I am wanting to know what YOU are looking for?  For those of you needing a car and for those of you who could pick any care to have while being in Japan what would it be?  I am a dealer and a Navy Wife, So I understand it is frustrating to look for a car you want, but can`t find.  So please leave any comment you like.  What is it that you are wanting?  Please feel free to be spicific.  American or Japanese?  Manual or Automatic?  What would you like to see on the Lemon Lot?  This is to help me help you! 

Thank you all in Advance.  Any help and opinions are helpful.

Got anything not reeking of desperation? Preferably with an on board spellcheck?

I'll say it again... Life got more interesting when Whaaambulance showed up on the scene :-)

I thought this comment was helpful! Thanks Brittley

This is not desperation. This is me asking what people on base would like to see on the lemon lot. I have many people come to me asking for cars because the ones on the lemon lot are very similar to one another. I am trying to help bring different cars on so that there is more of an option for people. Not everyone wants the same cars. Also, I messed up on one word. Sorry! I don't need rude. If you have nothing nice to say, then don't reply. Let us be ADULTS.

(well, 2 words if you count "spicific". But no one's counting). o_O

Anyway, I wouldn't take Whaaambulance too seriously. He's just a wise-cracker.

Whaaambulance always has something smart to say. But sometimes if it's kinda rude I don't think you should let it out in the public.

I contacted her through email a few months back looking for a specific vehicle and I never received a response. I just assumed it wasn't one that was sitting on her lot or they could get at the auction very easily but a response would have been nice.

Mercedes A-160, A-180, A-200

Posted By yokota on 01-13-2012 9:05 PM
I contacted her through email a few months back looking for a specific vehicle and I never received a response. I just assumed it wasn't one that was sitting on her lot or they could get at the auction very easily but a response would have been nice.

Mercedes A-160, A-180, A-200

PM Sent...

Let me break this down.

The car dealers on base are not really car dealers. In that, they are not registered or bonded, nor do they possess a Kobutsushou which enables them to legally sell cars in Japan. Instead what they are is middle men.

Here is the scam. A car dealer can't sell most cars that have 100000km or are 10 years old to the normal Japanese buyer. He has a rolling paperweight on his hand, but he knows he can get $$ for it by convincing some "dealer" that he is getting a good deal. So, this car dealer in town gets his stock via a trade in where the previous owner writes it off. Now, they sell it to a "dealer" on base (or more likely push it as a "consignment"). The "dealer" in turn puts his own 1000 buck mark up on it. After JCI and repairs, the "free" car ends up costing some sucker on the base 3 grand.

15 Year old BMW's are worthless on the Japanese Market, but you constantly see them for 3 to 5 k on base. Why do you think this is?

Also, when you involve a "dealer" or middleman, you are paying the Japanese price plus the middleman's cut. Unless the "dealer" is performing the work, generally they are getting a 10% discount from the source and then marking it up 20%.

Caveat emptor, my friends.

Besides, NEVER EVER trust a dealer who tells you "tell me your absolute max price and I will get it for you". Guaranteed even if the "dealer" gets a bargain, the buyer is paying their top dollar.

Go to the auction. Or have a trustworthy person do it for you. I had Phyl get me a car exactly as I wanted, and he charged me $400 bucks over the total cost. He didn't charge me to go to the auction (which is actually illegal). Nor did he try and hide any costs in fine print.

My favorite phrase "Caveat emptor"

Couldn't agree More Whaaambulance ;O)

...unfortunately used cars have increased in cost from when I was first in Japan, then factor in today's yen rate and a large supply of destroyed vehicles from last March and you have the prices you see today...

Look, I have no interest in what you guys have to say that is negative. I know the Japanese Market and I am very good at what I do! I'm always fixing other people's messes and have a very good support system. So whatever you think you know, keep it to your self. I was only asking what people would like to see on base! Newer, nicer, American, and etc. this is actually helpful to those who actually care to buy a car. For those of you who only have the time to play on a computer and critique what others have to say, I can see where this is hard to understand. Please keep your rude and obnoxious comments to yourself! This is NOT the Rant About Something forum! It is a question to those who actually want to answer it correctly! Thanks for showing your ignorance, but it is no longer needed!

Sincerely, Mrs. Lichtefeld

Good job Mrs. Litchfield, that's how you tell em. Unfortunately though, it seems it will not stop those that like to bash base car dealers. Let's not be naive. The bashing revolves mostly around money and business....Bash one dealer so as to make him/her look bad and/or to help or assist another dealer's business. In this case it appears like bashing of Ms. Litchfield while touting of Mr. Phyl.

Licensed? Bonded? LoL Get real. So I guess next all the so-called "English" teachers here will need to have their Masters Degrees with Certified English Instructor certificates?

Hello, the reason for the car lot on the base and the Base Dealer INST "is specifically" so that people requesting to become car dealers can sell cars in Japan..."on the base." There is nothing written about how or where a dealer may acquire their cars. CAVEAT EMPTOR goes without saying and is not some great big revelation. There is nothing in the INST that says base car dealers can bring people to auctions and get cars for them for a charge/fee. There is also nothing that says cars may be displayed or advertised on line on the internet. What it does say is that, "Sale of cars not displayed in the MWR Used Car lot is in violation of the INST." Everything else being done by whomever is completely up to their interpretation of what's NOT covered in the INST.

On the other side, it doesn't say you can't do those things either so of course there are those that decide to do these things because "it doesn't say you can't." So anarchy exists and most do whatever they want...until someone inevitably crosses the path of an individual that can and will do something about whatever they determine as not being legal and does. That will slow things down for a while but in a month or so it will be right back to business as usual....uncontrolled, unregulated anarchy....not complaining, only stating the truth.

What base car dealers do off the base is governed by the SOFA. Working and/or transacting businesses that generate income off base from Japanese is covered under the SOFA. Since it doesn't say specifically that you cannot take SOFA sponsored people to off base Japanese car auctions and charge $$ for it, it's a gray area and will never be stopped no matter what. Again, since it doesn't say you can't, people do whatever they want. These are all petty offenses but not criminal and will continue as usual.

I'm not for or against anyone, just trying to put the real "truth" out there for those that may be new to Japan and really "need" the truth.

Hey Wah Wah Waambulance...........spell check this for me. Thanks

Turds in a punch bowl.

All I see is you trying to justify the scam. I don't endorse Phyl because all he did was provide the service of Auction procurement. I did everything else on my own.

Its like saying its ok for a Catholic Priest to diddle the alter boy because the profession is noble. No matter how you look at it, someone is getting screwed.

Besides, "english teachers" might as well be "coffee drinking partners" for all they "english" that gets taught.

If you want to be professional, act professional. If you can't take the time to check spelling, how can I trust you to check the oil in the lemon you are pushing?

I love your use of "grey area" to justify things. If no one sees me, then it never happened, right? It tickles me how you can't refute my initial interpretation of your "business model".

Like a vacuum cleaner; you guys all suck and at the core are simply dirt bags.

Spell check that, honey.

I'm justifying nothing! I was explaining how some like to interpret things, not condoning anything. What must really "suck" as you put it, is having to go through your pathetic little life being the schmuck you obviously are! So now you're anonymously calling all car dealers dirt bags? Gee wiz, someone doesn't like to play in the sand box like a nice little boy. Someone needs his little fanny paddled and his mouth washed out with soap. Can't wait to hear what comes out of that foul little pie hole next....I'm sure it will surprise no one. They have a lot of Mental Health providers on the base for things like what you have...better stop in for some therapy and anger management. LoL I can see you sitting there at your little computer cockpit hating the world and waiting for the next email to come in so you can jump in there and spread more of your negative ignorance around. Internet tough guy! Waaaaaa Waaaaaaa Waaaambulance.

OK LOOOK!!!! I am not doing anything, but what the MWR tells me to do!! I follow the rules and MY customers are happy! As far as all the other dealers are concerned I have no idea what they do, and I don't care to know. IT IS NONE OF MY BUSINESS!! If they are doing things they shouldn't then eventually it will catch up to them. Where my husband and I are concerned, I am not dumb enough to risk his job with the NAVY! I follow the rules, and so far it as worked out great for me. If you have a problem with the system talk to the MWR, Im sure they would love to know your OPINION! Get that through your head, you only have an opinion. Stop being such an ignorant piece of work. Its embarrassing to all of us. You should be ashamed of your self speaking like that to people. It is rude, and obviously I don't need to say anymore because you let everyone know what kind of person you are as soon as you speak.

Whatever it is you have issues with, take it else where! I have not the time nor patience to sit and justify myself along with anyone else you are talking about. Maybe if you would like to voice your concerns so much you should meet us in person. I doubt you'd have too much to say! Stop cyber bullying. You do know people deal with those kind of issues everyday, and it's people like you who are causing the problems.

For sale -- Cheap!  Recommended for all hands, cuz it's getting deep in here.

Meh. The facts about how they make their money stand. People aren't getting a deal, and no matter what "Bully" accusations are made have disproven my hypothesis. I actually will take that as a Roosevelt-ian compliment. The internet is a great bully pulpit for information and change.

Besides, you guys gave me a great idea. I think I will walk over and see the IG and find out the requirements and legality as far as licensing and Taxation is required. Earned income on military installations is subject to IRS withholding. I would be curious as to how MWR is tracking and insuring this.

This has been funny to read.. Thanks for the laughs..

I personally always recommend people go to auctions. I've been 3 different times and love it everytime I go.

I like even going just to watch whats going on, and learning about how everything is happening.
It happens fast, so you need to have someone fully explain it.

Its a little more work going to the auctions vice just buying a car directly, but you get a chance to really see 1000 cars and pick which one you want. I did a lot of testing on the vehicles before I even bid on them. You will always save $500-$1000 if you go to the auctions vice buying a car from some other dealer. Sure you may pay the person that brought you to the auction and processed your paperwork, but when you add up the costs, and if you bought it for the auctions direct price, that you saw on the screen, you cannot lose.

Why are you still speaking!!! It's annoying! Don't you have some manners to learn or something!

I personally contacted her a while back as well and spoke with her and never received another courtesy call or anything.

If you're able to buy the car you want, in the condition you want, at the price you want....isn't that a good deal in itself?  If someone can offer you all those things, I say check it out.  As always, just be a smart consumer.  If you feel your money was well spent, don't let anyone else make you think otherwise.  

The dangerous thing about advertising for free on a public forum is you may get a lot more that you bargained for.

Posted By ThaiGuy on 01-13-2012 8:28 PM
(well, 2 words if you count "spicific". But no one's counting). o_O

Anyway, I wouldn't take Whaaambulance too seriously. He's just a wise-cracker.

It could actually be 3 words by my count, in the title it says SURVAY! Right before the famous one liner from the Jerry Maguire 1996 film.

(Unless we are also referring to a band with that name for some reason)

...FYI, the "Agent" who coined the phrase "Help me, Help you" in Jerry McGuire (sp?) just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection...

Truthfully, if you count spelling, grammar, punctuation and capitalization errors there are four in the discussion title alone. Not to mention a grunch more in the original post. I didn't really wanna say anything, but if you're a vendor trying to make inroads into a community you really should strive for more professional communication. Ok, there... I said it!

(and yes I know, grunch is not a word. But then, I'm not selling anything.) :-)

Ok, I get it!!! You all are English teachers now. Thanks so much for the help. However, I was using an iPhone, and it’s really hard to catch every little detail. (ESP. WITH AUTOCORRECT) This is a forum to talk about things freely and not have to worry about grammatical error. I was only trying to help, and I am just being brought down in the process. If you guys have no interest in what I have to say, then don’t read it. It will not affect my business in any way. I am an honest person who lets everyone know the details up front; if that makes me a dirt bag, then so be it. I never asked for anyone to put rude or obnoxious comments on my forum, but it seems that every Negative Nancy on base has something to say. (Internet Tough guy)

I could only hope to be as perfect as all of seem to think you are!

I never received anything from you!  I am sorry you couldn't reach me, but I never received an email or a phone call.  I would have been happy to help!  Hope you found what you were looking for.

Problem is, you weren't "talking freely", you were pimping your products. Be it cars, puppies, or "Body by Vi", you see this as nothing but a way to further your revenue sources. You don't participate. You don't add to the conversation. You are a leach who sponges off the community.

Of course you are going to get pooped on if you think we won't notice your behavior. What do you think this is? Craigslist? There is dialogue here.

BTW, quit parking the ugly Skyline with the green wheels in the 15 minute shopper spot for 3 hours. That is just jacked up.

I hope this annoys you. The IG thought it was a great topic for discussion today.

...well if English instructors have to pay 20% tax to GOJ per base instruction for SOFA personnel, maybe the car "dealers" should also have to pay the same "tax rate"?

From what I understand, income tax in Japan is ~3 - 6 % for a Japanese person depending on the amount of $$ (yen) you make per month so I don't know how the base can require a SOFA person pay more?

SOFA personnel don't have access to the Japanese health care system, etc...that the tax money is supposed to support.

Maybe that would be a good question for the IG folks also?

Whaambulance, who did you speak to over there?

I spoke with the deputy IG.

The difference is the base requires english classes to be conducted "off base" (we know this doesn't happen), but car dealers can sell "on base". Since the activity happens on the installation, they are subject to IRS regulations. Would it be off base, they would have to pay GST.

Some dealers seem to think they are exempt in the same way some contractors are tax free to certain degree and as are non sofa status (to a $85000 cap). This does not apply to self earned income that isn't under a SOFA contract clause.

Posted By Whaaambulance on 01-17-2012 6:48 PM
I spoke with the deputy IG.

The difference is the base requires english classes to be conducted "off base" (we know this doesn't happen), but car dealers can sell "on base". Since the activity happens on the installation, they are subject to IRS regulations. Would it be off base, they would have to pay GST.

Some dealers seem to think they are exempt in the same way some contractors are tax free to certain degree and as are non sofa status (to a $85000 cap). This does not apply to self earned income that isn't under a SOFA contract clause.

...actually you can be a "SOFA contractor" and still fall under the IRS "FEI" exclusion with the ~$85,000 per year cap paying very little or no tax...

I said that. Off base aren't contractors. They are non sofa status. That is why I said "and" between the contractors and non sofa part.

Anyways, any income earned in Japan (outside base) is subject to Japanese Government with holding. That is a big reason for the exemption up to 85k. The US Govt tries to prevent dual taxation on a single income source.

Basically, if you are making money, you are paying someone tax. Unless you are a Sofa contractor, in which case you have a loophole (for now).

I just bought a car here. I specifically (<--spelled correctly) bought it off a service member who was leaving due to a great deal. I went to the "lemon lot" and looked around several times. Hell, I can see it out my window. Its obvious which cars the OP sells, especially since she puts a picture of herself on every one. My wife even commented on it. The prices being asked for these cars is ridiculous. 3k for a vehicle that is worth 1200-1500 max. I know cars, and car values. I've been in the automotive industry in one capacity or another since I was 15. I've been around cars my whole life. These "dealers" are just trying to make a quick buck at the expense of the service members over here. Sad. But, in the end, if someone is willing to fall for it, who is really at fault?

These "dealers" are just trying to make a quick buck at the expense of the service members over here. Sad. But, in the end, if someone is willing to fall for it, who is really at fault?

I somewhat agree. I was one of these people for many years. I bought a car from the lemon lot once about 7 years ago. I still regret that I did, because #1 I was over charged, and #2 it was a piece of crap.

I just didnt realize it at the time.

I would never buy another car from someone that was a military member. Most of them, dont take care of the vehicles, they typically dont care about the maintenance factors of a car, and also they dog them out. Most people I see driving, and are backing in, just change gears without making a complete stop. This eats up the transmission.

Not saying that all Japanese are great drivers, but I know most of them care about their vehicles, and they care about the maintenance of them.

So when you visit an auction, you typically have all sorts of reasons why those vehicles are there.
Some are dealers of big dealerships, and they just sell the trade in cars at the auctions. Some vehicles are previous rental vehicles in Japan. Once they hit 100,000 - 200,000 KM they just throw them into the auction to get rid of them.

But the lemon lot dealers, have to typically go through someone to get their vehicles, i.e. "THE MIDDLEMAN" who receives a percentage of the car sold, or just a flat fee for each vehicle they provide an onbase dealer.

This is another reason why I dont like dealing with the lemon lot. You have 2 people, not 1, that are getting a commission off of the car your about to purchase.

It took me almost 9 years living in Japan to realize all of this.

Anyways, any income earned in Japan (outside base) is subject to Japanese Government with holding. That is a big reason for the exemption up to 85k.

Whaaambulance:

Your numbers are way off. This was probably set at 85K about 10 years ago. Each year this number continues to rise with what the limit is for exemption.

Its currently at $92,900

I just posted a topic, if you would like to discuss more about this subject.

Qualify to exclude income up to $92,900 of your foreign earnings
http://www.japanbases.com/forums/aft/7662.aspx

Note, this # is for 2011.  In 2012, its excepted to possibly rise for the total you can exempt.

Last time it applied to me, it was at $85k. Thanks for the update.

It doesn't apply towards income earned on the base, so the exemption is non applicable. If it were, all of us GS employees would be in hog heaven.

Foreign earned income is just that: foreign earned. It would be in the form of a Japanese company paying a taxpayer while abroad. If you are non sofa and all your income is derived from the economy, you are in the $$. If not, the IRS still gets the vig.

By definition, what we have here is formally known as social networking SPAM, advertising to the masses without paying for it. It looks like you are getting all the attention you can stand too so maybe in a way you are paying for it I suppose.

Spam is the use of electronic messaging systems (including most broadcast media, digital delivery systems) to send unsolicited bulk messages indiscriminately. While the most widely recognized form of spam is e-mail spam, the term is applied to similar abuses in other media: instant messaging spam, Usenet newsgroup spam, Web search engine spam, spam in blogs, wiki spam, online classified ads spam, mobile phone messaging spam, Internet forum spam, junk fax transmissions, social networking spam, television advertising and file sharing network spam.
Spamming remains economically viable because advertisers have no operating costs beyond the management of their mailing lists, and it is difficult to hold senders accountable for their mass mailings. Because the barrier to entry is so low, spammers are numerous, and the volume of unsolicited mail has become very high. In the year 2011, the estimated figure for spam messages is around seven trillion. The costs, such as lost productivity and fraud, are borne by the public and by Internet service providers, which have been forced to add extra capacity to cope with the deluge. Spamming has been the subject of legislation in many jurisdictions.

Posted By Whaaambulance on 01-17-2012 7:13 PM
I said that. Off base aren't contractors. They are non sofa status. That is why I said "and" between the contractors and non sofa part.

Anyways, any income earned in Japan (outside base) is subject to Japanese Government with holding. That is a big reason for the exemption up to 85k. The US Govt tries to prevent dual taxation on a single income source.

Basically, if you are making money, you are paying someone tax. Unless you are a Sofa contractor, in which case you have a loophole (for now).

I have no problem with the idea of paying the tax (I'm not an English teacher) but in my post I mentioned that the base instruction was a 20% tax on English teachers working in Japan = charge everyone by the same rules of Japanese Govt with-holding (and go after those who don't pay their share).

I do pay these taxes, because the person I pay to get my cars is Japanese, and I pay whatever he pays for!

I really wish you would walk up to me and say these things.  Don't be jealous, its a really ugly characteristic.  That skyline your speaking of is meant for performance NOT LOOKS!!  If you weren't such an idiot you would know that!!!  Those wheels that are sooooo UGLY weigh 15lbs each.  If you knew anything about cars then you would know those were meant for that purpose!

Believe me...I tried to pay for an ad. Currently they are not taking applications because the site is being worked on! And ALL of my cars are priced at exactly what they are worth. Not one time have I over priced a car on the lot. I sell cars all the time and barely come out 200 dollars ahead, because I actually try and help people and their situations!!

ONE...I was not PIMPING anything.  TWO...I wanted to BUY a dog, not sell one!  (I decided to rescue instead.  HIS NAME IS MARLEY!!!)

WOW!! thats a way to get sales, USING THE MOST NAVY WIFES ARE MOOCHES statement.

I am not saying it in a negative way. Just simply stating that A lot of navy wives do put all of that responsibility on their husbands! It's a fact, and you any deny that! I can't be locked up in a house all day while my husband is away working and then go out on his dime. That's not fair to him nor myself. I'm simply saying that certain people need to learn how to be more dependent upon themselves rather than government money!

Either way....you will make up your mind by judging, and some will make up there mind on personal knowledge. However you choose to do it is on you. The only thing you all are making clear is the type of person you really are! And that's all on YOU!

Posted By Lichtefeld on 01-17-2012 11:17 PM
I do pay these taxes, because the person I pay to get my cars is Japanese, and I pay whatever he pays for!

...yes, the person buying your cars is paying the consumption tax on the car purchase = you are then selling that vehicle and not paying any "income tax" on the sale of the car (since you're doing this as a business).

Your right he does pay it...but I am the one giving him the money to pay it! So therefor that is coming out of my pocket!