For many people seeking a daily driver, uniqueness, and reliability at an affordable price, are essential considerations. Which is why many people turn to Japanese cars.
Japan is home to some of the finest automobile factories on the planet. To keep the market booming locally, high inspection fees, along with other taxes, are charged after two to three years of ownership.
These increase exponentially as the vehicle ages or should it get involved in an accident. To avoid these high costs, Japanese cars end up being scrapped or auctioned and exported. The result: affordable vehicles on the Japanese export market!
While JDM imports require some extra work to get them on the road, the reward is a unique and affordable ride that draws attention.
For cars less than 25 years old, conformity to DOT and EPA standards, as well as any state-specific requirements, are necessary when importing them to the US. Treading this path, however, can be a real odyssey. Which is why people opt for cars above 25 years of age, qualifying them for “classic” clearance.
With the help from the experts from Be Forward, Japanese Car Trade, Goo-Net Exchange, Car from Japan and Car Used we have identified 10 affordable JDM cars which shall make their owners look like a million bucks.
10 1997 Toyota Century – $25,000
The Toyota Century is a car that exudes exceptional craftsmanship and features an exquisite V12 engine. Due to it being hand-built, the production process is time-consuming, and factory output is limited.
But thanks to the retention of the same geometry across generations, those from the early 2000s still look good. The Century comes equipped with a powerful V12 engine capable of producing 276 hp.
The car’s interior is dominated by wool, wood, and space, providing the ultimate indulgence for the Japanese elite. The Toyota Century, despite decades on the road, still maintains its new-like appearance and driving experience, mostly irrespective of its mileage.
In this regard, when compared to its European counterparts, the Century would be the logical choice. The second generation of the Century can be purchased for around US $25,000.
9 1992 Honda Beat – $5,000
With a top speed of 95 mph, the Honda Beat might not be setting a world record, but for driving around town, this is more than enough.
And what the Beat lacks in top speed is compensated by its agile handling and nimble nature, promising a thrilling ride around twisting roads and tight corners. A 656 cc, three-cylinder engine, capable of 8,300 rpm, powers up this Kei car designed by Pininfarina.
The Beat was the last car to be approved by Honda’s founder, Soichiro Honda, before his death in 1991. Production started the next year and ended in 1996. Around 33,600 units of this two-door roadster were produced and now sell in-between $3,000 to $15,000, depending on year and mileage.
8 1997 Toyota Sprinter Marino/Ceres – $10,000
The Toyota Ceres, also badged as the Sprinter Marino, is an amalgamation of a Corolla, Corona and Celica. It was produced from 1992 to 1998 in Japan, with the introduction in 1997, of the “Black Top” version of the already high-revving 4AGE engine, now capable of 200 hp.
This iteration also included Toyota’s VVT-i, allowing for more efficient combustion and improved power delivery across the rpm range.
The “Black Top” engine also included an upgrade of the connecting rods, pistons, and crankshaft, which improved durability and reliability. This particular version, unique to Japan, is worth considering. Prices range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the car’s condition.
7 2001 Toyota Premio – $2,000
The Toyota Premio, first launched in 2001, is a midsize luxury family car that can only be imported to the States from 2027 onwards. With its top-variant boasting, a 1.8 liter four-cylinder engine that delivers 136 hp, the Premio is designed to provide dependable performance.
However, what sets this midsize luxury sedan apart is its understated elegance on the outside, longevity of cabin components, and mechanical reliability. Models available on the export market are generally under 100,000 miles, and 2001 models can currently be purchased for just $2,000.
6 1998 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo V – $15,000
The year 1998 marked the introduction of the fifth generation of the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution series. Popularly known as the Evo V, it was specifically developed to dominate the rally circuit. At its heart is a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine producing 280 hp and 275 lb-ft of torque.
The all-wheel-drive system, track-developed suspension and Brembo brakes contributed to the Evo V’s precise handling, agility and speed.
It is no wonder that this Mitsubishi won the manufacturers’ championship in 1998 and 1999, as well as the drivers’ championship in 1998. Evos produced in 1998 can finally be imported, typically selling in the price range of $10,000 to $20,000.
5 1992 Toyota Corona – $4,000
In 1992, Toyota released the last generation of the Corona, a mid-size car that came in three different body styles: sedan, wagon, and hardtop. It boasted a variety of engines to choose from, including a 1.6-liter, 1.8-liter, and 2.0-liter gasoline engine, as well as a 2.0-liter diesel engine.
With front-wheel drive and the option for manual or automatic transmission, the Corona caters to a wide range of driving preferences. The car’s interior is both spacious and comfortable, making it perfect for long trips.
Many of these end up as tuning projects given their affordability, ranging in between $4,000 to $6,000, particularly in Europe, where they were once sold as the Carina E.
4 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado – $13,000
The second generation of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado debuted in 1996, making it eligible for importation. The Prado has better off-roading capabilities when compared to its American counterpart, the 4runner, with standard features like the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), a rear locking differential, and a multi-terrain select system.
These options do enhance the Prado’s off-road performance and provide better traction and stability in challenging conditions.
The Prado also has a higher ground clearance than the 4Runner, which allows it to clear obstacles more easily. Its more sophisticated 4WD system can adjust the distribution of torque between the front and rear wheels for better traction and stability.
The second generation was available with either a 3.0-liter diesel engine or a 2.7-liter gasoline engine. Its price ranges from $7,000 to $20,000, depending on mileage.
3 2002 Daihatsu Copen – $3,500
The Daihatsu Copen is a two-seater convertible sports car that was first introduced in 2002. One of its key characteristics is its retractable hardtop, which can be opened or closed in just 20 seconds. The car also features a lightweight body, with a total weight of just 1,830 lbs, making it nimble and fun to drive.
This generation of the Daihatsu Copen is powered by a 0.66-liter turbocharged engine, which is also used in other Daihatsu Kei cars.
The engine produces 64 hp, and is paired with either a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. The Copen can only be imported from 2028 onwards, though, and is currently selling for around $3,500.
2 1995 Toyota Crown – $7,000
The tenth-generation Toyota Crown, produced from 1995 to 1999, was a popular mid-size luxury sedan in the Japanese market. It was also available as a wagon.
Engine options available at that time included a 2.0-liter inline-four, a 2.5-liter V6, a 3.0-liter V6, and a 3.0-liter inline-six. These engines were paired with either a four-speed automatic or a five-speed manual transmission.
In terms of safety and advanced features, the 1995 Crown was ahead of its time. It offered anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability control, and airbags for both the front and rear passengers. The price range for this crown is currently in between $3,000 to $10,000.
1 1998 Suzuki Jimny – $4,000
From a distance, one could mistake the Jimny for a Jeep. This compact SUV, with a wheelbase of just 2,250 mm and an overall length of 3,645 mm, is equipped with a 4WD system and a low-range transfer gear, making it ideal for off-road driving. On offer is a 1.3-liter gasoline engine and a 1.5-liter diesel engine, producing 85 hp and 65 hp respectively.
Despite its small size, the Jimny can easily accommodate four adults. The older ones have prices varying from $3,000 to $6,000, depending on their condition..CONTINUE READING>>
