Disclaimer

Section 1 – Key facts about our products

• Unless a listing says otherwise, parts are used, pre-owned components with prior service history. Listings marked refurbished or remanufactured describe their own condition.
• Most parts are imported from Japan and were built for Japanese-market vehicles, which can differ from U.S.-market vehicles in specifications, emissions equipment, and design.
• Every engine passes a multi-point inspection and compression test, and we only ship engines with positive compression results.
• Other parts are not bench-tested unless the listing says they were.
• Coverage is limited to our limited warranty. Items listed with no warranty are sold as is.
• All sales are final, except as described in our Return & Refund Policy.

Section 2 – Product condition

“Used” means a part was installed and working in a vehicle before it was removed. It does not mean the part is damaged or faulty. Here is what to expect:

Because these are used mechanical parts, we cannot guarantee that any part will perform like a new or remanufactured component or last for a particular length of time. Have every part inspected by a qualified mechanic and replace normal wear items during installation.

Section 3 – Warranty limitations

Our only warranty is the limited warranty described in our warranty policy, which sets out coverage periods by part type, covered and excluded components, maintenance requirements, and the claim procedure. Where that limited warranty applies, any implied warranty, including the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, is limited to the duration of the limited warranty. Items listed as having no warranty, such as electrical and electronic parts, rotary engines, and used performance transmissions, are sold as is to the fullest extent permitted by law.

• What we stand behind: our listings are accurate to the best of our knowledge, based on the import documentation available when listed. If a listing contains a material error, contact us before installation.
• No labor coverage: the warranty does not cover labor to remove or install a part, towing, freight, rental vehicles, or other incidental costs.
• What voids coverage: installation or maintenance by anyone other than a certified mechanic, failure to follow the warranty’s maintenance requirements, overheating, modification, forced induction, racing, or repairs made without our prior authorization.
• No extension: a repair or exchange does not extend the original warranty period.

Section 4 – Vehicle compatibility and fitment

JDM parts often share platforms with U.S.-market vehicles but are not always identical. The year, make, model, and engine code in our listings and vehicle finder are a general guide, based on manufacturer specifications and import documentation. They do not account for every regional variation, mid-cycle change, trim, or optional equipment.

Your responsibility to verify

• Match the engine or transmission code to your vehicle’s factory specification, not just the model name or year.
• Confirm the transmission type (automatic or manual) and drivetrain (FWD, RWD, or AWD).
• Check that sensors, accessory drives, and mounting points will work with your vehicle.
• Ask a mechanic experienced with JDM swaps, or contact us, before ordering if you are unsure.

Common JDM and U.S.-market differences

• Power output, compression, or recommended fuel octane may differ.
• Sensor connectors, oxygen sensor ports, and emissions fittings may differ.
• Transmission gear ratios may differ, which can affect speedometer accuracy.
• Accessory brackets, power steering pumps, and A/C compressor mounts may not match.
• The engine computer (ECU) may need reprogramming, or you may need to use your U.S.-spec ECU.

Section 5 – Mileage disclosure

Japan’s strict vehicle inspection system (known as “shaken”) encourages owners to replace vehicles earlier than is common in the U.S., which is why many JDM engines and transmissions have relatively low mileage. We are not the original owner of these vehicles, however, and cannot independently verify every mileage figure.

• Documented mileage: where a listing shows a mileage figure, it comes from the Japanese auction or dismantler records for the donor vehicle. Japanese vehicles record kilometers (1 km = 0.621 miles), and we show the figure in miles.
• Typical range: used engines generally have 20,000–60,000 miles, depending on the year of manufacture.
• Undocumented mileage: if no reliable record was available, the listing shows no mileage figure or says it is unknown, and we make no claim about the part’s mileage.

The federal odometer law (49 U.S.C. § 32701 and following) governs the sale of complete vehicles, not individual parts. We follow its spirit: we never misrepresent mileage, and we pass on the documentation we receive in good faith.

Section 6 – Emissions, legal use, and long-block pricing

JDM engines and drivetrain parts were built to Japanese standards, which differ from those enforced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and, in California, the California Air Resources Board (CARB). South Bay JDM makes no representation that any part complies with federal or state emissions rules unless the listing says so. It is the buyer’s sole responsibility to confirm compliance and obtain any required approvals before installation.

• Federal (EPA): the Clean Air Act prohibits installing an engine or part that makes a road vehicle non-compliant with federal emissions standards.
• California (CARB): many JDM engine swaps are not legal for street use in California without meeting CARB requirements. Engine changes in California must be inspected by a Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) Smog Check Referee before the vehicle can pass smog.
• Other states: many states run safety and emissions inspections, and several have adopted California’s standards. A swapped engine that does not match your vehicle’s original configuration may fail inspection.
• Moving emissions equipment: state and federal authorities require you to transfer the emission control devices from your original engine to the replacement engine.
• Off-road and competition use: for vehicles never registered for public roads, compliance with the rules of the relevant sanctioning body is the buyer’s responsibility.

Section 7 – OEM brand and trademark disclaimer

South Bay JDM is an independent parts retailer. We are not an authorized dealer, affiliate, or licensee of any vehicle manufacturer. Brand names, model names, and engine codes, including Honda, Acura, Toyota, Lexus, Scion, Nissan, Infiniti, Subaru, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Chevrolet, GMC, and Ford, are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe compatibility and the vehicles parts came from.

When we call a part “OEM,” we mean it was made by or for the original vehicle manufacturer and fitted at the factory. It does not mean the part is sold through a manufacturer’s authorized dealer network.

Section 8 – Website information

• We update product information, prices, and fitment data regularly, but errors can occur. If we find an error after you order, we will contact you before shipping.
• Photos show the actual part or its typical condition. Colors may look different depending on your screen.
• We may correct listings at any time. Corrections do not affect orders that have already shipped.
• If our Spanish (Español) pages differ from the English version, the English version controls.

Section 9 – Installation and professional advice

Information on our website and from our team is general guidance to help you choose a part. It is not a substitute for an inspection and diagnosis by a qualified mechanic who can see your vehicle.

Engines and transmissions must be installed by a certified mechanic for warranty coverage. If you choose our local installation service, the labor warranty and terms provided with that service apply to the installation work.

Section 10 – Limitation of liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, South Bay JDM’s total liability for any claim relating to a product bought from us is limited to the price you paid for that product. We are not liable, under any legal theory, for:

• Consequential damages, such as damage to other vehicle components or systems caused by a failed or incompatible part
• Incidental costs, such as diagnostic fees, towing, shop labor, rental vehicles, or storage
• Indirect losses, such as loss of use, loss of time, inconvenience, or missed appointments
• Lost profits or income from a vehicle being out of service
• Punitive or exemplary damages

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limits on implied warranties. In those states, these limitations apply only to the extent the law allows, and you keep any statutory rights you have.

Section 11 – Handling and safety

• Engines, transmissions, and front clips are heavy. Use proper lifting equipment and protective gear when receiving, moving, or installing them.
• Parts may contain residual oil, coolant, or transmission fluid. Handle them carefully and dispose of fluids according to EPA and state rules.
• Inspect every freight delivery before signing, as described in our Shipping Policy.
• We are not responsible for injury or damage caused by improper handling, storage, or installation. If you have a safety concern about a part, contact us before going further.

Section 12 – State-specific notices

California (our home state)

• This disclaimer and all sales are governed by California law, as set out in our Legal Notice.
• CARB rules restrict engine changes in vehicles registered in California, and engine changes must pass a BAR referee inspection (see Section 6).
• Under California law, where a written warranty is given on used consumer goods, implied warranties last as long as the written warranty. Our limitations apply only to the extent California law permits.

Other states

Every state has consumer protection laws that prohibit unfair or deceptive practices, and many run vehicle safety or emissions inspection programs. If any part of this disclaimer conflicts with a law in your state that cannot be waived, that part applies only to the extent the law allows, and the rest remains in effect. You are responsible for understanding and following your state’s rules on vehicle modification, emissions, and installation.

Section 13 – Buyer responsibilities

1. Verify fitment first. Confirm the part matches your vehicle, engine code, and transmission type before ordering.
2. Read the full listing. Placing an order means you accept the condition described in the listing.
3. Use a certified mechanic. Proper installation is required for warranty coverage and your safety.
4. Check your state’s laws. Make sure the installation is legal for road use where your vehicle is registered.
5. Inspect on arrival. Check the packaging before signing, inspect the part before installing it, and report any problem right away.

Section 14 – Changes to this disclaimer

We may update this disclaimer at any time. The date at the top of this page shows the latest revision. Please review it before each order. Continued use of our website after a change means you accept the updated disclaimer.