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Hi I'm currently looking for a mazda atenza 2nd generation (2008-2012), and preferably manual. I have researched the dog and lemon guide and asked a few mechanics about the reliability and they recommend it. i also like the look of it.

I found the NZ new ones have 6 air bags while the jap imports have 2. I'm still happy with the crash ratings so have started searching further.

I found a few i like and have requested the japan auction sheets, rego verification cert

1) how much reliance do you put on the auction grade of car, dealers seem to market that grade 4 and 4.5 are good buys - but without knowing who the inspector is or their qualifications or who verifys their inspection i personally cant trust it much.

2) how much reliance do you put on the rego verification, ie jvec cert it seems to have an AA logo on it, if its verified does that mean i dont need to worry about odometer tampering at all

3) nz compliance, if an import has arrived into nz and passed compliance does that mean its had literally everything checked structurally, ie there is no rust and its not a damaged vehicle - the car i have been looking it has no defect or repair notes.

4) the car im looking at has 32000 km but yet is grade 4 on the auction sheet, i just thought that such a new car would likely be higher graded - is this something to be suspicious about.

5)I have an AA pre purchase inspection booked in, if everything comes out clear would that mean that there is not much need for mechanical breakdown insurance since its low km and it mechanically checks out.

6)will a history check actually tell me anything if there hasnt been a nz driver of the car. ie does the history check give you information about the cars usage in japan?

Thanks for your time

Hi there,
1/ The auction grade gives you a quick insight into the physical condition of the body, paint, and interior wear and tear all the things you can see. The higher the grade, the more like new it will be.
2/ Jevic in conjunction with teh AA do a good job of odo inspection/ verification. They can usually track teh mileage in Japan or physically check the cluster for tampering. We don't guarantee 100% but I would trust it.
3/ The vehicle will be subject to a structural inspection at the border and compliance inspection and if any damage or corrosion see it will be flagged as damaged and reffered to a repair certifier. It always pays to ask if it had ever been flagged as damaged and document the reply as it may not be written anywhere. If the flag has been removed, then the damage would not have been considered over the threshold.
4/ Low mileage vehicles that have a lower grade, could possibly have a few minor body dings and scratches or a slightly used interior. I would just take a closer look, but won't necessarily mean anything dodgy going on.
5/ This is a decision totally up to you. It's a bit like insurance you may never need it, but if you ever did breakdown you will be glad you have it. No check can predict the future operation of a vehicle, only the condition at the time.
6/ History check will not be possible, as there will be no NZ history to report about. And does not extend into Japan.

Thanks for the quick response.
Is there anything else that I could do with regards to investigating a potential car to help ensure I'm not buying a lemon. or if the car was fixed up in Japan to hide any defects before coming to nz (just worried incase there was a poor job at removing corrosion, then painting over it so the compliance inspector cant see any damage.

I have done the following:

A) auction sheet checks out - only thing it mentions which is of concern after I translated it was the word "debut" or first or initial - not sure if that meant it was a prototype car or first off the lot test car or if its a first time being auctioned or if its a new seller - its grade 4 though.

B) The aa inspection is booked in - im waiting for the results

C) looking up the chassis number on jap sites it says the model was manufactured nov 2008

D) I have a copy of the odometer check

E) the CIN doesn't show anything to be concerned with i.e. odometer or damage

F) I requested a copy of the compliance form - all it said as a note was that the rare tyre is perishing - I'm guessing I just need a new tyre or the dealer will replace it with a new tyre.

thanks again for taking the time to answer my queries

You have done more than most. The guys who carryout pre purchase inspections are pretty over the top almost, so you should be well informed.
I would check if there are two keys, and keep in mind a replacement could cost a few hundred plus coding fees.