Pick Next Drive Japan for Best websites to buy Japanese used cars shipped to Tanzania if you want to buy local office ( Office address: Victoria plaza, 1st floor, Samora avenue, City Center , Dar es salaam) . We look at Next Drive Japan and Be Forward and TokyoCarZ. Japan Car Direct and SBT Japan and Car From Japan follow. TCV and Sumotori Auto and Japanese Car Trade complete the list.
This guide is published on the Next Drive Japan website. We still list every limit so you can compare fairly. Prices and rules change so confirm details before you buy. Last checked: October 19 2026.
9 Best Websites to Buy Japanese Used Cars Shipped to Tanzania
This list covers the best websites to buy Japanese used cars shipped to Tanzania by buying style. The order is not a ranking so read every entry. Claims are self reported so verify them before you send money.
| # | Website | Base | Stock claim | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Next Drive Japan | Hamamatsu | About 3000 cars | Auction buyers who like one price |
| 2 | Be Forward | Tokyo | Very large stock | Buyers who want local offices |
| 3 | TokyoCarZ | Tokyo | Over 100000 cars | Port based total prices |
| 4 | Japan Car Direct | Chiba | Not stated | First time auction buyers |
| 5 | SBT Japan | Not stated | Over 300000 listings | Widest choice |
| 6 | Car From Japan | Tokyo | Over 100000 vehicles | Comparing many dealers |
| 7 | TCV | Not stated | About 209000 listings | Refund plan and big stock |
| 8 | Sumotori Auto | Nagoya | Over 20000 exported in 2025 | Business and fleet orders |
| 9 | Japanese Car Trade | Directory | Many importers | Finding Dar es Salaam dealers |
Quick Facts About Buying Japanese Used Cars for Tanzania
Here are the key facts in one table before we start.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Main port | Dar es Salaam |
| Steering side | Right hand drive only |
| Typical RoRo sailing | About 24 to 34 days |
| Pre shipment check | PVoC inspection by the Tanzania Bureau of Standards |
| Age rule | No ban but extra excise after 8 years from manufacture year |
| Who pays duty | The buyer at the port |
Why Tanzanian Buyers Choose Japanese Used Cars
Tanzania drives on the left so Japanese cars fit the road. Parts and mechanics are easy to find in most big towns. Many cars come with low mileage and clear records. The auction sheet shows the grade and any repair marks.
Some models sell faster than others. Toyota IST and Harrier and RAV4 are common picks. Hiace vans and Land Cruiser Prado cars suit work and family trips. Pick a model that has parts near your home. See the most popular cars in Tanzania for more ideas. Toyota fans can also read about the best Toyota exporters from Japan to Tanzania.
How to Pick the Right Type of Website
Not every site works the same way. Learn the three types first. Then the list below will make more sense.
| Type | How it works | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Stock marketplace | You browse ready cars and pay | Fast and simple buys |
| Auction agent | The exporter bids for you | Lower prices and grade choice |
| Local Tanzania office | You meet staff in your own country | Help with papers and tax |
Japanese Used car exporter In Tanzania
1. Next Drive Japan
Next Drive Japan is based in Hamamatsu and lists about 3000 cars. You can also bid on cars from live Japan auctions. The sales team gives one best price on WhatsApp. The NEXT system shows your schedule and yard photos and papers.
Tanzania fit: buyers get car shipping from Japan with a public sailing schedule. The team works with clearing agents in many countries.
Limit: there is no online quote and no stated payment protection plan.
Best for: auction buyers who like one fixed price and clear tracking.
Want more detail? Read our guide to the best Japanese second hand car exporter in Tanzania.
2. Be Forward
Be Forward started in Tokyo in 2004 and grew very large. A directory page lists a Be Forward Tanzania office in Dodoma. That page also mentions tax consulting for buyers.
Tanzania fit: a local office can help if you prefer to talk face to face.
Limit: always read the fee list on the official site and never on a copy.
Best for: buyers who want a famous brand with local contact.
3. TokyoCarZ
TokyoCarZ lets you choose your port to see total prices. It has a Tanzania page and a 2026 import guide. The guide covers duty and the PVoC inspection and the Dar es Salaam route.
Tanzania fit: port based prices make early budgeting much easier.
Limit: the homepage shows English only and gives no founding year.
Best for: buyers who want to see a full price before they ask questions.
4. Japan Car Direct
Japan Car Direct is based in Chiba and bids at over 120 auctions each week. Each buyer gets a personal agent and a translated auction sheet. A refundable deposit of 100000 yen lets you bid on one car. Its blog names Tanzania among its East Africa markets.
Tanzania fit: the agent can explain grades before you bid.
Limit: it does not state a stock count.
Best for: first time auction buyers who want a guide.
5. SBT Japan
SBT Japan says it has sold used cars since 1993. Its site showed more than 300000 listings in October 2026. It offers seven languages and car tracking and a damage report.
Tanzania fit: a huge stock helps if you want a rare model or color.
Limit: the site shows no head office address so ask for one.
Best for: buyers who want the widest choice of cars.
6. Car From Japan
Car From Japan is a marketplace with a Tokyo office. It claims over 100000 vehicles from many dealers. Prices show as CIF price and you can pay by card or transfer. A safe trade service holds your money until you approve. It also has an article on Tanzania import rules.
Tanzania fit: CIF pricing already includes freight and insurance.
Limit: many dealers sit behind one site so ask who ships your car.
Best for: buyers who like to compare many cars in one place.
7. TCV (Tradecarview)
TCV is a large marketplace and was once called Tradecarview. Its homepage counted about 209000 cars in stock this month. It lists a money back guarantee. Prices show as FOB price so freight and insurance cost extra. Payment is by wire transfer and not by card.
Tanzania fit: a refund plan adds comfort for first time buyers.
Limit: ask for a full freight quote to Dar es Salaam.
Best for: buyers who want a refund plan and a very big stock.
8. Sumotori Auto
Sumotori Auto exports from Nagoya and says it is a licensed JUMVEA member. Its page says it exported more than 20000 vehicles in 2025. It offers dealer auction access and ready stock. Its Tanzania page tells buyers to hire a licensed clearing agent before purchase.
Tanzania fit: it focuses on dealers and fleets and project orders.
Limit: it is built for business use so single buyers may find it formal.
Best for: resellers and companies that order in batches.
9. Japanese Car Trade
Japanese Car Trade is a directory and not a single seller. It lists importers in Dar es Salaam and other cities. Each listed company shows an address and a shipping time. Several pages show RoRo sailing of 24 to 36 days.
Tanzania fit: you can find a local company close to your town.
Limit: each importer is separate so check every company alone.
Best for: buyers who want a local dealer in Tanzania.
You can also browse Japanese used cars in Dar es Salaam on our site.
How We Compared These Websites
We used five simple checks on every site.
- Real office: the site shows a true address in Japan.
- Credentials: the site lists permits or trade group membership.
- Documents: you get the auction sheet and all export papers.
- Payment: the bank account name matches the company name.
- Support: a real person answers clearly.
Facts come from public company pages checked in October 2026. We did not send money to any company.
What You Really Pay to Land a Car in Dar es Salaam
The car price is only the first part of your landed cost. Freight and duty and port fees come on top. Ask if the price is FOB or CIF before you compare. FOB ends at the Japan port while CIF adds shipping and insurance.
| Cost part | Who sets it | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Car price | Exporter | Is it FOB or CIF |
| RoRo shipping | Shipping line | Which sailing date and port |
| Inspection and export fees | Exporter | Is the PVoC inspection fee included |
| Import duty and excise duty | Government | What does the TRA page say |
| Clearing and port fees | Local agent | Can you share a written quote |
| Inland transport | Truck company | What is the price to my town |
Some sample numbers come from EveryCar truck guides. RoRo freight to Dar es Salaam ran near USD 1100 to 1800. Trucking from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma ran USD 300 to 450. Arusha ran USD 400 to 600 and Mbeya ran USD 600 to 800. Mwanza ran USD 700 to 900. Car carriers may cost less so treat these as rough samples. Our guide on how to import used cars from Japan to Dar es Salaam shows the full route.
A simple example: Say the car costs USD 6500 and freight costs USD 1500. The CIF value is USD 8000. Older guides say taxes reach about 50 percent of dutiable value for engines up to 2000cc. That adds near USD 4000 and the car costs about USD 12000 at the port. Agent and port fees and inland transport come after that. This is an example and not a quote.
TRA uses its own valuation system so the real dutiable value may differ. Use the TRA duty calculator with the exact car details before you set a budget.
Tanzania Import Rules in Plain Words
Rules matter more than price. A cheap car with wrong papers costs a lot.
- Right hand drive cars are allowed. Left hand drive cars are not.
- No age ban exists for used cars. Extra excise applies after 8 years from the year of manufacture.
- The Tanzania Bureau of Standards requires PVoC inspection before shipping.
- Several exporters also mention a JAAI inspection before export.
- Certified stock is another option so see our page on JEVIC certified cars for Tanzania.
- Older guides show 25 percent import duty on cars up to 2000cc. Engines above 2000cc add 10 percent excise.
Please note one gap in the sources. Older guides show VAT at 20 percent. A newer page shows 18 percent. Confirm the current VAT and age rule on the Tanzania Revenue Authority website. A good clearing agent will confirm them too. Our complete guide to import a car from Japan to Tanzania covers the full rules.
Step by Step: How to Buy and Ship Your Car
Most sites follow the same path. Here is the short version.
- Pick a model that fits your budget and local parts.
- Check the duty and age rule on the TRA page.
- Ask for a written quote that names FOB or CIF.
- Pay by bank transfer after you get the proforma invoice.
- Track the car until it sails from Japan.
- Receive the bill of lading and papers by courier.
- Clear the car at Dar es Salaam with your agent. Our Tanzania customs clearance guide explains how.
Time matters too. One exporter says a car can be on the road in about 40 days. Sailing alone often takes 24 to 34 days. Add time for clearance and inland travel.
Nine Questions to Send Before You Pay
Copy these into a WhatsApp message to any seller.
- Is the listed price FOB or CIF for Dar es Salaam?
- Can you send the original auction sheet for this car?
- What is the sailing date and which port will it leave from?
- Does the price include the PVoC inspection fee?
- Are there any extra fees after I pay the invoice?
- What happens if the car fails inspection before shipping?
- Which clearing agent can help me at Dar es Salaam?
- Can I see yard photos and export papers after payment?
- When will the original bill of lading reach me?
Clear answers to all nine points are a good sign. Vague replies or pressure to pay fast are warning signs.
Safe Payment and Fake Website Test
A fake website can look very real at first glance. Scammers copy logos and photos and stock lists. Use this checklist before you send any money.
- Match the bank account name with the exact company name.
- Never pay a personal account for a company sale.
- Ask for proof of permits and JUMVEA member status.
- Ask if the seller joins the JUMVEA JUST payment plan.
- Save every invoice and chat and receipt in one folder.
- Walk away if the seller pushes you to pay fast.
Then run this five minute test.
- Check the web address letter by letter for small changes.
- Search the company name with the word scam.
- Look for a real Japan address and a working phone line.
- Find the address on a map and check the building.
- Ask for a video call or live yard video of your car.
A safe payment plan has written terms and a clear refund path.
Which Website Fits Your Budget and Goal
- First timers: pick a site that explains every step in plain words.
- Budget buyers: compare three written quotes side by side. See cheap Japanese used cars in Tanzania and cheap Japanese vehicles for Tanzania import.
- Auction fans: choose an agent that shares the full sheet.
- Resellers: ask about stock volume and monthly sailing dates.
- Buyers in Arusha or Mwanza: add inland transport to your budget early. See Japanese used cars in Mwanza for local tips.
Pros and Cons of Buying Online From Japan
Pros
- You get a huge choice of cars and prices.
- Auction sheets show grade and mileage and repairs.
- Many sites track your car after payment.
- Japanese models have good parts supply in Tanzania.
Cons
- You cannot touch the car before you pay.
- Duty and port fees are your job to pay.
- Rules can change between the time you order and the time you land.
- Scam sites exist so you must check each seller.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best website to buy Japanese used cars for Tanzania?
No single site wins for every buyer. Next Drive Japan and Japan Car Direct suit guided auction buying. SBT Japan and Car From Japan offer wide stock. Compare three written quotes and check papers before you choose.
Is it safe to buy a car from Japan online?
It can be safe if you check the seller. Match the bank account name to the company name. Ask for papers and a live yard video. Avoid sellers who push you to pay fast.
How long does shipping from Japan to Dar es Salaam take?
RoRo sailing often takes about 24 to 34 days. Add time for loading and port clearance. One exporter says a car can be ready in about 40 days. Ask for the next sailing date.
Is there an age limit for used cars in Tanzania?
Sources say no age ban exists for used cars. Cars older than 8 years from the year of manufacture face extra excise. Confirm the current rule on the Tanzania Revenue Authority website before you order.
How much duty will I pay on a Japanese used car?
Duty depends on engine size and value and age. Older guides show 25 percent import duty and VAT. Engines above 2000cc add 10 percent excise. Use the TRA duty calculator with exact car details.
What is PVoC and who pays for it?
PVoC means Pre shipment Verification of Conformity. The Tanzania Bureau of Standards requires it before shipping. Fees may sit inside the car price or on top. Ask your seller to state it in writing.
Do I need a clearing agent in Tanzania?
Yes in most cases because the file needs exact papers. The agent checks the bill of lading and invoice and export record. Ask for a written agent quote before the car ships.
Can I buy from auction without visiting Japan?
Yes. Many exporters bid for you at Japan auctions. You get the auction sheet and photos by message. Ask the agent to explain every mark on the sheet.
Which Japanese cars sell best in Tanzania?
Toyota IST and Harrier and RAV4 are popular picks. Hiace vans and Land Cruiser Prado cars suit work and family use. Pick a model with strong parts supply near your town.
Which port do Japanese cars use for Tanzania?
Most cars arrive at the Dar es Salaam port. Some importers also list Zanzibar. Ask your seller which port your car will use and who clears it.
Conclusion
The right choice depends on how you like to buy. Use the tables and checklists in this guide for every quote. The best websites to buy Japanese used cars shipped to Tanzania share clear prices and written terms. Check duty on the official TRA page before you order. Then compare two or three quotes and pick the clearest one.
Next Drive Japan can send you one best price. Message the sales team on WhatsApp with your car and your port. Then compare that quote with any other offer you hold.
