Cheapest Toyota or Lexus made in Japan in 2024?

Toyota Division and International Models Forums Lexus
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Hi everyone, I’m only interested in buying Toyotas or Lexus vehicles made in Japan.

What’s the cheapest option out there in 2024? Could be a car, truck, or SUV, as long as it’s new and under 30k USD. I’m looking specifically for Japan-made vehicles. I’m in Clark County, Nevada, but I’d appreciate any info from wherever you live too.

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You won’t find any Lexus under 30k that’s made in Japan. Most Lexus models are still made there except for some RX, TX, and the current ES. If you’re looking for something new under 30k, your best bet is the Prius or the Corolla Hatchback. They’re both made in Japan. Some hybrids like the Corolla Cross Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid are partly made in Japan, but production has shifted. You’ll need to check the VIN to be sure.

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@Alexander
Yeah, the Corolla Hybrid sedan is mostly made in Japan. Most of the North American Corolla Cross Hybrids are assembled in Alabama with the gas model. The RAV4 Hybrid is primarily built in North America—factories in Ontario and Kentucky. NX production is also in Canada.

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@Porter
I was just looking at a dealership with a J VIN Corolla Hybrid coming in soon.

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@Alexander
So if I really want a J VIN and the price has to be under 30k, my only two options are the Prius and the Corolla Hatchback? The Corolla Cross Hybrid and RAV4 Hybrid are too expensive, right?

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@Jalen
I haven’t seen any Corolla Cross Hybrids made in Japan. I was shopping for one for a while and they weren’t from there. Maybe some are, but I didn’t come across any.

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CorollaCrew3 said:
@Jalen
I haven’t seen any Corolla Cross Hybrids made in Japan. I was shopping for one for a while and they weren’t from there. Maybe some are, but I didn’t come across any.

I was checking Edmunds, and the Corolla Hybrid I saw had a J VIN.

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@Jalen
That’s good to know! The ones I found said they were made in New Zealand, which seemed odd. Just to clarify—are you talking about the Corolla Hybrid or Corolla Cross Hybrid?

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CorollaCrew3 said:
@Jalen
That’s good to know! The ones I found said they were made in New Zealand, which seemed odd. Just to clarify—are you talking about the Corolla Hybrid or Corolla Cross Hybrid?

I’m talking about the Corolla Hybrid, not the Cross.

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@Jalen
Got it. As for price, the Corolla Cross Hybrids I looked at were around $33k-$36k. The non-hybrid ones were under 30k, but they weren’t made in Japan either.

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CorollaCrew3 said:
@Jalen
Got it. As for price, the Corolla Cross Hybrids I looked at were around $33k-$36k. The non-hybrid ones were under 30k, but they weren’t made in Japan either.

So as of July 2024, the only options under 30k made in Japan are the Corolla Hybrids and Corolla Hatchbacks. Everything else is either too expensive or made elsewhere.

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Just a heads up—the Prius is currently on a Stop Sale due to a recall. You can only find used ones for now. Toyota says they’ll fix the issue and resume new sales by Q3 this year.

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Honestly, you’d have a hard time noticing any difference between Japan-made and North American-built models. Toyota builds and distributes cars based on demand, taxes, and popular configurations.

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Jeharys said:
Honestly, you’d have a hard time noticing any difference between Japan-made and North American-built models. Toyota builds and distributes cars based on demand, taxes, and popular configurations.

I don’t agree. There’s a big difference in craftsmanship between cars made in Japan and those made elsewhere.

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@Jalen
That’s a myth.

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Alexander said:
@Jalen
That’s a myth.

Exactly. Aside from minor differences like the interior parts or paint suppliers, it’s tough to spot any real difference between a J VIN and one made in the US. Toyota does a good job of standardizing their global manufacturing.

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GaryRoberts said:
[deleted]

This is true!

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GaryRoberts said:
[deleted]

I don’t buy what you’re saying. Toyota has been making top-quality cars in North America for years. And you’re out here defending Hyundai Kia? That’s funny.

If you really work for Toyota, maybe you should quit. They don’t need you. Go work for Hyundai instead. :joy:

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@Rowen
And FYI, Toyota doesn’t hire undocumented workers like Hyundai has been caught doing. But Toyota does struggle to find people who can pass a drug test.

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If you’re open to buying used or certified pre-owned, you can get some great deals under 30k. The LX570 or GX460 come to mind. The GR86 is also made in Japan, though it’s a smaller car. Just some ideas!