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Looking to get my first JDM car
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Looking to get my first JDM car


Hello everyone,

I am currently planning to purchase my first JDM car next month. I live in Oregon and intend to import one, most likely through either The Import Guys or Magic Motorsports, though I have not yet decided which importer to use.

My first car was a Hyundai Sonata, which I shared with my younger brother, but I am now looking to own a car of my own. Some of the models I am considering include a Skyline, Civic Type R (EK9), Silvia, RX-7, and a few others.

Budget: I have set aside approximately $20,000 for the car itself, excluding importer fees and the maintenance that will be required once the vehicle arrives.

Space & Transmission: Ideally, the car should have four seats (either two- or four-door), with the exception of models such as the S2000 or RX-7. A manual transmission is also a must.

I believe $20,000 is a reasonable budget for something both enjoyable and engaging to drive. I would be happy to provide additional details if needed and would greatly appreciate your recommendations and insights.

by crowbone0

8 Comments

  1. splatter_spree

    Since you’ve only owned one car so far, I’m just going to assume that you’re newer to working on cars and performing repairs etc.

    That being said, I would strongly suggest you purchase something that shares a domestic counterpart so that parts availability is a lot more streamlined. Doubly so if you plan to daily drive this car. Get something that’s reliable and easy to work on.

    I promise you that you do not want a 30 year old RX7 as a daily driver.

  2. jdizzy204

    I would highly suggest staying away from turbo and or rotary cars unless you are mechanically inclined and can take care of them.

    Often, the previous owner has beaten on them and maintenance can be hit or miss. Spending money on a black box and then having to fix someone else’s problems is a drag.

    Something like a Civic or Integra would be good due to Honda reliability and access to parts. Normally aspirated Hondas and Toyotas are good choices.

  5. BoostinIX

    Talk to the import guys. Or follow MidoriWorks, they post daily stories of what’s available.

    If you’re after a JDM hero car, you’re at the lower end of the budget. You’re more likely getting someone else’s project.

    Import fees will hurt along with tarrifs. Ignoring whatever mods are likely done, you now have a 25year old car that needs basically everything refreshed. My S15 had 31k miles on it and every bushing was dead from age alone as an example.

    Agree with above, pick something that has a US counterpart for ease of parts finding.

    Not saying it’s not doable, just setting reasonable expectations. EK9 and FD RX7 are well past 20k. Same for most S15s. All GTRs, but some older sedans might be doable. Reach out to import guys and get the conversation started. They can point you at what you should be considering in that price range.

  6. BestKnifeCo

    Silvia is a good choice as so many suspension and body things match the 240sx. That said, the Silvia CA18DE(T) and SR20DE(T) motors weren’t sold in US cars. The SR20 has pretty good aftermarket support nowadays.

    I have an S13 Silvia with the CA and it can be hard to find parts at times and I’m always looking up which motor parts can be used from a US 240. It’s doable, but requires research.

  7. eganoipse

    I know others may suggest other cars that are more tier 1 JDM and I know you said you want to import one, but here’s my recommendation:

    Toyota GT86

    Why?

    1. Naturally Aspirated engine
    2. 6 speed manual transmission
    3. Technically there are four seats
    4. Very fun doing spirited driving despite being 2.0 engine and having 197-200ps. Good balance distribution
    5. Doesn’t need much doing to it so you can get in and go. Unless you want to
    6. Very large owners community (I’m sure both domestic and online). I’m sure you’ll never experience something someone hasn’t already experienced and had a solution for. This allows you to get hands on but in a guided manner which builds up your experience for maintaining your own car.

    You can choose to get a newer 2020 model which will be closer to your budget or get an older 2012 model which will be cheaper and still very may be in good condition.

    If you really want to import a JDM car, I recommend these (as per the price on car sensor – a common classifieds app we use here in Japan. Auction will be cheaper):

    * Skyline GTST

    https://preview.redd.it/svxtn9yehijf1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=36765763dbcafd64bd345d371017302ca1025ec5

    * Lancer Evolution (You can only add one picture per comment), but your budget covers Evo 3 – 9 (consider 25 year rule)
    * Toyota Chaser

    [https://ja.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/トヨタ・チェイサー](https://ja.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/トヨタ・チェイサー)

    * Nissan Silvia (13,14,15)
    * Toyota Supra (A70)
    * 1994 Subaru Impreza WRX STI
    * Honda Integra Type R (1996-2000)

    All of the above are within your budget, have four seats and have a manual transmission! If none of the above are to your liking I will look for some more.