4 reconditioned Japanese cars to stand out on Dhaka’s roads
These cars come with all the perks of owning reconditioned vehicles i.e. cheap maintenance, high reliability and good fuel economy, while still inherently being Japanese
Drive across Dhaka during rush hour and you'll notice something uncanny: it's basically a cloning experiment. There is yet another Toyota Premio or Allion on the road. Another Toyota Axio. Another Toyota Corolla Cross. And, as usual, a procession of Nissan X-Trails passed.
It's not laziness. It's logical. Import taxes imposed in Bangladesh are so high that brand-new cars from authorised dealers have become extremely costly. Hence, reconditioned imports still dominate the roads. Customers desire dependability, a simple resale, and readily available workshops that already know the engine configurations. Japanese automobiles can deliver all three. This explains the homogeneity on the streets.
However, if you want to be different, you don't necessarily need to go for brand-new Chinese options or spend a fortune on European cars. Here are four reconditioned vehicle alternatives to common everyday cars. All these come with the perks of owning reconditioned vehicles. i.e., cheap maintenance, high reliability and good fuel economy, all while being manufactured in the Land of the Rising Sun.
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2021 Lexus ES300h: The discerning buyers' Crown
In case the Crown has been chosen as the default executive car, then the Lexus ES300h is the loud overachiever. Reconditioned ES300hs are in the Tk90 lakh range, a bit above the comfort range of a five-year-old Crown sedan of Tk80 lakh to Tk90 lakh.
Nevertheless, what you receive is refinement on a higher level. Under the hood lies a 2.5-litre inline-four petrol hybrid with e-CVT, producing 215 PS and 221 Nm of combined torque. The hybrid system rides silently over traffic, the ride is beautifully cushioned, and the cabin is properly premium and not merely well-equipped.
It's a subtle prestige; the kind that doesn't shout. This can be an excellent flex for those who value comfort and efficiency and seek a certain degree of exclusivity without being forced to compromise on reliability. However, keep in mind that you'll be losing out on the rear-wheel drivetrain if that's what you're particularly into.
Price starts at: Tk90 lakh (approx.)
2021 Toyota RAV4: The Harrier, but designed for off-road
The Harrier is everywhere. Particularly the latest one. The RAV4, however, is less common. Priced between Tk70 lakh and Tk80 lakh, the TRD version sits in the middle of the Harrier's price range yet has a lot more to offer.
Unlike the rounded curves of the Harrier, the RAV4 features sharper styling, sportier suspension modifications tuned for both on- and off-road, and design-specific features that make for its rugged appeal.
It is available with either a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated inline-four petrol with CVT, delivering 171 PS and 207 Nm of torque, or a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid with electric motors and e-CVT, producing 218 PS and up to 279 Nm of combined torque.
It remains reliable with Toyota's DNA under it, just like the one that would take you to work or wherever you need to go on the highway, but aesthetically it has more bite. It is unique without shouting. When you are sick and tired of being another victim of a mass of same crossovers, then this is your little insurrection.
Price starts at: Tk70 lakh (approx.)
2021 Mazda 3: The driver's alternative
The Mazda 3, priced at around Tk40 lakhs, lands squarely in Corolla or Civic money and approaches the segment with a very different attitude. The exterior follows Mazda's Kodo design language: a long bonnet, slim headlights and a low, planted stance that makes most rivals look upright and conservative. It has a presence without unnecessary chrome.
Inside, the cabin feels driver-focused. The seating position is low, the steering nicely weighted, and the dashboard layout clean and intuitive. Most reconditioned units come well-specced with an infotainment display, multifunction steering, climate control and advanced safety assists depending on grade. It feels modern without feeling cluttered.
Under the hood lies either a 1.5-litre SkyActiv-G naturally aspirated petrol with 6-speed automatic, producing 111 PS and 144 Nm of torque, or a 2.0-litre petrol hybrid with e-CVT delivering 136 PS and 207 Nm of combined torque. The result is a sedan that feels tighter, sharper and more engaging than the usual commuter standard.
Price starts at: Tk40 lakh (approx.)
2021 Honda Vezel: The local underachiever
Hovering around the Tk50 lakh mark, the Honda Vezel offers crossover practicality without blending into the Corolla Cross crowd. The exterior is clean and slightly coupe-like, thanks to its sloping roofline and neatly integrated rear door handles. It looks mature rather than flashy, which works in its favour.
Step inside, and the cabin feels airy and practical. Honda's clever packaging means generous space for passengers and luggage, while its features typically include touchscreen infotainment, climate control, multifunction steering, and Honda's well-thought-out storage solutions. It's comfortable, straightforward and easy to live with.
Power comes from a 1.5-litre i-VTEC naturally aspirated petrol engine paired with a CVT, producing 121 PS and 145 Nm of torque, or a 1.5-litre petrol hybrid paired with a dual-clutch transmission delivering around 152 PS and 190 Nm of combined torque. It is not about outright performance; it is about smooth, predictable progress and everyday usability. The Vezel makes its statement quietly—practical, efficient, and refreshingly uncommon.
Price starts at: Tk45 lakh (approx.)
