About Page

Southern Motors is a small friendly used car dealer in Bournemouth, Dorset. We supply Japanese import vehicles throughout the U.K.
We have been established for over 20 years.

All our vehicles are checked by H.M.Customs and by Interpol so you have complete piece of mind.

Our proven philosophy is to provide the best vehicles with the best service we can which includes advice, warranties, personal service (with a smile) but most of all honesty.

Enduring and lasting relationships with our customers are based on trust. There is no pressure selling just good sound advice in fact we believe we are not here to sell you a vehicle, we are here to assist you in purchasing one.

This is proven by our continued high rate of repeat business.

Due to our high turnaround of vehicles and listening to our customers comments we have decided to open our own in house service and repair department, staffed by two very experienced mechanics. All parts and accessories readily supplied.

Why Imports?

The advantages of buying imported cars from Japan are numerous, the main attractions being cost, condition and specification. Japan has the second largest domestic automobile market in the world, with five premier manufacturers (Honda,Nissan, Mazda and Mitsubishi) competing passionately for business.

Generally, the condition of Japanese vehicles is far better than that of European counterparts. There is often low mileage on these cars, due to the driving environment. Japanese driving conditions are excellent, for example, the roads are not salted thus avoiding resulting corrosion problems.


Japanese imports have higher specification than their European equivalents, for example air conditioning and power steering are a standard on all cars. Indeed the Japanese expect as standard many of the options that we have to pay extra for when buying European.


Japanese car companies actively encourage customers to return their old cars in part-exchange for a new model, thus there is virtually no second hand market in Japan. The strict consumer protection laws in Japan mean that vehicles are exceptionally reliable.

Another reason for the superior condition of Japanese imported vehicles is the mandatory 'Shaken' (warranty of fitness) test that all Japanese cars must undergo. This test is far more detailed than European inspection and M.O.T test. The shaken that comes with a new car in Japan is valid for three years, but must be renewed at expiration on a biannual basis. This rule is enforced vigorously and the massive cost of renewing the Shaken, at an average of £1,000 sterling, is a huge incentive to Japanese drivers to trade their car in for a new one.

Consumers in Japan are required to provide proof of parking space for every vehicle when registering new and used cars.This is compulsory and scrupulously controlled to the extent that in most areas police will physically measure the parking space to ensure it is appropriately sized for the intended vehicle.

Due to the acute land shortages in Japan private parking costs up to £400 sterling a month for those that don't have space at their homes, and the majority don't, These types of expenditure make two car house holds the exception and severely limit the number of cars on the road. All these elements and others (including the driving of older cars limited to every other day usage) make new car purchases very appealing to consumers and contribute to sharp depreciation rates on used cars domestically.

It is this very steep depreciation which makes used cars in Japan economical enough to be viable for export throughout the would of the right hand drive countries.

Service Solutions

Many consumers worry that if they buy a Japanese import then they will have difficulty in obtaining replacement parts or servicing problems. The main manufacturers have realised that they were missing out on this market and in their wisdom have decided to cater for this. We ourselves have not come across a problem yet and in some cases it has been next day delivery.

Insurance

Getting insurance in the past for your import may have been a problem. However some firms specialise in the business, you may be pleasantly surprised. If you have a problem then please phone or e-mail us and we will be happy to get you a quote.