Lexus CT: Buy what's here, wait for low-mileage Jap import, or do it myself via import service?

pizzacooper

I’ve been thinking about buying a Lexus CT. I know it’s not a particularly special car compared to other JDM models, but I like it.

Here’s my dilemma:

• On DoneDeal, most Lexus CTs in my budget have high mileage. I am also like the pre-facelift (pre 2014/2)
• In the past, I saw some imported Lexus CTs for the same price (€10,000) but with half the mileage. Unfortunately, now that I’m ready to buy, those imports are no longer available.

Now I’m trying to decide:

1. Buy Locally: Should I just pay for a high-mileage car that’s already here? It’s easier and less hassle.
2. Import One: Should I try importing a lower-mileage car myself? I’m unsure about the final cost after taxes, shipping, and fees. It might end up costing the same as buying one here, but the mileage would likely be much lower. At the same time I don't know how the payment works as I plan to pay half deposit and the rest on loan (never buy a car this way before).
3. Wait for imported one that becomes available here

What do you think is the better option? Thanks.

User1998

I’d probably avoid importing one if you don’t know what your doing. Maybe contact someone like JDM Auction Watch who look after everything. Will be more expensive this way but you won’t mess anything up in the process

GPoint

Surely the garage can source the car from Japan . There so many places now selling low mileage jap imports, I’d approach a few and asked if they can bring the car you want.

kermitpwee

have you driven a CT? I would recommend before you buy

goochy

no such thing as lexus in japan anyway

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123052086#Comment_123052086

How?

pizzacooper

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123050952#Comment_123050952

Hey, maybe I was not clear (English not my first language) but when I said import myself through import service I meant exactly what you said. I also look on JDM Auction Watch regulary lol. Do they do everything for you as in, VRT, change tires (I think the one from Japan is not road legal here) and etc. like as same as when buying a car from the dealership?

pizzacooper

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123051393#Comment_123051393

That's a good idea. I know there is one garage has a lot of Jap import near by.

pizzacooper

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123051733#Comment_123051733

I know it is basically a Prius with a Lexus body. And mostly motor enthusiastic would not recommend. But I usually like the car from look and reliability, not speed. I have a Prius and feel fine with it.

pizzacooper

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123052086#Comment_123052086

It is true but actually Lexus CT is available in Japan. It might have been the only Lexus in Japan.

kirving

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123052660#Comment_123052660

I'm totally confused?

https://lexus.jp/models/?padid=from_not_ljptop_menu_carlineup_header

kermitpwee

Ues they are reliable, they are quite low, hard suspension, poor vision front and back, my sister gas a ct for 7 years now, boot is on the small side. Not as practical or as comfortable as a prius, you definitely need to drive one

pizzacooper

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123052747#Comment_123052747

I am actually want to have the CT to just own Prius and CT at the same time so I know which one to let go and replace it with a bigger car for the family later on. For now Prius is enough as a family car and CT will be "my car"/daily. Wife already okay with the Prius and she doesn't really care about what I'll get as a second car. I would probably get Corolla the latest model if I have money but that's too expensive for us compare to the CT I want, which is pre 2014. To be fair I like the look of the CT more. Just my taste I suppose.

trindade

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123052656#Comment_123052656

All lexus are Toyotas with different bodies lol. And it is what make them amazing. They are super reliable like their cheaper brothers, but more refined and comfortable.

kermitpwee

THey are good cars, as a second car the ct is good, my sister loves her and to be fair it is a lovely car👍

pizzacooper

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123052910#Comment_123052910

Yep, I am totally a Toyota fanboy. It is vanilla at time and where I am from it is basically like VW to the Germans, but my dad always go with Toyota and now I am the same.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123052086#Comment_123052086

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123052660#Comment_123052660

What are you’s talking about? You can buy any Lexus you want from Japan. They are manufactured and sold there

razacs

Interesting discussion! Both options have their merits, but getting a low-mileage Japanese import could offer great value if you're willing to handle the import process. Anyone here had experience with the import services—how smooth was the process and what should we watch out for.

goochy

i thought they were called Toyota in japan and that was one of reasons there hasnt been many imported

trellheim

No, they are called Lexus over there as well, although Toyota do indeed own the brand. Lexus Japan took over in 2006 from Toyota with the launch of the new gen LS460 to replace the Celsior.

colm_mcm

I’d definitely test one before going any further. They’re not for everyone. Boot space is quite small.
Plenty owners love them, so I’m not saying they’re bad or anything , they just don’t suit everybody.