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VEHICLE APPRAISAL

AutoTerminal Japan (ATJ) inspection centers are fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment designed to correctly appraise and inspect vehicles. Upon arrival of a vehicle, the inspection staff immediately coordinates with data entry clerks so that during inspection initial vehicle information are readily checked and corrected if and when needed.

ATJ has developed 4 types of vehicle appraisals:

As-is/No-claims Inspection

For customers who want their vehicles processed through an AutoTerminal facility in "AS IS" condition, a simple vehicle external appraisal will be made wherein the vehicles’ data is entered into the database. No further inspections will occur from this point.

.: Back to Top Pre-Auction Inspection
  • Vehicle Inspection Process (Pre-Auction Inspection Process Only)
    • Book the vehicle for inspection
    • Prepare check sheet for vehicle inspection appraisal
  • Basic Inspection
    • Cast a quick glance over the vehicle before commencing inspection. See if there is any fresh damage and if the vehicle is at sitting level. If the vehicle is not at sitting level, it might be due to different tire sizes or faulty suspension.
    • Engine Noise

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Check for noises at different engine speeds. Are they influenced by temperature, engine speed or load?
      • Check box if vehicle is fitted with a camshaft drive belt.
      • Check for sludge at the rocker cover filler cap.
    • Vehicle interior inspection

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Seats for marks of burn holes, wear, split vinyl, dampness, and sogginess.
      • Carpets, seat covering, hood and ceiling lining for dash, console, glue marks, rips and tears.
    • Odometer Inspection

      During pre-auction inspection:

      • Check for all screws in dash.
      • Check lever points around dash.
      • Check for scratches and lever marks on odometer wheel and surround. (Tools required: magnifying glass, mug light torch)
    • Engine Brake and Safety Lights Inspection

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Dash lights with engine running and not running.
      • Dash lights with ignition on. (Note: Some vehicles do not have an initial prove out function on the SR warning light, Toyota is one.)
      • ABS (after starting, vehicle light must show and go off after an interval).
      • SRS (after starting, vehicle light must show and go off after an interval).

      If no lights come on when starting, check fuse box and assume SRS or ABS is not working if problem cannot be verified.

    • Visual and physical inspection of steering system

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Factory steering wheel (Yes/No?)
      • Check for signs of damage and repair
    • Transmission Check

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Manual transmission -- Check clutch operation for travel, slip, noise and free play
      • Auto transmission -- Move all gears and check for shock or engagement
    • Rust Check (open bonnet and leave it up)

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Engine Bay
      • Under Battery
      • Underneath Front
      • Chassis Rust Right
      • Under Wheel Arches Right
      • Underneath Rear
      • Chassis Rust Left
      • Under Wheel Arches Left
      • Interior - Underneath Rear Seat (Select Models)
      • Interior - Underneath Rear Carpet (Select Models)
  • Mechanical Check
    • Check for Oil leaks

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Visually check items for leaks and categorize them as, light, moderate, and heavy. (Note: If there is light or weeping leaking, record under items to monitor)
    • Check Oil Condition

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Remove oil cap and check for burning and sludge.
    • Check Cooling System

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Check for leaks
      • Check radiator for corrosion
      • Check color of water
    • Check Transmission Oil

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Pull dip stick and check for burnt smell.
  • Physical Check
    • Suspension Check

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Visually and physically check the front and rear suspension.
      • Visually and physically check for damage and modification or lowered chassis
    • Exhaust Check

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Damage, modification and/or sports muffler fitting.
      • Corrosion
    • Physical Body Check

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Remove door rubbers to check for welding and repairs.
      • Under bonnet, check inner guards, upper and lower radiator panel, spacing between bonnet and guards, boot floor and surround for repairs.
      • Check clamp marks on chassis rails.
    • External Body Visual Check

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Condition of Paint, Cracking, Blistering, and Fading
      • RF ¼
      • R Door(s)
      • RR ¼
      • Boot or Hatch and Bumper
      • LR ¼
      • L Door(s)
      • LF ¼
      • Bonnet and Roof and Bumper
      • Windscreen Cracks or Chips, Location and Severity
    • Examine All Tires

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Wear (uneven), Cuts, Damage and Bulges.
      • Tread Depth (and Sidewalls Condition)
      • Mismatch Tires
    • Check Rims / Alloys

      During Pre-Auction Inspection:

      • Damage
      • Modification
      • Corrosion
      • Broken or Loose Spokes
.: Back to Top Vehicle Arrival Inspection

When vehicles arrive at an ATJ site after pre-auction inspection, a further inspection is performed to ensure that the initial inspection was done correctly. After cross checking, the vehicle's data is then uploaded into ATJ’s database and the vehicle is bar-coded for reference.

We do not release vehicles that have not been subjected to inspections conducted by our highly-skilled professionals. Vehicles that have, upon discovery, not undergone our stringent inspections, will be recalled and duly submitted to the prescribed inspection processes.

.: Back to Top Extended Inspection and Servicing

AutoTerminal Japan (ATJ) also provides additional extended services to ensure that our vehicles meet our customers’ high standards for quality and compliance.

Our customers can avail of these extended services upon proper presentation and completion of compliance requirements at the final destination:

  • Oil & filter Change
  • Break Pad Change
  • Compression
  • Timing Belt Change
  • Extended Vehicle Grooming
  • Compression Check, and
  • Battery Replacement
.: Back to Top