Where to buy a car?

[Peligro]

Does anyone know where the best place to buy a car is? We checked at the lemon lot on Kadena but no luck :( Looking for a cheap car ($1000 - $1500) that can get us to and from work, etc... any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[cellophane]

I bought mine at Johnny's. I think it was a fair price but I had to wait almost two weeks for some part to be replaced. Who would think in Japan it would take so long to get a part for a Japanese car? The service was good though and I have had no problems with my car.

[DoctorP]

You bought your car at Johnny's for $1500?

[Tanimaga]

Crossroads is the best bet for me. Usually cheaper than the base camped car lots.

http://www.o-cross.net/

[P_chan]

Try to haggle people down. There are a lot of cars going for 2000 plus on the lemon lot that really should be around 1500. Saw a 96 ipsum going for 3000 one week, next week it was at 2200. Knew the guy who bought the van and he got it for 1600.

[DoctorP]

Yeah...dude was selling a Spacio last week for $3200, pretty sure he got down around $2k.

[Tanimaga]

Trouble is, I work on alot of the cars destined for the lemon lot. Most people want just the minimum to sell it, and care nothing for the buyer. If you buy thru the lot, get an inspection done before the transfer.

After the inspection, about 50% of the buyers back out.

[P_chan]

Trouble is, I work on alot of the cars destined for the lemon lot. Most people want just the minimum to sell it, and care nothing for the buyer. If you buy thru the lot, get an inspection done before the transfer.

After the inspection, about 50% of the buyers back out.

It's sad how quick people are to screw others out of their money. Had my car for a month before the cam seal blew. Came to find out that the guy I bought it from thought he was a street racer in a stock car and treated the thing like shit. Best part was I heard about it though a co worker who said the guy was legitimate. Turns out they were buddy buddy and were just looking to screw me over. After I got it fixed the car worked fine and hasn't given me any problems since because I actually take care of it.

[SpaceGhost]

even thoug i will get blasted i recommend BCmotors..
you get 2 yrs full JCI from time of purchase.. if you have cash on hand you can buy outright.. if not you pay it off over 18 months..

there is 1 yr full warranty.. and also you take it in for body work or anything you may feel needs fixing once you purchase it it gets fixed.. if it keeps screwing up they keep fixing until its right..

some on here may tell you to stay away.. but IMO it is the safest bet unless you know some people who have bee here a real long time who are actually willing to take you around and find the best deals..

[DoctorP]

Remember the OP said a car for $1000 to $1500 right?

[Tanimaga]

All used cars are going to have their issues, but I have found major deals on Crossroads. The same Pajero I bought for $1900 was on a lot near Kadena for $3800.

I'm looking at a 2001 Kei van right now for $2000. Try getting that for under $4000 at Johnnie's.

I work on some of the cars that already say "Cold A/C" on the window, but the air conditioning hasn't worked for years. They need $1500 in parts and labor, but try to get by on just charging it, knowing there is a leak in the system.

Customer - "But it only needs a charge..I charge it every summer."
Tech - "If it needs a charge, something is wrong. Freon isn't consumed, and resides in a sealed system. If it needs charged, it has a leak."
Customer - "No..my dad/boyfriend/husband is a mechanic, and he said it only needs a charge."
Tech - "Did he check the system himself?"
Customer - "No.. he's in the states. I called him yesterday."
Tech - "If it has a leak, by EPA regulations, I can't charge the system and let you leave.. it may kill the birdies and the fishies."
Customer - "Who is the manager?"
Tech - "Right...this...way..." :grin1:

[Oki alumni]

All used cars are going to have their issues, but I have found major deals on Crossroads. The same Pajero I bought for $1900 was on a lot near Kadena for $3800.

I'm looking at a 2001 Kei van right now for $2000. Try getting that for under $4000 at Johnnie's.

I work on some of the cars that already say "Cold A/C" on the window, but the air conditioning hasn't worked for years. They need $1500 in parts and labor, but try to get by on just charging it, knowing there is a leak in the system.

Customer - "But it only needs a charge..I charge it every summer."
Tech - "If it needs a charge, something is wrong. Freon isn't consumed, and resides in a sealed system. If it needs charged, it has a leak."
Customer - "No..my dad/boyfriend/husband is a mechanic, and he said it only needs a charge."
Tech - "Did he check the system himself?"
Customer - "No.. he's in the states. I called him yesterday."
Tech - "If it has a leak, by EPA regulations, I can't charge the system and let you leave.. it may kill the birdies and the fishies."
Customer - "Who is the manager?"
Tech - "Right...this...way..." :grin1:

Meanwhile...downtown...at least on the mainland: "Can do recharge. Come back in maybe one hour."

-Oki Alumni:old: (makes no difference that you were at the same place LAST week!)

[cellophane]

You bought your car at Johnny's for $1500?

NO DP...it was more like I paid $2000 for the car and $1500 for the piece of mind and warranty that comes when you buy a care from a reputable business.lol

I too, when I arrived on island was determined to spend no more than around $1500-2000 on a car.But after searcing and searching and passing over a few "deals" because my gut instinct told me "scam" I went ahead and gave in to what most people find they end up doing and paying more after all. It is important to have a reliable car after all.

Like Pchan mentioned, most private parties and the lemon lot ask ridiculous prices for theirs and I have heard way too many stories of people getting ripped off. On in fact was from this forum as I was reading through older threads. So I know this is well covered ground about the whole "buyer beware". I know it's possible to find those ultra cheap cars out there but if you have a job to do within a short amount of time you may not have the luck to find one you are willing to live with.

[Muku]

Damn......I just scrapped one of my van's and got a little over ￥120,000 or about $1,000 for it.

Worked fine, great a/c, just didnt want to have to pay the shaken which was due next month.

Should have read this sooner!

[xXNothingnessXx]

I got my wifes car while we were still in temporary lodging. A 1st Sgt was leaving and needed to get rid of his van quickly. He sold it to us for $500 with 1.5 years for JCI. Maybe you can hang out around the lodges and ask people if they are selling thier car. It worked for me.

[hankypanky]

That's sometimes the best way. Alot of commands don't want their people giving powers of attorney out to sell a vehicle. Lemon lot is a rip 70% of the time.

[L Boogie]

I bought my Surf out of JU for $2000 over a year ago...it needed JCI (about $500), got it done, the mileage was ridiculously low like 100,000 km and it's a 91 (and a 5-speed, 4-cyl :thumbup:). It's never given me any problems.

[Peligro]

Thanks everyone we landed a honda intregra for $900 and a toyota curren for $800 from the JU classifieds... just got to get lucky i guess.

[SGT_OKINAWA]

Crossroads is the best bet for me. Usually cheaper than the base camped car lots.

http://www.o-cross.net/

Still for anyone who reads this thread later...
Yes agree, cross roads is the best, .... :first:

On-line or the Magazine for 500 yen, (I think that is what it costs.)

Plus you can ask the car salesman to give you a "quote" for a little more then what the car costs…. and then when you go to the bank, that amount will be money to pay for JCI, Insurance, rims, tires, stereo, navigation, fog lights, …. LOL! I digress.

Most of the American owned dealers will not "Hook you up" like this.

Don't feel shy to go to a Okinawan owned car lot, take a translation book and go for it!

Peace!:army:

[Tanimaga]

Thanks everyone we landed a honda intregra for $900 and a toyota curren for $800 from the JU classifieds... just got to get lucky i guess.

I'll be seeing you soon then.. :34a:

[DoctorP]

Still for anyone who reads this thread later...
Yes agree, cross roads is the best, .... :first:

On-line or the Magazine for 500 yen, (I think that is what it costs.)

Plus you can ask the car salesman to give you a "quote" for a little more then what the car costs…. and then when you go to the bank, that amount will be money to pay for JCI, Insurance, rims, tires, stereo, navigation, fog lights, …. LOL! I digress.

Most of the American owned dealers will not "Hook you up" like this.

Don't feel shy to go to a Okinawan owned car lot, take a translation book and go for it!

Peace!:army:


you don't need to do this in Okinawa. Car costs $2,000? Tell the bank you want $3,500 they'll give it to you no problem.

[Fire4Effect]

Stay away from the Pit Stop... high pressure sales, fast talkers, they don't listen to anything you say, plus they pay MCCS for the unfair advantage of being able to set up booths at their Newcomers Orientation. Plus, the last 2 families I have sponsored, Pit Stop salesmen were waiting outside the WestPac Inn and trying to sell them a car before I could even get them checked in to their TLF. The second incident resulted in a confrontation between myself and said salesman over their bully tactics...

[okisteve]

When I first got here I got steered around by an airman who also dealt cars. He was very helpful, even though I didn't buy one from him, and he found me a good one anyway. He advertised in JU, name was Rommel something and lived offbase near KAB.

[Tanimaga]

Stay away from the Pit Stop... high pressure sales, fast talkers, they don't listen to anything you say, plus they pay MCCS for the unfair advantage of being able to set up booths at their Newcomers Orientation. Plus, the last 2 families I have sponsored, Pit Stop salesmen were waiting outside the WestPac Inn and trying to sell them a car before I could even get them checked in to their TLF. The second incident resulted in a confrontation between myself and said salesman over their bully tactics...

Not quite a zombie thread yet, but I'd like to say a little on Pit Stop. Only my own observations..not that they haven't done someone right in the past.

Years ago I had my first accident out on Hwy. 58...being young, I had let my insurance slip a couple weeks :scared:

I was in pretty good standing with my command at the time, so they allowed me to pay it off in monthly amounts without any further legal action.

I had rear-ended a car ahead of me at the dreaded intersection to the left of gate 1. No damage to my vehicle, but their tail lights were smacked it pretty good, and the trunk wouldn't close. I chose Pit Stop for the repairs, and went down to check up of the progress. The owner (I'm assuming) walked out and looked at my car, and proceeded to start yelling at me as to how Americans make accidents happen, and not pay for them..etc..
He had thought I had my car fixed already, and was angry about it.

I told him I hadn't touched my car. The front bumper had done it's job, and rebounded back into shape. He had a few snorts...and walked off.


More recently, a friend of mine went down there to talk about JCI on an American vehicle he was buying from mainland. He had taken the Japanese guy who was bidding in the auction for him. The Pitstop rep apparently thought my friend spoke no Japanese (hence the reason for bringing a Japanese friend).. but he was wrong. About a half hour of listening to how shit headed Americans are, the guy looked at my friend, then to the PitStop fellow, and said "He speaks perfect Japanese, you know."

Silence followed.. then the conversation turned to a more apologetic tone.

From what I've gathered, they have little love for "Y" plates, and should not have to go thru the torture of dealing with them. :thumbdown:

[Muku]

From what I've gathered, they have little love for "Y" plates, and should not have to go thru the torture of dealing with them.

You know after reading posts like this it makes me wonder sometimes why the base, either services or MCCS doesnt put together a list of reputable dealers and "others" that offer their services to the US Military off-base.

Plus setting up a site or list, maybe there is one already I dont know, about customer complaints or compliments about off base service providers.

[Tanimaga]

You know after reading posts like this it makes me wonder sometimes why the base, either services or MCCS doesnt put together a list of reputable dealers and "others" that offer their services to the US Military off-base.

Plus setting up a site or list, maybe there is one already I dont know, about customer complaints or compliments about off base service providers.

We have a basic one at work, and Pit Stop is still included. I wasn't going to "extract vengance" and pull their name from the list just due to my personal experience. Perceptions being what they are, my own shop would be off the list then!


It's a good idea though. Maybe a website to provide feedback on services off base? I'll bring it up next staff meeting!

[donden76]

Tanimaga,
Being that I will arrive on site 30 days from now, WOuld you mind IM'inig me a few that are on your list that would be good to work with. Yes, I have a couple of Japanese there that will go with me.

[Tanimaga]

I recommend after you get on island, see what you want, and consult the auto web bible..

http://www.o-cross.net/

No one place is "the place", but if you figure out what type of vehicle you want, you can easily find the best deal. It may be a little extra leg work, shopping away from the bases, but I think you can get a better deal in the long run.

[Blues]

My arrival to Okinawa will be the first time I will buy my own car and maintain it on my own. My dad, an auto mechanic for 25+ years, guided all of my purchases and handled the maintenance.

So I'm going err on the side of caution and buy from a dealer rather than the lemon lot. The problem with all used cars is that they aren't perfect and they will have problems. Most lemon lotters sell when PCSing so there's little recourse when something breaks and the sellers are halfway around the world.

Plus they could've put the motor through hell, ignored all the preventative maintenance, etc. I'd only recommend it unless the buyer is knowledgeable in auto mechanics.

I'm going with a dealer and hope I can find a dependable ride, nothing flashy. I originally planned to buy a sports car, but I'm separating from the mil so I need to save my cash for more sensible reasons.

[Oxmix]

Is Uncle Sam Motors still in business. I use to pass it every day on my way to the shop In Machinato. They had a large sign with a picture of Uncle Sam in his red white a blues.

Regards

Ox

[SGT_OKINAWA]

you don't need to do this in Okinawa. Car costs $2,000? Tell the bank you want $3,500 they'll give it to you no problem.

Oh snap! Sweet! That is cool, truth back in 1993, they grilled me about the cost and made me sign that I was not lying, I guess NFCU has gotten the wise or they just don't care and want to lend more money, so they make more money:D
Thanks for the tip!

Stay away from the Pit Stop... high pressure sales, fast talkers, they don't listen to anything you say, plus they pay MCCS for the unfair advantage of being able to set up booths at their Newcomers Orientation. Plus, the last 2 families I have sponsored, Pit Stop salesmen were waiting outside the WestPac Inn and trying to sell them a car before I could even get them checked in to their TLF. The second incident resulted in a confrontation between myself and said salesman over their bully tactics...

I happen to know “TOM” and his family, who by the way are a generation owned business, here is the back story:

Tom the big guy, is one of the sons of the original owner “American guy” who after WW2 stayed on island and opened the businesses and one son was even in the Army National Guard on Okinawa, yeah, that’s right there is a Army National Guard on Okinawa, that is another thread all together in its self. Anyhow, the business was not only car sales; it was many things back then, windows, painting, Air fresheners, Custom Calendars made, (they would order it made for you) just a bunch of stuff over the years, etc. etc.

Well many as you know the Yen rate of 360 yen to the buck, caused a massive flood of American buyers of cars in the early 70's (Just so happen when Japan "got back" Okinawa and the Japanese went 'w00t, pay back time bitches, and made a separate Y plate car requirement.)

Well in short as many of you know, once a car is sold as a Y plate it can't (it can, but boy does it cost a butt load of cash!) be sold to an Okinawan and made into a Kanji plate.

So how does this effect PIT Stop and their “Bullying practice” ?

It has two affects:

1. Y plates now are forever limited to WHO and HOW they can be bought and sold and guess what... that means only Americans can buy them, thus if you happen to be a close to gate one Foster English speaking sales and repair shop, where do you think that car is going to go to get JCI, Insurance, fixed, etc. in the 1970’s 80’s and …. “Whoops”…

2. When the Car Care centers started opening on bases because the dependant wives bitched about going to get an oil change off base, (Remember now this is the 1970’s stay at home mom’s were on the path to getting out and they did not have time to wait for an oil change, etc. because they had to bring their momma-san along to translate. Some of you may not know, but nearly every dam single house on base had it’s “Assigned momma-san” to wash, cook, clean, etc, for pennies on the dollar.) So when they opened the car care centers in the late 1980's and the big one on Foster in 1990's that put a real crunch on the PIT STOP family and their never ending rotation of business, sell car, car breaks down, car comes back to get fixed, next year car needs JCI, car comes back for JCI, see the pattern?

So their "JCI and repair" loop, business slowed way down and Americans were learning that you DON’T have to shop at American Motors, Pit Stop and Johnny’s for a car.

So as a family they have had to resort to

The second incident resulted in a confrontation between myself and said salesman over their bully tactics...

less then normal selling tactics, like sitting outside the temporary lodging, and solicit car sales. It is sad to see that happening, now if you had known and worked with the original owner, the father, that is a whole another story, he was nice…

having said that… I had a bad experience with them once and will not go back, I ran into TOM years ago and he was all cool about it, because when push comes to shove, you got to kiss the customers ass if you want to stay in business. But I can’t see that ever happening again.

Peace! :army: :old: