At Imports by Rigi Ltd, we’ve perfected a seamless, transparent importation process that brings the world’s finest cars from Japan, the UK, South Africa, and Australia straight to your doorstep. Here is your step-by-step guide to how we make that dream a reality.
Phase 1: Sourcing & Securing Your Vehicle
1. Identifying the Perfect Unit The journey begins with your vision. We scan reputable auction houses and global dealers to find a vehicle that matches your specific needs, budget, and performance standards. Whether it’s a sleek German sedan or a rugged Japanese SUV, we ensure it meets the highest quality benchmarks.
2. The Commitment (Down Payment) Once we find “the one,” the next step is the down payment. Typically, this is 30% of the estimated CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight). This deposit allows us to move forward with bidding or securing the unit from the dealer.
3. Winning the Bid With the deposit in place, our expert team enters the auction. We use our years of experience to bid strategically, ensuring you get the best possible price for your luxury vehicle.
Phase 2: Logistics & Quality Control
4. Initial Payment Once the bid is successful, the client clears the remaining balance of the car’s purchase price and the freight costs.
5. Vehicle Inspection & Yard Arrival Before it leaves its home country, the car is moved to our agent’s yard (for example, in Japan). This usually takes about 10 days. During this time, the vehicle undergoes a mandatory roadworthiness inspection (such as QISJ) to ensure it complies with KEBS (Kenya Bureau of Standards) regulations.
6. Booking the Voyage With the inspection passed, we book the shipment. You’ll receive the ETD (Estimated Time of Departure) and ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) so you can track your car’s journey across the ocean.
Phase 3: Arrival and Clearing
7. Documentation & Final Balance As the ship nears the port, the final 70% balance is cleared by the client. This allows us to receive the original documents—including the Bill of Lading and the original Logbook—which are essential for the clearing process.
8. Customs & Duty Clearance This is where the heavy lifting happens. Our licensed clearing agents handle the KRA (Kenya Revenue Authority) duty payments, IDF (Import Declaration Fee), and Railway Development Levies. We navigate the paperwork, so you don’t have to.
9. Registration & Handover Once cleared from the port, the vehicle is registered with the NTSA, and Kenyan number plates are issued. After a final quality check and a professional valet, your new car is ready for handover!
The Advantages of Buying from Japanese Auctions
Buying a car from a Japanese auction is often considered the “gold standard” for importing vehicles. Because the Japanese market is massive and highly regulated, buyers can access high-quality cars at prices far below local showroom rates.
Here are the primary advantages of sourcing your next vehicle through a Japanese auction:
1. Unmatched Transparency (The Auction Sheet)
Every vehicle in a Japanese auction undergoes a rigorous professional inspection. The result is an Auction Sheet, a detailed report that acts as the car’s “medical record.”
- Standardized Grading: Cars are given a grade (usually from 1 to 5 or S). For example, a Grade 4.5 is a near-perfect vehicle, while Grade R indicates a repaired accident car.
- Honest Disclosure: Inspectors note every minor scratch, dent, or interior stain. Unlike a private sale where a seller might hide a flaw, auction houses have no incentive to lie, as their reputation depends on accuracy.
2. Significant Cost Savings
By buying at auction, you are essentially buying at wholesale prices.
- Eliminate the Middleman: You bypass the markups that local dealers add for their profit, showroom rent, and marketing.
- Better Value: Even after adding shipping, taxes, and clearing fees, buyers typically save 10% to 30% compared to buying the same model from a local yard.
3. Superior Vehicle Condition
Japan has some of the best-maintained cars in the world for several reasons:
- Strict Regulations (Shaken): Japan has a rigorous vehicle inspection system called Shaken. Maintaining an older car becomes very expensive, so owners often sell their vehicles while they are still in excellent condition.
- Great Infrastructure: Japanese roads are exceptionally smooth, meaning suspension and undercarriages suffer far less wear and tear than in many other countries.
- Low Mileage: Public transport in Japan is world-class. Many people own luxury cars but only use them on weekends, resulting in used cars with surprisingly low odometer readings.
4. Massive Variety and Selection
On any given day, tens of thousands of vehicles are auctioned across Japan (at houses like USS, TAA, and JAA).
- Rare Specs: You can find specific colors, interior trims, or engine configurations that were never officially released in your local market.
- Volume: If you miss out on a specific car today, a nearly identical one will likely be available the next day.
5. Verified Mileage
Odometer tampering is a serious concern in the used car industry. In the Japanese auction system, mileage is recorded every time a car goes through the Shaken inspection. This history is cross-referenced, making it extremely difficult to “clock” a car without being caught by the auction inspectors.
Why Choose Imports By Rigi Ltd?
- Global Reach: We source from the best markets—Japan, UK, South Africa, and Australia.
- Transparency: No hidden fees. You see the costs at every milestone.
- Compliance: We ensure every car is less than 8 years old and right-hand drive, as per Kenyan law.
- Peace of Mind: With a 100% satisfaction rate, we handle the stress while you focus on the things that matter most to you, such as family or business.
Ready to start your journey? Don’t settle for what’s available locally when you can have the world’s best. Contact Imports By Rigi Ltd today and let’s find your next luxury vehicle together.
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