European Cars Are More Expensive Than Japanese Cars (7 Reasons)

European cars and Japanese cars undoubtedly have an enormous fan base. We highly doubt that there are any car enthusiasts that haven’t heard of the like of Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, etc.

These car brands are produced majorly by Europeans, whereas the Japanese produce the popular and reliable likes of Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Nissan, etc.

However, have you wondered why European cars are always more expensive than Japanese cars regardless of their incredible reliability? Stay on this article to find out 7 interesting reasons.

1. Impressive Aesthetics and Design

This is one underlying factor why European cars are often more pricey than Japanese cars. The producers employ exhaustive efforts to make sure that their vehicles come out with an outstanding design and a high-end quality build.

This is why they are often referred to as luxury cars or German cars. In fact, once you see them, you know they are luxurious.

European cars are often more sleek and elegant with their outward looks. If you observe the most recent Porsche or Audi, they are blessed with crazy aesthetics and design. It is one of the reasons why European cars are so popular, even in America.

Japanese cars, on the other hand, also embrace these attributes, but their minimalist perspective towards life reflects in their product design. Sleekness and style are simply not their forte.

Of course, there are pretty models of Honda or Toyota cars, but we doubt the presence of such cars on the highway would turn heads or stir a crowd unless they come with a massive wing or an ear-wreaking back box.

Hence, these cars don’t cost as much as European cars simply because they don’t look as good as them.

2. Maintenance and Repairs 

European cars can cost you stacks of money to maintain. This is unlike Japanese cars, which are known for their durability and reliability, as they often escape constant trips to the mechanics or service centers.

Some European cars are not so durable. They are often produced with plastics or cheaper metal parts, which are more likely to wear and break out. Thus, they often require more constant repairs.

Unfortunately, this is not even the worst part. Because of their luxurious parts, when it’s time for repairs, it is very hard to find spare parts. 

Some manufacturers like Mercedes Benz or BMW even require that these parts be shipped overseas. This ridiculously adds to their expenses.

Japanese cars are volume driven, so they make mass production for consumers. Since their overall target is to produce affordable vehicles, it is much easier to find cheaper spare parts for repairs and servicing. 

Still, there are reasons European cars are better than Japanese ones.

3. More Body Parts 

Another major reason European cars cost that much is their increased body parts. These parts are employed to meet up with their acceleration, speed, safety, and interior controls.

Basically, they have a more maximized performance than Japanese cars. However, it would seem that this improved efficiency had its own flaws because the higher the moving parts, the more the maintenance and repairs.

All these extra elements only add up to the basic reason these cars can sometimes cost a fortune.

Moreover, European cars are required to be under constant servicing just to keep them running and to prevent more extensive and costly maintenance fees.

For the Japanese automakers, they shifted their focus majorly to the durability of their vehicles. They do not have so many body parts and their need for constant servicing is minimized.

You can surely boast of Japanese cars as being affordable, durable, and practicable. 

CHECK ALSO: Male and female names for Japanese cars.

4. Driving Dynamics and Experience

European cars cost more because of their ridiculous driving dynamics. A lot of thinking, technology, and innovation went into the making of these vehicles. We can hardly fault them for their prices.

A Japanese car cannot stand beside a European car when it comes to its driving experience. The tires, suspension, engines, wheels, etc are highly optimized to deliver an exhilarating driving experience.

The target of these producers is definitely not to make their cars just as a means of transportation, but to provide unforgettable experiences.

There’s absolutely no comparison between driving an Audi, Mercedes, or Benz and driving a corolla, Lexus, or Nissan car.

However, this is not to discourage folks from buying a Japanese car because all these don’t necessarily guarantee that European cars are better. 

5. Safety Features and Rating

The popularity of safety tools in European cars started far back in 1959 when Volvo became the first producer of the three-point seatbelt. Worldwide, European cars are known for their meticulous safety precautions and features.

They definitely have invested a lot in rigorous testing methods to ensure that their vehicles are incredibly safe to drive. These safety features sure adds to the cost price of these vehicles.

However, Japanese cars have also done brilliantly well when it comes to safety features. In fact, in 2018, both European and Japanese cars got the highest safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the U.S.

Furthermore, by the following year, Japanese vehicles took the lead, with only a few European cars like BMW, Mercedes, and Audi coming after.

However, European cars took the lead in the SUV category, with the likes of the 2019 Audi e-Tron SUV and Audi Q8 SUV taking all the spots. 

It is safe to say that the safest cars are either European or Japanese cars, but the former slightly wins the race. This is also a major contribution to their higher price.

6. Quality Control 

European cars are more pricey than Japanese cars because of their unique quality control. European automakers have been producing cars from time immemorial and they have focused on their strengths.

For instance, these brands of cars have dominated racing history with ridiculous engines that fit their crazy performance. Thus, they are undoubtedly committed to making their cars with such authenticity and uniqueness.

BMW, for example, is largely known for designing its vehicles with equal weight distribution. That innovation is simply unique to them and it gives them an excellent edge in the market.

Car enthusiasts and general owners would surely be attracted to such craftsmanship and technology. This is especially attractive as many European engineers exhaust all their efforts to produce extremely impressive cars.

Little wonder why some of the slogans describe their cars as the Best or Nothing. You might want to check 7 ways European cars are different here.

7. Pricey Cost Per Unit of European Cars

Another reason Japanese cars are less expensive than European cars is that this company produces vehicles way cheaper than any other top-selling automakers.

They have the market and traffic, unlike European cars. In fact, aside from their country, they are very popular in the U.S. and even globally due to their cost per unit.

You’d be surprised to see a Japanese car being sold for as cheap as $5000.

European cars, on the other hand, are also very popular but they do not have the upper hand in selling the units cheaper because they do not have such overwhelming traffic.

For instance, the average price of a brand-new 2019 Lexus LFA is about $450,000, and a 2007 Porsche Carrera GT is twice as expensive. 

Another reason Japanese cars are also cheaper than European cars is because of their large economy. Currently, Japan is the third largest economy, and this gives them the privilege to sell off old cars faster than European cars.

8. Which Should You Go For?

After discussing exhaustively on these two brands, the point of interest to consumers depends on their needs.

Undoubtedly, these brands have numerous benefits that are very attractive and appealing, but your choice boils down to the functionality you’re looking for.

If you desire a car that would give you unforgettable experiences with the best exotic, classy, and refined look, European cars like a Porsche or BMW are your best bets.

But if your needs are focused on reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability, it is best to go for popular Japanese brand as the Honda, Lexus or Toyota.

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