Buying a Car in Okinawa

When you are PCSing to Okinawa, you cannot bring your vehicle with you. That means when you get to the island you will have to buy one, if not two cars upon arrival.

When you get to Okinawa and have started to settle in, you start getting antsy to learn how to drive on the other side of the road and to get out on your own. First things first, you have to take a driving test in order to get a license. Just study the packet that they give you and you will be just fine.

Then, you need a car. Buying a car is super easy here, but it does take time and knowledge. Think about it, tons of people are leaving the island and can't take their car with them. They are in a huge hurry to sell, since they can't have cars in their name when they leave. 

So how do you go about finding the right car? First look at Okinawayardsale.com (bookoo). It's basically a Craigslist for Okinawa. 

This way, you know what the prices are like, what kinds of cars are available, what kinds of features are important, etc. 

Start by determining how much you want to spend. You can get by with spending very little if you don't care about how nice your car is. If you feel like your time on the island would be more enjoyable cruising around in a nicer car, that's fine too. 

Decide what kind of car you want. Do you want something small and great on gas milage? Do you want something big to haul people and gear (scuba) around? Do you want something with 4 wheel drive so you can explore? 

Once you have the big factors down, you can look at cars individually to see the pros and cons of each.

Things to consider: JCI, mechanics, exterior, interior, AC, tires

When considering the exterior, remember the conditions that cars on the island face. There will likely be peeling paint, rust, dents, etc. due to typhoons and salty air. 

JCI is very confusing but neccessary. JCI means Japanese Compulsory Insurance. JCI is a must in order to drive the vehicle. It must be renewed every 2 years. They will inspect the car and you must fix the things on the car that don't meet the standards before you can be issued a JCI. JCI can be very expensive, so it is ideal to get the longest JCI when purchasing a car. You want to at least have a year left on the JCI, so you will only have to pay for it once while you are here on the island.

Other fees: Yearly road tax, title transfer, yearly insurance

The number on your license plate gives you an idea as to how much your taxes will be. You want your number to be high. It is ideal to buy a car with a 500 plate as opposed to buying a car with a 300 or lower plate. 

So, when you are ready to find a car, start by looking on Okinawa Yard Sales(OYS) and the lemon lot. Some vehicles on OYS are also at the lemon lot. The lemon lot is a lot on base where people have paid a small fee to leave their car there to sell. The lemon lot and Okinawa Yard Sales are both good options. You can also go off base to a used car lot. We found that the prices at the used car lot were a significant amount more than the ones on OYS. The one good thing about used lots, all the cars come with a brand new JCI.

The key to buying a car on Okinawa is to negotiate. No one is actually trying to make money off of their car (except on the used car lots). They just want to get it sold without going to far under what it is worth or what they paid for it. Most people will take around $500-$1000 under asking price. Look for good deals. Some people are really desperate and will give you a great deal.

Before arriving on the island, Jake and I set our budget at $7000 for two cars. We thought that was pretty reasonable after doing some research on OYS. When we got to the island, we started by looking at the lemon lot. This gave us an idea of what was on the market and what different types of cars and features cost what. Jake and I agreed that we wanted one small car to zip around in and have low gas milage and one bigger car with 4wd to do some exploring.

We scoured OYS for about 4 days straight. We met with quite a few different people to look at their cars. Some people would not come down on price to what we thought was reasonable. Some cars were not worth the money or did not seem mechanically sound when we test drove them. After looking for awhile, we realized $7000 was way more than we needed to spend. That was a very nice surprise. We realized neither of us needed a super nice car, as long as it was mechanically sound.

We first found a 01' Toyota Will for $1,600 on OYS. After test driving it and checking it out, we offered $1,200. The paint on the entire car needed work, but it was mechanically sound and had very little miles on it. The seller agreed, and so we bought it. 

A couple of days later, Jake heard back from a guy he had been in contact with about a 97' Mitsubishi Pajero. He had test driven it at the lemon lot and really liked it. It had a bit of wear and tear, but we thought it was a good car to have for rugged activities. The guy had originally been asking $3,500, and Jake offered him $2,200. We thought this was a good price because of the exterior damages and the JCI would be up soon. The guy told Jake he had an offer of $2,700 and would get back to him. The offer fell through and the guy had to get it sold because he was leaving the island that week, so he sold it to us for $2,200.

So if you do the math, we got two cars for the whopping price of $3,400. We were incredibly happy with this price and we are happy with our two cars so far. We have had a need for both in different situations. 

So here are my overall tips for buying a car on Okinawa:

-Do your research. Know what cars are going for and how much you want to spend

-Take your time. Don't rush it or you may spend more than you need to.

-Look for deals. People here get in a crunch and need their cars gone. Wait for one of these deals to come along.

-Consider JCI (not like we did with the Pajero) so that you only have to worry about it once

-Negotiate aggressively. You most likely won't offend anyone, the worst thing they could do is say no.

**I know this post was long and boring, but I wanted to share this information with anyone PCSing to Okinawa

Double High Five For Friday 9/27

This week has been a wild one (do I say that every week?)! Because I have so much to share, I am cheating a bit and giving you more than 5 things. Don't tell anyone!

{ONE}

The movers brought our stuff on Monday! It had been sitting in storage for about 3 months, so I was a bit worried about what we would discover. Mold? Mice? Let your imagination run wild. The movers showed up in this fancy truck(like I've said before, the Japanese are so efficient about everything). There was only two of them, which worried me because two guys came to move us in the States and it took over 10 hours. Yep, I was not a happy camper. The movers here arrived with our stuff at 8 a.m. and had it all in the house before 9. I was thoroughly impressed. Then, they were gone and I was left staring at unopened boxes. I had been under the impression that they unpacked for us as well. That's when Jake informs me that he thinks he accidentally waived the unpacking while signing the papers. Ok, there is a language barrier. And it is nice to be able to put things where you want it. But, I am so sick of looking at boxes. We finally have everything unpacked and the house is starting to look put together. We have a huge mountain of boxes and bags of paper outside. The trash man might hate us, not the best first impression.

Coolest truck ever

Our stuff, finally!

Let the madness begin

So much trash. Sorry Planet Earth!

{TWO}

We got another car! Jake wanted something a bit more rugged for outdoor activities. If you saw our other car, you saw how tiny it is. We wanted something bigger incase we ever needed to haul anything/anyone. I actually haven't driven it yet. I am scared to drive it on the little roads here. I will stick with my itty bitty mobile. 

{Three}

Our government furniture was delivered on Tuesday. Since they restrict the amount of stuff you can bring to the island, the military loans you furniture and appliances for your time on the island. The furniture is very plain and boring, but we appreciate it since we have more space than we have ever had before. They pay for one delivery and one pick up of furniture. While they were moving in what we had ordered, I realized we didn't order a washer and dryer! Big WHOOPS. We had to go to the housing office the next day to request them and then pay to have them delivered. It can't believe I messed up like that. Like I said in yesterdays post, I have been quite the space cadet over here.

Oh hey there cutie. NOT

A washer and dryer!

{Four}

For our first meal in our house, I grilled pork chops on our stovetop grillpan. I wanted to share this with you because it worked out great and might be a good option for some of you! We have lived in lots of apartments that don't allow grills and we haven't wanted to invest in one yet. We got this grill pan that sits on top of your burner and works like a charm! The pork chops tasted just like they were from the BBQ. I got this one for around $35 at Bed, Bath, and Beyond. The other side is flat for pancakes and such.

Perfect first dinner

{FIVE}

As we were sitting on the couch, this little cat poked his head up at the back door. I screamed, out of surprise, then went to go check on him. He/she was very small and skinny. It was making this horrible meowing noise. It didn't go away for a couple of days. It sat around on our patio making that same awful noise. It made me super sad that I couldn't do anything to help it. They don't have animal control here. I haven't seen it in about a day, so maybe it found a new home. We were also visited by a cockroach and several lizards.

Just make yourself at home, why dontcha

{Six}

So we went to take a shower the first night we were here and realized there was a problem. Can anyone figure out what it might be??

 Darkness Outside. Light Inside. Large Window. Naked Person.

We did not want everyone seeing us in our birthday suits.

Problem.

Solution. Hang another shower curtain. 

It works for now. And we can still see our wonderful view whenever we want!

{Seven}

We watched our first sunrise in our house from the comfort of our bed. I might actually be a morning person now. 

{Eight}

After 4 long months, we are no longer living out of suitcases! It feels so nice to be able to walk into my (very own walk in) closet and pick something out from my entire wardrobe. I was sick of wearing the same things over and over. I was also sick of everything being wrinkly and have to rummage through everything to find something. It's the little things.

Goodbye, suitcases

{Nine}

Jake went back to work on Wednesday. He was so ready to get his job started and I love seeing him so excited. It was also time that we not spend every waking minute together. We, in general, do so much better when we have a routine. On the other hand, I already miss my partner in crime. I feel like I have a million things to tell him, want his opinion on everything, and want to show him stuff. Wah, wah, cry me a river, right? I will get used to not having him around and being my old, independent self, but right now, while every creak of our new house scares me, I miss him. 

{Ten}

Since Jake did go back to work, what did I do? Shop, of course! I have been running around the house organizing, cleaning, and starting to decorate. I wanted to get out and explore and pick up some items we needed (and some we don't). I went to our favorite dollar store and got some great stuff! I seriously love that place. I also went to a couple of clothing stores. I wanted to see what they have to offer here. I found some really cute stuff. I didn't get anything, though, because I am in a need-to-buy-stuff-for-the-house and it's-too-hot-for-fall-clothes-but-I-don't-want-to-buy-summer-clothes phase right now. Clothes shopping will just have to wait. I did, however, snag a cute porcelain deer head on sale at a boutique. I figured Jake would like it since he couldn't bring his real ones with him. 

Couldn't wait to style him on our uglier than sin  lovely dresser

So there you go, double high five for Friday! Hope y'all have a fabulous weekend. 

                                                                   

             

New Home Package

When I was doing research for our move, I found a wonderful idea. Sending a package to your new place before you move. For a few weeks before our move, I started collecting little items I thought I might want once we were in Okinawa. When we got our mailbox assignment, I sent us a package filled with these goodies. A week after we got here, I checked our box and there it was. It was so exciting to have a little piece of home! Some of the things I chose I thought I might not find here on the Island. 

• Quinoa
• Favorite Almond butter
• candle
• dog toy
• hair accessories
• Burts bees chapstick
• razors
• nail kit
• toothpaste
• dog treats
• dog bones
• new tervis tumbler with lid and extra straws

All of the stuff was very random, but it was all stuff I wouldn't neccessarily need in my suitcase. It was so fun to get this package and have some of my favorite things. The best thing, it only cost $14 to send it all the way here!

So here is an update on our Okinawa To-do list:

When you put it on paper, it really seems like we have gotten so much done! Now that we have a home and cars, we are starting to feel like this is where we belong. We are definitely ready for a routine and a fairly "normal" life. We still have a few things left to do before we are completely settled. I am working on finding a job. It is way easier said than done. Jobs for spouses here are few and far between. Wish me luck on my search! I have also not found a bikram studio. I may have to find a new fitness obsession.

Our Okinawa Home

We are so happy to have found a beautiful home on the island of Okinawa. We are hoping this house will feel like home for the next few years. We can't wait to get all settled in and making it feel like ours. It was quite the process, which I will share later, but we were actually surprised at how fast we found a place we liked. Overall, we only had to look at about 7 houses over 1 1/2 days before we fell in love with one. 

PROS:

• Close to Jake's work
• 3 bedrooms
• 2 baths
• American Appliances
• Lots of storage space
• Large living area
• Open floor plan
• Large yard with deck
• Fabulous view
• Close to a few good restaurants
• Large kitchen with tons of counter space and storage

CONS

• On a busy road
• Slightly outdated
• Far away from main populated area
• Not close to the best beaches

We had our stuff moved in on Monday (which was a few days ago around these parts). It actually was a pretty easy move-in, which we were thankful for after our 11 hour move out! I will give your more information and tips later on about the move in! We are still settling in. Boxes are everywhere we look. But, now that we have some of our stuff, we are starting to feel like this is home. It is overwhelming, but also fun to be able to organize and start fresh. I am already head over heels in love with this place (Okinawa and OUR HOUSE). It has shown me that a place does not have to be shiny, new, and fancy to feel homey and wonderful. I am so excited to be a in my own place! I am no longer living out of a suitcase after 4 months. I have keys to put on my key chain! I finally feel like a housewife again! I am no living with my parents (as much as I absolutely loved it mom and dad!). I can grocery shop for my little family. I can make my husband dinner and do his laundry. I can set things up and decorate how I want. I am a bit overwhelmed with all the decorating I want to do! I am so impatient and want to get it all done right now. I

We have lived here for about 12 hours and I can already tell I'm going to be very happy. I have more space than I know what to do with. We have so much space, we don't own enough furniture to fill it. We even had to borrow furniture from the government to fill up the space. I have my very own walk in closet and Jake has his own closet! I feel like I live in a mansion. I have the most kitchen cabinets and counter space I have ever had. Ok, this isn't saying much since I used to live in 460 square feet. I guess it doesn't take that much to impress us. 

Life here really gets better and better. I know there will be hard times. There will be times that we miss America. There will be times that we will be lonely as can be. But today, I am glad we have a little piece of this island that we can make home. 

The Journey to Okinawa

**Disclaimer: This post is very wordy and might be boring for some. I know some people want to hear all about our journey, though, so here you go. 

After around 35 hours of traveling, we have made it to Okinawa! It was a pretty epic journey.

We started by driving up to Louisville, KY airport with all of Jake's family. We checked in our bags and then hung around the airport for awhile with the family. Around 6p.m. it was time to check Lexie in. Yes, I shed a few tears after they zip tied her crate shut and took her away. We said goodbye to our family and then went through security. 

The ridiculous amount of stuff we brought with us

Also, traveling in Maxi dresses is where it's at. It's like you are wearing a blanket!

Lexie getting excited to ride the airplane.

We boarded the plane and asked someone to let us know if Lexie made it on. Awhile passed and then the captain came on and said they had over fueled the plane and we could not take off. After about 30 minutes, getting off and then back on the plane, they found a solution. We were really worried because we had a short lay over for our next flight, which we absolutely could not miss! We were also worried about the dog under the plane. The captain himself sent under the plane and checked on her. He even took a picture to show us and said she was doing well. Thank goodness for kind hearted people. Finally, they fixed the fuel problem and we took off. 

We landed in Chicago with 40 minutes before our next flight. We ran across the airport and made to our next flight. Once we were on the plane, they told us that our dog made it on as well. Thank goodness! We were so relieved we made it, but then we sat at the gate for about an hour and a half due to maintenance problems. Yet again, we were worried about our dog. Finally, we took off and 4 hours later we landed in Seattle. We ran down to baggage claim to find Lexie. She was panting and thirsty, but happy as can be. She wagged her tail like crazy when she saw us. It was such a relief to know that it wasn't too traumatizing for her. We got our stuff and headed out to catch the shuttle to the hotel. This is where Jake and I had to say goodbye. He had to stay at the airport to catch his military flight and I headed to the hotel. It was 2 a.m. Seattle time (5 a.m. eastern) and Lexie and I were exhausted. When we got to our room, she jumped on the bed a fell asleep. I showered, ate some hummus and pretzels (since I hadn't eaten since noon eastern) and went to sleep. 

Jake excited about his own TV

Travel outfit selfie

Jake's flight left at 8 AM, about the time I got up. I got up, hung around a bit, ate a soggy bagel, then headed to the airport. This is where it kind of got real. I was by myself trying to manuver my suitcases Lexie, and her crate through the airport. I was a sight to see. After about 40 minutes (and arguing with United about the cost), I got Lexie all check in. It was hard saying goodbye to her, knowing she was going to be on the plane for 10 hours. I went to the bathroom and gave myself 1 minute to cry. I let it all out, about everything. Lexie, leaving the US, and then I wiped my eyes and got it together. I was fine from then on. 

I then went through security and boarded one of the largest planes I had ever seen. I upgraded to economy plus, no not first class, just like coach but with extra leg room. I mainly did this because I was at the back of the plane before. I wanted as much time as possible in Tokyo and I knew it would take me forever to get off the plane if I was in the back. I wanted to upgrade to a cocoon in first class, but it was way too expensive. I am so glad I didn't, though, because I ended up having an entire row to myself! My flight was seriously perfect. I got so lucky. We took off on time, I was able to sleep lying down, I had all of the free movies I want on the TV on my seat, and got tons of food! The time went by so fast and definitely helped the nerves. 

First real meal in 24 hours. Not great, but not horrible!

They also gave us a sandwich and gelato as a snack and noodles with chicken for dinner.

I got off the plane in Tokyo nervous but ready. I first went through immigration where they checked my passport and papers. It only took about 5 minutes. Then, I went straight to find Lexie. She was in her crate on her cart. She wagged her tail like crazy when she saw me! I don't think I was supposed to let her out, but I did and gave her food and water. She seemed perfectly fine, which was a relief. I took her over to the animal inspection counter. It took about 20 minutes. Thanks to all of my research and preparation, everything went as planned as Lexie was accepted. I had to leave her there while I picked up my suitcases. So there I am with a cart of three suitcases and a cart with my dog crate. Y'all, I was a sight to see that's for sure. Thankfully, the lady at the animal counter helped me through customs and to the flight counter. I checked in my bag and Lexie, and then they let me take her outside to take her out of her crate. I her around for awhile and then took her back. She did not want to go back in her crate, but it made me feel better knowing the journey was almost over. 

During this time, not one person spoke English. Somehow though, the language barrier did not end up being a problem. We communicated through hand signals and pointing and it all worked out. Everyone was SO nice and helpful. I was so thankful for each and every person who helped me out. 

I then had to go back through security and wait for my flight. Another large plane and 3 hours later, I was in Okinawa. Flying in, we flew over the island. I was so mesmerized by is already. We landed and I went straight to pick up Lexie. I then got my suitcases and someone helped me outside. There was no wifi at the airport, which was how I was going to communicate with Jake and our ride. I panicked for about 3 seconds. I finally asked someone if they had the free texting app I was supposed to use and they texted my ride and told them where I was. About 4 minutes later, there he was with Jake. I was so excited and relieved! 

We loaded up and hit the road. I was immediately amazed by everything around me. It is so beautiful and there seems to be so many interesting things here. As exhausted as I was, I could not help feeling super excited about everything. We went to our hotel and got settled in, while our sponsor took Lexie back to his house since the kennel wasn't open. Jake and I hadn't eaten in quite awhile, but our sponsor had food for us at our hotel. So nice! We ate a bagel, showered, and got into bed. It was 11 p.m. on Friday at this point ( around 10 a.m. on Friday eastern). 

Our hotel on base is great! We have a small kitchenette, bed, desk, chair, T.V., table, and bathroom area. It has wifi in the lobby and free breakfast. It will be a nice place to stay until we find a place to live.

It is now 9 a.m on Saturday morning here. We are excited to get out and see the island during the day time. We are already impressed by the beauty just looking out our window. It is extremely hot and humid here, though. We will run some errands today, like getting cell phones. Our sponsor is also going to take us to their favorite sushi restaurant. We cannot wait to start getting settled here!

All in all, I think the journey went as well as we could have asked for. It ended up being a blessing that I flew commercially instead of with Jake. The flight was more comfortable for me and Lexie had to spend less time on the airplane. Crazy how things seem to work out in your favor even if you don't know it at the time. Lexie was so great through the whole process. She didn't seem to be too traumatized from the process, just extremely tired. It was an exhausting journey, but we are so glad to be here.

Until Next Time,