Anybody know a good place to go off-base to get spare auto parts? I went to the junk yard near Ikego (after the tunnel on the right) y'day and got the cold shoulder treatment after I asked if they had a rear view mirror for a Nissan March. There were at least 2-3 in the yard, yet the guy said "We don't have ... we don't have." There couldn't have been a language problem because I removed the mirror with a screwdriver while I was there and showed it to them. This is the place that the Base Auto Shop recommends and even will be nice enough to give you a map with clear directions. However, I've been to this place before and they're not going to win any Customer Service awards in the near future. Appreciate any help with this matter.

It wasnt comunication problem. you were cutting into their business. Junk yards here are not like what you are used to. shure you can get lucky but most of them are part of a group that closly resembles our unions and they tear stuff apart and sell it through that network. the yard you went to is the closest to the base there is one that is a little more friendly out in kurihama but in all honesty your best bet is to go to a shop or Yahoo. if you dont speak japanese then yahoo is your best bet. If you are in a pinch go tothe auto hobby shop on yokosuka it is right behind the AUTOPORT gas station. ask for ken. the guy is not to social but heused to work out there at the yard you went to and has a great relation ship with them. he can call them and have it ready for you to pick up when you get there. you will need to bring your title for the car that is the other big thing you will need to get used to in japan there is no mixing and mahing like we did growing up you will have to show them the car you have(title) and they will give you the parts that go with that car. even though you know another year or body style will fit they dont do it that way. if all else fails let me know and i will see if i can get down there to help you out

Great job Daichi Cars for jumping right on this problem! Maybe the base should publish this somehow to avoid people getting the run-around. It would seem like a quality of life issue that the higher-ups might be interested in pursuing. After all, everybody has a car and sooner or later they'll need a used spare part.

Dachi,

Nice job with the post and thanks for posting.

I know a few people actually have relatives or friends from back in the USA ship simple parts like a tail light. A friend of mine was looking for a part, and in Japan he was quoted over $300 for both back lights brand new. He has his sister send the part from the US from a junk yard and it cost them $6.00!

So when you said Japan is a very different place, I believe it. I've never actually been to a Japanese junk yard, but I have already added it to my list for a new section that will be created and have all the information/contact/directions for each place nearby.

Great information!

you guys hit it right on the head japan is a different place for sure. there are alot of bennifits out here though if you really are a car guy you can have alot of fun though if you are a little old school like yours truly you will miss the pure volume raw hp and pure torque of a 502 or a 454 but these little 4 and 6 banners with the turbos can really get to be an unexpectidally nice car. shipping parts from the states is a great and usually cheaper way to do it but be carefull if you get into engine parts especially sencors or switches they can be different also some body and front end parts are different because of the left hand vs right hand drivers position thing. remember that your fpo box can be your best friend out here, just make sure things are packed well and you have someone you trust sending the parts to you. just to reiterate the japanese scene can be just as convienient and cheap if you learn how it works. if you find a way to tap into the network that the shops out here share you are golden. and then like i said Yahoo auctions is a great source you can find everytyhign from light bulbs to floormats from brand new engines to a 1000HP upgrrade kit for a 6 cyl engine yes folks it is possible. i didnt believe it at first how ca n you get 1000Hp out of a 3 liter streight 6 well it is called big turbines and a lot of work but it can be done. all have a good night if there are any questions let me know i have been out here for 21 years and have gotten pretty good ant navigating the car scene. take care

The Auto Hobby Shop now has my car information, so I'm in stand-by mode for a response to see if a rear view mirror is out there in junkyard land. I'll keep the blog updated on developments.

Hey everyone, I noticed that the Auto Hobby Shop came up a few times as a resource for auto parts as services. I was wondering if theres anything we needed to use their facilities, safety tests or anything, as well as how much does it cost to use their lifts and stuff. Thanks for any info everyone.

Everything I believe is free to use their services.. As long as you have access to the base, I think the services and parts for you to use is paid by the base.

[quote]
Posted By jkendoism on 28 Aug 2009 06:18 PM
Hey everyone, I noticed that the Auto Hobby Shop came up a few times as a resource for auto parts as services. I was wondering if theres anything we needed to use their facilities, safety tests or anything, as well as how much does it cost to use their lifts and stuff. Thanks for any info everyone.
[/quote]


The Auto Hobby Shop is a DIY w/instruction. There is a safety qual you need which is administered here at the shop and takes most people about 15 minutes to complete.

Our staff have different levels of abilities from some who are proficient at teaching the basics, fluid changes, basic brake repair, etc. to some of us who can guide you through advanced repairs (internal engine repair).

The fees for the shop are minimal at a rate of 1.50 per hour this includes basic tools and stall space either indoor or outdoor depending upon the work you are performing. Some options raise the hourly rate slightly (lifts for instance).

We offer a free parts locater service. When we say free we mean that we do not charge for the service. We locate the parts through off base vendors, and then give you precise directions to get to where they are at. You then pay for and pick up your parts yourself. We do not sell parts nor do we endorse any one vendor, we simply try to find the best deal for you. Sometimes the junkyards are best, other times places like yahoo japan auctions are best, it really depends upon the parts you are looking for. Contact us directly for more information.

Kenn

Thanks Ken. Very helpful information.

I actually did that safety qual. It wasnt that bad. Think I got 2 wrong. Oops