Many iconic classic cars are highly desired by automotive enthusiasts. JDM cars produced during the 1980s and 1990s are some of the best cars that attracted a cult-like following. These cars were specifically made for the local Japanese market. Following the 25-year-old import rule, many JDM classics produced during the Japanese golden era of sports cars can now be imported into the USA.
Due to the surging demand for these Japanese classics, prices have gone through the roof in recent years. Iconic cars like the Toyota 2000GT, Nissan Fairlady Z432R, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI, Toyota Supra Mk4, and the Nissan Skyline GT-R are now worth a fortune. So what do you do when you want to experience the best of these JDM classics on a limited budget? Unknown to most people, several ultra-cheap and rare Japanese cars can perform as well as the popular Skylines and Supras. Here are 10 super-rare and iconic JDM cars that normal people can still afford.
10 Nissan Pulsar GTI-R – $17,800
The Nissan Pulsar was offered in various body configurations, a coupe, a five-door hatchback, or a sedan, but the one you want is the three-door GTI-R hatchback. Produced as a homologation special, the GTI-R was the top-performance variant of the fourth-generation Pulsar N14.
Under the hood, the little hatchback featured the iconic 2.0-liter turbocharged SR20DET engine that produced 227 hp and 210 lb-ft of torque. Better yet, it boasted the ATTESA all-wheel-drive system that meant acceleration from 0 to 60 mph was dealt with in 5.4 seconds. While it was dubbed the “baby” Godzilla, the GTI-R is surprisingly affordable today.
9 Mitsubishi GTO – $9,100-$24,400
Produced from 1990 to 2000, the Mitsubishi GTO was marketed globally as Mitsubishi 3000GT and Dodge Stealth in North America. It was a collaborative effort between Mitsubishi Motors and Chrysler, as the latter was responsible for the car’s exterior styling.
The base model is equipped with a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 166 hp, while the twin-turbocharged VR-4 and Stealth R/T models produced 300 hp. The turbocharged models also featured a 4-wheel steering and a permanent four-wheel drive. The GTO was praised for its AWD grip and impressive acceleration, going from 0-60 mph in 5 seconds or less.
8th Nissan 300ZX (Z32) – $12,300-$31,500
Nissan’s Z-line of sports cars dates back to 1971 with the legendary 240Z. While the modern 350Z and 370Z are still iconic, one of the most sought after models is the 1983 300ZX. The most desirable version is the twin-turbocharged model with the 3.0-liter VG30 DETT V6 engine producing 300 hp and 283 lb-ft of torque.
Get it right, and the car does the 0 to 60mph sprint in under six seconds. With the prices of the Z32s in the united states skyrocketing today, non-turbo 300ZXs can still be bought for less than $10,000. Elsewhere, a turbocharged right-hand drive Fairly Z Z32 can be found for under $30,000.
7 Toyota Chaser JZX100 – $10,000-$15,000
The JZX100 is the most-desired model of the sixth-generation Toyota Chaser, introduced in 1997. It shared the same 1JZ-GTE engine as the Supra. And like most legendary JDM cars produced during the 1990s, the JZX100 also fell under the Gentleman’s Agreement.
The JZX100 became a favorite among drifters due to its traditional front-engine rear-wheel-drive configuration. Models with the 2JZ-GE engine can also be tuned to staggering horsepower numbers. As the Chaser was only offered in Japan, it became eligible for import into the US in 2021. And while they are rare to come across, they go for less than $20,000.
6 Toyota Celica GT Four – $15,000-$20,000
The Celica is often overlooked, but the GT-Four is an amazing model that’s remarkably affordable today. Introduced as a homologation special car, the GT-Four liftback was produced across three generations from 1986 to 1999.
The GT-Four marked the first time an AWD turbocharged Japanese car entered the WRC and won titles. The ST205 remains the most powerful Celica, with the 3S-GTE engine producing 255 hp on the tap. While the GT-Four wasn’t sold in the US, the good news is that it’s now eligible for import, thanks to the 25-year rule. That means you can own the GT-Four for less than $20,000.
5 Nissan Cefiro A31 – $10,000
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Before the Cefiro grew into the now boring front-wheel-drive configuration, it was originally produced as a cutting-edge rear-wheel-drive sedan from 1988 to 1994. Powered by the turbocharged RB20DET inline-six, the A31 is a favorite today among drifters and tuners.
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The A31 also featured state-of-the-art technology such as electronically adjustable seats, HICAS four-wheel steering, automatic headlights, ATTESA 4WD system, and electronically adjustable suspension. While it was initially more costly than the equivalent Skyline, the Cefiro can be all yours for well below $10,000.
4 Toyota Soarer GT-T – $6,000-$12,000
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The JZZ30 was the sportiest model in the third generation Soarer Z30 range. But while it shared key components with Lexus SC, the JZZ30 featured a different powertrain, interior features, and polished-up performance.
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Under the hood, the Soarer 2.5 GT-T packed the legendary 2.5-liter 1JZ-GTE turbocharged engine that cranked out 276 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. This was in keeping with the JDM gentleman’s agreement as real-world power figures were somewhat more than 300 hp before tuning. Going for less than $20,000, the Soarer GT-T is considered a low-budget Supra today as they share the same powertrain.
3 Subaru SVX – $7,300-$9,100
Introduced in 1989, the Subaru SVX was produced over a single generation from 1991 to 1996 as the brand’s primary entry in the performance segment. Designed by an Italian designer, the SVX made headlines for its quirky aircraft-inspired window-within-a-window configuration.
The SVX was powered by a 3.3-liter flat-six (boxer) engine producing 231 hp and 228 lb of torque. At the time, it was Subaru’s biggest engine in a passenger car. Gearheads often overlooked the SVX because it was offered solely with an automatic transmission. Nonetheless, the SVX makes a good modding platform, and they are dirt cheap, going for less than $10,000.
2 Mitsubishi FTO – $20,000
The Mitsubishi FTO is a front-engined sports coupe produced between 1994 and 2000. While it was underrated for the front-wheel-drive configuration, its performance was so good that it won Car of the Year Japan upon its debut.
The FTO was available in different engine options, with the range-topping MIVEC V6 engine (in the GP and GPX models) producing a respectable 197 hp. In 1997, the FTO received a mid-production facelift where the exterior styling was updated to enhance the car’s image. Today, you can get the pre-facelift model for less than $10,000, while the GPX limited edition with a five-speed transmission fetches around $20,000.
1 Toyota Celica Supra MkII – $9,200
While the Supra MK I was revolutionary, the MK II was as close as you could get to a BMW M3. Benefitting from a major redesign, the MK II propelled the Supra from one of the worst automotive trends during the 1970s into the squared-off futurism of the 1980s.
To a lover of classic cars, the Supra’s inline-six was compelling as the 2.8-liter unit produced 145 hp – marginally increased to 161 hp in 1985. With the prices of the Supra MK IV having gone through the roof recently, the Supra MK II is an affordable alternative.
