Here Are 10 Cheap JDM Cars: Drift, Thrills & Reliability

To receive the most value for your money, you should shop for vehicles in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). There is no denying that Japanese domestic market (JDM) cars are among the most aesthetically pleasing and high-performing automobiles available anywhere around the globe. The most exciting part? They are also among the most affordable options.

So, what would you recommend if you’re searching for a new car that won’t blow your budget but will still give you a feeling of excitement?

Here is a list of ten cheap JDM cars that will offer you all the thrills without breaking your bank:

• 1.

  Toyota Celica (4th Gen)

  (Avg: $8,791)

• 2.

  Toyota Supra Mk3

  (Avg: $10,896)

• 3.

  1st Generation Mazda MX-5 Miata

  (Avg: $11,132)

• 4.

  1st Gen Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO

  (Avg: $13,452)

• 5.

  Nissan 300ZX Z32

  (Avg: $13,459)

• 6.

  Mazda RX-8

  (Avg: $13,876)

• 7.

  Honda/Acura Integra (3rd Gen)

  (Avg: $15,000)

• 8.

  Toyota MR2 Mk II

  (Avg: $15,744)

• 9.

  2nd Gen Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX

  (Avg: $16,054)

• 10.

  Nissan 350Z

  (Avg: $17,337)

1

Toyota Celica (4th Gen)

Avg: $8,791

Model years: 1986 – 1989

The Toyota Celica is a legendary example of Japanese sports car design. It is often regarded as an outstanding option for novice drivers because it strikes the ideal balance between dependability and performance. It has a reasonable price tag and exceptional handling, giving you the impression that you are a seasoned driver while driving it down the course. Drifting is more enjoyable than ever because of the layout of this automobile, which has a rear-wheel drive configuration.

2

Toyota Supra Mk3

Avg: $10,896

Model years: 1986 – 1992

The MK III Toyota Supra provides a fantastic entry point into the world of Japanese automobiles. Because these cars are known for their excellent drift thrills and dependability, you can still get a lot of fun out of this vehicle when driving it about town. These automobiles are also quite reasonably priced, so whether you want to buy one as an investment or simply as a fun toy, you won’t have to worry about spending a lot of money on it.

3

1st Generation Mazda MX-5 Miata

Avg: $11,132

Model years: 1989 – 1997

If you want to pursue drifting and are looking for a vehicle, the Mazda MX-5 is among your best options. Because of its small weight and low center of gravity, this vehicle can turn in extremely tight spaces without losing control. In addition, the lightweight body aids with acceleration, making it an excellent choice for competitions.

4

1st Gen Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO

Avg: $13,452

Model years: 1990 – 1993

The 1st generation of the Mitsubishi 3000GT/GTO is an absolute legend in JDM cars. It’s known for its reasonable price tag, high performance, and surprisingly good handling. The vehicle has a V6 engine that produces up to 300 horsepower, which is more than enough to make it a fun car to drive. Its stock tires are also great for drifting, so you can have a lot of fun with this car without spending too much money on upgrades.

5

Nissan 300ZX Z32

Avg: $13,459

Model years: 1989 – 2000

In the drifting world, the Nissan 300ZX is considered a living legend. Its durability, power, and affordability are partly due to its spaceship-like design. It’s no wonder this high-performance vehicle has become one of the most popular drifting machines ever created. If you want to get into drifting without breaking the bank, we strongly suggest starting with this car.

6

Mazda RX-8

Avg: $13,876

Model years: 2002 – 2012

In the market for a low-cost, high-fun vehicle, the Mazda RX-8 is your best bet. This is the vehicle for you if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush on the open road. The RX-8 has all of the bells and whistles you’d expect from a sports car—a sleek body design, an aggressive front end, and plenty of power under the hood. You’ll also be able to drift around corners without worrying about your tires slipping out from under you. The only thing missing from this JDM classic is a manual transmission, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun to drive.

7

Honda/Acura Integra (3rd Gen)

Avg: $15,000

Model years: 1994 – 2001

This one is the holy grail of cheap JDM cars. If you’re looking for a good drift car, this is it. It’s also very reliable, which is nice because you can’t exactly afford to repair it if you break it—or even fix it yourself. This car is perfect for beginners who want to get into drifting and don’t have much money to spend on their first drift car. The only downside is that they are often hard to find in good condition because of how many people have crashed them in the past.

8

Toyota MR2 Mk II

Avg: $15,744

Model years: 1984 – 2007

The MK II Toyota MR2 is a wonderful place to begin if you enjoy Japanese drift vehicles. With its rear-wheel drive and minimal weight, this car is agile and allows for some crazy slides. You may perform your repairs and maintenance on the vehicle if necessary because it is pretty simple to work on. The MK II Toyota MR2 is a ton of fun to drive and even has a roll cage built in! This is the affordable JDM vehicle you’ve been waiting for if you want to start off-roading or drifting immediately.

9

2nd Gen Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX

Avg: $16,054

Model years: 1995 – 1999

The second-generation Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX is a vehicle that will allow you to enter into the sport of drifting at a price that won’t break the bank. It is accessible on the wallet, dependable, and has an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, making it an excellent choice for novice racers looking for an all-around vehicle. Because the second generation Eclipse production lasted from 1995 to 1999, locating replacement components should not be difficult. You can also find these vehicles in drift circles all over the nation; all you need to do is seek one with a roll cage, and you’ll be good to go.

10

Nissan 350Z

Avg: $17,337

Model years: 2002 – 2009

If you are interested in competing in races or drifting, the Nissan 350Z is a good choice of car for those kinds of activities. It has a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which gives it sufficient power and torque, enabling it to handle corners and keep up with other cars at a reasonable speed. This is one of its defining characteristics. You can modify the feel of the suspension so that it corresponds with how you usually drive. This is possible since the suspension can be modified.

The Bottom Line

These vehicles are legendary. They are affordable, dependable, and a fantastic entry point into the world of distinctively styled cars now on the road. And the most incredible part? Once done, they’ll be simple to sell or flip for a profit. These ten cheap JDM cars listed above should provide you with what you’re searching for if you want to have fun while still saving money.

RELATED: The 5 Fastest Japanese Sports Cars (by Top Speed)

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