These Are the Best JDM Cars for Less Than $10,000
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge fan of JDM cars. Buying one doesn’t have to get pricey!
JDM cars are known for their reliability. They’ve also gained an impressive following since the 1990s for their sportiness. Plus, many of the best JDM cars can be purchased for less than $10,000. Though, in recent years, their popularity mixed with relaxed importing regulations have seen the market skyrocket.
Buying a JDM classic can seem like a daunting and expensive process, but that isn’t the case. In fact, many great models cost less than you might imagine. With a bit of research and armed with knowledge, finding a beast is relatively easy!
Subaru Impreza WRX
Perhaps the most iconic sports car from Subaru is the WRX. Modern versions of the sedan are still quite expensive, but if you’re looking for an excellent JDM car for less than $10,000, then the Impreza WRX is a great choice!
Subaru is known for holding its value, so you’ll have to go back a few years to find an Impreza WRX that’s less than $10,000. A 2008 model should do nicely. The average mileage is just a hair over 120k miles and is even available as a hatch.
Further, the 2008 Impreza WRX has that famous AWD for fun in the snow. Additionally, it has a five-speed manual transmission paired to a 2.5L Boxer four with 224 horsepower. Of course, that’s assuming no sick-ass mods have been installed!
Subaru Legacy GT spec.B
Subaru’s Legacy doesn’t spring to mind when thinking of JDM sports cars, but it should. This bad boy is a poor man’s WRX, and it’s priced to match too at an average of about $7,000 for a 2007 model!
The Legacy GT spec.B comes with a 2.5L turbocharged Boxer four with 250 horsepower. For 2007, the five-speed manual gets swapped for the six-speed, larger than stock tires, and a focus on handling.
Unlike the Impreza WRX, the GT spec.B is more about looking unassuming, but get too close, and this sedan will knock your socks off! Better still, it’s a Subaru, which means AWD. Save some money and grab this JDM sleeper before the world wises up on its value!
Mazda MX-5
The Mazda MX-5 has been around since 1989 and remains as iconic as the first year it was released. As JDM cars go, it is quite typical. Miata’s hold their value quite well. They’re sporty, fun to drive, and late 2000s models go for a bargain around $8,000.
Many JDM sports cars go for the two-seater approach and the MX-5 continues that trend. What makes the Miata so fun is the 166 horsepower that’s sent to the rear wheels. While it may sound small, the car is light, making for a zippy sporty ride!
Best yet, the Mazda MX-5 is easy on gas, which is kind of an oxymoron for a sports car. Though, one could argue the Miata is more a tourer than a sports car. Regardless, this JDM classic is one of the best sub-$10,000 cars!
Nissan 300ZX Z32
Nissan’s 300ZX enjoys a modest increase in value year after year. Despite the surge in popularity and price, the 300ZX can still be purchased for less than $10,000, should a project car be up your alley.
Not every 300ZX is installed with a twin-turbo engine, but the V6 is still quite capable on the base model. Plus, look at it; it’s an iconic 90s JDM sports car. They can be modified, they’re fun to drive, and they set the stage for the 350Z!
The 1990s were filled with great Nissan sports cars, and the 300ZX remains one of the most solid. Though many are starting to show their age and can be challenging to work on, they’re nevertheless a great ride.
Toyota RAV4
The best-selling SUV in the world is also one of the most affordable, reliable, and capable SUVs from Japan. Toyota’s RAV4 has evolved into a technological wonder with an ever-larger body, but older RAVs prove to be worth every penny!
The RAV4 provides an excellent platform for daily driving. As a crossover SUV, the RAV4 enjoys a higher ride height than a sedan, yet the mid-20s MPG ratings align with smaller sedans. An optional V6 can provide up to 2,000 lbs of towing should a light trailer or boat be in the works!
There’s a reason why the RAV4 is the best-selling SUV. That reason is that Toyota has crafted one of the most capable crossovers in automotive history, and that reign isn’t coming to an end either, as more than 400,000 RAVs sold in 2021 alone!
Honda Civic 6th Generation
Honda produces consistently great cars, and the Civic is no exception. The 6th generation explicitly provides one of the most popular JDM modification platforms. Priced at less than $10,000 opens the door to Civic madness that is incurable in the best way!
Popular still is the Civic Si available in 1999 and 2000 models. Finding one untainted will be next to a miracle, but they’re worth the cost or the work. The Si is rated at 160 horsepower, which doesn’t sound like much, but the Civic is only 2,600 lbs, meaning power comes easy.
Aside from the Si, the 6th gen Honda Civic comes in various body styles, including a hatch. Many still feature a five-speed manual making them a blast to drive!
Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z entered production in 2002. It took everything great about the 300ZX and brought it into the 21st century. A piece of the legendary Fairlady Z will run around $10,000. Cheaper 350Zs will have modifications or some wear but are still worth the repairs.
Nissan launched the 350Z with a 3.5L V6 engine. Pushing 287 horsepower to the rear wheels, the Nissan 350Z is a sports-tuned machine. It’s an excellent car for drifting, plus as a JDM classic, it is begging for modifications.
Like the newer 370Z, the 350Z comes with an optional manual transmission. Though not terribly great in wet or snowy conditions, the 350Z is a blast on dry pavement and track days. With a price less than $10,000, it’s undeniably one of the best JDM cars available.
Subaru Forester
The Subaru Forester is as reliable as they come. Being a Subaru means AWD, and the Forester benefits by being one of the best SUVs that can be purchased! Like the RAV4, the Forester offers a commuter SUV at an affordable price.
The 2.5L Boxer four returns for the Forester and produces 170 horsepower. Better yet, this SUV comes with an optional manual transmission for fun on or off-road. Compared to the RAV4, a Forester is cheaper for newer models, so creature comforts are readily available!
Each year, SUVs become more popular. A Subaru Forester will provide a great driving experience with solid reliability ratings.
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