Most people buy Toyotas and Hondas from Japan, but Japan is also one of the best places in the world to buy a used European car. BMWs, Audis, Mercedes and Volvos sold new in Japan often come up for export at surprisingly low prices. Here's why, what to watch for, and what we have in stock.
Why European Cars from Japan Are Cheap
- They lose value fast in Japan. Japanese buyers prefer new cars, and imported brands drop in value quickly after a few years. That's good for export buyers.
- Low mileage. Many are second cars driven on weekends. Most of ours have under 120,000 km.
- Well kept. Japan's strict "shaken" inspection means cars are regularly serviced to stay on the road.
- Right-hand drive. Cars sold in Japan are RHD, which suits the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and other RHD countries. See RHD vs LHD.
What to Watch For
- Parts and servicing cost more than for a Toyota. Before you buy, check that there's a dealer or specialist for the brand near you.
- Modern diesels need clean fuel. BMW 320d and 118d and Volvo D4 engines have emissions systems (like a diesel particulate filter) that can clog on high-sulphur diesel. If your country's diesel quality is poor, a petrol model is the safer choice.
- Electronics: ask whether any warning lights are on. Satnav and radio will usually be Japanese-language or Japan-band, so plan to replace the head unit.
- Auction sheet: check it just as carefully as for a Japanese car. See how to read a Japanese auction sheet.
In Our Stock (September 2026)
Delivered prices to Mombasa (Uganda/Tanzania rate) and Nassau:
BMW
| Car | Fuel | Mombasa | Nassau |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 BMW 118d Sport | Diesel | $5,000 | $6,500 |
| 2015 BMW 320d | Diesel | $6,000 | $7,500 |
| 2019 BMW 118i | Petrol | $6,500 | $7,500 |
Audi
| Car | Fuel | Mombasa | Nassau |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Audi A3 1.4 TFSI | Petrol | $4,500 | $6,000 |
| 2014 Audi A4 2.0 TFSI S line | Petrol | $6,500 | $8,000 |
| 2018 Audi A1 Sportback 1.0 TFSI | Petrol | $8,000 | $9,500 |
Mercedes-Benz
| Car | Fuel | Mombasa | Nassau |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mercedes C-Class Kompressor | Petrol | $4,000 | $5,500 |
| 2013 Mercedes E250 | Petrol | $6,000 | $7,500 |
| 2018 Mercedes A180 AMG Style | Petrol | $9,000 | $10,000 |
Volvo
| Car | Fuel | Mombasa | Nassau |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Volvo V40 D4 Inscription | Diesel | $5,500 | $7,000 |
Delivered = car price + ocean freight to the port, rounded up to the next $500. Insurance, import duty/taxes, port and clearing charges are extra. Prices are from September 2026 and change as cars sell, so click a car to see its live price. See how to calculate the true landed cost.
Which One?
- Cheapest entry to a premium badge: the 2008 C-Class or 2015 A3.
- Newest for the money: the 2019 BMW 118i or 2019 Volvo V40. Both are 2019 models, so they also fit Kenya's 8-year rule, as do the 2018 A1 and A180.
- Best for long highway trips: the 320d or V40 D4, if you have good diesel.
Brand pages: BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volvo. Want a specific model like an X1, Q3 or GLA? Ask us on WhatsApp and we'll search the auctions for you.