Why Are Japanese Import Cars So Low in Mileage?
If you’ve been browsing the Dubai used car market, you’ve probably noticed something interesting: many Japanese import cars come with surprisingly low mileage. A 10-year-old Toyota or Nissan arriving from Japan often shows only 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers on the clock—numbers you’d rarely see in the UAE. So, what’s the reason behind this? Let’s break it down.
1. Japan’s Efficient Public Transportation
Japan is famous for its trains, subways, and buses. With such a convenient and reliable public transport network, many people simply don’t need to drive every day. Cars are often used only for weekends, short family trips, or special occasions—meaning far fewer kilometers pile up each year compared to cars in Dubai or Europe.
2. Strict Shaken (Vehicle Inspection) Rules
Every two years, Japanese cars must go through an inspection called Shaken. It’s not just a basic check—it’s extremely strict, covering safety, emissions, and overall condition. As cars get older, passing Shaken becomes more difficult and more expensive. Because of this, many Japanese owners prefer to sell or trade their vehicles rather than keep them for long, even if the mileage is still low.
3. High Cost of Owning a Car
Owning a car in Japan is expensive. Parking fees in crowded cities, road taxes, insurance premiums, and inspection costs all add up. For many people, it’s cheaper to rely on public transportation and use the car sparingly, which naturally keeps mileage down.
4. Culture of Care and Maintenance
Japanese drivers are known for taking excellent care of their vehicles. Regular maintenance, clean driving habits, and a culture that values neatness mean that many import cars arrive in Dubai in excellent condition—not just with low mileage, but also well-maintained interiors and engines.
5. Export Market Demand
Japan has a thriving used car export industry. Dealers know that cars with lower mileage and good service records fetch higher prices in markets like Dubai. This creates an additional incentive for owners to part ways with their cars earlier, while they still have strong resale value abroad.
Final Thoughts
So, the reason Japanese import cars often come with low mileage isn’t a mystery—it’s a mix of cultural habits, strict regulations, and high costs of ownership. For buyers in Dubai, that’s great news. You can often find a well-maintained, low-mileage Japanese car that feels almost new, but at a fraction of the price of a brand-new vehicle.
If you’re searching for the best used cars in Dubai, including reliable Japanese imports with low mileage, check out Auto Trader UAE.
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