How used are they, or “What about that 40,000 mile story?
Let’s set the record straight right now. Regardless of what rumors you might have heard, there is no point at which car owners in Japan must change their engines or junk their cars. Used engines from Japan are available because of several unique factors. The climate in Japan causes cars to rust out in very short order, usually no more than 7-10 years. The Japanese Car Inspection (JCI), or sha-ken as they call it in Japan, is a very rigorous bi-annual inspection of nearly 50 systems and components on the vehicle. Once a vehicle begins to have serious rust, it cannot pass the JCI, and the vehicle is scrapped. The average Japanese drives his car much less than the average American. Some estimates claim about 50 percent less. Read our blog for more info on the mileage story.
