In a few months I will be moving to Japan and I don't expect to get car right away, but I would like one eventually while living there. My current options I have come up with is a 1999-2001 Honda S-MX (2WD Automatic) or a 2009-2010 Lexus IS 250 (2WD Automatic). Which do you suppose would be better over there?
P.S.: I try to be cheap, so I am concerned about gas prices over there being higher.
Owning a car in Japan is different that owning a car most other places. There are periodic inspections, called Shaken, that get more and more expensive as the car gets older. As a result, when I was in Japan this spring, I saw very few cars more than 5 or 6 years old. Here are some web pages that may help you in your travel.
https://resources.realestate.co.jp/housing_service_blog/costs-of-car-ownership-in-japan/
https://resources.realestate.co.jp/housing_service_blog/5-things-to-consider-before-buying-a-car-in-japan/
Assuming everything checks out, especially for a 10 and 20 year old car.
That Honda may be better on gas, but that Lexus may be more comfortable and fun to drive.
