Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Detailed answers on quality checks, import procedures, payments, and shipping.

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1
VEHICLE QUALITY CHECKLIST

DRIVING TEST
We check the engine and transmission physically at our garage.

Starting Cold/Hot
Engine Idle Quality
Engine Performance/Smooth Acceleration
Engine Noise (Cold/Hot and High/Low Speeds)
Automatic Transmission/Trans-accelerator Noise (Cold/Hot)
Automatic Transmission Shift Points/Slippage
Drive accelerator and Transfer Case Bearings or Gear Noise/Vibration (Adjust or Replace)
Clutch Operation
Steering/Rack and Pinion/Steering Linkage Performance
Brakes/ABS (Effectiveness/Operation/Noise/No Pulling or Pulsating
Gauge/Speedometer/Tachometer/Odometer
ENGINE ROOMS
We check the tension and condition of the various drive belts. The condition of vacuum and fuel hoses, engine durability, leaks, noises and emission from any area of the engine or component are also checked. Also, engine oil, water cooling systems which are very important parts of the engine are thoroughly checked.

Fluids (Condition/s)
Belts (Condition)
Hoses (Condition)
Wiring (Condition)
Engine Mounts (Condition)
Fluid Leakages (Record where and what is leaking)
Oil in Air Cleaner (Can indicate excessive blow by or faulty PCV system)
Water in Oil (Check underside of oil filler cap)
Inspect Timing Belt (Condition: Change per maintenance schedule)
FUEL SYSTEM
We check for leaks and overall condition.

Fuel Pump Noise/External Fuel Pump Leakage
Fuel Lines/Hoses/Pressure (Leaks/Record Reading)
Fuel Filter (Condition/Replace per Maintenance Schedule)
Air Filter (Condition/Replace per Maintenance Schedule)
ENGINE/ COOLING SYSTEM
Engine performance, Engine oil level and color and look for leaks, the oil filler cap condition and deposits. Leaks in coolant, Rusty coolant pipes, Timing belt, Noise on cooling fan belt, Electric fan motor performance. Radiator hoses and recovery system will be checked.

CHASSIS
Hoses (Condition)
Coolant (Condition/Level/Leaks/Freeze Point/Voltage - Corrosion)
Radiator (Condition/Pressure Checked/Tube/Fins)
Cooling Fan/Fan Clutch/Fan Motor (Condition/Operation/Auxiliary Fan Operation)
Water Pump (Noise/Leaks)
Pressure Test Cap/System
Recovery Tank (Condition/Fluid Level/Sensor Operation)
Belts (Condition/Cracks/Glazed/Frayed/Proper Adjustment)
BRAKE SYSTEM
Master cylinder and servo checked for leaks. Also we check fluid level, wheel cylinders. Linkages and cables on the hand brake

Cylinders (Operation/Condition/Leaks)
Brake Fluid (Level/Condition/)
Pads/Shoes
Rotors/Drums
Brake System Lines/Hydraulics/Hoses/Fittings (Condition/Wear/Leaks)
Parking Brake (Operation/Adjustment/Condition)
Master Cylinder and Booster (Operational/Leaks)
STEERING AND SUSPENSION
We check sturdiness and reliability of the whole steering system. Check centre links, pump, hoses/ lines and shaft/ couplings.

Fluid (Condition/Level/Leaks/Top off as necessary)
Rack and Pinion/Steering Linkage (Condition/Leaks/Boots)
Power Steering Pump and Hoses (Leaks/Noise/Operation)
Suspension System/Control Arms/Ball Joints/Bushings (Condition)
Tie Rods and Idler Arm (Operational to Factory Specifications)
Sway Bars/Links/Bushings (Operational to Factory Specifications)
Springs (Vehicle Ride Height/Check for Spring Sag)
Struts/Shocks (Leakage/Bounce Test)
LIGHTING AND WIPERS
Turn signals, courtesy lights, brake lights, dash & instrument lights, back-up lights, hazard lights and marker lights are checked.

CHARGING AND BATTERIES
Battery terminal corrosion, battery voltage, charging system will be checked.
INTERIOR FUNCTIONS
Clock (Condition/Operation)
Horn (Condition/Operation)
Lighter/Power Outlet(s) (Condition/Operation)
Ashtray (Condition/Operation)
Glove Box/Glove Box Light/Centre Armrest/Console (Condition/Operation)
Tilt/Telescopic Steering Wheel (Operation)
Steering Wheel Lock (Operation)
Mirrors/Rear View (Condition/Operation)
Instrument Panel/Lights and Warning Lights (Condition/Operation/Bulb Check)
Warning Chimes (Operation)
Interior Courtesy/Dome/Map Lights (Operation)
Fuel Filler Door Release (Operation)
Interior Door Handle (Operation)
INTERIOR CONDITION
We check the operation of the controls. Seats, hood living, trim conditions and vacuum clean the car, seats and floor mats.

EXTERIOR CONDITION
We check overall exterior condition such as dents, scratches and/or any other damages will be noted in the report.

As each vehicle is supplied in used condition, we recommend the following maintenance and service is carried out upon arrival:

Change oil and oil filters
Check tires, change as required to meet local standards
A full maintenance service
A complete valet
Check brake pads and CV Joints, change as required to meet local standards
Any minor/major exterior/interior repairs
Most vehicles do not need the above work done but it is important to be aware of any possible work that may be required. All our Japanese vehicles are thoroughly checked before shipping.

2
IMPORT PROCEDURES

Question: For Zambian & Kenyan Clients
Answer:

JEVIC inspection is required to import cars to Zambia & Kenya! What is JEVIC inspection? Japan Export Vehicle Inspection Center (JEVIC) is a Japanese registered company and has been involved in pre-shipment inspections / certification of used vehicles in various forms since 2001. Zambian and Kenyan governments require JEVIC inspection for vehicles imported into their countries. Inspection will be arranged by MOVEK before shipment. This may take up to 10 days - depending on the inspectors' work schedules. Booking of your vehicle for shipment will be arranged once the JEVIC inspection is completed. Our invoiced value includes JEVIC Inspection Fee. JEVIC Certificate will be sent with other relevant documents, once the vessel sails. Please note that without JEVIC Certificate, a penalty will be charged.

Question: For Mozambican Clients
Answer:

MOZ number required! Mozambique clients are required to apply for Intertek Inspection in Japan before shipment.

To apply for Intertek Inspection in Japan:

Please apply for MOZ number at your Local Intertek Office, whose contact details are as follows: Intertek International Ltd Avenida da Namaacha, nr.492, First Floor Maputo, Mozambique
Tel: + 258 21 407870/1/2/3
Fax: + 258 21 407884/5
Email: info.mozambique.fts@intertek.com
To apply for MOZ number you will need the invoice with the engine number indicated which will be issued by us, MOVEK.
Once you have obtained MOZ number, please send to MOVEK by e-mail or fax:
Email: Sales@used-motorcars.com
Fax: +81-52-351-5542
MOVEK will apply for Intertek Inspection in Japan before shipment. This may take up to 10 days depending on how busy the inspectors are.
Booking of your vehicle for shipment will be arranged once the Intertek inspection is completed.
When you remit money Please arrange payment with the engine number indicated invoice, once it is issued. We will proceed with the inspection upon receipt of your payment.
Question: For Caribbean Clients
Answer:

Correct street address required! Please note that your street address will be required since the U.S. Government's Department of Homeland Security does not allow imports of vehicles for clients with just their P.O. Box address in the Caribbean. Ensure that your street address is correct when you fill in the order form. And we can book your vehicle for shipment and prepare the shipping documents accordingly.

Question: For Clients Importing through Durban Port, South Africa
Answer:

Correct street address required! Please note that your P.O. Box address alone will not suffice. A street address is required and the South African vernment for vehicles being imported via the Durban Port.

3
TOTAL COST

Question: What is FOB, C&F and CIF?
Answer:

FOB (Free-on-Board) = Car price + Customs forwarding cost in Japan [Prices quoted by Movek are based on this FOB price]

C&F (Cost and Freight) = FOB plus Freight charges to your Port

CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) = FOB + Insurance (Warranty) + Freight (Shipping) cost

4
PAYMENT

Question: What is Movek's payment method?
Answer:

Telegraphic Transfer (T/T) is the most common way of payment made through any bank.
How to make payment through T/T
Step 1 : Take the proforma invoice to the nearest bank

Step 2 : Complete the T/T application form with information on the proforma invoice Remit the amount to our bank account mentioned at the bottom of the proforma invoice Quote the "invoice reference" and "your name" on the payment instructions or application form, e.g. XX/XX123/XX Peter Holmes ("Invoice Reference" "Payer's Name")

Step 3 : Collect the T/T copy (Bank Receipt) and fax to us on +81-52-351-5542 or scan and email on sales@used-motorcars.com

Question: What are your bank account details?
Answer:

Bank details and payment instructions are mentioned on 2nd page of the invoice that will be sent to you.

Please DO NOT remit any money until you receive our official invoice raised by us

Question: Can I pay by credit card?
Answer: No, payments through credit cards are not accepted.

Question: Do you accept my local currency?
Answer: We require the payment to be made in the currency as shown on your proforma invoice (US$ or Japanese Yen).

Question: When should I pay?
Answer: Payment should be made upon receipt of the proforma invoice. Once funds are transferred, kindly send us the payment copy to confirm.

Question: Can I purchase at FOB prices?
Answer: Yes, if your country allows purchases in FOB and for the freight charges to be paid at your end. However, kindly note, vehicles can be shipped on FOB basis only to the UK, Australia, New Zealand and South America. For all other countries, the shipping companies require freight to be paid at our end by Movek. Hence, the invoiced value will include freight charges up to your Port.

Question: How do I receive a proforma invoice?
Answer: Your proforma invoice will be sent to you by email. Please proceed with your payment ASAP to ensure quickest shipment of your vehicle.

5
SHIPPING / TRADE TERMS

Question: How long does shipment take?
Answer: Delivery of your vehicle to your nearest port will depend on the timing of your payment and the shipping company's schedule.

Question: Shipping schedule
Answer:

Region

Port

Frequency of Vessels

Africa
Dar es Salaam
Mombasa
Durban
Maputo

4 times a month
4 times a month
4 times a month
Once a Month

Carib
Georgetown
Nassau
Freeport
St. Georges

Once a month
Once a month
Once a month
Once a Month

Oceania
Port Moresby
Lae
Brisbane
New Zealand Ports

Twice a month
Twice a month
4 times a month
4 times a month

Question: How will I know about the shipping schedule?
Answer: Booking will be arranged by MOVEK International Ltd. Please wait to receive the departure and arrival date of your shipment via email from us within 10 working days from the date of confirmation.

In some cases, MOVEK will contact you to obtain further information in need before shipment; otherwise, leave it up to us. We will advise shipment details once the vehicle is confirmed for shipment by the shipping company.

We strongly recommend you keep a note of the arrival date and contact the local shipping/clearing agent who can confirm the exact date, in case the schedule has been changed due to changing weather conditions.

Question: What information is required for shipment?
Answer: The following information is required to confirm shipment of your vehicle:

1 : Consignee Address This is the person who receives the vehicle. We need the address of the consignee to show on the shipping documents.

2 : Courier Address This is the address where shipping document/s should be sent.

Question: What do I have to prepare for the shipment?
Answer: In most cases, you need to do nothing. MOVEK will arrange shipping from Japan, on your behalf. Once you receive the notification of shipment, please note the arrival date so you can collect the car.

6
GENERAL

Question: When will my car be shipped?
Answer: Shipping details will be notified within 10 working days from the date of confirmation by us.

Question: How can I confirm the vehicle's condition?
Answer: All vehicles sold by Movek are sourced in the Japanese local market, hence, are superior to the export models. Every vehicle es through 2 sets of professional mechanics, where stringent checks are carried out, before being shipped.

Question: What is Registration Year?
Answer: Registration Year means the first year the vehicle is registered by law in Japan, and appears on all documentation pertaining to the vehicle.