needs to consider is whether they should buy a car with manual or automatic transmission. Consider the features of both.

Manual transmission

  • Cheaper. You will see that if you look at a certain model of a car with manual transmission, it will be cheaper than the same model with an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions also have less maintenance cost.
  • Better gas mileage. With the driver in complete control of shifting gears, the car doesn’t rev up as much and this saves on fuel costs.
  • Complete control over the vehicle.
  • More complicated to use if you are not accustomed to driving stick shift.

Automatic transmissions

  • More expensive than manual transmissions.
  • Easy to use. Requires less thinking than driving stick shift. Better if you find stick shift driving to be a distraction.
  • Much better for city driving. Driving in rush hour with a manual transmission can be exhausting since you have to constantly switch gears.
  • Higher resale value. Vehicles with automatic transmissions are more popular and therefore more in demand.

Whether you’ve decided on an automatic or a manual vechicle, we at Real Motor Japan have a wide selection to meet your needs. Please click here to view our used automatic vehicles, and here for used manual vehicles.

How to drive safely in heavy rain

Publised : 16:52 05 / 18 / 2015

How to drive safely in heavy rain

In certain cities, heavy rains and flooded roads are inevitable. There are some things you should consider before traveling in heavy rains.

 

When it is raining heavily, try to see if it is possible to delay your trip until the rain subsides.  If this is impossible, plan your trip before you leave by considering which roads will be congested and which ones are prone to flooding.  Take a different route. Be sure to carry your cell phone and travel with someone else if possible. Make sure your windshield wipers are working properly.

 

Avoiding flooded roads is best but sometimes you may have no other option but to try to find your way through the waters. Be sure to drive on the highest part of the road to avoid water getting in the engine. Driving in first gear, go slowly. Driving fast through high water can cause expensive damage to your vehicle. Driving fast can also cause your tires to lose contact with the road and you will lose control of the vehicle. If this happens, ease up on pressure to the accelerator. Don’t break, let the car return to a safe speed. If you cannot tell how deep the water is, don’t drive down that road. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

How to save on fuel costs

Publised : 16:51 05 / 18 / 2015

How to save on fuel costs

With fuel costs fluctuating, many people are trying to figure out how they can save money on fuel. There are some practical things you may consider to keep more money in your pocket instead of spending it at the pump.

 

1. Keep your vehicle as light as possible. Extra weight on a vehicle causes it to burn fuel faster. To prevent this, dispose of any extra items you may have lingering in the boot of your vehicle.

 

2. Check tire pressure regularly. This may seem like a small matter, but this does affect fuel consumption. Try buying a tire pressure gauge to monitor your tires. Make sure the tires are not filled too little or too much. See your user manual for the proper tire pressure for your vehicle.

 

3. Drive with care. Avoid driving aggressively and be sure to drive at the speed limit. All vehicles start to burn fuel faster at speeds higher than 88 km/h.

                  

4. Reduce use of the air conditioner. In hot climates, our instinct is to switch on the air conditioner. On cooler days, try using the flow-through ventilation system. This is better than rolling down the windows since open windows affect the aerodynamics of the vehicle and increase fuel consumption.

Toyota hosts event to assist minority and women owned businesses

Publised : 13:35 05 / 15 / 2015

Toyota hosts event

Toyota has proven it is interested in more than just selling cars. In Plano Texas, U.S.A., the “Power Exchange of 2015” was held with the purpose of helping minority and women owned businesses. These two groups are often at a disadvantage in the business world. The Toyota’s North American headquarters will soon be moved from California to Texas. In anticipation of this move and in line with their pledge to diversity, they decided to lend a helping hand locally by pursuing minority and women business partners.

 

The event lasted for one day and provided networking opportunities as well as access to Toyota’s marketing, sales, and professional services. The event included a panel discussion that educated the guests on corporate policies and what Toyota expects from its business partners. Then they gave the attendees an opportunity do some networking themselves through a trade show. They were given a chance to interact with Toyota’s indirect Tier 1 suppliers. The companies explained what exactly they do and their contracting specifications.

Nissan Cube – Car Reviews

Publised : 13:28 05 / 15 / 2015

Car reviews

Buyers of a Nissan Cube are often first attracted to its unique appearance. Its name is very fitting since it is in fact a “cube”. If you look at the rear, you will notice on one side the back window continues to wrap around the car. This unique feature allows for greater visibility, especially when backing up.

The Nissan Cube has much more to offer than just looks. Its cube shape allows for a roomy interior. The seats are comfortable with plenty of cushioning. There is plenty of legroom in both the front and the back seats. The boot of the car features a side opening door and a low floor to fit a lot of cargo.  The back seats fold down, allowing for a generous amount of cargo space.

Buyers appreciate the car’s precise steering that enables the driver to make tight turns and fit in tight parking spaces. With mood lighting and a rippling water effect on the ceiling, the interior design of the Cube is as whimsical as the exterior appearance.  Not known for its speed, the Cube is best suited for city diving. If you want a unique car that will turn heads, consider the Nissan Cube.

If this review has you convinced, then click here to view our selection of used Nissan Cubes.

Toyota Hilux – Car Reviews

Publised : 14:05 05 / 14 / 2015

Car reviews

The Toyota Hilux is a spacious pick-up truck with a very generous amount of cargo space. Its very famous for its “indestructible” design – this has been tested and shown by the popular British TV series “Top Gear”, where the car was put through vigorous tests such as dropped from a building, hit with heavy demolition equipment, washed away by the sea, and stored on a building which was demolished; after all this abuse the Hilux was still able to work!

The Hilux is extremely reliable and very durable as stated above with its unbelievable achievement of surviving such vigorous tests. Toyota’s Hilux is one of the best pick-up trucks money can buy.

Advantages

∙       Moderate performance

∙       Very reliable

∙       Very spacious

∙       Good equipment

∙       Good handling

 

Disadvantages

∙       Only two airbags

∙       Not very refined (lots of wind and road noise)

∙       No Deadlocks

If this review has you convinced, then click here to view our selection of used Toyota Hiluxes (for Toyota Hilux Surfs click here).

Toyota announcements – Japanese car news

Publised : 10:14 05 / 13 / 2015

Japanese car news

Toyota Worlds Top Seller 3 consecutive year!

Toyota Motor Corp. warded off Volkswagen and General Motors to remain the world’s top-selling auto-maker for a third consecutive year, driven by record U.S. deliveries of its SUVs, according to the 2014 tally.

High demand for SUVs such as the RAV4 and the mid-sized Highlander have pushed Toyota ahead of its competition again and again.

Toyota reportedly planning a Hothatch

Toyota is reportedly making a Hothatch, after Toyota’s announcement to return to the World Rally Championship in 2017, which will spawn a road going version of its Yaris which is going to be used in the rally.

Reports are that the Yaris will be powered by a four-cylinder, 2.0 litre turbocharged petrol engine which produces a staggering 235bhp; all of this power will be channelled through the front wheels.

With the Yaris being a very light vehicle, with its reported 235bhp powerhouse engine it is set to be an incredibly fast pocket-rocket!

Buying and importing a used vehicle – mistakes to avoid

Publised : 11:52 05 / 12 / 2015

Mistakes to Avoid

There are some key points when importing a car that are often overlooked, turning them into mistakes which are easily avoided; here I’m going to talk about these mistakes and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1

Buying a vehicle when it has obvious defects such as visible rust spots; if the vehicle has been exposed to roads that have been salted to de-ice them, the vehicle’s under-body may have rust issues which can lead to some seriously costly repair bills or worrying safety issues. To avoid any rust issues, be sure to check pictures of the vehicle carefully. If there are no photographs of the vehicle’s under-body where rust issues are the most important to check for as they can affect the structural integrity, do not be afraid to ask the dealer to provide them. Any reputable dealer will happily meet your request to provide you with photographs and information that you need.

Mistake 2

Check your country’s emission standards, especially with older model cars that you are looking to import, as these cars will need to be modified to comply with the standards your country has set. To check the emissions, again do not be afraid to ask the dealer to supply the information and inquire about the standards that need to be met.

Other Important issues to avoid

Be sure to avoid vehicles that drive on the opposite side of the road such as being a left hand drive (LHD) vehicle in a right hand drive (RHD) country; although it’s not impossible to drive a vehicle which has the steering system on the opposite side it is much more difficult and can lead to some safety issues. Overtaking is much more difficult if you are on the opposite side of the norm as you cannot see oncoming traffic or obstacles.

With this in mind head on over to www.realmotor.jp to check out their excellent stock of  Japanese imports!

How to search for import used vehicles

Publised : 11:36 05 / 11 / 2015

How to search for import vehicles

Searching for a vehicle is very simple; if there is a particular type of vehicle you want to purchase such as a “hatchback” body type, most websites allow you to do this by having a search box which allows you to search by a vehicles body type so you can select the body type through what is typically a scroll down list. Body types you can commonly search by are: hatchback, coupé, sedan, or SUV – of course there are more types but these are just to name a few.

Another search feature allows you to search by the cars production year, which means you can search for a car that was produced in 1999 for example; if you like older generation cars, this allows you to easily narrow down your search for your particular generation of cars.

Finally you can search by the make and model, which means if you are looking for a select brand of car such as a Toyota you can narrow your search to show you just the Toyotas that are available for purchase from the import dealer. You can narrow this search further by looking for a specific Model such as the Toyota Hilux; this search will show you only the Toyota Hiluxs available for purchase from the dealers website.

Japanese car production and its history

Publised : 11:30 05 / 11 / 2015

Japanese car production

The Japanese automotive industry is one of the most prominent and largest industries in the world. Japan has been in the top three of the countries with most cars manufactured since the 1960s, surpassing Germany. The automotive industry in Japan rapidly increased from the 1970s to the 1990s when the production was oriented for both domestic use and worldwide export.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Japan’s automotive production overtook the U.S. as leader with up to 13 million cars manufactured per year and a significant number of exports.

After massive ramp-up by China in the 2000s and fluctuating U.S. output, Japan is now currently the third largest automotive producer in the world with an annual production of 9.9 million automobiles in 2012.

Japanese investments helped grow the auto industry in many countries throughout the last few decades, with companies like Toyota and Nissan opening manufacturing factories  and creating jobs and work for the countries it has placed factories in.

Japan is home to a number of companies that manufacture and produce cars, construction vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, and engines. Japanese automotive manufacturers include Toyota, Honda, Daihatsu, Nissan, Suzuki, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Subaru, Isuzu, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Mitsuoka.

Cars designed in Japan and made by one of its many automotive companies have won the European Car of the Year, International Car of the Year, and World Car of the Year awards many times.