Get the car you want at market price.
We search dealer-only auctions across Japan for a car that fits your needs and bid for you. The agency fee is a flat ¥40,000 (excl. tax), however high or low the winning bid. If we do not win, your deposit is refunded in full.
Flat agency fee
* Excluding tax
SERVICE
4 reasons people choose our Buying Service
Pay less than at a dealer
A used car dealer's sticker price is what they paid for the car plus the shop's profit. At auction, you win the bid at the same wholesale prices dealers pay, so you save that difference.
A flat ¥40,000 fee, whatever the price
Our agency fee is a flat ¥40,000 (excl. tax), no matter how high or low the winning bid. Every other cost is clearly itemized, too.
Veteran industry staff
Our staff bring over 30 years in the auto industry and experience with thousands of vehicles. They support you all the way, from choosing a car to inspecting it and planning your bids.
Fast transport and delivery
Once you win the bid, we arrange shipping right away and deliver the car safely to your home, anywhere in Japan.
COMPARISON
How we differ from used car dealers and franchised dealers
We are a buying agent with no inventory of our own. Our role is to give you direct access to dealer-only auctions, where professionals buy their stock.
| Comparison | STREMA (Buying Service)Us | Used car dealer | Franchised dealer (used) |
|---|---|---|---|
| How the price is set | Winning bid + flat fee only Buy at that day's market price, set by bidding across Japan | Purchase cost + shop profit The sticker price also covers inventory costs | Sticker price incl. servicing & warranty The price includes a premium for peace of mind |
| Fees & costs | Flat ¥40,000 (excl. tax) The agency fee stays the same, whatever the winning bid | Built into the car price The profit is included in the price, with no breakdown | Lumped together as extra fees Servicing and warranty packages are added on |
| Car selection | Tens of thousands of cars every week Search nationwide and filter by year, mileage, and even color | That shop's stock only Selection depends on the size of the shop | Mostly affiliated brands The choice of models leans toward certain makers |
| Transparency | Inspection sheet & itemized bill shown See the auction grade, repair history, and winning bid as they are | Purchase cost kept private Any discount depends on how well you negotiate | Shown as lumped-together fees You can't see where the car price ends and add-ons begin |
| Best for | People who want to buy at market price | People who want to see the car and decide on the spot | People who put warranty and servicing first |
FLOW
How the Buying Service works
Free consultation & quote
We listen to what you're looking for and suggest the best vehicle options for you.
Car search & bidding
We shortlist cars from the auction venue database and bid on your behalf within your budget.
Winning bid & inspection report
After the winning bid, our on-site staff inspect the car and send you a detailed report.
Transport & delivery
We arrange transport by land or sea and deliver the car safely to the place you choose.
PROCEDURES
No need to worry about registration or inspections
Even if this is your first time buying at auction, STREMA supports you through the paperwork after your winning bid. Feel free to ask us even if you do not know where to start.
Registration transfer
We walk you through each step of the registration transfer (change of registered owner). If you're not comfortable applying yourself, we can also handle the registration for you.
Remaining inspection & next shaken
Before bidding, we let you know how much of the vehicle inspection (shaken) period remains. If the inspection has expired or is due soon after delivery, we can advise you on how to get it done and roughly what it will cost.
Documents you'll need
We tell you in advance which documents to prepare, such as a certificate of seal registration and a parking space certificate. If you're not sure how to get them, we'll explain that too.
We quote any fee for handling procedures on your behalf in advance, and only go ahead once you're happy with it. If you apply yourself, there's no handling fee.
PRICING
Buying Service pricing
The agency fee is flat, however high or low the winning bid.
For buyers (Buying Service)
Fee (excl. tax), paid once you win the bid
- Free membership and consultation
- ¥100,000 deposit held before bidding
- Deposit fully refunded if we don't win the bid
- After the winning bid, we bill the ¥40,000 (excl. tax) fee plus other costs
* All prices shown exclude tax. The ¥100,000 deposit for the Buying Service is applied toward your total, and is refunded in full if no sale is completed. Transport fees are charged separately at actual cost only.
MODEL CASE
A sample breakdown of buying costs
Here is a sample purchase showing what you pay in addition to the agency fee. Amounts are estimates and vary by model, region, and auction venue.
Toyota Alphard 2.5S C Package
2019 model / 18,000 km / Auction grade 4.5
- Winning bid
- 3,240,000
- Consumption tax (10%)
- + 324,000
- Auction winning bid fee
- + 16,500
- Automobile tax (prorated)
- + Varies by vehicle
- Recycling deposit
- + Varies by vehicle
- Agency fee
- + 44,000
- Registration transfer
- + Quoted separately if needed
- Pre-auction inspection
- + Quoted separately if needed
- Transport fee (venue → your home)
- + Actual cost
The actual auction result, reflected as-is.
Consumption tax charged on the winning bid.
Paid to the auction venue (incl. tax). Varies by auction venue.
For cars with a remaining inspection period, you pay the remaining months on a prorated basis.
You take over the amount already deposited by the previous owner.
A flat fee, regardless of the winning bid (incl. tax).
Free if you apply yourself. If you'd like us to handle it, we'll quote it separately.
If you'd like us to inspect the car before the auction on your behalf, we'll quote it separately.
Varies by distance.
Total payment (excl. transport and variable costs)
* If we do not win, there is no charge at all. We can keep bidding at auctions until you find a car you are happy with. The ¥100,000 deposit is applied to the total and refunded in full if no purchase is made. We do not charge servicing or delivery fees. Transport fees vary by distance and are not included in the total above.
SUPPORT
Support after your winning bid
What happens if something goes wrong? Here is what we want you to know in advance about how things are handled after a winning bid.
No cancellations after a winning bid
Under auction rules, the purchase is final the moment the bid is won. Before bidding, we always confirm your maximum bid with you and only bid once you've agreed to it.
Inspection sheets shown as-is
We show you the auction grade, repair history, and interior and exterior condition report from the venue's inspectors, without any edits. For cars you're interested in, our staff check the car in person and send you photos and notes before the auction.
If a problem turns up after delivery
Under the venue's claim procedure (claims must be filed by a deadline), we act as your point of contact and negotiate with the venue and the dealer who listed the car. Before bidding, we always explain which defects are covered and the deadline.
We tell you upfront what we can't cover
Some things fall outside the claim procedure, such as worn consumable parts or scratches expected for the car's age. We won't leave anything vague. If we can't make a call on something, we'll tell you we don't know.
FAQ
Buying Service FAQ
Q. Can I use the service without going to the auction venue?
Yes. Everything from signing up and bidding to arranging transport after the winning bid is done online. There's no need to visit the venue in person.
Q. When do I pay?
Before bidding, we hold a ¥100,000 deposit. After the winning bid, we bill you for the winning bid, other costs, and the ¥44,000 (incl. tax) agency fee, minus the deposit. If the bid isn't won, your deposit is refunded in full.
Q. How long until the car is delivered?
After the winning bid, we arrange shipping right away. Including paperwork such as the registration transfer and vehicle transport, delivery usually takes about 1 to 2 weeks. Timing may vary depending on where you live, the auction venue, and how quickly your documents are ready.
Q. Can I avoid cars with repair history or accident damage?
Yes. We show you the auction grade, repair history, and interior and exterior condition report from the venue's inspectors without any edits, so we can bid only on cars with no repair history. For cars you're interested in, our staff check the car in person and send you photos and notes before the auction.
LANGUAGE
Inquiries in English are welcome
Our application form is in Japanese, but you can write your inquiry in English or another language.
Not comfortable with Japanese?
Fill in the form below and write your message in the language you are most comfortable with.
Application Form
ABOUT
Company Information
Operated by a business licensed as a secondhand dealer.
- Company
- STREMA Inc.
- Representative
- Kenji Ohashi, CEO
- Address
- 203, 1-6-16 Takaban, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-0004, Japan
- Phone
- +81-3-6760-9409 (Weekdays 10:00–18:00 JST)
- Secondhand dealer license
- Tokyo Metropolitan Public Safety Commission No. 303302420142
- Partner auctions
- USS and other venues across Japan
- Service area
- All of Japan (remote islands on request)