Japanese-market Lexus cars are some of the best-value luxury cars you can import. Japanese owners often trade cars in early and keep dealer service records. Many cars show low mileage and are in excellent condition. Buying one well means knowing a few things that are specific to Lexus in Japan.
Lexus in Japan Only Started in 2005
Lexus was sold only outside Japan until 2005. Before that, the same cars were sold in Japan under Toyota badges. If you're looking at older cars, these Toyota "twins" are often cheaper than a Lexus-badged car:
| Lexus model | Japanese Toyota equivalent (before Lexus arrived) |
|---|---|
| RX | Toyota Harrier |
| LS | Toyota Celsior |
| GS | Toyota Aristo |
| IS | Toyota Altezza |
| SC | Toyota Soarer |
The Harrier is the best-known example. Early Harriers were the Japanese RX, and it remains one of the most popular export SUVs. See our Harrier buying guide.
Popular Lexus Models for Export
- RX / NX: mid-size and compact luxury SUVs, both widely available as hybrids.
- LX: the full-size SUV, related to the Land Cruiser. Expensive and in high demand.
- IS / ES / GS: sedans from compact to executive size.
- LS: the flagship saloon. Very comfortable, but complex and costly to repair.
- CT: a compact hybrid hatchback, the cheapest way into a Lexus.
What to Check on a Japanese Lexus
- Service history. Japanese Lexus dealers are known for thorough servicing, so many cars come with maintenance record books. Ask for them. A car with records is worth more.
- Hybrid system. Many Lexus models are hybrids ("h" in the name, such as RX450h or NX300h). Check for warning lights and ask about the battery.
- Air suspension. Some LS, GS and LX versions have air or adaptive suspension. Check that the car sits level and that there are no suspension warnings. Repairs are expensive.
- Electronics. Luxury cars have many electric features: seats, sunroofs, tailgates, navigation. Everything should work. The Japanese navigation and TV system may need converting for your country.
- Auction sheet. Luxury cars are more often repaired after minor accidents. Read the damage map carefully with our auction sheet guide and run a chassis check.
- Duty bracket. Large engines can push a car into a much higher tax bracket in many countries. A hybrid or smaller engine may cost far less landed even if it costs more in Japan.
Budget for the Full Cost
Luxury cars are hit hardest by percentage-based duty and taxes. Before you choose, work out the landed cost with our landed cost guide.
Get a Lexus Sourced
We source Lexus and Toyota-twin models from Japanese auctions on request. Tell us the model, year range and budget, and we'll send matching cars with auction sheets and a quote to your port. Request a quote, or browse our current stock.