Cost of Car Ownership in Japan

I'm planning to buy a used Golf R and am trying to get a sense of the ongoing costs of ownership in Japan. I've budgeted ¥30k per month for parking at my apartment (mansion), but I'm unsure about the other costs involved. Could anyone provide detailed figures or insights on the following:

  1. Shaken (Vehicle Inspection & Safety Check) – How much should I expect to pay bi-yearly for shaken for a Golf R?
  2. Tax – What are the annual taxes involved? I know there are both weight and vehicle taxes, but I'm unclear on specific amounts for a car of this type.
  3. Insurance – How much is typical for comprehensive insurance for a foreigner with limited driving history in Japan?
  4. Routine Mechanic Check & Maintenance – How much do annual inspections and routine services typically cost for this kind of car?
  5. Other Potential Costs – Are there any other costs associated with owning a car in Japan that I might not be aware of, such as tolls or specific car regulations?

Financing Questions

I’ve only been working in Japan since May, and I have ¥2.5M saved. By December, I expect to have ¥4M in my Japanese bank account. I'm considering a ¥4M loan to buy the car and invest my savings into a NISA. However, I'm on a 1-year visa, which might affect loan eligibility. My girlfriend is Japanese, but her salary is significantly lower than mine—would we be able to take a joint loan with her as the primary applicant? Is this the most financially sensible way to proceed?

Budgeting Concerns

I understand that buying a car, especially a Golf R, is a luxury, but I want to have a better understanding of how much I can expect to spend and save monthly once all these costs are factored in. Any advice or typical figures from others' experiences would be greatly appreciated.

Selling the Car in 5 Years

I plan to own the car for about five years and then sell it, without buying another one afterward. I’m interested in understanding the resale value dynamics in Japan. Specifically, Japanese Buyer Preferences. What factors are most important to Japanese buyers when purchasing a used car? For example, do they prefer certain brands (i.e., Japanese makes over foreign ones) or specific conditions (age, mileage, etc.)? This might not be relevant for this sub, but I would like to hear different opinions.

Regards,
Yapper

by Unsolicited-Yapper

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