Japanese car mileage in Malta: frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions buyers ask most when they are about to pay for a Japanese import.
What is a chassis (frame) number?
It is the car’s unique ID. On Japanese domestic-market cars it is usually a model code, a dash and a serial number, such as NHP10-1234567. It is on a plate in the engine bay or door pillar, on the Maltese logbook and on the import papers, and all of them must match.
What is JEVIC?
JEVIC is a Japanese company that inspects and certifies second-hand cars before export. It records the car’s condition and mileage in an online database that can be searched by chassis number.
Is the paper JEVIC certificate enough?
No. In the fraud cases reported in Malta, a forged JEVIC certificate showing the fake mileage was used. Always look up the figure yourself on the JEVIC website. See our guide to checking mileage on JEVIC.
What is an auction sheet?
It is the inspection sheet from the Japanese auction where the car was sold. It shows mileage, a condition grade and a diagram of dents and repairs, and it is a good independent cross-check. See guide to Japanese auction sheets.
What is the export (deregistration) certificate?
It is the official Japanese document that records the car’s registration history and its odometer readings at past inspections. Ask the dealer for a copy and check that the mileage rises sensibly over time.
Does the Maltese logbook show the real mileage?
No, it shows the mileage declared when the car was registered in Malta. It is issued by Transport Malta and handed to you by the dealer, and it should never be lower than the JEVIC figure.
Should the dashboard match JEVIC exactly?
The dashboard will normally show the same or slightly more, because the car has been shipped and driven since it was inspected. It should never show less.
What if the car came via the UK?
You can also check its free UK MOT history on GOV.UK with the UK registration number. It shows the mileage at every test.
Do I still need a mechanic?
Yes. An independent mechanic can compare the wear on the pedals, steering wheel, seats and gear knob with the claimed mileage, and some garages can read mileage stored in other control units.
What if the numbers do not match?
Treat it as a red flag and do not pay. If you have already bought the car, see what to do if your car’s mileage was tampered with.