JDM Badges: What’s the Deal and Can You Trust Them?

Are you in the market for a second-hand car and have stumbled upon a vehicle with a badge that looks… well, a little off? Maybe it’s not what you expected, and you’re wondering if you should trust it. Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Let’s dive into the world of JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) car badges, why they differ, and whether or not you should trust them.

Why Do Some Cars Have Different Badges on the Front and Back?

You’ve probably noticed that some cars feature a different badge on the front than they do on the back. This is actually pretty common with Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) vehicles, and it’s something you might see more often if you’re looking at imported cars.

Take Toyota, for example. The brand has four different branches in Japan and produces a massive number of vehicles. With so many models to choose from, it’s not surprising that they like to get creative with their badges. Some models will feature a unique emblem on the front to help distinguish them.

A Closer Look at the Toyota Blade

Let’s talk about the Toyota Blade for example, a hatchback launched in 2007 and produced until 2012. The Blade was essentially a more stylish, upscale version of the Toyota Corolla, but it was only sold in Japan, meaning it didn’t make its way to Australia. However, like many JDM cars, the Blade is now being imported due to its popularity

Now here’s where things get interesting: The Toyota Blade has the familiar Toyota emblem on the r

ear of the car, but the front badge is unique to this model. It’s not the standard Toyota logo that you’d expect to see on something like a Corolla or Camry, it’s a custom design created just for the Blade. This is a common practice for Japanese automakers, who sometimes design badges specifically for certain models, making them unique to that vehicle alone.

So, Can You Trust a Car with a Different Front Badge?

Absolutely! While it might seem a little unusual at first, there’s no reason to be concerned about a different badge on the front. In fact, this can be one of the things that makes your JDM vehicle special. It highlights the uniqueness of the model and ties it to the specific brand identity it was designed for in Japan.

That said, do your due diligence when buying a JDM car. If you’re buying from an importer, make sure the car has been properly inspected and certified. This is especially important when considering the condition and authenticity of the vehicle. All Davey Motor Group Vehicles are sourced and inspected by our parent company, Davey Japan, allowing full control over quality from sourcing to delivery. A different front badge doesn’t automatically mean something’s wrong, it’s just part of the JDM charm!

If you’re ever unsure about the differences between Japanese vehicles or if you have concerns about your potential import, don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted car dealer or expert. At Davey Motor Group, we’re always happy to help answer any questions you might have about JDM imports and the sometimes mysterious world of Japanese car badges.