Inspection & Running Costs

The cost of owning a car — Japan's shaken inspection (cost, cycle, flow) plus a breakdown of running costs (tax, insurance, fuel, upkeep) and how to save.

Summer Bonus Car Upgrade? Compare 5‑Year‑Old Trade‑In Value and New Car Costs

Exploring how the summer bonus can influence buying a new car when your 5‑year‑old vehicle still fetches a surprisingly high trade‑in value, and why the long‑term cost may outweigh the short‑term savings.

August 8, 2026

New Car Loans: The Hidden Cost That Hurts Your Wallet

Explore real-world pitfalls of remaining credit in car loans, with concrete examples and practical tips to avoid costly traps.

August 7, 2026

Enkilo: Mileage‑Based Fees, Zero‑Deposit Monthly Car Share

Explore how Enkilo’s mileage‑based pricing works, what real users are saying, and whether the reported mileage figures hold up in practice.

August 6, 2026

Car Subscriptions: Short‑Term Users Rejoice, Long‑Term Drivers Must Be Cautious

A deep dive into car subscription services, examining their cost structure, benefits, and the kinds of drivers who truly gain from them.

August 5, 2026

Why a 9‑Year‑Old Prius Inspection Hits ¥200,000 (And How to Trim the Bill)

Explore the typical 200,000‑yen price tag for a nine‑year‑old Prius during its vehicle inspection, covering cost components, common problems, and tips to keep the bill reasonable.

August 4, 2026

Lease 2.7 M ¥ vs Buy 5.2 M ¥ Over Five Years – Full Cost Breakdown

A detailed look at the five‑year total cost of leasing a car versus buying one, breaking down monthly payments, insurance, maintenance, depreciation and other hidden fees.

August 3, 2026

Car Parts Pricing Secrets: OEM vs Aftermarket, Heating Cameras, and Estimation Mastery

Explore how OEM, aftermarket, and regional factors shape the cost of replacing car parts, with a focus on the heating camera market and practical tips for budgeting repairs. This guide also explains how market growth, technology trends, and supply chain dynamics influence prices, helping owners make informed decisions when scheduling maintenance.

August 2, 2026

Hidden Car Costs: Why Parents End Up Paying More and How to Cut Them

Explore the unseen expenses of parents' car ownership, revealing that over 60% of costs are hidden and 77% are borne by parents, and learn how to track and manage them.

August 1, 2026

13‑Year‑Old Car Inspections Spike Costs – The Truth About 300,000‑Yen Repairs

A practical guide to deciding whether a 300,000‑yen repair during a 13‑year‑old car inspection is justified, covering inspection fees, key indicators, and a step‑by‑step checklist for owners.

July 31, 2026

Car Leasing Pitfalls: Mileage Caps and Hidden Fees

Explore the hidden costs and common mistakes that turn Japan’s popular car leasing into a costly mistake, based on real user reviews and expert data.

July 30, 2026

Car Washes in a Heatwave: Heat‑Stroke, Skin‑Irritation Risks and How to Stay Safe

Extreme summer heat turns a simple car wash into a health hazard. This article explains why washing a vehicle during a heatwave can threaten your well‑being, shares survey findings, and offers practical safety tips for drivers.

July 29, 2026

Family Cars: The Hidden Cost of Insurance and Maintenance

Explore the unseen financial burden of owning a family car, from insurance to repairs, and how parents often shoulder the bulk of these hidden costs.

July 28, 2026

Japan Switches Headlight Checks to Nationwide Calculation System on Aug. 1, 2026

Explore the new headlight inspection rules effective August 1, 2026, how they shift to a national calculation system, and what costs drivers can expect for cleaning, repair, or replacement.

July 27, 2026

50th Kitakami Rubber‑Boat Race Goes Public, Reviving a 50‑Year Legacy

Explore the 50th anniversary of the Kitakami River rubber boat race, its new public format, participant numbers, and the 2026 schedule.

July 26, 2026

Harley Dealer Inspection Costs 5.08 Million Yen – Inside the Full Price Breakdown

Explore whether using a dealer for Japan’s mandatory vehicle inspection is worth the cost, with real‑world figures, cost breakdowns, and tips to keep expenses down.

July 24, 2026