Car enthusiasts gather at the used car dealership, Rokko Garage. They handle car purchases, auction agency services, consignment sales, and title transfers mainly focusing on Porsche.

On the day of our interview, the garage carefully stored cars such as a 911 Carrera S (991.1) with 5 million yen worth of optional equipment and a Horizon Blue 911 (964C2).

The owner of Rokko Garage is Mr. Tomino.

Although his main business is real estate, his passion for cars led him to start a used car dealership, a fact even he openly admits.

Why did you start a used car dealership?

Tomino: Starting the used car dealership was a coincidence and inevitability brought about by various timings and triggers.

I didn’t decide from the start, “I’m going to run a car shop.”

It was a natural flow that came from overlapping factors such as:

“Being a car enthusiast”
“Building a garage house”
“Experiencing a change in my mindset”
“My main business temporarily stopping due to the COVID-19 pandemic”

My main business is real estate.

I used to work as a company employee, but after starting my own business and gaining some financial freedom, I began to think, “I want a car.”

At that time, I had no knowledge about cars, so even after searching online, I only got more confused (laughs). I first purchased a used 911 (996 model, Tiptronic).

After posting on Minkara and joining car meetups where I learned a lot from friends, I gradually became deeply hooked on cars. Before I knew it, last year I started the used car dealership.

What kind of cars do you deal with?

Tomino: Simply put, cars I want to drive myself.

“I’m okay even if this car doesn’t sell in the end. It’s a car I want to keep driving.”

I focus on acquiring cars that, beyond condition and quality, give me a feeling or vibe of “This is great.”

For example, the Horizon Blue 964 currently at the shop. It’s a rare body color, elegant, and a car full of character.

It’s right-hand drive, and at first, the pedal positions feel a bit strange, but you get used to it after a while. Whether on regular roads, highways, or winding routes, it’s fun to drive anywhere.

So, even if it doesn’t sell, I’m okay with that… (laughs)

Since my main business is real estate, I’m not aiming to make big profits from used car sales.

Of course, a minimum profit is necessary, but since I don’t have employees or a maintenance shop, fixed costs are low.

Therefore, by buying cars I want to drive at prices higher than market value, I can please sellers, and by selling them below market value, I can please buyers.

I want to continue this business with the spirit of the Omi merchants—where “the seller,” “the buyer,” and “myself” all benefit.

That said, I did have some failures at first.

When I bought a car at auction, it arrived flooded inside, and I thought, “I’ve been tricked….”

Since then, I’ve placed even more importance on “buying from trusted shops and people” and “selling to trustworthy people,” making “trust the foundation of my business.”

Thanks to various connections, including this blog “Welcome Home, PORSCHE,” I’ve been able to build a shop that closely matches my ideal way of buying and selling cars.

Future outlook and what you value most?

Tomino: Through Rokko Garage, I want to continue running a used car dealership that benefits all three parties within a community of trusted car friends.

In that sense, connections with people living nearby may become stronger than those from far away.

As I mentioned earlier, since used car sales are not my main business, I don’t push to sell cars at all costs.

Even if a car doesn’t sell, I only deal with cars I want to keep driving, so I make sure to hand them over to owners who can be trusted and give peace of mind.

Take air-cooled Porsches, for example. It’s common for issues or breakdowns to occur after some use.

After all, these cars were made decades ago.

Rather, I believe one of the charms of air-cooled Porsches is owning them with a big heart, like raising a child—maintaining and repairing them carefully. I want to pass them on to owners who can cherish them with that kind of spirit.

Nowadays, many good and legendary cars in Japan are increasingly being exported overseas.

Therefore, it would be wonderful if, through the community around Rokko Garage, we could all enjoyably protect these valuable classic cars together.

With that feeling, I want to continue running the shop happily.

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Full of car passion and humor, thank you very much, Mr. Tomino, for the interview.

And amazingly, if you mention “I saw the article on Welcome Home, PORSCHE,” you can receive special blog-only prices for both buying and selling!

If you’re considering car purchases, auction agency services, consignment sales, or title transfers, why not contact “Rokko Garage” once?

[Rokko Garage]
Goo-net
https://www.goo-net.com/usedcar_shop/0700861/detail.html
Car Sensor
https://www.carsensor.net/shop/hyogo/324540001/#contents