The Japanese system encourages citizens to purchase new automobiles and replace their used cars regularly. Used Japanese automobiles are fast too expensive to acquire and maintain in Japan due to the high cost of running and licensing. This results in a glut of vehicles on the export market, because of the abundance of used Japanese automobiles available for export, which further reduces costs to near to nothing compared to the likes of European and American car manufacturers, resale prices remain competitive, and appeal to export customers globally.
First and foremost the car will rarely break down and if it might, you’ll get it repaired without spending a fortune like you would for your Volkswagen. They're built for performance, reliability, and style, and not often for comfort, if you are thinking cheap you should better forget the automation, But if you're looking for a car that's both fun to drive and practical, then a JDM car is definitely worth considering.
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10. Nissan 300ZX Z32
Interest in the Nissan 300ZX, particularly the Z32 model from 1990 to 1996, has surged recently. This is primarily due to the upcoming release of the new Nissan Z and the general resurgence of 1990s nostalgia.
Nissan 300ZX Z32 |
Specs |
---|---|
Price |
$20,000 |
Powertrain |
3.0L Twin Turbo V6 |
Horsepower |
283 HP |
Torque |
276 lb-ft |
Transmission |
5-speed Manual |
0-60 MPH |
6 seconds |
Top Speed |
155 mph |
The Nissan 300ZX is a legend among drifters. Its spaceship-like design, longevity, power, and affordability have all contributed to its status as one of the best drifting machines ever made. We highly recommend this car to anyone looking to get into drifting on a budget.
Non-turbo 300ZXs can be found for as little as $10,000, but prices will increase as mileage goes up. The best turbo models are priced between $40,000 and $60,000, but you can also find a respectable one for around $20,000.
9. Subaru Impreza WRX
The Subaru Impreza is a legendary rally car that has won multiple World Rally Championships. Its motorsport history makes it an attractive investment for anyone looking for a practical and adrenaline-pumping car.
Subaru Impreza WRX |
Specs |
---|---|
Price |
$12,000 |
Powertrain |
2.0L Turbo intercooled Boxer 4 |
Horsepower |
215 HP |
Torque |
215 lb-ft |
Transmission |
5-speed Manual |
0-60 MPH |
6.2 seconds |
Top Speed |
143 MPH |
The WRX variant of the Impreza is a cost-effective option that offers an out-of-this-world ride. Its rally-inspired engineering makes it a great value for under $10,000. Nothing carries more clout than a rally car in your garage.
8. Lexus IS 300
Lexus, a luxury brand under Toyota, has been selling the IS compact executive car since 1999. The IS was originally sold in Japan as the Toyota Altezza in 1998. The Altezza name means "height" or "highness" in Italian. Lexus launched the IS as a lower-priced entry-level sports car after the success of the ES.
2001 Lexus IS 300 |
Specs |
---|---|
Price |
$10,000 |
Powertrain |
3.0L 2JZ-GE Turbocharged inter-cooled straight-6 |
Horsepower |
215 HP |
Torque |
212 lb-ft |
Transmission |
5 speed Automatic |
0-60 MPH |
8.2 seconds |
Top Speed |
143 MPH |
The Lexus IS300 may not be the most visually appealing sports car, but it is a capable machine that shares its engine with the legendary Toyota Supra MkIV. The 2JZ engine is a tuning legend, and the IS300 can be easily modified to produce significantly more power. However, the IS300's stock top speed of 143 mph means that it can often be overlooked by enthusiasts.
7. Toyota Celica
Toyota released the sixth-generation Celica in 1993 as a first step towards unifying the visual design of the Celica and Supra. Only the ST and GT trims of the Celica were sold in the United States.
Toyota Celica T200 2.0i GT-4 Turbo 4WD |
Specs |
---|---|
Price |
$8,000 |
Powertrain |
2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 |
Horsepower |
239 HP |
Torque |
222 lb-ft |
Transmission |
5-speed Manual |
0-60 MPH |
6.1 seconds |
Top Speed |
149 MPH |
The 1996 Toyota Celica is a great value at around $5,500. It has a long and rich history, is easy to maintain, and is a popular choice for modification for competitive racing. This makes it a great choice for those who enjoy driving Japanese sports cars and want a car that they can customize to their own needs.
6. Mazda RX-7 Mk3
The Mazda RX-7 Mk3 was released in 1992, at a time when Japanese car manufacturers were starting to dominate the global sports car market. This car helped to create a "Japanese sports car bubble" that nearly killed off Porsche and Corvette.
Mazda RX-7 Mk3 |
Specs |
---|---|
Price |
$25,000 |
Powertrain |
1.3L sequential twin-turbo 2-rotor Wankel |
Horsepower |
237 HP |
Torque |
217 lb-ft |
Transmission |
5-speed Manual |
0-60 MPH |
5.4 seconds |
Top Speed |
156 MPH |
The engine is unusual for its use of twin sequential turbos. Indeed, it was amongst the first of its kind back in the day. It was an effective, if complex system that relied on precise electronic control of boost pressures to work seamlessly. The car was made for thrill and it delivered.
5. Honda/Acura Integra (3rd Gen)
Honda Integra was marketed in North America as the Acura Integra, the third-generation Integra is a highly regarded sport compact car that was produced from 1994 to 2001. It is known for its excellent handling, powerful engine, and stylish design. The Integra was available in three trim levels: base, GS-R, and Type R.
Honda/Acura Integra (3rd Gen) |
Specs |
---|---|
Price |
$7,500 |
Powertrain |
1.8L Inline-4 |
Horsepower |
140 hp |
Torque |
124 lb-ft |
Transmission |
5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic |
0-60 MPH |
7.1 seconds |
Top Speed |
135 MPH |
The base model was powered by a 1.8L 4-cylinder engine that produced 140 horsepower. The GS-R and Type R models were equipped with a more powerful 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produced a decent 170 and 195 horsepower, respectively. All models were available with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.
4. Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA)
MX-5 was equipped with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine and a five-speed manual transmission. When new, the engine produced 115 horsepower and 100 pound-feet of torque. These numbers may seem paltry by today's standards, but the car's lightweight (less than 1,000 kilograms) ensures that it always feels lively and responsive, if not outright quick.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA) |
Specs |
---|---|
Price |
$6,000 |
Powertrain |
1.6L Inline-4 |
Horsepower |
115 HP |
Torque |
100 lb-ft |
Transmission |
5-speed Manual |
0-60 MPH |
8.3 seconds |
Top Speed |
116.8 MPH |
The Miata's 0-60 time of 8.3 seconds is not particularly quick, but it is not the car's raison d'être. The Miata was designed to be a lightweight, nimble roadster that was fun to drive, and it succeeded in spades. Mazda's decision to focus on performance over comfort paid off, as the Miata is a hit with driving enthusiasts. You can get all the fun that the convertible Roadster version offers for as low as $6,000.
3. Nissan 350Z
The 350Z is a great value for money as a second-hand buy. It offers a lot of performance and driving enjoyment for a relatively affordable price. The car is also relatively reliable and easy to find parts for.
Nissan 350Z |
Specs |
---|---|
Price |
$8,000 |
Powertrain |
2.5L V6 |
Horsepower |
311 HP |
Torque |
268 lb-ft |
Transmission |
6-speed Manual |
0-60 MPH |
5.8 seconds |
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
The Nissan 350Z was produced with two different engines over its seven-year production run. The beast-like VQ35DE V6 engine was used for the 2003-2006 model years and produced 287-300 horsepower. The VQ35HR V6 engine was introduced in 2007 and 2008, and it produced 306 horsepower. Nissan 350Z is a sought-after car, and recently the prices have soared seeing all the great reviews about people going mad over the car.
2. Toyota MR2
Looking for a mid-engine, affordable sports car that handles just as well as the best supercars, at a fraction of the cost, purchase price and maintenance alike? The MR2. The MR2 is a somewhat underrated sports car.
Honda/Acura Integra (3rd Gen) |
Specs |
---|---|
Price |
$5,000 |
Powertrain |
1.6L Inline-4 |
Horsepower |
119 HP |
Torque |
102 lb-ft |
Transmission |
5-speed Manual |
0-60 MPH |
7.7 seconds |
Top Speed |
124 MPH |
It was produced from 1984 to 2007. Toyota MR2s are often priced similarly to old Miatas on Craigslist. The MR2 is also relatively lightweight, which helps it accelerate quickly and reach high speeds. And because Toyotas are known for their reliability, you won't have to worry about spending a lot of money on repairs.
1. Suzuki Cappuccino
This one is special for convertible lovers. The Suzuki Cappuccino is a small convertible that was produced from 1992 to 1998. It was available in three roof configurations: T-top, semi-convertible, and full convertible with its 1500 lb curb weight. The Cappuccino was powered by a turbocharged 657cc inline-3 engine and was available with either a 5-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission.
Suzuki Cappuccino |
Specs |
---|---|
Price |
$5,900 |
Powertrain |
0.6L inline-3 |
Horsepower |
64 hp |
Torque |
78 lb-ft |
Transmission |
5-speed Manual, 3-speed Automatic |
0-60 MPH |
9 seconds |
Top Speed |
87 mph |
We recommend going for the Manual transmission because the automatic transmission at this price range is not reliable. The Suzuki Cappuccino is a rare car, as it was only produced for a limited time. It is a sought-after car among collectors, and prices for good examples have been rising in recent years but they can be bought for as low as under $6k.