Made in Japan?
Lead Lap
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 4,611
Likes: 372
From: In your head
There were some early on on dealer lots with the intro of the MY20. All of them now seem to be 2t/Ca vehicles only. I would ask a dealers inventory specialist if thats a request they can accommodate.
If a J- vin is required, you can guarantee it by moving into the 350L/450L
If a J- vin is required, you can guarantee it by moving into the 350L/450L
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 148
Likes: 57
From: ca
https://carbuzz.com/news/toyota-and-...rength-ratings
So...
Knowing that, I'm very happy that my RX350 came from Canada. But when given a choice, I would still pick something "assembled" in Japan, or Taiwan, over the same thing assembled anywhere else.
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 96
Likes: 6
From: NY
Honestly, I would need written sources on that. My personal experience with Japan models and US/CA models is they are pretty much the same. Maybe a panel is slightly misaligned on one vs the other, which are what you typically see on cars regardless of where they're made and is usually corrected at the dealer. The cars that come out of Toyota's plants here in NA usually are top notch though, at least compared to the likes of Ford, GM, etc. 25% of the parts of the current RX still comes from Japan. Years from now when you sell the car, the buyer isn't going to care if it was a JP or CA model. IIRC, the JP models are usually sold outside of NA so I imagine you'll have a hard time finding one, if at all.
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Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 35,648
Likes: 426
From: ON/NY
Honestly, I would need written sources on that. My personal experience with Japan models and US/CA models is they are pretty much the same. Maybe a panel is slightly misaligned on one vs the other, which are what you typically see on cars regardless of where they're made and is usually corrected at the dealer. The cars that come out of Toyota's plants here in NA usually are top notch though, at least compared to the likes of Ford, GM, etc. 25% of the parts of the current RX still comes from Japan. Years from now when you sell the car, the buyer isn't going to care if it was a JP or CA model. IIRC, the JP models are usually sold outside of NA so I imagine you'll have a hard time finding one, if at all.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 11
Likes: 3
From: CA
Our 2009 RX350 was made in Canada and based on my experience ordering brake parts, different parts are used on these vehicles. To what extent there are parts difference, I don’t know. I didn’t know when we bought our Lexus that they were built any place other than Japan, but if I had, I would have made sure ours would have been built in Japan. I can’t prove it, but I’ve always believed that the Japanese build cars better.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 148
Likes: 57
From: ca
Our 2009 RX350 was made in Canada and based on my experience ordering brake parts, different parts are used on these vehicles. To what extent there are parts difference, I don’t know. I didn’t know when we bought our Lexus that they were built any place other than Japan, but if I had, I would have made sure ours would have been built in Japan. I can’t prove it, but I’ve always believed that the Japanese build cars better.
ordering oem parts or aftermarket? do they have different sizes?
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: CO
Japan engine runs smoother
My 2016 RX350 was made in Japan and I did not realize that when I bought it. When I had it in for service and had a loaner a year ago, I noticed how much smoother and quieter my car ran than the 2021 RX350. I mentioned it to the service technician, and he said that is because I have a Japanese engine. So to me it was very obvious that the Japanese engine is superior.
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,543
Likes: 936
My 2016 RX350 was made in Japan and I did not realize that when I bought it. When I had it in for service and had a loaner a year ago, I noticed how much smoother and quieter my car ran than the 2021 RX350. I mentioned it to the service technician, and he said that is because I have a Japanese engine. So to me it was very obvious that the Japanese engine is superior.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 441
Likes: 113
From: NM
I've had several RXs over the years. One of them had a "J" at the start of the VIN #. I could not tell any difference in the ones made in Canada from the one made in Japan. I think certain models like the RX350L were made only in Japan? I've owned 11 RXs and traded RXs about every two years. The depreciation was acceptable for a luxury vehicle. I've had very minimal problems/repairs and all covered under warranty. I'm on my second RX450h and love it. It's the last of the V-6 engines and no turbo charger. I prefer the eCvt transmission over the 8 speed in the RX350.