Left hand drive on cars from Japan? We explain!
Many people are planning to bring a car from Japan. However, not everyone knows that in many Japanese models there is a steering wheel on the left. This can cause difficulties when driving on Polish roads. It is for this reason that we explain how popular left-hand drive cars are and why you can meet them at auctions.
Table of contents:
- Japan is the birthplace of many iconic cars
- Models with both right-hand and left-hand drive
- Why do most cars in Japan have right-hand drive?
- What is the issue of cars with left-hand drive?
Japan is the birthplace of many iconic cars
Undeniably, it was in Japan that many iconic car brands and models were created. Cars from Japan are of interest all over the world. It is worth bearing in mind that it is one of the countries that releases the largest number of vehicles on the market. Thanks to this, they have the opportunity to reach drivers from many other countries who are looking for proven and safe cars for themselves. Here it is necessary to note right away that not all cars that remain on the domestic market are imported to other countries. Not only because many of the models are really powerful and they are not allowed on other roads, but also because the steering wheels are mounted on the right.
The steering wheel on the left? Models with steering wheel on the right and left
In the end, you can often find that the same models are produced with a steering wheel both on the left and on the right. Left-hand drive in cars is installed in cars that go directly to the foreign market, and those with right-hand drive remain most often in Japan. This is due to the huge amount of cars produced and exported. Precisely for this reason, it was necessary to find a centering between the models with the steering wheel on the left and the models with the steering wheel on the right. Of course, when it is planned to buy a car at a Japanese auction, this is one of the main issues that you immediately need to check and keep in mind. It happens that the question of whether to drive on the left or on the right is only a decision that takes into account personal preferences.
Left-hand drive on cars from Japan - why?
The Japanese drive cars on the right because the traffic is left-handed and this arrangement of the vehicle is adapted to the current norms and regulations. Despite this, many residents of this country, nevertheless, bet on a left-hand drive car. It is even considered that the steering wheel on the left is a kind of status indicator, as it proves that a person can afford to drive a “European” car.
Left-hand drive in Japanese cars - we explain!
But let's return once again to the issue of Japanese vehicles, which immediately have the steering wheel on the right side from our point of view. They are available both in auctions and in all kinds of auctions. Especially when it comes to American cars. The Japanese are therefore better used to driving a vehicle that has a steering wheel on the other hand than left-hand traffic might indicate. It is also worth noting immediately that In Japan, driving a vehicle that has a left-hand drive is as legal as possible and there are no legal consequences for that. Of course, you can ask yourself — how do you handle even the most common activities, such as paying for the highway? Many such places are designed specifically for people who own such a model of car, so comfort remains in the first place.
It is also worth knowing that Europeans are very happy to bring used cars from Japan with the steering wheel on the left, too, and for another reason. Which one? For the Japanese, foreign cars with a left-hand layout are often associated with high status. This is why many of them dream of being able to afford a BMW or Porsche car. Japanese auctions are full of these brands! But as a result, their owners often save them, treat them simply presentable, due to which the car has a low mileage. This, in turn, pleases every potential buyer. This is why it is common to bring and Car transport from Japan Such a brand is cheaper than buying it in a neighboring country. Even if you have to add customs duties and other fees, you can get a high-quality vehicle with favorable mileage in return. Additionally the market for luxury, but used cars with left-hand drive is mainly aimed precisely at foreign customersand not to buyers from Japan.
Are you looking for a left-hand drive car for you? It is worth checking out Japanese auctions, which are full of the latest and often even luxurious proposals, additionally at occasional prices. Classic cars from Japan? Mercedes from Japan? If you want to be sure that you take good care of every detail and all the formalities, use the support of a professional broker.