jdm cars got pricey
I can safely say I became an automotive enthusiast back in 2012 when I graduated from high school. I didn’t plan on acquiring a vehicle but I knew it would provide great benefits like; not waiting for the garbage transit system, leaving whenever I wanted, picking up girls, etc. I couldn’t tell you the difference between a BMW 328i to an M3 but once exposed to local car shows, it was only normal I changed up significantly. Over the years of shooting automotive content, I’ve taken a liking to JDM vehicles for many reasons but there seems to be a major setback when aspiring to obtain ownership.
JDM cars got pricey!
Currently, I have affiliations to a JDM importer in Ontario, Canada which is my gateway into experiencing some of these fantastic machines. Although I believe it’s time to start dabbling with more EURO vehicles, I’m grateful nonetheless to be in this position. Let’s look at some of my favourite JDM vehicles and get an estimate of their value (at the time of writing this).
HONDA NSX
The Honda NSX is high on the list of ‘most desirable’ JDM iconic cars because of its handsome aesthetics, superb handling, 3.0L VTEC V6 engine, aftermarket availability and overall purpose behind its existence. Call it the poor mans Ferrari if you like, but some 1st generation Honda NSX price tags currently exceed various Ferrari price tags. Who would have thought after all these years we’d see these skyrocket in value but after getting behind the wheel of one, I have no objections. In Japan I’m seeing these platforms going for around ¥10,000,000 - ¥15,000,000 (100K+ CAD) and that’s for a higher mileage vehicle and likely modified.
It does cut deep knowing the Honda NSX surpassed a six-figure price tag but I understand the reasons for its increased value. I hope every true automotive enthusiast gets the opportunity to pilot one of these icons once or twice in their lifetime. Like many of the vehicles on this particular blog post, prices fluctuate.
For now, I will continue building my brand so that one day I can splurge on a clean titled Honda NSX but it’ll take some severe lock-in time.
Nissan skyline gt-r (r34)
I don’t think many R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R owners knew their car would be worth six figures 10+ years ago. These cars have all the JDM import hype right now, and again for understandable reasons. Please experience a stock R34 GT-R and a heavily modified R34 GT-R, then comment below if it’s worth the money. Regarding money’s worth, R34 GT-Rs are starting around ¥16,500,000 (170K CAD) and other variations are up to ¥40,000,000+ (400K+ CAD). This iconic JDM car was 51K CAD when released in Japan back in 1999 but of course, once it became 15 years old and Fast & Furious built up its hype, that number rapidly increased.
What makes the Skylines so good?
There’s a recipe for a great sports car and Nissan had it for a long time, fact. Specifically, the Nissan Skyline series cars over time have simply improved upon predecessor successes. For example, the R32 GT-R demolished its competitors during its prime years and as the platform aged, Nissan upgraded the product more and more to conclude with the handsome beast we know as R34 GT-R. Arguably, this is one of the best sports cars in the world thanks to its 2.6L Inline-6 twin-turbocharged engine, 6-speed manual, and AWD base that loves modifications and going to the moon and back (x2). Besides the mechanical specifications, the overall aesthetic is timeless and bigger aftermarket brands like; HKS, MINES, ZTUNED, take the platform to unfathomable heights.
Again, you really need to experience an R34 GT-R in its stock form, then hop into one heavily modified to really understand the recipe Nissan executes exceptionally well here.
toyota supra rz (a80)
All rise, the almighty Toyota Supra has just made its presence on my short list of pricey JDM rides. Although it’s cheaper amongst the group, that doesn’t mean it’s not worth quite a bit! In the event of taking a quick look at available Supra’s in Japan, I’ve found currently you can expect to fork up around ¥7,500,000 (around 80K CAD). (Don’t get me wrong, a low mileage, stock, super clean, top trim level Supra has sold in the six-figure range. These prices refer to a higher mileage, modified, clean unit.)
The more affordable price tag doesn’t come because of its lesser delivery as a package, it packs a major punch. The 2JZ-GTE tucked into this platform accomplishes plenty with the right parts equipped to it. Like Nissan and Honda, Toyota also knows the great sports car recipe. There’s a reason this company is one of the leading automotive manufacturers in the world, f you know - you know.
I wonder if Toyota knew how much their A80 Supra’s would buzz the automotive enthusiast world as much as it did. The timeless design gives a threatening road presence and be advised, people will attempt to test you on roadways.
HONOURABLE mention: fd3s mazda rx-7
The Mazda RX-7 FD3S wouldn’t be considered “handsome” compared to the NSX, Supra, or R34 GT-R but rather labelled “sexy”. It almost made the list over the Supra but in the event of a very thought-out debate with a fellow enthusiast, it didn’t make the cut. The FD3S happens to be my favourite of the bunch because of its stand-out differences; aesthetics, engine, drivability, etc. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still an expensive JDM icon but I think the other platforms have the RX-7 beat. I believe the FD3S to be cheaper because of the beloved rotary engine (13B-REW). Hate it or love it the underdogs on top.
Rotary engines aren’t the most popular when associated with reliability and it’s been proven correct many times. Despite that major flaw, enthusiasts who experience the platform understand the requirements needed to properly prolong this engine’s lifecycle. It’s easy to get carried away with modifying an FD3S because they are hugely capable when chasing performance. Mazda really hit home with the release of this ’90s automotive icon and it deserved to have its name attached to the previous greats.
What is your favourite jdm car?
There are so many more options at the top of automotive enthusiasts’ lists and I’d like to hear from you!
