Many classic Japanese cars are surprisingly affordable, for now.
Classic Japanese Cars
If you don’t automatically think of a Chevy Chevelle or BMW 2002 when someone says “classic car,” this is the list for you.
Get ’em While You Can
Many classic Japanese vehicles are surprisingly affordable, for now. No doubt collectors and flippers will realize this fact before too long, driving up prices quickly.
Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4
It was a car before its time, and so naturally wasn’t appreciated back when it first came on the automotive scene. Some people mocked it for being too complex, others dismissed it as a “poser” Corvette. What they failed to realize was that Mitsubishi designed something that looked forward and is surprisingly refined.
Spyder models are even more sought-after than the coupes, considering only about 1,600 were sold in the United States. The folding hardtop was unusual for its time, but as you probably know is a design that’s pretty common today. While it’s easier to find a non-VR-4 trim, the others aren’t as powerful and won’t be worth as much.
Toyota MR-2 Supercharged
This little wedge of a car helped establish Toyota as a maker of fun and affordable cars, something that many enthusiasts wish the company still stood for today. The excellent balance helped give drivers the ability to whip through turns, while the supercharged four-cylinder engine cranks out a feisty 112 horsepower. That might not sound like much, but consider that the car doesn’t weigh much, allowing for a 0 to 60 acceleration time of 6.8 seconds. Basically, driving this version of the MR-2, which was produced from 1988 to 1990, is like being behind the wheel of a really high-powered go-kart.
Mazda RX-2 and RX-3
Everyone will automatically think of the legendary RX-7, and that’s why prices for those are already pretty inflated. Instead of shelling out for one of those, go for a rotary-powered RX-2 or RX-3. While they’re not quite as monstrous, both cars boast a power-to-weight ratio that’s enough to make them fun behind the wheel. Handling is great, as are the brakes, and the seats are even comfortable. You can get either one as a coupe, sedan or even wagon.
The best part is you can pick up an RX-2 or RX-3 for pretty cheap, at least at the moment. Prices will no doubt rise before too long.
Acura Integra Type R
The Integra was the more performance-oriented big brother of the Honda Civic, and is still sorely missed today. To make a more hardcore version of the car, called the Type R, came with a howling VTEC engine, less insulating materials and other lightweighting designs. The best of the Type Rs were the 2000 and 2001 models, which are still highly sought after by enthusiasts. The power band was crazy, making it more like a racecar than a street-legal vehicle, while the close-ratio five-speed transmission teamed up with a torque-sensitive limited-slip differential for quick shifts and good grip.
Of course, you could go track down a 1997 or 1998 model, but they are incredibly rare at this point. Even the later versions of the car are difficult to find, especially without some awful mods, but it can be done if you’re persistent enough.
First-Gen Toyota Celica
The first generation of the Toyota Celica was sold as a 1971 to 1973 model-year vehicle and is a true classic. As a five-person GT it was a blast to drive, especially since it came with rear-wheel drive. Even better, the car was durable and reliable. On top of it all, the Celica was a real looker with plenty of interesting details, including the clear headlights that went from the front edge of the fender all the way to the grille.
Subaru SVX
Most people overlook this odd coupe from Subaru, despite it being a real gem. It came with permanent all-wheel drive when such a thing was virtually nonexistent in cars. The 3.3-liter flat six-cylinder cranked out 230 horsepower. One of the reasons why hardcore Subie fans never took to this vehicle was the fact it was just too sophisticated and no quirky in the right ways.
Scooping one of these is a wise investment. Subaru only sold around 14,000 in the United States, making them quite rare today.
Datsun 240Z
If you know anything about classic Japanese vehicles, then you’re aware of the revolution the 240Z started. It showed that the island nation could create a legitimate sports car, wowing all kinds of publications and enthusiasts. Of course, thanks to their legendary status, you might have some trouble tracking down one for a fair price, but it’s well worth any effort you might put in.
Acura Legend GS
Sadly, Acura has become a shadow of what it used to be. Back in the day the luxury division from Honda made some pretty fun little vehicles, especially the Legend GS. Under the hood of this beefy sedan was a 3.2-liter Type II VTEC V-6 engine that was similar to the one in the NSX and kicked out 230 horsepower. Making the setup even sweeter was the six-speed manual transmission.
You shouldn’t have too much trouble tracking one of these down. Thanks to their being highly reliable, they also could still be running strong, even with a lot of miles on the clock.
Toyota 2000 GT
You’ll shell out a lot of money for a 2000 GT, but if you can afford one it’s worth the investment. This is the kind of car you can take to any show and have to mop up the drool all around it.
Mitsubishi Galant VR-4
Try not to laugh at this one, because the Galant VR-4 is a seriously overlooked car. The regular version of the sedan was pretty plain and uninspiring, but Mitsubishi did something bold by dropping in a turbocharged and intercooled 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which put out 195 horsepower. That, coupled with full-time all-wheel drive, full ABS brakes and four-wheel steering made it an interesting and fun vehicle to drive anywhere.
Tracking one down these days should be a little bit of a chore since only 1,000 were sold in the United States.
