10 Cheap JDM Cars That are A Blast To Drive

Every gearhead looking for the best value for their money knows that the best place to look is in the Japanese Domestic market. It’s undeniable that JDM cars offer some of the best performances in the automotive industry, and they are aesthetically pleasing. Also, besides their high-performance stats, most JDMs are among the most affordable Japanese cars on the market – “ordinary people” can afford them. Additionally, they are available everywhere across the globe.

Updated September 2022: JDM cars often offer excellent performance and adrenaline-pumping thrills, even at reasonably low price levels. Very few sports cars can compete with Japanese sports cars regarding pricing. However, what makes the deal even sweeter is the ability of these cars to perform at par with most of the more expensive competitors from the States, Germany, and Italy. Hence, we’ve updated this article to lay out the current price ranges of these JDMs, and to make your next classic JDM car shopping a breeze.

So, who’s looking for an affordable car that’s still a blast to drive? The JDM cars featured here are among the best. They are aesthetically great, perform like the Italian beauties everyone dreams of owning, and cost less than $15,000.

Related: 10 Weird And Wonderful Japanese Everyday Cars We Would Love To Drive

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10

1st-Gen Mitsubishi 3000GT – $11,994

By IFCAR

Certainly one of the most underrated Japanese cars from the 1990s that everyone dreams of owning, the 3000GT provides all the thrills offered by expensive sports cars. Besides the powerful performance, the first gen 3000GT is a unique sports car that could easily sell for $30,000, if not more.

By Mr.choppers

Some of the most powerful models came with a twin-turbo V6, but these are a little more expensive. One of the more interesting things to note about the Mitsubishi is that it came in a four-wheel drive layout, despite the exterior and general styling suggesting otherwise.

9

Nissan 300ZX Z32 – $13,500

By Alexander Migl

A JDM list would be incomplete without at least one model of the Nissan Z series. And one of the best of them all is the 300ZX Z32. This is the more popular second rendition of the 300ZX and arguably one of the most accomplished Japanese sports cars ever made.

Benzin via YouTube

Excellent styling, comfortable seating, top-tier handling, and a reasonable price of around $13,000 make the 300ZX one of the best classic sports cars today. Like the 3000GT, more expensive models will have twin-turbo engine options. However, for price-conscious buyers, a non-turbo version still provides plenty of typical rear-wheel drive sports car handling with few drawbacks over more expensive variants.

8

Mazda RX-8 – $8,575

Via: Bring A Trailer

The Mazda RX-8 is one of the most underrated Japanese sports cars in history. Its older sibling, the RX-7, is a legend in the world of small sports cars. And this probably makes the RX-8 appear like an underachiever, but it is not.

By Hatsukari715

The RX-8 is an affordable JDM with the spirit to offer a thrilling experience. A 2006 model, powered by a competitively powerful 1.3-liter Rotary engine rated between 212 and 232hp, sells for just $8,500. The Mazda RX-8 is good for decent power output and fuel efficiency.

Related: 10 Japanese Sports Cars We Wish Would Make A Comeback Soon

7

2nd-Gen Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX – $11,000

Via: Bring a Trailer

Instantly recognizable to Fast and Furious fans, potential JDM enthusiasts may be surprised to find out just how cheap a 2nd Gen Mitsubishi Eclipse is. A 1996 model could easily sell for only $11,000. Despite its screen popularity, the Eclipse GSX is one of the most affordable JDM classics on the market. The car features timeless styling and an array of inline-four engines.

Via bringatrailer

And in true Mitsubishi fashion, four-wheel drive layout. This last feature is exclusive to the GSX model, and as it utilizes the same platform as the Mitsubishi EVO, it should be fairly obvious that the Eclipse grips the tarmac like few others at this price point.

6

MK II Toyota MR2 – $14,300

youtube.com

Given the general inexpensive nature of all generations of MR2, it’s possible to get almost any for a good price. Perhaps the most revered is the MK II model; this MR2’s unique selling point is its mid-engine, rear-wheel drive layout. It’s the Japanese Ferrari.

kenjonbro via Flickr

Of course, as no MR2 ever exceeded 250hp from the factory, it would never rival any Italian sports cars on the straights. However, this layout at this price is very rare, and as a result, its agile handling makes the MR2 a real driver’s car. And it sells for only around $14,000.

5

3rd-Gen Acura Integra – $10,832

By OSX

The third-generation Acura Integra was available from 1994 to 2001. It has been a popular mid-range JDM sports car for years. Its more powerful model, the Type R, is the best JDM anyone could ever want. Unfortunately, getting a Type R at this point is nearly impossible. A 1994 Acura Integra sells at an average price of $11,000.

Related: Here Are 10 Classic JDM Cars You Can Bring Home For Cheap

Japanese Nostalgic Car

The regular Integra models still provide almost identical styling and a great performance – they don’t compromise speed and thrills for the price, despite the lower power output. For buyers looking for an exceptional ride, any model year of the 3rd generation Integra is a perfect buy. A 2001 model sells for an average price of $25,407.

4

Nissan 350Z – $12,500

By Vauxford

It’s a bit of a mystery why the 350Z is so lowly-priced. Along with the Mazda RX-8, the Nissan350Z is one of the newest cars on this list. Its final model was released in 2008. The 350Z was marketed as a GT car when it was released, confusing enthusiasts for quite some time.

By U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

If anything, the 350Z is a Japanese muscle car. It fits the description better than anything else coming from the land of the rising sun. The powerful 3.5-liter V6 and well-mannered manual 6-speed gearbox conclude the story.

3

4th-Gen Toyota Celica – $8,791

Toyota pressroom

The 4th Gen Celica is perhaps one that flew under the radar a little, but at $8,791, it’s an absolute steal and a better driver’s car than many competitors. The Celica has some famous rally heritage, something few other cars on this list can claim. This knowledge only assures buyers of the Celica’s well-made chassis and great handling.

Toyota Pressroom

The styling also clearly indicates the period this particular model of Toyota comes from, the mid-80s as one of the less obvious, not to mention cheapest, options in this list; the Celica for sure has an element of surprise backing it.

2

1st-Gen MX-5/Miata – $8,400

By Francigf

In stark contrast to the Celica, the MX-5 was sure to feature in this list somewhere for obvious reasons. As the undisputed king of the small roadster, the MX-5 has been copied hundreds of times, but no one has captured the magic that makes this car so great.

By OSX

Very few cars in the world come close to being near perfect, but the Mazda combines affordability, exotic stylish, great feeling, and fuel efficiency. Because of the lightweight build and small engine, the MX-5 glides through bends and uses up very little fuel, resulting in the best of both worlds.

1

MK III Toyota Supra – $10,600

By Jiří Sedláček

The Supra may be a household name, but few realize it costs less than $15,000 to drive one. Naturally, with the MK IV Supra reaching a truly unprecedented value, most normal Supra fans may have to look elsewhere.

Via YouTube

Before the days of Fast and Furious, the MK III was considered one of the best sports cars of the 1980s. With a good power output, good handling, and an excellent platform for modification, the MK III may scratch that Supra itch for some while providing a great entry into the world of car modifications.