Cheap JDM Cars 2022 that will Skyrocket in Value

Every country has its own distinctive automobile style. A type of trademark to their automotive culture that sets them apart and makes a car from that nation readily recognizable.

cheap jdm cars

 

The Price Range of JDM Cars

There’s something particular about a country’s automotive culture that sets it apart.

Whether it’s the throaty tone and curve-craving designs of Italy or the thundering and terrifying quarter-mile-pounding muscle cars of the United States.

Due to the rising demand for Japanese classics and a decreasing US currency, many JDM automobiles appear to be improving in value.

However, there are still a lot of bargains to be gained, and some JDM automobiles on the market right now are dirt inexpensive!

We’ve compiled a list of the top 24 affordable JDM vehicles, with examples starting at around $10,000 USD. Individual automobiles arrive and go.

Each model mentioned here had an ad on jdmbuysell.com for under $10,000 at the time of this list’s development, but some listings may have since sold.

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What is a JDM Car?

JDM stands for “Japanese Domestic Market,” in case you didn’t know. The phrase refers to automobiles produced for the Japanese domestic market by Japanese automotive firms.

A popular misconception about the word JDM is that it refers to any automobile manufactured in Japan, however, this is not the case.

JDM refers to automobiles manufactured in Japan and sold in Japan’s domestic market. JDM automobiles aren’t built for the worldwide market.

 

Are all Japanese Cars JDM?

Now that you know what JDM stands for, you might be perplexed and wonder if all Japanese automobiles are JDM.

We highlighted in the last section how a common misconception regarding JDM is that any car made in Japan is JDM.

Japanese automakers produce vehicles for a variety of international markets, including the United States, Europe, Australia, and Asia.

Just because a vehicle is made in Japan does not guarantee it is JDM. The term “domestic market” refers to an automobile that is built in Japan intending to be marketed solely in Japan.

For a better understanding, consider the Toyota Supra MKIV, which was sold in the United States and met US regulatory requirements such as left-hand drive.

It suggests that an automobile was built and developed in Japan with a single goal in mind: to sell in the United States.

Why are JDM Cars Better?

When it comes to Japanese domestic market automobiles, automotive enthusiasts wonder why JDM cars are better.

Well, there are a variety of reasons JDM automobiles are superior to other vehicles, and we’ll go through them here:

We know Japanese automobile manufacturers for their efficiency and practicality. When compared to other automobiles, they have always produced the greatest results.

In comparison to previous automobiles, the car’s design is far more futuristic. Japanese automobiles, sometimes known as JDM cars, are loaded with innovative technology.

We may find hybrid technology in practically every Japanese automobile. There are many types of Japanese domestic market automobiles to select from, ranging from family minivans to SUVs.

Japanese automobiles are superior to other vehicles because they provide intelligent and cost-effective alternatives to American-made vehicles.

Are JDM Cars Legal in the US?

Many people are curious about the legal status of JDM cars in the United States, and if they are legal or not.

Yes, JDM automobiles are permitted in the United States, but there is one stipulation: the vehicle must be at least 25 years old when it arrives.

A bill of lading, export certificate, translated version of an export certificate, invoice, and ISF filing forum are required to import a 25-year-old JDM vehicle.

When your automobile arrives in the United States, take this paperwork to your local customs office for approval.

Why ’90S Japanese Cars are Skyrocketing in Value

Over the last few years, interest in Japanese cars has exploded, and it seems like everyone and their dog is feeling Hella JDM Yo and saving up for an RX7 or an S15.

Unfortunately, this has resulted in a sharp increase in the price of these halo cars from Japan’s Golden Age in recent years.

But, how can the prices of Japanese cars have skyrocketed to the extent they have?

1. People Prefer Nostalgia

I’ve recently observed a lot of outrage over tales about a specific automobile selling for tens of thousands of dollars – or even more than six figures.

People will always say stuff like “IT’S NOT WORTH THAT!” or “It’s too pricey!” in the comments.

I’d agree, but there are a few factors to keep in mind when it comes to the collector vehicle market, which I’ll go over in this post.

But, since everyone seems to be talking about a 6,000-mile Supra that sold for $173,000 at the Amelia Island auctions, I believed there was no better time than now.

The nostalgia effect is the first thing that motivates individuals to purchase the automobiles of their dreams.

In the case of Japanese performance automobiles, the Fast and Furious franchise instilled this tendency.

It’s easy to see they lured how many petrol heads to automobiles like these because of the memories shown on the vast screen.

It transports them back to their youth and reminds them of how things were in 2001. People will eventually be able to purchase the automobiles of their dreams rather than the latest McLaren or Ferrari.

Consider this: baby boomers are shelling out big money for classic Hemi Challengers, LS6 Chevelles, and other muscle cars.

Because they link such automobiles with their childhood and evoke more memories than anything else. People who grew up in the 1990s and early 2000s are in the same boat.

2. Hollywood Iconography

What are your memories of the Aston Martin DB5? I’m fairly certain that 007 will appear in your response. Otherwise, where have you been for the past few months?

Cars, on the other hand, have always been the center of attention in blockbuster movies and television shows.

That’s why movies like Bullitt and The Dukes of Hazard made the Dodge Charger famous (and why everyone wants one). The automobile might be the center of attention.

The Toyota Supra and Skyline GT-R, for example, would be useless to most people if they hadn’t starred in the famed F&F franchise and caught the minds of millennials.

This argument is related to the nostalgia point, but if you’re looking for a reason why the automobiles described are so wanted, it’s because they’re famous.

3. They’re not Like Today’s Equivalents

I believe it is past time for individuals to acknowledge that times have changed.

Mitsubishi has said that they would no longer produce sports cars because of the market dominance of SUVs (besides, they are cash-strapped…). And the new Supra from Toyota is a long way from the A80.

I have little expertise with these things, but Japanese sports cars from 20 to 30 years ago appear to have provided more pure driving experiences and are far simpler beasts than today’s computer fests.

The reality is that we are no longer in the 1990s. And today’s Japanese offerings aren’t even close to the quality of what they used to provide (there are exceptions to this, obviously).

They have reached the highest point.

4. Beware of a Market Crash

People who grew up with muscle cars in the 1960s and 1970s are selling them for a lot of money.

Just so you know, those autos went through a bit of a market crisis.

I’m not sure what year it was, but it was around 2011-12 ish when people were paying ridiculous amounts of money for GTOs, Trans Ams, and other muscle cars.

There was a market crash as a result of this. “Wait a minute, I’m not paying that!” someone said. Then, all of a sudden, the prices dropped.

Although they appear to have leveled out, most muscle vehicles are still selling for less than they were during peak times.

And if the value of Japanese automobiles reaches bank-flooding levels, a market meltdown might occur.

Of course, I have no clue whether or not this will occur. But it’s important to remember that excitement is an extremely risky bandwagon to join.

5 Surprising Facts About JDM Cars 2022

Here are 5 amazing and surprising facts about JDM cars;

1. JDM Cars Can Be Tuned Up Amazingly

The fact that these vehicles can grow from 276 ponies to 500 or more horses with little money.

The effort is one reason people love to buy 25-year-old automobiles from Japan for significantly more than they would pay for a new car.

The modularity of these engines, as well as the extent to which they may be constructed, is almost inconceivable.

2. GT Comes to Life in Japan

The Gran Turismo video game has numerous genuine automobiles, including JDM.

The contrary is also true for JDM: they have brought many of the most popular vehicles in Gran Turismo to life in Japan, thanks to Mazda and Lexus.

Other nations appear to be following suit, which is great news for GT and JDM lovers both.

3. JDM Gave Rise to Drifting

Aside from fantastic vehicles, Japan is also known for its drifting, commonly known as Tokyo Drift.

A Japanese racing car driver made a bold move in the 1970s. Kunimitsu Takahashi would oversteer in turns, causing the car’s back end to spew smoke and dust.

Although the back wheels appear to be losing traction, these front-wheel-drive automobiles remain stable and in control.

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4. After-Market Turbo Kits

What’s the best way to design a JDM vehicle for optimum power and speed? It’s because of Hiroyuki Hasegawa, the creator of HKS Japan, who invented the first aftermarket turbocharger for automobiles.

These kits might let a 25-year-old JDM import perform to its full potential. While the automobile is 25 years old, the kits are fresh new and filled with features.

5. JDM Cars Can Be Untraceable

Unlike American-made cars, which have a VIN (vehicle identification number), JDMs don’t have one.

They do have a chassis number, which is used to identify the car’s model and make, as well as the engine number.

Many JDM car owners, on the other hand, file this number off as well, possibly as a statement? So, if you’re buying a JDM, make sure there’s a documentation trail back to the importer.

6. The Horsepower Limits Have Been Broken

Until 2004, all J-spec automobiles were limited to 276 horsepower.

The US and Japan had an unspoken understanding that Japan would not produce powerful automobiles for the US market.

Since the introduction of the Honda Legend in 2004, which was later renamed the Acura RL and had 300 horsepower, all bets have been off.

As a result, powerful Japanese automobiles are now available in the United States.

7. Japan Loves to Dump the JDMs

In Japan, there is Kyusha cemetery where antique automobiles are buried.

When it comes to ancient automobiles, Japan is rather rigorous. The more tax you pay on an older automobile, the more it costs you.

Therefore, the booming JDM market in the United States becomes the ideal dumping ground for Japan’s aging high-powered automobiles. In any case, no one in Japan drives them.

8. Japan Makes Cars in Huge Numbers

Japan is not a large country in terms of landmass when compared to the United States.

Despite this, the United States remains the world’s sixth-largest automobile manufacturer, with 3.03 million vehicles produced in 2018.

With 8.35 million copies, Japan came in second. Of all, with 24.81 million people, China is unbeatable! This is a country that understands and appreciates automobiles.

10 Best Cheap 2022 JDM Cars Under $10,000

Japanese masterpieces, for whatever reason, have never sold for as much as their European or American counterparts, at least until lately.

JDM legends like the MKIV Toyota Supra are now selling for well over six figures at auction, far beyond the grasp of the typical car enthusiast.

1. Toyota MR2 Non-Turbo

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While the Turbo MR2 (GT and GT-S) may cost well over $10,000 USD, the normally aspirated 2.0L MR2 (G and G-Limited) is a blast to drive and costs next to nothing.

Don’t be put off by the 200-horsepower engine; while it may seem sluggish in today’s terms.

The size and weight of this car will make you forget about it as you drive and turn while listening to the wonderful sound of the mid-engine right behind you.

The Toyota MR2 belongs in “Tier 2” if it regarded the aforementioned hero vehicles as the highest tier of Japanese sports cars.

Many of the other Tier 2 automobiles have a Tier 1 sibling in common with them.

The Nissan 300ZX (and maybe the 240sx?), Mazda Miata, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and, towards the conclusion of the decade, the Honda S2000 are examples of these automobiles.

The Toyota MR2 Turbo is, without a doubt, the most underappreciated of the trio.

Take a look at the numbers: The MR2 has it all: lightweight, mid-engine, rear-wheel drive, exotic styling (flip-up headlights!), and a race-bred engine and chassis.

These are the specifications of a classic Italian supercar from the 1980s.

2. Honda Prelude 3rd Generation

This is one of the best but cheap JDM Cars for 2022. During its 23 years on the market, Honda’s sports coupe never had exceptionally great sales.

It was well-known, but few people recognized how valuable it was.

The reason for this might be because of its higher price and poorer practicality, which has caused it to be eclipsed by Honda’s other models, such as the Accord Coupe.

Honda’s loss, on the other hand, might be your gain.

In terms of design, the Prelude–particularly the 3rd Generation Model–resembles a miniature NSX.

A handful of money will get you a fast automobile with a sleek wedge shape, pop-up headlights, and body-hugging bucket seats and it even has the handling to match!

In 1987, they released the third generation Honda Prelude for the 1988 model year.

 

The Prelude, which was available with a variety of inline 4 engines, was designed to provide a sportier feel and more engaging driving characteristics than previous Honda vehicles.

The Acura NSX’s big brother, the third-generation Prelude, shares stylistic cues as well. The performance-oriented SI was the most notable variant (Sport Injected).

They produced the third-generation Honda Prelude until 1991 when it was superseded by the fourth-generation Honda Prelude.

3. Suzuki Cappuccino

 

It has a 657cc three-cylinder turbocharged DOHC engine that produces 63 horsepower at 6500 RPM, and because it’s a turbocharged engine, you can boost the power with a simple tune.

The Cappuccino, weighing only 725kg (1598 pounds), was a tremendous hit in Japan, with over 15,000 vehicles made.

They may purchase these timeless masterpieces for anywhere between $4,000 and $16,000 USD, with the average price hovering around $10,000 USD.

The Cappuccinos are incredibly agile and can be readily tweaked to your taste, which makes them a lot of fun to own and drive. Did we mention they turbocharged the engine?

Cars that are born out of need are the greatest. The first Volkswagen Golf debuted when the globe was engulfed in upheaval due to oil shortages.

They also introduced the Mini when the zeitgeist shifted from the postwar to the advent of the contemporary era in the United Kingdom.

As a result, it should come as no surprise that Japan, a hub of technological innovation, produces some of the most fascinating little automobiles.

As a result, the Japanese government enacted new Kei car (keijidosha, or light automobile) regulations in 1949. With the goal of encouraging smaller, more fuel-efficient automobiles with proportionate tax, insurance, and parking benefits.

K-cars make up a large percentage of the little automobiles seen haring around Japanese cities.

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This JDM automobile came to America for a short time, however, it was sold under a different name.

When JDM automobiles were known for their affordability, the unavoidable label of “cheap” didn’t exactly assist when seeking to break into the upscale car market.

As a result, Japan’s major automakers launched new labels for their more luxurious vehicles: Acura for Honda, Infiniti for Nissan, and Lexus for Toyota.

This opulent Toyota Soarer was offered by Lexus for a short time as the SC300, but was later renamed the SC430 and made accessible globally.

The JDM versions came with a variety of trim and engine choices, and the former models ranged in price from $6,000 to $20,000. Like a huge squid, it’s elusive and enigmatic.

It was first released in 1981 and was promoted as a “personal luxury GT coupe” with a variety of engine options. Its most appealing feature, though, was the fact that it shared a platform with the legendary Supra.

So, you’re talking about a high-end Supra? If that wasn’t enough to persuade you, Toyota released a variant in April 1989 that was possibly even better: the Aerocabin.

With that option selected, they welcomed purchasers with an electronic folding roof – similar to the contemporary Porsche 911 Targa.

And only two seats, thereby turning the car into a real open-top premium GT coupe.

 

5. Honda Beat

Honda Beat
 

If you like little automobiles, the Honda Beat maybe your next buy; it’s a compact Honda with a 656CC three-cylinder mid/rear engine.

This automobile can swerve bends quite smoothly due to its size and weight. Around $6,000-$7,000 USD on average.

If you’ve never seen a Kei vehicle before, the scale of this Beat may be difficult to comprehend.

Because the compact vehicle requires little power, Honda chose a revving 660cc engine.

The three-cylinder engine sits in the middle of the car, sending 63 horsepower to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

This is a manual transmission, rear-wheel-drive, right-hand-drive roadster with a 660cc three-cylinder engine that revs to 8,100 rpm, all in a vehicle 30 inches shorter than a first-generation Mazda Miata.

6. Toyota Celica GT-S 7th Generation

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With this 7th and last generation, Toyota waved farewell to its cheap sports coupe after 36 years on the market.

The 7th-generation GT-S had a top speed of 8,300 RPM and produced 180 horsepower right out of the box.

TRD, or Toyota Racing Development, offers several bolt-on improvements, including a performance exhaust, a short shifter, lowering springs, and a more aerodynamic body package.

TRD even created a supercharger for the engine, although it will require some modification to fit under the hood of the Celica.

When it comes to what’s beneath the hood, this engine is so popular that Lotus employed it in vehicles like the Elise and Exige.

The GT-S (and Corolla/Matrix XR-S) received a 2ZZ-GE four-cylinder engine that was like a specifically constructed race engine with some Yamaha work.

This engine was notably utilized in the Lotus Elise, therefore it might be referred to as a Lotus engine, but its DNA is ultimately Toyota/Yamaha, resulting in a mesospheric rev limit of 8,200 RPM.

Variable valve lift is a particularly distinctive characteristic of the 2ZZ-GE. VVT-i, or variable valve timing, is standard on most Toyotas.

VVTL-i, or variable valve timing and lift with intelligence, is available on the 2ZZ.

7. Toyota Mark II

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The Toyota Cressida Mark II, often known as the Toyota Cressida, is a mid-size car with engines ranging from 1.5 to 3.0 liters.

The Mark II is an ideal drift vehicle, with plenty of internal room and superb vision. Many Mark II owners laud the car’s reliability.

It will endure a long time with minimal maintenance. Depending on the generation you’re searching for, prices range from $5,000 to $10,000 USD.

Between 1968 and 2004, Toyota produced and sold the Toyota Mark II, a tiny, later mid-size automobile in Japan.

Prior to 1972, the Toyota Corona Mark II was the model’s name. Toyota sold the car like the Toyota Cressida in several export regions between 1976 and 1992, spanning four versions.

In North America, Toyota replaced the rear-wheel-drive Cressida with the front-wheel-drive Avalon.

8. Eunos (Mazda) Cosmo

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The Cosmo was Mazda’s halo car and the vehicle that introduced the world to the Mazda rotary engine. While the original Cosmo finished a respectable 4th in the Marathon de la Route, they held an astonishing endurance event at the Nürburgring in Germany.

It prepared the way for the first and only car produced in Japan to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a rotary engine.

They offered the last model of the automobile in Japan under Mazda’s premium brand Eunos and costs roughly $13,000 in the United States.

The Mazda Eunos Cosmo, one of the greatest “what-if” cars of all time, became legal to import to the United States in 2015 after failing to pass safety or emissions regulations the first time around.

It was part of an impressive class that included the Lotus Carlton, Volkswagen Golf Country, and Alpina B10 Bi-Turbo. The Cosmo brand had a remarkable three-decade life in Japan as one of the most inventive grand tourers of its day.

Although we never received it the first time, it had a tremendous impact on the Mazda, which can still be felt today.

 

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9. Acura RSX Type-S

This is one of the best but cheap JDM Cars for 2022. The Acura Integra was a 90s classic, proving that front-wheel-drive vehicles could still compete – particularly with the fantastic Integra Type-R.

However, you’ll have a hard time locating one for a reasonable price these days. The Acura RSX was Honda’s attempt to fill Integra’s large shoes.

However, the RSX Type-S never achieved the same kind of cult status as the Integra, but that doesn’t imply it was a poor car.

Bigger brakes, sport-tuned handling, a reworked engine, and an optional body package evocative of the Type-R, enormous wing, and all, were all added to the 210 horsepower, manual 6-speed transmission-only coupe.

You’ll want to get your hands on one as soon as possible. This is one of the cheap JDM Cars.

Choosing a Borg Warner S366xl T3 turbocharger after starting with a superb and capable basis in the K20Z1 engine.

When running at 18 psi of boost, a DW 300lph fuel pump supplies 93-octane gasoline to 1200cc injectors. The RSX produced 532whp at 8,700 RPM and 334 lb-ft of torque at 8,000 RPM despite weighing just 2,840 pounds.

Making power isn’t the only attraction of this RSX; the tidy engine room, with everything neatly hidden away, makes it a genuinely unique car.

A Cusco 6-point cage wrapped around the Mugen S1 seats was installed to increase body rigidity. The car was finally ready to hit the track, putting all of the hard work and years to the test.

10. Mazda Miata NB

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This is one of the 2022 cheap JDM Cars. This small Mazda is almost certain to appreciate in value at this time.

The price of 1st generation ‘NA’ Miatas have been steadily increasing for several years, while the NB is still available for a fair price.

The NB Miata had a lot of improvements over its predecessor, the most notable of which was the removal of the pop-up headlights, which is a genuine tragedy.

The Miata, on the other hand, is all about giving its owner the most driving enjoyment for the least amount of money. This is one of the cheap JDM Cars.

The NC and ND variations appear to have overlooked the low-cost aspect. This small kid, however, is not one of them.

The Mazda MX-5 (NB) is the second generation of Mazda’s MX-5, which was produced between 1998 and 2005.

The model maintained the MX-5’s premise of being a lightweight, front-mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster with various performance enhancements, but without the retractable headlights of its predecessor.

In the guise of the Mazdaspeed MX-5, the NB is also the first generation to include a factory-built turbocharged variation.

Japanese automakers introduced something new to the automotive world: sports vehicles that were just as reliable as the Land of the Rising Sun’s normal family automobiles.

There are a plethora of low-cost Japanese sports cars available for auto lovers who would rather drive their cars than spend 80% of their time wrenching them.

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