RAV4: how to tell it has been manufactured in Japan?

[GrantKBC]

Hey all,

I'm currently in the market for a new RAV4. On Toyota Canada's site, I found the mention that 70% of the RAVs are actually manufactured in Canada. At the risk of sounding unpatriotic, I'd like to get the best for my hard-earned buck i.e. a RAV that has been manufactured in Japan, not here. Do you have any idea what the telltale sign might be? I'm sure several minor components (glass, plastics etc) are actually being manufactured elsewhere (Asia, North America) and carry "Made in <other_country_than_Japan>" tags - no problem here. But... where to look for the sign that the engine and the structural elements have been manufactured & assembled in Japan? is there a specific place that could certify the car was not manufactured in North America?

I'd hate to rely on the car dealer's verbal guarantees only...

[booblehead]

VIN # starts with a 'J'

[fastlayne]

VIN # starts with a 'J'

and here is the complete VIN decode (http://mr2wiki.com/AllModels/VINDecoder).

[GrantKBC]

Thanks you both - so it's going to be quite easy to spot the Japanese within the lot...

[RobDek]

Ouch...this may open up a hornet's nest...especially with all that's happening with the North American car industry. Get your helmet and flak jacket ready...

Anyhow...on the label inside the driver's door jam, it will state country of origin but the first character of the VIN will give it away...'J' for Japan!!!!

Oddly, I'm the same way except for German cars...when I buy a Volkswagen...I want one made in the fatherland...NOT MEXICO...

[esywu]

I think that depends on where you are geographically too, as if you are at the west coast you might still be able to get some RAV4s from Japan, but here we are at the east coast all RAV4s are made in Woodstock Ontario.

I once asked a Sales Rep. what "70% of RAV4s are proudly Made in Canada" mean, as I was wonder if the other 30% would be import from Japan too. His answer to me is: 70% of the entire RAV4 (parts and stuff) are made in Canada with 30% of the parts are not, so that's what the above statement means... Not sure if this is true or not.

[new_vr]

What makes the Japanese one better? The high grade japanese steel?

[GrantKBC]

I think that depends on where you are geographically too, as if you are at the west coast you might still be able to get some RAV4s from Japan
I'm in BC.


I once asked a Sales Rep. what "70% of RAV4s are proudly Made in Canada" mean, as I was wonder if the other 30% would be import from Japan too. His answer to me is: 70% of the entire RAV4 (parts and stuff) are made in Canada with 30% of the parts are not, so that's what the above statement means... Not sure if this is true or not.
In that case, there should be no VINs starting with a J, shouldn't there? Bummer...

I'll pay my local dealer a visit tomorrow or the day after tomorrow and I'll check out the VINs. Now I'm really curious...

Hey, maybe I should switch to Honda, after all ;)

[ak1004]

Today, the RAV4 is the cheapest SUV to lease. It's cheaper than CR-V, Forester, Rogue, Outlander. Toyota (along with Honda) always demand premium compared to competetors, but not in this case. I was wondering why? Maybe this is the reason? Why people would pay a Japanese premium for a product made in North America? If I wanted a North American car, I would buy GM or Ford, right?

[esywu]

Early this year (January/February) even in Ontario there were still RAV4s from Japan. Even the dealer where I bought mine still have one sitting in their showroom that's made in Japan as I checked but they claimed that's the only one left so if I must have one from Japan then I could take that one.

Other than the VIN# starting with "J", there is a black sticker on the driver's side frame close to the floor and you will see it once you open the driver's door. It prints clearly where the car is made, and the manufacturing month/year too. All the Canada made RAV4s are with VIN# starting with "2", same with the Corollas, Matrixs and RX350s.

BTW Hondas, aren't they all made in North America now too for the North American markets? As least my Accord is made in US, and I think the Civics are made in Alliston Ontario too.

[GrantKBC]

BTW Hondas, aren't they all made in North America now too for the North American markets? As least my Accord is made in US, and I think the Civics are made in Alliston Ontario too.

Yeah, I know - hence the ";)"

PS I'm looking for "extremely reliable", not for "big". You may laugh, but the other option to the RAV4 was... a Honda Fit(!) Sport, which got stellar reviews everywhere (and it's 15 thou cheaper... <gasp>)

[BAM]

It's irrelevant where a car is made. Quality control is about a system and I can imagine in the automotive sector it's quite a complicated one. In theory it should be 100% exportable but in reality there would be some minor cultural effects to overcome.

I would be interested if there was any proof to the premise though.

[GrantKBC]

I would be interested if there was any proof to the premise though.

Let's just say I prefer to err on the safe side.

[esywu]

PS I'm looking for "extremely reliable", not for "big".

Maybe you should think about Corolla then, as it's a proven vehicle to be "extremely reliable" for sure :razz:

[notanexpert]

Today, the RAV4 is the cheapest SUV to lease. It's cheaper than CR-V, Forester, Rogue, Outlander. Toyota (along with Honda) always demand premium compared to competetors, but not in this case. I was wondering why? Maybe this is the reason? Why people would pay a Japanese premium for a product made in North America? If I wanted a North American car, I would buy GM or Ford, right?

The RAV4 is cheap to lease because the residual value on them is really high, the highest in that segment anyway. The residual value is high because the product is good. And why would you not want a North American product? The Corollas, Civics and Accords have been made here since the 80's and it does not seem to me like they are inferior cars, quite the opposite they also command a premium in the used car market which reflects their quality.

[BBQGuy]

Let's just say I prefer to err on the safe side.

So, what exactly is wrong with a Rav4 made in Woodstock ON by Canadians, or a Corolla/Matrix/Lexus made in Cambridge, or a Civic made in Alliston, ON?

While I don't 100% agree, I can understand the reluctance to buy a car from the domestic brands, but a Toyota made in Ontario really should be every bit as good as one made in Japan.

I would NOT compare it to electronics of years past where a Japan manufactured item was superior quality to the same or similar item made in China or Taiwan.

I challenge you, go to a lot that has both a Canadian Rav4 and a Japanese Rav4 and find any difference in components, quality, fit and finish, etc. If you do, please take some pics and report back.

Otherwise, support your fellow Canadians who are working hard to make a buck.

[TenzoR]

What makes the Japanese one better? The high grade japanese steel?

more internals parts from China of course

/sarcasm

[coppercarbide]

So, what exactly is wrong with a Rav4 made in Woodstock ON by Canadians, or a Corolla/Matrix/Lexus made in Cambridge, or a Civic made in Alliston, ON?

I challenge you, go to a lot that has both a Canadian Rav4 and a Japanese Rav4 and find any difference in components, quality, fit and finish, etc. If you do, please take some pics and report back.


I dunno... there might be some differences? Maybe I'll stop by and have a look, there's gotta be some components that are different the JDM version. Maybe... oh... I dunno, I guess I could start with the gas pedals?

Now, I've never revived a thread this old before, but I found this funny (in a dark way). Also, I'm not Toyota bashing, as I found this thread while I was looking for info on how to import a RAV4 from the US. But come on, that's freakin funny.

[zivan56]

I'm guessing the Japanese built one will have more Denso parts compared to dozens of different North American companies.

[nornet]

I'm guessing the Japanese built one will have more Denso parts compared to dozens of different North American companies.

Current thinking is that the Denso parts will be recalled as well at a later date. Remember these parts are built to Toyota's specifications.

[zivan56]

Current thinking is that the Denso parts will be recalled as well at a later date. Remember these parts are built to Toyota's specifications.

Umm, why would Denso parts be recalled?

If you mean the gas pedal, then it is a completely different design than the ones used here. They may do it as a precaution, though.
Regardless, I would prefer 100% Denso parts than random manufacturers from US/Canada.

[jondchun]

which version are u looking at? 1st 2nd 3rd?

[nornet]

Umm, why would Denso parts be recalled?

If you mean the gas pedal, then it is a completely different design than the ones used here. They may do it as a precaution, though.
Regardless, I would prefer 100% Denso parts than random manufacturers from US/Canada.

Both pedals were sent to a lab for analysis, The CTS manufactured one has issues but so does the Denso. Leads me to conclude that Toyota specked this one incorrectly.

[whiteflame]

VIN starts with J ;)

[Quiggie]

I dunno... there might be some differences? Maybe I'll stop by and have a look, there's gotta be some components that are different the JDM version. Maybe... oh... I dunno, I guess I could start with the gas pedals?

JDM means it's built for japan, not just in japan. A RAV4 built in Japan for the north american market should be identical to one built in canada. Same quality control standards are used and no difference in quality at all.

[zivan56]

Both pedals were sent to a lab for analysis, The CTS manufactured one has issues but so does the Denso. Leads me to conclude that Toyota specked this one incorrectly.

Ok, but how does it affect the other couple thousand Denso parts inside the car? Sometimes there are Delco parts being used, like the ~2000 Camry ECU...I wouldn't want stuff from them after having a bunch of problem with their parts on another car.

[nornet]

Ok, but how does it affect the other couple thousand Denso parts inside the car? Sometimes there are Delco parts being used, like the ~2000 Camry ECU...I wouldn't want stuff from them after having a bunch of problem with their parts on another car.

You started out by talking about the Denso accelerator pedal and now you are on to Delco. Sorry I can't keep up. You win.

[sb_tor]

hmm.. there is a line in toyota.ca website:

*** Proudly made in Canada
Excluding 2010 RAV4 4WD V6 Sport Appearance Package.

Looks this particular trim is imported from Japan? why so specific?

[mr_raider]

hmm.. there is a line in toyota.ca website:

*** Proudly made in Canada
Excluding 2010 RAV4 4WD V6 Sport Appearance Package.

Looks this particular trim is imported from Japan? why so specific?

It is odd. The 2gr engine is built in the Us, while the 4gr is made in Japan. Seems expensive to ship the engine back Japan for assembly.

[zivan56]

You started out by talking about the Denso accelerator pedal and now you are on to Delco. Sorry I can't keep up. You win.

I'm not sure who you think you are replying to, but this was my first post in this thread:



I'm guessing the Japanese built one will have more Denso parts compared to dozens of different North American companies.

and you started talking about accelerator pedals for some reason. I was talking about other parts...you are aware that Denso makes the majority of parts for Toyota, right? This would include things like key fobs, electronics, and yes, even the gas pedal.

[zivan56]

It is odd. The 2gr engine is built in the Us, while the 4gr is made in Japan. Seems expensive to ship the engine back Japan for assembly.

Maybe the 2GR-FE is somtimes assembled in the US. The 2GR-FSE, used in the Lexus IS/GS 350 is not made in the US. I'm sure they wouldn't bother shipping 2GR-FEs back to Japan and would instead produce them there for Japanese built RAV4s.

[nornet]

I'm not sure who you think you are replying to, but this was my first post in this thread:




and you started talking about accelerator pedals for some reason. I was talking about other parts...you are aware that Denso makes the majority of parts for Toyota, right? This would include things like key fobs, electronics, and yes, even the gas pedal.

I count at least 4 posts but like I said you win.

[skidz88]

It's irrelevant where a car is made. Quality control is about a system and I can imagine in the automotive sector it's quite a complicated one. In theory it should be 100% exportable but in reality there would be some minor cultural effects to overcome.

I would be interested if there was any proof to the premise though.

I had an 03 Maxima which was made in Japan, and now have an 02 Altima which was made in Smyrna, Tennessee and I can safely say there is a huge difference in quality between the cars. The Maxima felt way more solid, no creaks, much higher quality materials. In comparison my Altima must have been assembled by some hicks on a Friday afternoon or during happy hour. I will probably never buy a car made in NA again.

[m4gician]

It does matter where they're made. The quality control of the developed countries like Japan and Germany should be higher at catching defects, cosmetic dmg, anything the machine doesn't do.

Cars made elsewhere are made there because of cheap labour costs. Not that I have anything against that, but how does their work stand up against a well document jdm and gdm manufacuturing practice?

Look up the VIN, or check:

A) door jam sticker

B) I'd plate, some cars have em under hood near firewall. Mine says manufactured in sweden

[Debonair]

I had an 03 Maxima which was made in Japan, and now have an 02 Altima which was made in Smyrna, Tennessee and I can safely say there is a huge difference in quality between the cars. The Maxima felt way more solid, no creaks, much higher quality materials. In comparison my Altima must have been assembled by some hicks on a Friday afternoon or during happy hour. I will probably never buy a car made in NA again.

Exactly. Myself and my fiancee both have cars MIJ (Mazda 3 and Acura TSX) and we won't be going back... much better quality.

[ThePointblank]

There is not much in the way of difference between a Japanese-built RAV4 and a Canadian-built RAV4 in terms of fit and finish, though I think that the paint job on a Canadian RAV4 seems to be better.