tamyu.net
In Transition
Our Car
Last June, we decided we wanted a new car. While we love and adore our car, it`s getting old (by Japanese standards). And, just about that time our air conditioning pump developed a problem. All repaired under warranty, but we figured that it was as good a time as ever. Our car`s shaken expires in March, so it seemed a good idea to buy a car before we would have to pay those fees again. On July 1st, we put in an order for the 2010 Prius.
I have never bought a car in the US – but I understand that the whole purchase process is quite a bit different there. (Please correct me if I`m wrong…) Apparently you go to a lot and look at the available cars, usually choosing one of the many on the lot or ask the dealer to have one delivered from another lot somewhere. If you`re unlucky, you may have to wait a bit until another shipment comes in and the model/color you want is available.
In Japan, when you order your car – they make the car for you. You choose your options, your color, etc – and they actually send an order to the factory. Dealers only have display models, nothing you can drive home. Normally this doesn`t take all that much time. When we ordered our current car, it was made and at the dealer to pick up in a week or two. However, when there are a lot of orders you have to wait your turn. You get your car pretty much as soon as it is made, but there is still a wait.
With the 2010 Prius, the number of orders was (and still is) much higher than the actual manufacturing speed. We placed our order on July 1st, and have finally received news that it will begin on the production line the 17th. The car will be delivered to the dealer the week of the 25th, and we will be able to pick it up on the 27th or 28th. We will have been waiting for 8 months.
Hm! I ordered my first car (a Saturn) but bought the second one off the lot just like a bottle of milk. I can’t remember how long it took to get my first car, but most likely it was in the range of a week or two.
I don’t know how many people (%) order their cars in the USA. I assume it’s always something you can do if you don’t see exactly what you want on the lot.
But yeah, 8 months is a long time. Though my friend from India had to wait something like 3 or 5 years for her first car, and longer for a phone hookup (those were the good old days!).
That’s quite long to get a car. you must not be in a hurry, or buy a used one (but it’s not common for cars in japan I think, right?).
In your town (I forgot the name), do you have to prove you own a place to park your car ?
I read people living in Tokyo and big cities must have a police certificate to be allowed to buy a car.
The parking space certificate is a national thing – no matter where you live you have to file one. Even if you live out in the middle of nowhere, you have to provide proof that you have a location to put the car and that you won`t be parking it illegally at the side of the road.
Thanks for the information