Onyx Auto's Vehicle Preparation Process

Step 1 – Vehicle Sourcing in Japan

Every vehicle begins its journey in Japan, where our search process starts long before any purchase is made. At Onyx Auto Limited, we do not simply buy vehicles because they are available. We carefully scan the Japanese market daily, reviewing stock from dealerships, suppliers and wholesalers throughout the country to identify vehicles that meet our strict standards.

As a specialist importer and car dealership in London, our focus is on sourcing vehicles that will provide years of reliable ownership for their next owner. This includes low mileage vehicles, automatic cars, petrol cars, ULEZ-compliant vehicles, economical city cars, family vehicles and performance-focused sports cars. Every vehicle is selected based on condition, history, specification and overall suitability for the United Kingdom market.

Before a vehicle is even considered for inspection, we review all available documentation, including service records, mileage verification, previous ownership history and condition reports. We also assess factory specifications to ensure the vehicle offers the features and equipment our customers expect. Vehicles showing signs of poor maintenance, questionable mileage records, previous structural damage or excessive wear are immediately removed from consideration.

Our aim is simple: only source vehicles that we would be comfortable recommending to friends, family and customers.

Step 2 – Professional Inspection in Japan

Once a suitable vehicle has been identified, we arrange for one of our trusted agents based in Japan to carry out a detailed physical inspection.

Unlike many importers who rely solely on auction reports or photographs, our inspector is a mechanic by trade and physically attends the vehicle in person. This allows us to gain a much clearer understanding of its true condition before any money changes hands.

The inspection begins with a detailed examination of the bodywork. Every panel is assessed for scratches, dents, corrosion, previous repairs and paint imperfections. Paint depth readings are taken where necessary to identify panels that may have been repaired or repainted in the past. Panel alignment, shut lines and overall body condition are carefully checked to ensure there are no hidden surprises.

Attention then turns to the mechanical condition of the vehicle. Steering and suspension components are inspected for signs of wear or damage, while the engine and gearbox are assessed during an extensive road test. The vehicle is driven until fully warmed up to ensure there are no issues that only become apparent at operating temperature.

Following the road test, professional diagnostic equipment is connected to the vehicle. A complete scan of all available control modules is carried out to identify stored fault codes, intermittent faults or underlying electronic issues that may not be immediately visible.

Once the inspection has been completed, a detailed report is supplied to us. Only after reviewing the findings and being completely satisfied with the condition of the vehicle do we proceed with a purchase.

Step 3 – Export and Shipping to the United Kingdom

Following a successful inspection and purchase, the vehicle is prepared for export from Japan.

All necessary documentation and export procedures are completed before the vehicle is transported to the shipping port and loaded for transport to the United Kingdom.

Throughout this stage, we remain in regular contact with shipping agents and logistics partners to monitor the vehicle's journey. While many customers only see the finished vehicle advertised for sale, a significant amount of planning and organisation takes place behind the scenes to ensure each vehicle reaches us safely and efficiently.

Step 4 – Port Collection and Real-World Assessment

Once the vehicle arrives in the United Kingdom, we personally collect it ourselves rather than relying on transport companies.

This stage forms an important part of our preparation process. The journey from the port to our premises provides an opportunity to assess the vehicle under genuine United Kingdom driving conditions.

During the drive, we pay close attention to engine performance, gearbox operation, steering response, suspension comfort, braking performance and overall drivability. We listen carefully for unusual noises and monitor how the vehicle behaves both at low speeds and during motorway driving.

By personally driving every vehicle ourselves, we gain valuable insight into its condition before it enters our workshop. Any observations made during the journey are recorded and investigated further during the inspection stage.

Step 5 – Bodywork and Cosmetic Assessment

Once the vehicle reaches our premises, a detailed cosmetic inspection begins.

Every body panel is carefully examined under workshop lighting to identify any scratches, dents, stone chips, paint imperfections or previous repair work. We assess the overall condition of the exterior and determine whether any improvements are required before the vehicle is offered for sale.

Our objective is not only to ensure mechanical reliability but also to present each vehicle to a standard that reflects the quality and professionalism of our business.

Step 6 – Interior Inspection and Function Testing

The interior inspection is equally thorough.

Every switch, button, display and electrical function is tested individually to ensure correct operation. This includes climate control systems, air conditioning, multimedia systems, electric windows, electric mirrors, keyless entry systems, push-button start systems, parking sensors, reversing cameras, steering wheel controls, heated seats, sunroofs, ISOFIX anchor points and driver assistance systems.

As specialists in Japanese imports, we understand the importance of ensuring every feature functions exactly as intended before a vehicle is delivered to its new owner.

Step 7 – Comprehensive Mechanical Inspection

The vehicle is then moved into our workshop and raised on a vehicle lift for a detailed mechanical assessment.

This is one of the most important stages of the preparation process and is where our experience as mechanics becomes invaluable.

Steering components, suspension systems, wheel bearings, braking systems, tyres, driveshafts, exhaust systems, engine components, transmission components and the entire underside of the vehicle are inspected thoroughly.

Any signs of wear, deterioration or damage are identified and addressed. We do not believe in simply clearing warning lights or hiding issues. If a component requires attention, it is repaired or replaced before the vehicle progresses to the next stage.

This commitment to quality is one of the reasons many customers travel to us when looking for quality used cars in London and professionally prepared Japanese imports.

Step 8 – United Kingdom/European Conversion and Compliance

Many Japanese vehicles require modifications to meet UK regulations and customer expectations.

Depending on the vehicle, this may involve installing modern Apple CarPlay and Android Auto systems, upgrading multimedia units, fitting reversing cameras, installing rear fog lights and converting speedometers from kilometres per hour to miles per hour.

Every conversion is completed professionally and tested thoroughly to ensure full functionality and reliability.

Step 9 – Servicing and Preparation

Before being offered for sale, every vehicle undergoes a service and final preparation process.

Engine oil, filters and service items are replaced where required, fluid levels are checked and adjusted, and the vehicle receives a final mechanical assessment to ensure it meets our standards.

This stage allows us to prepare the vehicle for its next owner and provide confidence that it is ready for everyday use.

Step 10 – Professional Detailing

Once all mechanical and conversion work has been completed, the vehicle receives a thorough detail.

The interior is deep cleaned, surfaces are treated and protected, and the exterior is carefully washed and prepared for photography.

Attention to detail is extremely important at this stage because first impressions matter. Whether the vehicle is a small engine city car, an economical automatic vehicle, a low mileage family car or a performance-oriented sports car, every vehicle receives the same level of care and attention.

Step 11 – MOT Testing and Quality Control

Following preparation, the vehicle undergoes an MOT inspection.

Because every vehicle has already been inspected and prepared extensively, this stage is typically straightforward. Nevertheless, it provides a final independent assessment of the vehicle's roadworthiness and compliance with United Kingdom standards.

Step 12 – DVLA Registration and Sale Preparation

Once the MOT has been successfully completed, we submit all required documentation to the DVLA to obtain a United Kingdom registration number and V5 registration certificate.

Upon completion of the registration process, number plates are fitted and the vehicle is prepared for advertising.

Only at this stage is the vehicle added to our stock and made available to purchase.

Ready For Its New Owner

By the time a vehicle appears on our website, it has undergone a lengthy sourcing, inspection, preparation and quality control process. From initial selection in Japan through to final registration in the United Kingdom, every stage is completed with the same objective: to provide high-quality Japanese import vehicles that offer reliability, value and peace of mind.
Why Choose Onyx Auto Limited?

With over 15 years of mechanical experience within the motor trade, we understand vehicles far beyond what most dealerships can offer. Our background as qualified mechanics allows us to identify issues that may otherwise go unnoticed and apply our knowledge throughout every stage of the sourcing, inspection and preparation process.

We don't simply buy vehicles and advertise them for sale. Every vehicle is selected, inspected, prepared and assessed using the same professional standards that we apply within our workshop every day. Our experience working on a wide variety of vehicles, from economical city cars and family vehicles to high-performance sports cars and specialist Japanese imports, enables us to prepare vehicles to a standard we would be proud to own ourselves.

Whether you are purchasing your first automatic car, a low mileage petrol vehicle, a ULEZ-compliant commuter car, a practical family vehicle or a performance-focused import, our goal is to ensure that your vehicle arrives in the best possible condition and provides years of reliable ownership.

For additional peace of mind, all eligible vehicles supplied by Onyx Auto Limited include a complimentary 6-month warranty, helping protect against unexpected mechanical and electrical failures after purchase. We also provide a 2-year rust guarantee, demonstrating our confidence in the quality and condition of the vehicles we supply.

Our reputation has been built on honesty, attention to detail and customer satisfaction. We believe that purchasing a vehicle should be an enjoyable and stress-free experience, which is why we remain available to assist our customers long after the sale has been completed.

As a trusted Japanese import specialist, used car dealer in London, and supplier of quality second-hand vehicles, we continue to help customers throughout Enfield, North London, Hertfordshire and across the United Kingdom find reliable, low mileage vehicles at competitive prices.

From economical automatic cars and ULEZ-compliant petrol vehicles to family cars, small engine vehicles and performance-oriented sports cars, every vehicle supplied by Onyx Auto Limited is carefully sourced, professionally inspected and prepared with the same care and attention we would expect for our own vehicles.

Our goal is simple: to remove the uncertainty often associated with buying a used vehicle and provide our customers with quality Japanese imports that offer reliability, value and peace of mind from the moment they drive away.