Japan holds a distinctive reputation in the automobile industry that echoes efficiency, durability, and innovation. The Japanese used car market stands out for pocket-friendly used cars with quality and affordability. While hunting for the best affordable used cars from Japan, we uncover multiple options for you that combine practicality and economic sensibility. These cars offer reliable and cost-effective journeys.
Diversity of The Used Car Market in Japan
Before suggesting the best affordable used cars from Japan I would say that affordability is a concept that exists on a spectrum, one that is deeply intertwined with individual circumstances and perspectives. What may be affordable to one person could be financially burdensome to another.
When it comes to purchasing a used car, the concept of affordability is further amplified by the inherent diversity in the automotive market. The price of a car is influenced by various variables, including its model, year, mileage, and brand.
Typically, the cost of a used vehicle ranges between 500,000 and one million Japanese yen. In the year 2022, the mean buying price for a used car in Japan stood at approximately 1.57 million Japanese yen, marking an uptick from the 1.55 million Japanese yen observed in 2021. Consequently, locating an affordable used car has grown somewhat challenging.
Buyer preferences significantly influence car selection. Individuals may seek affordable cars for small families, opt for budget-friendly sports cars, or choose economical mini-vans for larger families. According to Statista, mini cars emerged as the predominant body type in the Japanese used car market, constituting 36.7 percent of the recorded transactions.
Best Affordable Used Cars From Japan
Japan is the hub of world-famous automobile brands like Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Mazda. Here are a few of the best affordable used cars from Japan.
1. Daihatsu Move
The Daihatsu Move is a mini hatchback produced by the Japanese automaker Daihatsu. It is known for its fuel efficiency, affordability, and versatility.
Engine:
The Move is available in both gasoline and hybrid models. The gasoline-powered Move is powered by a 658cc 3-cylinder engine that produces 58 horsepower. It is available with a 5-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The hybrid Move is powered by a 1.0L 3-cylinder engine and an electric motor that produces 72 horsepower. It is available with a CVT only.
Fuel Efficiency:
The Move gets an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway for the gasoline model.
Interior:
The Move is a small car, but it has a surprisingly spacious interior. It can comfortably seat four adults, and the rear seats can be folded down to create a large cargo area.
Price:
The new Daihatsu Move ranges from $8,000 to $12,500 depending on 2WD, 4WD, and other features. On the other hand, a used Daihatsu Move typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000. The variation in price depends on factors such as the model year, mileage, and overall condition of the car.
2. Honda N-Box
The Honda N-Box is another popular Japanese kei car. With its boxy yet stylish exterior, the N-Box maximizes interior space despite its compact dimensions.
Engine:
It is powered by a 660cc 3-cylinder engine that produces 63 horsepower. It is available with a CVT only.
Fuel-Efficiency:
The N-Box gets an EPA-estimated 32 mpg in the city and 37 mpg on the highway.
Top speed:
The N-Box has a top speed of 134 km/h (83 mph).
Safety Features:
The N-Box is equipped with a variety of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, and front airbags.
Price:
The price of a brand-new Honda N-Box top-trim model is under $20,000. However, a used Honda N-Box can typically be found for between $6,000 and $10,000.
3. Honda Fit
Honda is renowned for its quality and reliability. The Honda Fit is a subcompact hatchback and a great choice for a fuel-efficient mini-car.
Engine:
Beneath the hood, the Fit draws its power from a robust 1.5L 4-cylinder engine, generating a notable 130 horsepower.
Fuel-Efficiency:
The Fit gets an EPA-estimated 33 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway.
Interior:
The Honda Fit stands out with its spacious rear seat area, providing ample room that rivals that of a full-size sedan.
Safety Features:
Furthermore, the Honda Fit has garnered significant safety recognition, earning high safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Price:
The new Honda Fit costs around 17 to 20 thousand USD. A used Honda FIT based on its condition, model, and mileage varies in price. You can find a fully functional car for around 10,000 USD.
4. Toyota Yaris
If you’re in the market for a medium-sized sedan rather than a smaller car, the Toyota Yaris should catch your attention. Interestingly, the Toyota Yaris secured its spot as the best-selling car in Japan in the year 2022. If a brand-new model isn’t within your budget, don’t worry – you can always consider a used car from Japan.
Engine:
The Toyota Yaris, propelled by a potent 1.5L 4-cylinder engine, boasts a commendable power output of 106 horsepower. This versatile vehicle offers a choice between a responsive 6-speed manual transmission and a smooth continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), catering to diverse driving preferences.
Fuel-Efficiency:
With its impressive fuel efficiency, the Yaris achieves an EPA-estimated 31 mpg in city driving and an impressive 40 mpg on the highway, making it an economical option for both urban and open-road adventures.
Interior:
The refined ivory-toned interior exudes sophistication and cleanliness, while meticulous interior detailing enhances the feeling of spaciousness and comfort. The car features a 4.2” multi-screen, a 6.8” touchscreen, and 6 advanced speakers.
Price:
The Toyota Yaris is also in the range of $20,000. Some affordable used Toyota Yaris can be found between $5,000 to $14,000.
5. Mazda MX-5 Miata
If you are looking for a sporty yet affordable used car from Japan. Look for Mazda MX-5 Miata. It is a two-seat roadster that has been in production since 1989. It is known for its lightweight design, rear-wheel drive, and fun-to-drive nature. The Miata is often praised for its handling and agility, and it is considered one of the best-handling cars in its class.
Engine:
The Miata is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that produces 155 horsepower. It is available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission.
Fuel-Efficiency:
The Miata gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
Interior:
Miata’s interior offers refined details and luxurious materials throughout, such as leather heated seats innovative Infotainment System, and a 9-speaker audio system.
Price:
The Mazda MX-5 Miata has an initial price of $28,000. However, a used Miata can be bought in a range of $15,000 and above.
Conclusion:
A range of options wait in the realm of the best affordable used cars from Japan. From the compact Design of the Daihatsu Move to the stylish design of the Honda Yaris, these used cars from Japan exemplify quality and value. In addition to that, the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s luxury features and the Honda Fit’s reliability present compelling choices. Moreover, the Japanese used car market offers budget-conscious buyers a diverse array of dependable, feature-rich, and economical vehicles to navigate the road ahead.