Choosing a Car in an Era of a Weak Yen and Soaring Gas Prices
― It’s not just about SUVs.
Why not consider “the sedan option” as well? ―
Due to the recent weakening of the yen, the initial costs of living in the U.S. have been on the rise overall.
Among these expenses, a car is an "essential" for living in Texas.
"I want to drive the best car I can"
"But I want to keep the cost down"
I imagine there are many people who struggle with striking this balance.
Furthermore, with gasoline prices continuing to rise recently, concerns about daily operating costs cannot be ignored.
Given the uncertainty about the future, it has become necessary to view "choosing a car" as "planning for long-term expenses."
SUVs are popular in Texas. It’s easy to see why.
SUVs and pickup trucks are the norm in Texas.
Just look around town, and you’ll see how dominant they are.
The reasons why SUVs are chosen are very clear.
It has a high seating position and is easy to drive
It gives you peace of mind even in the rain or on slightly rough roads
It can carry a lot of luggage
Easy to use for family trips
This sense of security that comes from being able to use it for just about anything is a major draw, especially for those living abroad for the first time.
In fact, we see a large number of customers who come to our dealership with an SUV as their top priority, and
we see firsthand just how popular they are every day.
In fact, according to Texas-based auto sales data,
SUVs: approximately 53%
Pickup: Approximately 25%
Sedans: approx. 19%
Others: Approximately 3%
Even so, sedans like the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, and Honda Civic continue to enjoy steady popularity.
👉In other words,
The reality is that “while SUVs are the mainstream, sedans remain a ‘smart choice.’”
That’s exactly why you should ask yourself, “Do I really need that level of performance?”
On the other hand, it’s also important to try looking at things from a slightly different perspective.
For example, how it’s used in everyday life
Commuting to work or school
Picking up and dropping off children
Everyday shopping
If that’s the main focus, there may actually be surprisingly few situations where you’ll make full use of an SUV’s capabilities.
Of course, the "peace of mind that comes with having plenty of space" is a major appeal of SUVs, but
as a result, they tend to be more expensive in terms of purchase price and fuel economy.
In other words,
👉 “For peace of mind, is it perhaps a bit over-specced?”
Considering this perspective is one smart way to choose a car.
The "just right" appeal of the sedan option
That’s why we’d like to take another look at the sedan as an option.
At first glance, a sedan may seem simple and unassuming, but
it is actually a very well-balanced car for everyday use.
You can choose a car with better features while keeping initial costs low
When comparing options within the same budget,
SUV → Slightly older model year, higher mileage
Sedan → Newer model year, lower mileage, well-equipped
This is not an uncommon occurrence.
In other words, by considering a sedan,
👉 you open up the possibility of owning a car that’s a step above.
You can effectively keep your daily gas costs down
Sedans have a low, lightweight body and low aerodynamic drag, which makes them structurally more fuel-efficient.
With gas prices skyrocketing these days,
even though the difference may seem small each time, it adds up to a significant amount over the long term.
For those looking to reduce their monthly fixed expenses even slightly,
offers a significant advantage.
Maintenance costs and ease of maintenance
Because sedans have a simple structure,
Cost of tires
Consumables
Repair costs
Maintenance costs like these tend to be relatively low.
Japanese sedans, in particular, are highly reliable, and the fact that they rarely experience major problems is another reassuring factor.
The often-overlooked appeal of a smooth ride
In fact, one of the reasons sedans are frequently used for VIP transportation and in business settings is their "ride comfort."
With its low center of gravity and stable design,
it is built to minimize fatigue even during long rides.
In the United States, where people often travel long distances,
this "comfort" directly contributes to overall daily satisfaction.
Make sure you understand the precautions for sedans as well
Of course, sedans have their own features to watch out for.
Because the car has a low ground clearance, you need to be a little careful around curbs
It struggles a bit on rough roads
However, in everyday driving, simply being mindful of things like "driving a little more slowly" (
) is sufficient.
There’s no need to worry too much.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are a slightly different topic from the focus of this discussion
More and more people are considering EVs from the perspective of fuel efficiency, but
The price of the vehicle is still high
Depends on the charging environment
There are restrictions on long-distance travel
Given this current situation,
in terms of "balancing cost and practicality," we are still at a stage where we need to be strategic in our selection process.
When considering "overall value for money," as we are doing here, the
gasoline-powered sedan remains a practical choice.
"SUVs are appealing, but sedans are also a 'smart choice'"
The sense of security and versatility offered by SUVs are very appealing, and
depending on your lifestyle, they are often the best choice.
On the other hand,
✔ Initial costs
✔ Fuel economy
✔ Maintenance costs
When considering the overall balance, it is certainly true that the
sedan is an excellent choice.
"I’d always thought an SUV was the way to go, but maybe a sedan isn’t such a bad idea after all."
I’d be happy if this helps broaden your options.
There is no single “right answer” when it comes to choosing a car.
The most important thing is to choose a car that fits your lifestyle.
, known as J. Auto Solutions, operates two locations in Texas—in Dallas and Houston. At
, we are committed to helping customers choose a vehicle that fits their lifestyle.
"Should I go for an SUV, or is a sedan enough?"
"What’s the best choice on a limited budget?"
Even at this stage, you’re absolutely fine.
We’ll work with you to find a vehicle that fits your needs and budget, ensuring it’s a choice you’re fully satisfied with.
We offer delivery throughout Texas, so please feel free to contact us at
regardless of where you live.
