owning a car
Here's a collective guide on Japanese cars.
Enough said.
This guide describes buying a brand new car, buying from a dealer, and buying a used car. It also includes vehicle registration, shaken inspection, and the various taxes that come along with owning a car.
In our block, it wouldn't be a bad idea to just ask someone who owns a car to help you sort things.
This site breaks down how much it costs to own a car (white plate vs. yellow plate). They aren't actual numbers, so take that into account. Just a rough idea.
Again, asking someone who has a car may give you a good idea.
Fujisawa Garage
In Gohoku there is a locally owned garage by a man called Yuki Fujisawa. He speaks limited English and has helped many local JETs get affordable cars.
It can be found next to the restaurant 山屋紅 [1200 Yananoseishimi, Ino, Agawa District, Kochi 781-2145].