Over the past year I’ve taken a few road trips around Japan with rental cars, and I realized how much more enjoyable traveling in rural areas is when I’m not tied to public transport. Every time I go back to crowded trains it feels like a downgrade, so now I’m seriously considering buying my own car.
I live in Tokyo, but I’m also planning to move apartments soon and will look for a place with a parking space. Since I’ll have a car, I don’t mind being a little farther from train stations either.
For context:
- I’m pretty tall (190+ cm).
- I don’t have years of driving experience, so I’d like to practice more.
- I want something comfortable for long trips (3–5 hours) but still manageable for driving in Tokyo.
Budget-wise, I’m debating between buying a used car (~2–3 million yen) or going with a loan and getting something new if I can save a bit more.
Right now, the car that looks most suitable is the Mazda CX-60 (diesel). Does anyone here have experience with it, or suggestions for alternatives? Any advice for someone in my situation would be really appreciated.
My goal is to buy a car next spring.
by chronodemiurg