Japanese cars and their European and American analogues

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You can argue for a long time about which car can be called “reliable”. Indeed, these days it is difficult to surprise anyone with a mileage of 200 thousand kilometers. But from several good cars you can always choose the best one. This review presents the 10 most reliable Japanese cars that will easily cover 300,000 km and even more.

Toyota Sienna

The rear doors of the Toyota Sienna slide easily and then you can safely seat children on the spacious sofa. And if you fold it, you can load a lot of luggage. No matter what you need to haul, this minivan will do the job. In addition, the car is all-wheel drive, which makes it even more useful. It will “live” for a long time and, in general, the Sienna is one of the “longest-lived” minivans on the market.

SUZUKI

SuzukiCultusSwift (until 1995)SuzukiCultusBaleno (Hebrew) (since 1995)SuzukiCultusEsteem (American) (since 1995)SuzukiEscudo 3doorVitaraSuzukiEscudo NomadeVitaraSuzukiJimnyJimnySuzukiSamuraiSamuraiSuzukiSwiftSwift / Subaru Justy (since 1995 )SuzukiSX-4SX-4

Why are cars from Japan so popular?

This is due to the highest build quality and reliability. According to these indicators, only the brainchild of German manufacturers can compete with Japanese used cars. However, vehicles from Japan also have additional advantages. Among them:

  • low cost of repairs and components compared to vehicles from Europe;
  • high technological equipment - in terms of the number of various electronic systems and “bells and whistles” that make the driver’s life easier and create the necessary conditions for comfortable operation of the vehicle, Japanese used cars confidently hold the palm;
  • long service life (with some luck, you can buy a 15 or even 20-year-old car from the land of the rising sun, which, in terms of its technical condition, can easily outperform 3-5-year-old domestically produced vehicles).

There are also disadvantages. These include:

  • the steering wheel location is unusual for Russian drivers (on the right side), which introduces its own nuances into driving (especially when overtaking);
  • increased interest from car thieves (thieves choose vehicles from Japan precisely because of their reliability and high build quality);
  • difficulties with choosing a qualified repairman (in fairness, let’s say that for the Far Eastern region of the Russian Federation this statement does not apply, since almost 90 percent of all vehicles in the Far East come from Japan, so the local craftsmen will disassemble and assemble the “Japanese” with closed eyes).

MAZDA

MazdaCapella 626MazdaCronos Xedos 6/EunosMazdaCX-7CX-7MazdaEnfiniMS8MazdaEntiaXedos9MazdaFamilia323, Protege (American)MazdaMilleniaXsedos 9MazdaMS 6 626MazdaMX 5RoadsterMazdaMX 6MX 6MazdaMX-3MX-3MazdaNeo 323MazdaRX 7RX 7MazdaRX 8RX 8MazdaSavannaRX7 cabrio

How to choose a Japanese car

Despite the reliability of the “Japanese”, experts recommend carefully checking the technical condition of a used vehicle before buying it. Especially if you choose a used car based on advertisements in the media or on the Internet. There are plenty of scammers here. Therefore, before making a choice, be sure to check:

  • body geometry (damaged vehicles and vehicles restored after an accident are a common occurrence on Russian car markets);
  • the performance of the gearbox, especially if it is automatic (restoration will be expensive);
  • functioning of electronic systems;
  • other mechanisms and units.

When choosing a used Japanese car, look at the ratio of mileage and price. If both indicators are too small, it is better not to buy a car. Vehicles from Japan are famous for their low mileage and good technical condition. But too obvious a discrepancy between these parameters indicates that the car’s odometer is twisted and the seller is a fraudster.

MITSUBISHI

MitsubishiAirtrackOutlanderMitsubishiAspireGalant (until 2002)Mitsubishino analogueCarisma (European)MitsubishiCediaLancerMitsubishiChallengerPajero Sport, Montero sportMitsubishiChariot, GrandisSpace WagonMitsubishiDelica 87 (Delica Star Wagon)L300MitsubishiDelica 94 (Delica Space Gear)Space GearMitsubishiDelica 94 (Delica Cargo)L400MitsubishiDiamante (since 1994)Sigma (European) ), Magna (Australian)MitsubishiDingoDingoMitsubishiEmeraudeGalantMitsubishiEternaGalantMitsubishiFTOFTOMitsubishiGalantGalantMitsubishiGTO3000GTMitsubishiLancerLancerMitsubishiLegnumGalant WagonMitsubishiLiberoLancer Kombi / Lancer WagonMitsubishiMirage 3DColtMitsubishiPajero 3doorMontero / PajeroMitsubishiPajero 5doorMontero / PajeroMitsubishiPajero iOPajero iO, Pajero PininMitsubishiPajero Minino analogueMitsubishiRVRSpace RunnerMitsubishiStarionStarionMitsubishiStradaL200MitsubishiEclipseEclipseMitsubishiMirage AstiLancer (sedan, 2 doors)MitsubishiMirage 4DLancer (sedan, 4 doors)MitsubishiDebonairno analogueMitsubishiProudia Dignityno analogueMitsubishiJeepno analogueMitsubishiPAJERO -JR (Junior) no analogue Mitsubishi Minica/Minica Toppo/Toppo BJ no analogue Mitsubishi Bravo/Minicab/TownBox no analogue MitsubishieK Wagon no analogue MitsubishiSigma (since 1994) Sigma (European), Magna (Australia) Mitsubishi no analogue Space Star (European)

Right or left?

“Japanese” cars come in right-hand drive (for the local market) and left-hand drive (for delivery to Europe and America). Which of these options should you choose? Experts are unanimous in their opinion that, if possible, it is better to buy a right-hand drive car. There are several reasons:

  • price: a “European” always costs more than a “Japanese” (for example, you will buy a Mitsubishi Galant aged 10-12 years with a right-hand drive for about 50 thousand rubles cheaper than a similar vehicle in a left-hand drive version);
  • the range of used right-hand drive cars is often more diverse, especially in the minivan category (for example, among cars with increased capacity, you will not find a left-hand drive Toyota Wish, Voxy or Ipsum, Honda Elysion or Nissan Serena);
  • many Japanese models have all-wheel drive only with the “native” right-hand drive (for Europe and America such modifications are not made);
  • in terms of reliability and build quality, European “Japanese” vehicles are inferior to right-hand drive vehicles produced for the domestic market;
  • The maximum equipment of a car of the same make and model is in many cases better than that of a right-hand drive car.

For example, a left-hand drive 2005 Toyota Corolla does not have all-wheel drive, standard navigation, a TV, or a camera to monitor movement in reverse gear. At the same time, you can buy a Japanese version of a vehicle cheaper than an American or European one.

NISSAN

Nissan180 SX180 SXNissanADSunny TravelerNissanAtlasAtlas-100NissanAtlas (since 1995, with 2 and 3t cargo loads)analogue of Isuzu ElfNissanAvenirPrimera WagonNissanBlueberdAlmeraNissanCaminoInfinity Q20NissanCaravanUrvanNissanCefiroMaxima/Infinity I30NissanC imaInfinity Q45NissanFirelady300ZXNissanFugaInfiniti MNissanHomynoNissanLeopardInfinity Q30NissanLuchinoSunnyNissanMarch / March BoxMicraNissanMistralTerrano IINissanMuranoMuranoNissanNoteNoteNissanPrairiePrairieNissanPresidentInfinity Q45 (short)NissanPrimera Primera / Infinity G20NissanPulsarAlmeraNissanPulsarSentra (American)NissanQashqaiQashqaiNissanRegulusInfinity QX4NissanSafariPatrol / Patrol GRNissanSerenaSerenaNissanSilvia200SXNissanSkylineGT-R / Infinity G35NissanTeanaTeanaNissanTerranoTerrano / PathfinderNissanWing roadAlmera wagonNissanX-TrailX-Trail

Which Japanese car is better to buy?

The choice of Japanese right-hand drive cars on the secondary market is huge. However, based on indicators of build quality and reliability, Toyota Corolla has been among the leaders of numerous ratings compiled by various international expert companies for two decades. Also, among the brainchildren of this Japanese auto giant, experts advise choosing:

The second most popular brand in Russia among Japanese manufacturers is Nissan. Feel free to buy the following models:

Mitsubishi is considered the third most popular among Japanese cars. Here you can choose models such as:

If you choose among other Japanese brands and models, then you will not go wrong if you buy a used Honda Accord or Legend, Mazda 2, 3 or 6. Infinity and Lexus are in high demand among Russian residents.

HONDA

HondaAccordAcura TLHondaAccord CoupeAcura CLHondaAscotRafagaHondaCivicCivicHondaCivic-FerioCivic (sed.)HondaCR-VCR-VHondaCRXCRXHondaEdixFR-VHondaHorizonAcura SLXHondaHR-VHR-VHondaInnova (Accord Innova)AccordHondaInspireSaberHondaIntegra Acura IntegraHondaLegendAcura RLHondaNSXNSXHondaOdysseyShuttle/Acura MDXHondaOrthiaCivic (University)HondaPreludePreludeHondaS2000Roadster 2000

How to check a Japanese car before buying

The main feature of cars from Japan is the absence of a VIN code on the engine and other components. Therefore, checking such vehicles is associated with difficulties. Most services today provide verification only by VIN. But there is a way out!

Before you buy a right-hand drive car, find out its history using the all-Russian Internet service “Autocode”. To obtain detailed information about the vehicle you have decided to choose, enter the state registration number in the search form. number of the car. A detailed report contains information about registration activities and former owners of the car, the presence of traffic police restrictions (bond, arrest, etc.), the number of accidents the car has been in and the damage caused to it, as well as other relevant data.

In addition, Autocode offers on-site inspection services - diagnostics and an on-site expert opinion. After the expert’s opinion, you will definitely decide whether to buy or not buy a right-hand drive car.

SUBARU

SubaruAlcyone (06.1985-08.1991)SVXSubaruAlcyone SVX (09.1991-12.1997)SVXSubaruDomingoLiberoSubaruForesterForesterSubaruGrand Wagon (08.1995-07.1997)OutbackSubaruJusty (11.1988-12.1992, from 199 5 Suzuki Swift)JustySubaruLegacyLegacySubaruLegacy LancasterLegacy OutbackSubaruImprezaImprezaSubaruRexRexSubaruTraviqOpel ZafiraSubaruVivioVivioSubaruWagon Lancaster (from 08.1997)OutbackSubaruNo analogueTribeca

Comparison of technical characteristics

When choosing a car, many potential buyers pay special attention to the technical characteristics of vehicles, so here it is necessary to start comparing cars with the basic parameters, namely:

  • The Tuareg has an environmental standard of Euro-6, its competitor Euro-5;
  • fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 8.2 liters. the German has about 10 liters. from the Japanese;
  • in gasoline versions, models consume AI-95 fuel;
  • To accelerate to hundreds, the Tuareg takes 6.8 s, the Toyota about 6.5 s;
  • cars are presented in Russia only in all-wheel drive versions;
  • the maximum speed of the German is 225 km/h, the Japanese model is 180 km/h;
  • The Highlander is sold only in petrol versions, its rival also in diesel versions.

Judging by the main parameters, the German model has a clear advantage. However, it is too early to write off the updated Toyota Highlander SUV, as the model may actually surprise its future owner.

Comfortable Jeep Grand Cherokee

One of the analogues of the Toyota Highlander is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Trailhawk variation has a matte sticker on the surface of the hood and differs from its predecessors in red tow hooks. The lower area of ​​the front bumper can be detached to improve the sealing of the body.

The first updated version of the Trailhawk was born in 2010. In 2013, a model with an improved interior was released. The developers introduced a modern media system and equipped the car with a remote control that allows you to adjust the climate control. They kept the same shape of the headlights, but improved the bumper pattern, making it more elegant.

The rear lights have been modernized. The salon was updated twice. The Trailhawk's advantage is its comfortable seating position. The interior is spacious. The Grand Cherokee has many versions, each with its own set of engines. The modifications differ from each other in their external finish.

The Trailhawk has a 3.6L engine. The SUV consumes fuel moderately and does not accelerate to extreme speeds (up to a maximum of 190 km). The manual mode of the machine works well. The Trailhawk has excellent sound insulation. The SUV differs from competing models in its increased directional stability. The braking system cannot be called perfect; braking requires effort. The Grand Cherokee is a recognizable, sought-after car, on the basis of which new SUVs will be created. And this is one of the analogues of the Toyota Highlander vehicle .

Here you will find a comparison of Hummer and Highleneder.

Presentable BMW X 5

In 1999, the BMW X 5 SUV debuted in the USA, Detroit, and at the beginning of 2000 the car was introduced to the European market. A special feature of the car is its monocoque body. The BMW X5 differs from its predecessors in its unique design. The SUV has a spacious trunk, however, it is not intended for transporting large items. The BMW X5 has a leather interior, its highlight is the wooden parts.

The steering wheel and seats are adjustable. The SUV has:

  • automatic climate control system;
  • electric sunroof, which is made of glass;
  • 2 airbags.

Another important feature of the model is heated seats. The “CD-Changer” speaker system is also present; it is designed for several discs.

The BMW X5 is an analogue of the Toyota Highlander; it is equipped with a 286 hp engine. With. Thanks to it, the car accelerates to 100 km in 8 seconds. The brake control system responds immediately in critical situations. The BMW X5 has a program that ensures smooth descent from hills.

In 2003, an updated version of the SUV appeared. The developers changed the body design and introduced several technical innovations into the car. A redesigned all-wheel drive system has appeared, and the front and rear headlights have changed. The developers have improved the xDrive all-wheel drive system. It controls the driving mode and redistributes engine torque. The new model of the car accelerates to 100 km in 7 seconds, and its maximum speed is 240 km/h (with appropriate tires).

Other options

The Toyota Highlander and Volkswagen Touareg crossovers presented on the Russian automobile market cannot be called the best and uncontested options in their class. In this segment of the Russian car market there are a large number of models that deserve attention. In particular, we are talking about cars such as Hyundai Palisade, Kia Mohave, BMW X5, Changan CS75, Ford Explorer. Each mentioned car stands out with its specific advantages, which is why it deserves special attention from motorists.

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