People & Blogs

3 EXPENSIVE Japanese Cars That Cost LESS to Own Than a Toyota Corolla (Nobody Talks About This)

by Tokyo Car Club

📚 Main Topics

Cost of Ownership Misconceptions
- The assumption that cheaper cars cost less to own is misleading.
- Comparison between a used Lexus LS 430 and a new Toyota Corolla.
Three Japanese Cars with Low Ownership Costs
- Lexus LS 430
- Infiniti G37
- Acura TL
Detailed Cost Analysis
- Maintenance costs and depreciation of luxury vs. economy cars.
- Long-term financial benefits of owning older luxury vehicles.

✨ Key Takeaways

Lexus LS 430
- Originally priced at $55,000, can be purchased for around $9,000 today.
- Maintenance costs are significantly lower than competitors (e.g., BMW, Mercedes).
- Proven longevity with many examples exceeding 200,000 miles.
Infiniti G37
- A performance car that costs about the same to maintain as a base economy car.
- Engine design promotes longevity and lower maintenance costs.
- Depreciation allows buyers to acquire a high-performance vehicle at a fraction of the original price.
Acura TL
- Offers luxury features at a much lower price point than new cars.
- Shares a reliable Honda engine, making it a smart choice for buyers looking for value.
- Fourth-generation models (2009-2014) are recommended due to improved reliability.

🧠 Lessons Learned

Total Cost of Ownership
- Buyers should consider long-term costs rather than just the sticker price.
- The true cost of ownership includes maintenance, depreciation, and resale value.
Market Misconceptions
- The car market often prices vehicles based on past value rather than current reliability and performance.
- Many high-quality used cars are overlooked due to misconceptions about their maintenance costs.
Smart Buying Strategies
- Research and understand the specific models and their histories before purchasing.
- Look for vehicles that have depreciated but still offer high reliability and performance.

By understanding these factors, consumers can make more informed decisions and potentially save thousands over the life of their vehicle.

Transcript excerpt

0:00 I have a customer who changed everything I thought I knew about the used car market. He brought his 2005 Lexus LS 430 into the shop last spring for a routine service. 240,000 mi, original engine, original transmission. Every fluid in perfect condition because this man treated his car like it owed him a debt. He paid $9,500 for it 7 years ago. That same week, I watched somebody drive

0:31 off the Toyota lot in a brand new Corolla. $26,000 financed, monthly payments starting immediately. He was proud of himself for being smart about it. I ran the math that night. Over 10 years, the Corolla buyer will spend more money on that car than my LS 430 customer has spent on his in 20 years of driving a car that originally cost $55,000. Here's the truth that the car industry

1:03 does not want you doing the math on. The assumption that a cheap car costs less to own is the most expensive lie in American transportation. Dealers built their entire business model on that assumption staying intact. In this video, I'm going to show you three Japanese cars, cars that sold for between 30,000 and 60,000 dollars when they were new. That costs less per mile to own than a brand new Toyota Corolla. One carries a V8 engine documented at

🔒 The full, searchable transcript is available with Pro.

Suggestions