This isn’t quite like what we have in America.
Japan definitely is a different land with unique customs, including when it comes to being a car enthusiast. While you could explore this fact in so many different ways, the video below of a used car parts store in Japan is an interesting way to do it.
Yes, there are used car parts stores in the United States, but most are really junk yards (sorry, salvage yards) or at best somewhat civil warehouses. This place in Japan called UP Garage looks kind of like a Harbor Freight, only everything inside is used car parts.
The guy in the video is walking through just casually pointing out very clean and well-labeled components like Bilstein shocks and Recaro racing seats. It’s all very orderly and neat, although not really plush, which is quite the Japanese thing to do.
Of course, these parts cost a fraction of what you’d pay through a dealership or pretty much anywhere else. Nothing looks damaged or corroded, but it’s difficult to tell for sure in the video. Like the guy is saying, enthusiasts in Japan just buy a shell of a car, maybe with an engine, then they go to UP Garage and get the parts they want to build the machine of their dreams.
Can you imagine if there were these types of stores in the United States? Instead of its bristling with Subaru, Nissan, Honda, and Toyota compatible parts it would have all the Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, and other components of your dreams. Of course, you can buy such things online, sometimes, and you can get good deals from salvage yards, but the results can be messy and mixed.
The second story of this UP Garage place is full of motorcycle parts. There are a few bays for installing parts, and there’s a separate building with wheels and tires. Pretty much everything you need is in one location. It sure sounds and looks cool, so why doesn’t someone start a business like this in the US? Apparently, it’s quite popular in Japan with enthusiasts flocking there.
