The Japanese raise the registration fees for older cars to "force" them off the road.  Every year, the fees go up until it's just not economical to keep the vehicle.

Cheers, 

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Dave Mcneely
Sent: Sunday, December 27, 2009 3:22 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Subie engine prices

Here's what I found when I googled for information on this so-called
law:

http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/35468

DMc

On Sun, Dec 27, 2009 at 5:02 PM, Dave Mcneely wrote:

> On Sun, Dec 27, 2009 at 3:19 PM, Rob wrote:
>
>
>> Most of the JDM engines I've seen for sale come tested and
>> guaranteed. There is some sort of Japanese law to require new cars
>> every 30k-50k miles, you can look it up and read about it on line.
>>
>> Rob
>
> I've been told that such a law exists, supposedly as an environmental
> protection device.  However, it was not told to me that it was a new
> car
> (certainly not), but that the engine had to be replaced.  At any rate,
> that is supposed to be why so many Japanese engines are available for
> import.  However, my son-in-law bought one of these imported engines,
> and found to his dismay that the engine had been used hard, and
> further
> investigation led him to the conclusion that, yes the engines are
> available, and mileage is low.  However, since the users know that
> they
> will have to replace the engine anyway, they don't particularly take
> care of them.
>
> None of this should be taken as gospel, since I am only reported
> second
> hand experience, and third or further removed information.
>
> David Mc