21 Best Japanese Second Hand Cars to Buy in 2026

The Toyota Corolla and Toyota RAV4 are among the most suitable Japanese second-hand cars. Both hold their resale value well. Pick a Suzuki Alto for the lowest running cost. Pick a Honda CR-V or Mitsubishi Outlander for family space. Always read the auction sheet and check your import rules first.

This guide is published on the Next Drive Japan website. We export used cars from Hamamatsu in Japan. Specs change by model year so confirm details for each car.

Quick Facts About Japanese Used Cars

What Are Japanese Second Hand Cars?

Japanese second hand cars are used cars that were first sold in Japan. Owners sell used cars in Japan at auctions or to dealers. Exporters then ship them to buyers abroad. People also call them Japanese used cars or used cars from Japan.

Buyers can pick popular Japanese cars from many top brands. Toyota and Subaru and Suzuki and Nissan and Honda lead the list. Online platforms and specialist dealers make buying easy. Both local and overseas buyers can use them.

Japan has strict vehicle checks called shaken. These checks cover brakes and lights and emissions. They shape the quality of second hand cars in Japan. Even old Japanese cars often stay in fair shape. Many cars also come with clear service records and low mileage.

Japan has been a top three car maker for decades. It passed Germany in the 1960s. That long history helps explain the quality of Japanese vehicles.

Why Buy Japanese Used Cars?

These are the main reasons buyers choose Japanese used cars:

• Many are reliable Japanese cars with long life thanks to careful upkeep.
• Many carry modern safety features and useful technology.
• They lose value more slowly than many other cars.
• Many Japanese vehicles have good fuel economy that lowers running costs.
• Many models let you find the right fit for your needs.
• Even cheap Japanese cars often offer long life and low running costs.
• Strict inspections keep even older cars in fair condition.

Why Are Japanese Second Hand Cars So Cheap?

Shaken checks cost owners money so many sell older cars instead of paying. This sends many good cars to auctions and the export market. The large supply keeps prices fair for buyers. Used cars also pass the steepest drop in value early on.

Reliability and Quality

Reliable Japanese cars are common on the used market. These cars get rigorous upkeep and inspections. They meet high standards before sale.

Japanese makers are known for craftsmanship and care. Their cars age well and need few repairs. Strict roadworthiness rules add to this overall reliability.

Owners also enjoy long life and good performance with low upkeep costs. That is why many buyers trust these cars for daily use.

Technology and Safety Features

Japan is one of the biggest car makers in the world. Its engineers build many parts with advanced technology. Many Japanese car models carry strong safety and comfort features.

• Safety systems: Adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist.
• Eco friendly power: Hybrid or electric options cut fuel costs.
• Easy infotainment: Simple screens with good connectivity.
• Long life: Solid engineering keeps value high for buyers.

Which Japanese Used Cars Hold Resale Value Best?

Toyota and Honda and Subaru often get high marks for resale value. Quality engineering and low maintenance costs help. Good fuel economy adds to their appeal. Among Japanese car models the Corolla and CR-V and RAV4 are strong examples.

Our Toyota vs Honda reliability guide compares the two brands in more detail. Resale also depends on mileage and condition. Ask for the service book before you buy.

Best Japanese Family Cars

Families often look at the CR-V and RAV4 and Outlander. The RAV4 seats five people and the Outlander seats seven. Check cargo space and safety features before you decide. Buyers who live in Japan can use the same list. Ask the dealer for the shaken date and the service book.

 

21 Best Used Japanese Cars at a Glance

This table helps you compare the popular Japanese cars in this guide. The last column shows the name often used on Japan auction sheets.

 

Specs below vary by model year so check each auction sheet.

Best Japanese Cars by Need

Use this list to pick the best Japanese cars for your needs.

• Lowest cost: Suzuki Alto or Toyota AYGO.
• Tight city parking: Toyota iQ or Toyota AYGO.
• Low fuel bills: Toyota Prius or Suzuki Swift.
• Electric choice: Nissan LEAF.
• Family space: Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4 or Mitsubishi Outlander.
• Fun driving: Mazda MX-5.
• Comfort and style: Lexus IS or Mazda6.
• Best all round: Toyota Corolla.

Best Japanese Hatchbacks for City Driving

Small cars suit crowded city streets well. Top Japanese hatchbacks include the Mazda2 and Swift and Jazz and Note. The Toyota Yaris is another good option. Many sellers offer used hatchbacks from Japan at fair prices.

Japanese Second Hand Car Reviews 

1. Toyota Corolla

The Corolla is a well known compact sedan. It has a name for dependability and practical design. The cabin is roomy and the look is fashionable. See also our Toyota RAV4 guide for a larger option.

• Engines: 1.8-liter four-cylinder or a stronger 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
• Fuel use: Up to 40 mpg on the highway in some models.
• Tech: Touchscreen with Android Auto.
• Safety: Lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.

Good points: Strong reliability and low upkeep cost. The ride is comfortable and resale value is high.

Watch out: Modest acceleration and a small trunk and basic cabin materials.

2. Mazda MX-5

The MX-5 is a legendary roadster. Its light body gives sharp and balanced handling. Drivers love the open air feel.

• Engines: 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 181 horsepower and about 151 lb ft of torque. A 1.5-liter four-cylinder makes about 132 horsepower.
• Gearbox: Six-speed manual is usual. A six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is optional.
• Fuel use: Around 26 to 30 mpg in the city and 34 to 36 mpg on the highway.
• Roof: Manual or power soft top. A retractable hardtop may be available.
• Safety: Airbags and antilock brakes.

Good points: Agile handling and an open air soft top. Mazda also has a strong durability record.

Watch out: Little storage space and a firm ride on rough roads. The cabin is noisier with the top up.

3. Suzuki Alto

 The Alto is a small car with a low price. It saves fuel and works well in busy cities. Its small size makes parking easy.

• Engine: 0.8 to 1.0 liters.
• Gearbox: Manual or automatic.
• Size: Compact body that suits city streets.

Good points: Low price and light weight and strong fuel economy. The turning circle is tight.

Watch out: Little interior and cargo space. The small engine can struggle on highway merges and steep hills. Entry trims may lack modern safety features.

4. Toyota AYGO

The AYGO is a small and stylish city car. It handles well and uses little fuel. Young drivers like its low cost and easy parking.

• Engine: 1.0-liter three-cylinder.
• Gearbox: Manual is common and automatic is available.
• Seats: Four people with fair cargo space.

Good points: Low starting price and easy parking. Many color and trim choices exist.

Watch out: Weak power at highway speed and a plain interior. Rear legroom is tight on long trips.

5. Toyota iQ

The iQ is a tiny city car with big ideas. It is only 2.985 meters long yet it seats four people.

• Engine: 1.0-liter or 1.3-liter petrol.
• Gearbox: Automatic.
• Safety: Airbags and ABS and stability control.
• Tech: Touchscreen with Bluetooth and navigation.

Good points: Roomy for its size and low fuel use. Handling is nimble and the look is modern.

Watch out: A small trunk and a firm ride on rough ground. Engine noise rises at higher speeds. It can cost more than some rivals.

6. Mazda2

The Mazda2 suits city driving well. It saves fuel and steers with quick response. The cabin looks tidy and feels well made.

• Engine: Skyactiv-G 1.5-liter petrol with up to 90 horsepower.
• Gearbox: Manual or automatic.
• Seats: Five people with fair cargo space.
• Tech: Mazda Connect system and optional driver assist features.
• Safety: Multiple airbags and ABS and stability control.

Good points: Nimble handling and good fuel savings. The look is stylish and parking is easy.

Watch out: A firm ride and engine noise at speed. Rear legroom is tight for tall adults. Base models lack some safety features.

7. Nissan Micra

The Micra is a compact car that is easy to drive. It is light on fuel and quick in town. The cabin gives good comfort for its size.

• Engines: Petrol and diesel versions.
• Gearbox: Manual or automatic.
• Tech: Touchscreen with smartphone connectivity and safety systems.

Good points: Economical engines and responsive steering. Comfort features are modern and the look is pleasing.

Watch out: A cramped rear seat and cargo area for tall people. The suspension feels firm on rough roads. Some rivals offer similar features for less.

8. Nissan LEAF

The LEAF is a popular electric car. It suits drivers who want cleaner and quieter trips. Acceleration is smooth and quick in town.

• Range: About 150 to 226 miles depending on the model year.
• Charging: Standard AC charging or fast DC charging.
• Space: Good room for people and cargo.
• Tech: Smartphone link and navigation and driver assist features.

Good points: Smooth acceleration and two charging options. The cabin is roomy for a compact car.

Watch out: Long trips need careful planning. Battery wear can cut range over time. Cold weather can cut range too. Incentives and savings can offset the higher price over time. Ask for the battery health report before you buy.

9. Mazda6

The Mazda6 has a sleek look and a comfortable cabin. It gives a smooth and polished drive.

• Engines: 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder.

Good points: Stylish design and an upscale interior. The tech is easy to use and safety is strong.

Watch out: The rear seat feels tight for tall passengers.

10. Toyota Prius

The Prius is a pioneer of hybrid cars. It first launched in 1997 and is known for very low fuel use.

• Fuel use: Very high mpg ratings.
• Tech: Touchscreen and advanced safety features as standard.

Good points: Great fuel economy and a comfortable roomy cabin and low emissions. It also suits daily commutes and long trips.

Watch out: Acceleration feels slow compared to petrol cars and the design divides opinion. The upfront cost is higher than a basic petrol car. Plug-in versions have limited electric range. Battery placement can cut cargo space.

11. Suzuki Swift

The Swift is agile and light on fuel. It has a sleek look and a comfortable cabin. The peppy engine suits city commutes.

• Engines: 1.2-liter or turbocharged 1.0-liter.
• Gearbox: Five-speed manual or CVT.
• Fuel use: Up to 50 mpg.
• Safety: Collision mitigation.

Good points: Lively city performance and great mileage. It also has a proven record of durability.

Watch out: It lacks the upscale finish of pricier models.

12. Lexus IS

The Lexus IS blends luxury with sporty driving. The cabin feels elegant and comfortable. Engine choices give strong power without heavy fuel use.

• Engines: Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder or 3.5-liter V6.
• Gearbox: Smooth eight-speed automatic.
• Cabin: High quality materials and comfortable seats.

Good points: Sharp design and excellent build quality. The ride is smooth on long highway drives. The turbo four-cylinder also gives good fuel economy.

Watch out: Limited rear space and a fussy infotainment screen. The handling is less sporty than some rivals. The V6 uses more fuel than rivals.

13. Nissan Juke

The Juke is a compact crossover with a bold look. The turbo engine gives lively performance. Parking in tight spaces is easy.

• Engine: Turbocharged 1.6-liter.
• Cabin: Roomy interior with flexible cargo space.

Good points: Distinct styling and agile city handling. It has modern tech and safety and a versatile interior layout.

Watch out: Limited rear seat space. The styling does not suit everyone.

14. Nissan Qashqai

The Qashqai is a compact SUV with modern styling. It carries advanced safety features and suits daily family use.

• Engines: Petrol or diesel.
• Gearbox: Manual or automatic.
• Drive: Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
• Cabin: Roomy with plenty of cargo space and a touchscreen.

Good points: Modern design and a comfortable ride and fuel saving engines. It also gives good value in its class.

Watch out: Handling is less engaging than some rivals. Interior materials could be better and off-road ability is limited.

15. Honda Civic

The Civic is known for reliability and fuel economy. Its smooth lines look sharp and the cabin blends comfort with simple tech.

• Engines: 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

Good points: Sleek design and a roomy comfortable cabin. Handling is agile and fuel economy is excellent.

Watch out: A slow infotainment screen. The ride feels firm to some drivers. Rear visibility is limited on certain models.

16. Nissan Note

The Note is a compact hatchback with a roomy interior. It rides comfortably and saves fuel. It is a handy daily commuter.

• Engine: 1.2-liter petrol.
• Space: Good headroom and legroom.
• Tech: Touchscreen with smartphone connectivity.

Good points: Easy maneuvering in town and a comfortable ride and simple tech.

Watch out: Limited power for overtaking and cheap feeling interior materials. Rear visibility may be poor.

17. Honda Jazz

The Jazz is known for flexible and roomy seating. Its small size makes parking easy. It also carries many safety features.

• Engine: 1.5-liter i-VTEC petrol.
• Gearbox: Manual or automatic.
• Seats: Magic Seats that fold in many ways.
• Safety: Honda Sensing with collision mitigation braking.

Good points: Great fuel economy and a practical interior. The ride is smooth and the build is durable.

Watch out: Few engine choices and some rivals offer more tech. Top trims can be pricey. The interior feels basic and rear visibility can be weak.

18. Honda CR-V

The CR-V is a versatile SUV with plenty of space for families. It looks sleek and the tech is simple to use. It is one of the most popular SUVs in its class.

• Engines: 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder or a hybrid.
• Drive: Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
• Safety: Honda Sensing as standard.

Good points: A comfortable and composed ride and a practical layout. Reliability and resale value are strong.

Watch out: The turbo engine can feel weak at times and towing power is limited. Some rivals have richer interiors. The infotainment screen could respond faster. The starting price is higher than rivals.

19. Toyota RAV4

The RAV4 is a compact SUV known for reliability and fuel economy. It has a roomy cabin and strong safety features. Families and adventure fans both enjoy it.

• Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
• Drive: Front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
• Seats: Five people.
• Safety: Toyota Safety Sense 2.0.
• Cargo: Generous space with flexible storage.

Good points: Great fuel economy for its class. Reliability and resale value are strong. The ride is smooth and the infotainment is easy to use.

Watch out: Some rivals have stronger engines and interior materials could be better. Smartphone link options are limited. The base model lacks advanced tech. All-wheel drive cuts fuel economy.

20. Toyota Yaris

The Yaris is a compact car known for reliability and fuel economy. It gives a comfortable ride for city commuters. It offers good value and practical design.

• Engine: 1.5-liter four-cylinder.
• Safety: Toyota Safety Sense as standard.
• Cargo: Folding rear seats add space.

Good points: Excellent fuel economy and responsive handling and an easy infotainment system. The cabin feels roomy for its size.

Watch out: Basic interior materials and limited customization options.

21. Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander offers comfort and a smooth ride. Smartphone link and a touchscreen keep everyone connected. It handles city streets and light off-road use.

• Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder.
• Gearbox: CVT.
• Seats: Seven people.
• Drive: All-wheel drive is available.
• Safety: Forward collision mitigation and lane departure warning.

Good points: A roomy cabin with a third row and a smooth ride. All-wheel drive adds traction and cargo space is generous.

Watch out: Some rivals have stronger engines and interior materials could be better. The third row is tight for adults and towing power is limited.

How Much Do Japanese Second Hand Cars Cost?

The price depends on the model and age and mileage. Small city cars cost less than SUVs and luxury sedans. Set a clear budget before you start to keep your shortlist short.

The car price is only the first part of your bill. Budget for each item in the table below. Prices change every month so ask for a live quote.

Ask for one written quote that lists all six items. For lower prices read our cheap JDM cars guide for budget ideas. Many cheap Japanese cars come from the small car group in this guide.

Used Car vs Brand New Car

The right choice depends on your budget and your needs. New cars bring the latest features and a warranty at a higher price. A pre owned Japanese car often gives better value. The steepest drop in value has already happened.

Where to Buy Japanese Used Cars Online

Buyers can find used cars from Japan in four main places.

• Japan auctions: USS and Yahoo Japan Auctions sell thousands of cars at wholesale prices.
• Used car exporters: They bid for you and ship the car. Ask for the auction sheet and photos. The auction sheet is a grade report that lists condition and repairs.
• Local dealers in Japan: They suit buyers who live in Japan and want to see a car first.
• Online stock sites: They let you browse photos and compare second hand cars in Japan.

Next Drive Japan is an exporter based in Hamamatsu. Buyers can bid on cars from live Japan auctions. Compare written quotes from at least three sellers. Our list of top 10 Japanese used car exporters is a good start.

How to Buy a Japanese Used Car From Overseas

Follow these steps to buy used cars in Japan from another country:

1. Set your budget. Include shipping and duty and registration.
2. Check your import rules. Look at age limits and duty and safety rules.
3. Pick a trusted exporter. Compare three written quotes.
4. Choose your car. Read the auction sheet and ask for photos.
5. Arrange an inspection. Some countries need a pre export check by an approved agency.
6. Ship the car. Use container shipping or roll on roll off (RoRo) shipping.
7. Prepare the papers. You need the invoice and bill of lading and export certificate and import permit.
8. Clear customs and collect. A local agent can handle customs clearance and delivery.

Starting a Car Export Business?

Sellers need the right export licenses from Japanese authorities. Many exporters target Africa and Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Good planning of shipping and papers helps a new business grow.

Check Import Rules Before You Buy

Every country sets its own age limit and duty. Read the official customs page for your market first. Rules change so confirm them before you pay.

What to Check Before You Pay

• Read the auction sheet and ask about every repair mark.
• Ask for the full service record.
• Look for rust under the floor and on the sills.
• Confirm the mileage and the build date on the papers.
• Pay only into an account that matches the company name.

Our used car buying checklist adds more checks for any import.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best Japanese second hand cars to buy?

The Toyota Corolla and Toyota RAV4 suit most buyers. Pick a Suzuki Alto for low cost. Pick a Honda CR-V or Mitsubishi Outlander for family space.

Why are Japanese second hand cars so cheap?

Japan has strict car checks called shaken that cost owners money. Many owners sell older cars instead of paying. This large supply keeps prices fair for buyers.

Are Japanese used cars reliable?

Most are reliable when owners kept good service records. Strict checks and careful upkeep help them last. Always read the auction sheet before you buy.

Which Japanese used cars have the best resale value?

Toyota and Honda and Subaru often get high marks for resale value. In this guide the Corolla and CR-V and RAV4 are strong picks. Resale also depends on mileage and condition.

What is the best Japanese family car?

The Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 suit most families. The Mitsubishi Outlander seats seven people. Check cargo space and safety features before you decide.

What are the cheapest Japanese cars?

Small city cars like the Suzuki Alto and Toyota AYGO cost the least. Their small engines also keep fuel bills low. Prices change every month so ask for a live quote.

How much do used cars cost in Japan?

The price depends on the model and age and mileage. Small city cars cost less than SUVs and luxury sedans. Add shipping and duty and registration to the car price.

Where can I buy Japanese used cars online?

Use Japan auctions and trusted exporters and online stock sites. Ask for photos and the auction sheet before you pay. Compare written quotes from at least three sellers.

Can I import a Japanese used car to my country?

Often yes but each country has its own rules. Check the age limit and duty and safety rules first. Each market from Tanzania to New Zealand differs.

Which Japanese hatchbacks are best for city driving?

Try the Mazda2 or Suzuki Swift or Honda Jazz or Nissan Note. All four are small and easy to park. The Toyota Yaris is another good choice.

Conclusion

Japanese second hand cars give you quality and value for fair money. A Corolla or RAV4 is a safe pick among the best Japanese cars. Set your budget and add import costs. Then check your local rules and ask for a written quote. Send us your budget and country and we will help you plan.