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.

[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

[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.