Major auction houses offer an inspection service. Usually for around 2000 Yen. What does this cover? Not a lot..
This is what most export companies offer as "inspection". Pay about £15 to have the auction house send an employee down to check underneath for rust, start the engine, make sure it doesn't knock, engage the clutch and go through the gears, check in the glovebox and have quick wip round the car.
Pretty much what Europcar do when you return a lease car.
You can't ask them to inspect certain areas. You can't ask for photos. You can't ask for videos.
Having a physical member of staff at the house, carrying out the inspection to your instruction is the only way to protect your financial investment.
I'll use the Grade 4 A BNR32 from USS Nagoya today as an example. The inspection there took 45 minutes last night. We finished around 1:30am and received around 100 photos and a few videos.
First, the grade sheet translated:
USS Remark:
Slightly dirty inside - needs valet
Jacking points damage
Minor surface rust underneath in a few areas
Underseal
But both exterior and interior looks very clean. Everything normal, even front lip looks no damage.
We had Yutaka go over the car starting with the areas marked on the grade sheet (attached). Then we moved onto the arches, wheels, suspension components and brakes.
You'll see from the pictures the condition of the wheels and tyres. Excellent. Minor surface rust on a few areas. Nothing that cannot be rectified.
The bodywork is in excellent shape, around the rubbers on the glass there is no sign of rust setting in.
The engine bay is completely original, even the original airbox is retained.
The underside of the car is in excellent shape. No scraps, dents or corrosion. Almost unheard of for a BNR32.
The interior is what sets this example apart. Having an A interior for a BNR32 is unreal. Ths car is 24 years old. The interior was like a 1 year old car. Everyone knows how BNR32 seats fade and look in bad shape pretty easily. No bolster wear on this, the steering wheel is great, no scratches or marks. Gearknob has a few minor marks.
This is the level we go to on an inspection. It doesn't matter if its a £4500 Cube or an £80,000 BNR34 Nur. Inspection is vital.
