The model year of imported cars is different from the year of domestic cars. There are probably many people who do not know the existence of this model year unique to imported cars, or do not understand the difference from the model year commonly used in Japan.
If you do not understand the model year correctly, you may be in trouble when the imported car breaks down. If you understand the difference from the model year in Japan and the meaning of terms such as VIN code, you will be able to understand the model year of US and European cars and reduce troubles. Therefore, in this article, we will explain the meaning of the model year, how to check it, and why it is necessary.
・There are two types of model years for imported cars: model year and first registration date!
・If you know how to read the 17-digit VIN code, you can deal with trouble smoothly.
・Let’s correctly recognize the model year as one of the judgment materials when buying a used car.
What is the model year of the imported car?
The model year is a concept for imported cars mainly in Europe, and the meaning of the year of domestic cars is different. This is because when selling imported vehicles in Japan, it takes time to move the vehicle to Japan, and errors occur in manufacturing and registration. From here, I will explain the difference between the model year of imported cars and the year commonly used in Japan.
The model year of an imported car is the year it was manufactured.
The model year of an imported vehicle is the year in which the vehicle was manufactured. For US cars, it may also refer to the model year. Note that cars produced from the middle of the year in the US and after September in Europe will be the next year’s models.
When selling an imported car in Japan, it takes time from manufacturing in the home country to selling in Japan, so there will be a gap between the model year and the year (first year registration date). For example, an imported car manufactured in October 2010 and registered in Japan in November of the same year will have a model year of 2011 and a registration year of 2010.
On the other hand, for domestic cars, there is almost no difference between the year the car was manufactured and the year it was registered.
Another meaning of the year is “first registration date”
Another meaning of the model year is the year when the car was registered in Japan, which is called “first registration date”. In the case of light vehicles, it is called the first inspection date.
If it’s a new car, the model year and purchase year are the same. On the other hand, in the case of a used car, the model year is the year the first owner purchased the car, so the year of purchase is different from the year of purchase.
In general, old cars are called low-age models, and new cars are called high-age models, and this is the point that greatly affects the sales price of used cars. When buying a used car, it is a good idea to use it as a guideline.
VIN code is required to know the model year of an imported vehicle
To find out the model year of imported cars such as US and European cars, it is necessary to check the VIN code. Although it varies by manufacturer, the 17-digit VIN code contains a lot of information about the vehicle. From here, let’s take a look at the VIN code, which is indispensable for knowing more about new and used cars.
What is VIN code
A VIN code is a 17-digit unique identification number, also known as a serial number. The VIN code contains important information such as country of origin, car make and model year.
American and European cars use VIN codes, and although there are some differences between manufacturers, the basic specifications are the same. Since 1981, US cars have been described in a common format regardless of manufacturer.
The VIN code is located on the inside of the windshield of the vehicle or on the left side of the dashboard. In addition, it seems that it may be described on the B pillar caution sticker of the door hinge of the left driver’s seat.
How to read the VIN code
The contents of each digit of the VIN code are determined. The first digit means the country of manufacture. 1 refers to the United States, 2 to Canada, 3 to Mexico, 4 and 5 to the United States, and 6 to Australia.
The second digit is the manufacturer. T is Toyota, N is Nissan, J is JEEP. The 3rd to 8th digits represent vehicle characteristics such as number of doors, 2WD or 4WD, engine, grade, safety equipment, platform type, etc.
The 9th digit is to check if the serial number is correct. The 10th digit is the model year, the 11th digit is the assembly plant abbreviation, and the 12th to 17th digits are the manufacturing serial number.
When model year is required
The model year listed for US and European vehicles is required for all vehicle related procedures. For example, you will need it when ordering parts for car repair or when calculating car taxes. You should be aware of this when purchasing car insurance. From here, we will explain in detail by scene where the model year is required.
When ordering parts for repair, etc.
The model year is required when ordering parts for repairs, etc. If the vehicle is not officially imported or there is no official dealer, the parts must be parallel imported. You have to tell the model year at that time.
When telling the model year, be careful not to confuse it with the first registration date in Japan. If you don’t give the correct model year, you may end up ordering the wrong parts. Read the VIN code properly and make sure there are no mistakes.
when calculating taxes
The model year is also required when calculating the car tax. The automobile tax will increase after 13 years from the first registration for gasoline vehicles and 11 years for diesel vehicles.
The longer the number of years of registration, the higher the tax, so if you want to reduce the automobile tax even a little, it is better to purchase an old used car.
When signing up for car insurance
It is also necessary to know the model year when purchasing car insurance. If you do not know the model year of your car or it is too old, you may not be able to purchase car insurance. If you want to buy car insurance, check the model year in advance.
Auto insurance premiums are calculated based on the year and model of the vehicle. If you want to save even a little on insurance premiums, you should also pay attention to the type of vehicle.
Low-year cars have conspicuous disadvantages such as less insurance money paid in the event of an accident and a narrower coverage. If you value the coverage of your car insurance, you should buy an older car.
When purchasing a used imported car
When purchasing a used imported car, it is good to consider the model year as a criterion. Let’s add the model year to one of the check items such as the mileage, the presence or absence of vehicle inspection, and the repair history. However, there are concerns about the safety of low-year models, and older models are not necessarily safe. In order to make a comprehensive judgment, let’s choose a used imported car by grasping the condition of the car properly without deciding only by the model year.
It is good to use the model year as a judgment material
When purchasing a second-hand imported car, it is a good idea to consider the model year as well. If the model year is too old, it may be disadvantageous in terms of automobile tax and automobile insurance contract as mentioned above.
In addition, there is a tendency for troubles to occur after purchase, such as problems occurring after purchase and parts replacement frequency increasing. If you want safety, try to choose a car with a newer model year.
On the other hand, even if the model year is old, there are used imported cars in good condition that have been carefully handled and maintained. While checking the mileage and the condition of the exterior and interior, it is a good idea to use the model year as a criterion.
Just because it’s a senior model doesn’t mean it’s good
It cannot be said that second-hand imported cars are good just because they are older models. If you check other than the model year, you can ride with confidence even after purchasing. Let’s check in detail whether or not the vehicle has been inspected, how much mileage it has, and whether or not it has a repair history. If there are any deficiencies in these items, even if it is an older model, it may lead to choosing a high-risk car.
It is better to avoid choosing a model without checking other conditions just because it is an older model. There are also second-hand imported cars that are in good condition and low risk, even if they are of a lower model year. It would be nice to think that the year ceremony is just one check item that makes a comprehensive judgment when choosing a good car.
