If you're hunting for a solid project or a reliable daily, looking at Toyota right hand drive cars is honestly one of the smartest moves you can make. There's just something about the way these vehicles were put together for the Japanese domestic market (JDM) that feels a step above. Whether you're in a country where driving on the left is the norm, or you're an enthusiast in the States trying to navigate the 25-year import rule, Toyota's RHD lineup offers a mix of longevity and character that's hard to beat.
Let's be real for a second: Toyota is basically the gold standard for reliability. But when you start looking at the specific models that were originally built as right-hand drive, you find a whole world of variety that we didn't always get in every market. From rugged off-roaders to quirky micro-vans and legendary sports cars, there is a lot to dig into.
Why People Are Obsessed with JDM Toyotas
It's not just about the novelty of sitting on the "wrong" side of the car. People gravitate toward Toyota right hand drive cars because, quite frankly, Japan kept the best stuff for themselves for a long time. The build quality in the 90s and early 2000s was peak Toyota. They were over-engineering everything.
If you've ever sat in a high-trim RHD Crown or a Century, you'll notice the materials are often different—think wool seats instead of leather because they don't creak and stay comfortable in all temperatures. It's that kind of attention to detail that makes these cars so attractive decades later. Plus, many of these cars coming out of Japan have surprisingly low mileage because of how strict and expensive their "shaken" inspections are. It often makes more sense for owners there to sell a perfectly good car and buy a new one rather than pay the mounting fees to keep an older one on the road.
The Legends: Land Cruisers and Hiluxes
You can't talk about RHD Toyotas without mentioning the 4x4s. The Land Cruiser is a beast in any configuration, but the RHD versions—specifically the 70, 80, and 100 series—are legendary. In many parts of the world, these are the backbone of rural transport.
The Land Cruiser 70 Series is a particular favorite. It's a literal tractor in a tuxedo. Well, maybe not a tuxedo—more like a high-quality flannel shirt. It's rugged, simple, and almost impossible to kill. Finding a clean, right-hand drive 70 series is like finding a cheat code for off-roading.
Then you have the Toyota Hilux Surf. While we had the 4Runner in the US, the Hilux Surf often came with those sweet 1KZ or 1KD diesel engines that we never got. These diesel powerplants are famous for their torque and the fact that they can seemingly run forever with just basic maintenance. If you want a rig that can handle a weekend on the trails and then drive you home without a hiccup, these are the ones to look for.
Practicality Meets Quirkiness: The Vans
Now, if you want to talk about the unsung heroes of the Toyota right hand drive cars world, we have to talk about the vans. The Toyota Hiace is basically the king of the world in this category. It's used as an ambulance, a delivery van, a commuter bus—you name it.
The RHD Hiace (especially the Super Long Wheelbase versions) has become a massive hit in the van-life community. They are incredibly space-efficient because they're "cab-over" designs, meaning you're sitting right on top of the engine. This gives you a massive amount of floor space in the back for a bed, a kitchen, or whatever else you can dream up.
And then there's the Toyota Alphard or the Vellfire. If you haven't seen one of these, think of them as the Lexus of minivans. They are massive, comfortable, and usually loaded with tech that feels ahead of its time. They make a standard American minivan look like a budget rental car.
The Performance Icons
We'd be crazy not to mention the sports cars. The Toyota Supra (A80) is obviously the poster child here. While the LHD versions are reaching astronomical prices, RHD Supras have become a viable way for enthusiasts to actually own their dream car.
But it's not just the Supra. The Toyota Chaser JZX100 is a cult classic. It's a four-door sedan that looks relatively unassuming until you realize it's packing a 1JZ-GTE engine under the hood. It's the ultimate "dad car" that can drift a corner and then pick up the groceries. These RHD sedans have a massive following because they offer the perfect balance of a high-performance engine and a chassis that's actually comfortable for more than one person.
What to Look for When Buying
Buying any used car is a gamble, but buying an imported RHD car has its own set of rules. First off, you've got to check for rust. Even though Japanese cars are generally well-maintained, cars from the northern parts of Japan can suffer from salt damage just like anywhere else. Always get a good look at the underbody.
Secondly, you need to understand the Auction Sheet. If you're buying directly from a Japanese auction or through an importer, that piece of paper is your best friend. It'll tell you the overall grade of the car (4 or 4.5 is usually great, while a 3 or an 'R' for repaired might mean some hidden history).
Also, don't get too caught up in the low mileage. A car that sat for ten years might have only 30,000 kilometers, but it's going to need every rubber hose, belt, and seal replaced. Rubber hates sitting still. It's often better to buy a car that was driven regularly and serviced on time than a "garage queen" that's been neglected.
Living with a Right Hand Drive Car
If you're living in a right-hand traffic country (like the US or most of Europe), there's a bit of a learning curve. The first few times you try to use your turn signals, you're definitely going to turn on the windshield wipers. It's a rite of passage.
Passing on a two-lane road can also be a bit tricky because you can't see around the car in front of you as easily. Most people just hang back a bit further or install a "passing mirror" or a small camera to see the oncoming lane. And let's not forget drive-thrus and parking garages. You'll either become an expert at reversing through them or you'll keep a "grabber" tool in the passenger seat to reach the ticket dispenser.
But honestly? You get used to it in about three days. The steering feel is the same, and the pedals are in the same order (clutch-brake-gas). It's just a mirror image of what your brain is used to.
Maintenance and Parts Availability
One of the best things about choosing a Toyota for your RHD fix is that parts are usually easy to find. Even if the specific model wasn't sold in your country, Toyota is a global company. Many of the engines, sensors, and suspension components are shared across different models.
For example, if you have a JDM Hilux Surf, a lot of the brake and suspension parts are the same as the local 4Runner. If you have an Altezza, most of the parts are identical to the Lexus IS300. It makes owning a "foreign" car way less of a headache when you can just go to the local parts store and get what you need without waiting six weeks for a shipment from Tokyo.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, Toyota right hand drive cars offer a unique blend of "cool factor" and genuine usability. Whether you're looking for a beastly Land Cruiser to take into the woods or a sleek Crown to cruise the city streets, there's a sense of quality in these cars that's hard to replicate.
They aren't just vehicles; they're little pieces of automotive history that were built to last. If you're willing to deal with the occasional wiper-blade mishap and the awkwardness of a toll booth, you'll find that owning one of these Toyotas is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have as a car lover. Just do your homework, find a reputable importer, and get ready to enjoy the ride from the other side of the cabin.