Survey on Car Buyout Reality: Satisfaction at Only 32.5%, with 53.3% Feeling Anxious Beforehand

Nile Inc. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Hisho Takahashi), operator of the specialized car buyout media 'Car Buyout Journal,' conducted an internet survey on car buyout attitudes and reality among 231 people who sold their cars between April 2025 and March 2026. The results are as follows:

### Key Findings Summary - Overall satisfaction ('Satisfied' or 'Somewhat Satisfied') remained at only 32.5%, while 'Dissatisfied' or 'Somewhat Dissatisfied' reached 26.0%. - The top reason for dissatisfaction was 'Opaque valuation basis/calculation,' cited by 66%. - 53.3% (123 people) of experienced sellers felt anxious before the buyout process. - For 51.2% (63 people) of those who felt anxious, their fears actually became a reality.

### Background of the Survey In recent years, news of scandals and fraud by some malicious used car dealers has increased. Such reports have led more users to feel that the 'used car industry is unreliable' or 'selling is scary.' Conversely, the editorial department has seen many operators who strictly follow compliance and face customer concerns head-on. This survey aims to visualize the reality of the car buyout market with data and facts, investigating satisfaction levels and the realization of pre-sale anxieties.

### Detailed Satisfaction Results When asked about satisfaction, only 32.5% (75 people) gave a positive evaluation. The most common response was 'Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied' at 41.6% (96 people). This suggests significant challenges in the quality and transparency of transactions in the market.

### Reasons for Dissatisfaction For the 60 people who expressed dissatisfaction, the primary reasons (multiple answers allowed) were: 1. Opaque valuation basis/calculation: 66% (33 people) 2. Reduction of appraisal amount after contract (double appraisal): 48% (24 people) 3. Pressure from the dealer: 40% (20 people) 4. Distrust in personal information handling: 40% (20 people) 5. Difficult procedures until sale: 40% (20 people) 6. Failure to receive payment: 16% (8 people)

The high percentage of 'double appraisal' is particularly concerning as it is a practice that should not occur. Furthermore, the 16% who reported not being paid properly points to serious damage by malicious operators, highlighting the wide variance in dealer quality in the market.