Who out there doesn’t want to have a nice, expensive car? And who amongst us can actually afford one, let alone a foreign model? Chances are, very few can.
If you have been in the market for a classy Japanese vehicle, but do not have the money to spend on all the bells and whistles, take note: There are plenty of Japanese makes and models that give off the appearance of wealth while in reality are incredibly affordable.
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GOBankingRates reached out to Dale Gillespie, an auto expert and the COO of DirectKia, to get their top picks for four cheap Japanese cars that make you look rich. This is what made their list.
Mazda 3
“Mazda has brilliantly shown how to deliver luxury looks at a low price. The refined interior with soft-touch materials feels expensive,” noted Gillespie, adding that the exterior styling complements this with a sleek design that reads elegance at a glance.
“The 2025 Mazda 3 starts at just $24,000,” Gillespie went on to explain. “Its reliability is excellent as repairPal gives it a 80%. Total maintenance costs in a year is under $500 as well.”
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Honda Accord Touring
For buyers seeking a slightly larger, executive presence, Gillespie recommended the Honda Accord Touring, especially the hybrid model.
“The car stylings match the stylistic confidence of far pricier luxury sedans,” explained Gillespie, highlighting how the Touring Hybrid generally lands around $30,000.
“The Accord is one of the industry’s most dependable midsize sedans at an unmatchable rating of 90%,” added Gillespie. “The average maintenance costs in a year is also under $400. This is a car you drive to close a million dollar deal without looking out of place.”
Toyota Camry
Toyota’s Camry has always been the symbol of overlooked status, according to Gillespie.
“Toyota has mastered the sleek design in cars and the ability to make cars look more than they’re worth. The retail price begins at $28,000, which is almost a steal,” stated Gillespie, showcasing the fact that the Camry has great reliability, with an 80% rating on RepairPal.
“The average maintenance cost is even lower than the other cars I have mentioned at just around $300. In fact, the 5-year cost of repairs and maintenance sits around $654 in total which is really low.”
Lexus UX
For the most literal look rich signal, nothing beats the Lexus UX because it brings the luxury badge that gives credibility, in Gillespie’s professional opinion.
“Lexus interiors and quiet composure show premium intent,” Gillespie described. “With its pricing below that of larger Lexus models typically in the low 40-thousands, it remains one of the most attainable ways to carry a recognized luxury brand.
Gillespie did admit that ownership costs are higher than mainstream alternatives, but the instant legitimacy of the Lexus name can outweigh that for some buyers.
Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of Oct. 15, 2025. Prices and availability may vary by location.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 4 Cheap Japanese Cars That Make You Look Rich, According to Car Expert
