Goo KANTEI - A Guide to Malaysia's Used Car Buyers by Japan

When it comes to purchasing a used car or a 'pre-owned vehicle', there are two traditional ways a buyer can take. Dealing with a private seller is typically cheaper, but requires faith that the owner is being honest about the car’s history. Buying from a used-car dealer often costs more and necessitates trust of a whole different order, namely, that the dealer knows anything about the car’s past. Apart from these two routes, there is a popular alternative which a buyer can follow. Purchasing a used car and getting it certified from an authentic source is cost-effective and reliable.

Motorists of Malaysia have a choice when it comes to used car inspection by specialist organisations. A Japanese outfit has just entered the local scene offering such a service that is already being done by Puspakom.

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Explaining the availability of Goo KANTEI in Malaysia, Kenya Ikutsu, Managing Director of PROTO Malaysia Sdn Bhd said, “Used cars are a big business in Malaysia but until now, customers have been faced with uncertainty when they buy used cars because they are not sure of the condition.”

He added, “With Goo KANTEI, the experts are inspectors from Japan who have special training and years of experience in inspecting used vehicles to evaluate the overall quality. They see thousands of cars each year and through such long experience and in-depth knowledge, they can spot problems and identify if a vehicle body has been repaired before. Such information will be valuable to a customer and provide the important peace of mind when deciding whether to buy the vehicle.”

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Known as 'Goo KANTEI', the service is provided by Car Credo, a subsidiary of the PROTO Corporation of Japan, which is a Japanese company listed in the Tokyo Stock Exchange. ‘Goo’ is a brand name of PROTO Corporation for its products and services which are very popular in Japan.

The whole process of inspecting the vehicle and giving a conclusion is quick and appropriate. Once your car that you want to purchase goes in the hand of Japan-trained Goo Kantei inspectors, it takes around 20 mins to give a test check. He manages to cover up to 344 points around the car, inside and under the vehicle. After an inspection, dealers will be presented with a certificate of proof that guarantees the vehicle was inspected and rated in a detailed and fair manner. Star ratings, maximum of which is 5, helps the customer in making the final decision.

Car Credo said the certificate would include information on various aspects of the car and explanatory notes in simple language. For cars which get a maximum rating on the score board, dealers can ensure customers that cars being sold to them are in good condition and will not bother them in future for any anomaly.

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The Goo Kantei service is currently being promoted to used car dealers in the Klang Valley although individuals are also encouraged to use the service as well. Car Credo is offering the inspection at a promotional rate of RM130 from now until the end of November and this includes computer diagnostics and two free spots in print and online of the Motor Trader classifieds publication. The normal rate is RM120 and an optional RM60 for the computer diagnostics. The service is expected to be rolled out beyond the Klang Valley at a later time.

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Image Courtesy: motortrader.com