Originally Posted by
Schweden
Looking to rent a car in Japan for the first time. I'm looking to do a day or 2 from Mishima Station.
- If I book SP1 (Toyota 86/GR Yaris) from Toyota Rent A Car, will it come with a manual transmission? Will they even have that car class available and what happens if they do not?
- What will I likely get by booking standard class? Are the rental cars recent and do they have Apple Carplay?
- Should I get the ETC card if I'm only doing one or two toll roads?
Thanks!
The GR Yaris is only available as a manual I think? But for the 86, you’ll most likely get auto because as much as possible, Japanese car rental firms don’t offer manuals because the Japanese drivers more often than not do not have manual-permitted licenses.
If they don’t have it they won’t let you book it. If you do book it, they will have it. Simple as that. Japan very rarely does the overbooking piece - they will offer exactly what they have and unless there’s irrops you’ll get exactly what you booked.
Carplay yes, you’ll probably have. Toyota usually has their newest cars, often with less than 10K on them (but don’t EXPECT it, sometimes they have more), but usually quite up to date with technology.
Absolutely get an ETC card if you’re in the Tokyo area because the Shutoko will cost $13 per entry if cash only, but distance based if ETC (so usually $4-7) so it’s well worth it. In Shizuoka … maybe less critical. It’s only like 300 yen to rent the card though and if anything it’ll save you time at toll gates having to line up and so on.