6 JDM Models You Can Still Afford Today
Did the internet and pandemic involved in skyrocketing the prices for these old Japanese sports car?
Recently almost every desirable JDM (Japanese Domestic Model) from the 1990s including the Nissan GTR, Mazda RX-7, Mitsubishi Evolution are skyrocketing in resale value. Did the internet and pandemic involved in bloating the prices for these old Japanese sports car? Just a few days a go, a Nissan GTR V-Spec II Nur’s was listed for RM2.000,000 in Malaysia. So whether you are a collector, a gear head or just want something different to commute in, these are top six JDM you still can afford in 2021.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (2000)
This is the second generation of the Subaru Impreza introduced in 2002 and up to 2007. Available in both sedan and five-door wagon bodystyle. There are many varients but the ones worth mentioning is the WRX STI models. It is powered by an EJ207 turbocharge engine producing approximate 280HP and 383Nm and has a close-ratio 6 speed manual transmission. The Subaru WRX STI was used for Group N homologation.
Nissan Fairlady 370Z (2009)
The successor for the 350Z, the 370Z is more refined, more rigid and sharper every angle you looked at it. This 2-seater sports car is powered by a 3.7L VQ37VHR engine producing 330HP and 270NM torque. All models include either a 7=speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission. The 270Z marks the last production car with a natural-aspirated and high-rev V6 in 2020. It may not be a classic today but it’ll surely will be one day in the future.
Mazda RX-8(2002)
The last of Mazda’s rotary engine sports car. The Mazda RX-8 was first introduce in 2001 – it is the successor to the RX-7 but is it there yet? The development of the RX-8 with the “freestyle’ rear suicide door, four-seater quad coupe is unique to this model. Powered by a 1.3L Wankel Rotary known as the Renesis, it produces 230HP and is available in both 5-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission. A facelifted model was introduced in 2008 with revised handling and styling. As great as this car may be, many RX-8 falls into the wrong hands and are poorly maintained. At one point, there are no resale-value for used RX-8. Thing has change a little and are slightly better in the last two years. You might be lucky, who knows.
Toyota MR-2(1990)
Mid-Rear engine, two seater, rear-wheel drive sports car. The Toyota MR-2 is conceived as a small, economical sporty car at that time. It is powered with both natural aspirated and turbocharge 3S-GE/GTE engines producing 160-220HP. The MR-2 comes with automatic and manual transmission. Dubbed the Ferrari of the east or a poor-man ferrari, Toyota disclaimed the rumors that it borrowed some styling cues from Ferrari 348 and F355. The car is infamous for its “snap-oversteer”, this notoriety comes from numerous instances where individuals crash their SW20 either on or off the race track due to inexperience with a mid-ship platform. If you are out and about looking for one, check thoroughly before putting down a deposit.
Toyota Altezza RS200 (1998)
This is a medium sized car with four doors, however, it has a very sporty look and runs a four cylinder 2L 3-SGE Beams engine that was co-designed by Yamaha. This was also Japan’s car of the year in 1999. The 2L engine is DOHC (double over-head cam) and it has dual VVTI (Variable Valve Timing Intelligence). The Altezza’s come in 6 speed manual as well as automatic transmission. These cars are also very well priced and easy to modify, there are also a few turbo models if this isn’t fast enough for you.
Toyota Levin AE111(1995)
The first Corolla Levin and Sprinter Trueno of early 1972 were the high performance models of Corolla and Sprinter 2 door fastback coupe. The inspiration came from Toyota manager Geisuke Kubo who wanted to offer something similar to the Alfa Romeo Giula Junior. The Toyota Levin AE111 is powered by 4A-GE 20V known as the Black-Top(with a black cam covers) uses Toyota Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system produces 160HP and 162NM Torque. It is also available in both 5-Speed Automatic and 6-Speed Manual transmission. This model unfortunately did not gain the reputation like it’s predecessor AE-86 hence its ‘affordable’ resale value today.
