For Japanese cars - You're better off only if you self import a car. It is not that much of a hassle but there is a waiting period of ~60 days. If you pick carefully and get a low mileage car you're good to go for a few years provided you carry out the routine maintenance religiously.
In monetary terms you may or may be able to save 75 - 150k on the car. It all depends on the auction but yes it's very likely you'll save on the actual car price. The purchase price of the car and the custom duty - the two major expenses are in Japanese Yen & US$ respectively so you can get the idea of the unpredictability factor.
For parts you either import new parts through reliable sources which is expensive or you get the part from junkyard - which is junk but still expensive due to less availability. But again, self imported low mileage car will only require routine maintenance. For body parts i'd go for insurance.
Local options for you are
- Civic 8th Gen - Not Recommended
- Honda City Steermatic - Value for money and economical but poor aesthetics
- Honda City GM - Find a low mileage/structurally intact car and go for it even if pre 2010
- Swift DLX Auto - Fun to drive but a hatchback
- Toyota Corolla - I doubt you'll get post 2010 model in this price except xli or a beaten gli. Not recommended.
I am looking to buy a Prius 1.5 these days. Any chance you still have not sold yours?
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