When people talk about JDM legends, it’s always the same lineup: Supra, RX-7, Skyline GT-R, Evo, NSX. Cool, yeah, but also expensive. What if you’re a diehard car nut who wants that Japanese flavor without dropping mortgage money? Good news: there’s a whole underground of underrated JDM machines that are still within reach.
Whether you want to drift, daily, or build something that turns heads at meets without draining your bank account, these are the hidden gems worth grabbing before prices catch up to the hype.
How We Chose These Cars
We picked these cars based on value, performance potential, and how overlooked they are in today’s collector-hyped market.
We looked through listings on Car From Japan, Be Forward, and U.S. used car platforms, focusing on models under $20,000 that offer solid driving dynamics or modding potential.
Honda/Acura Integra DC5 (2001–2006)
The DC5 Integra (sold as the Acura RSX in the U.S.) combines sharp handling with Honda’s legendary K-series engine, either a K20A or K20A2 depending on the market. Making up to 220 hp and revving past 8,000 rpm, this VTEC screamer is quick, reliable, and backed by a massive aftermarket.
Lightweight, front-wheel drive, and more fun than you can shake a stick at, it’s a perfect choice for both daily driving and weekend backroad shredding. It’s also one of the few old Honda performance cars that’s still (somewhat) affordable.
Toyota Altezza / Lexus IS200 (1998–2005)
Think of the Altezza as Japan’s answer to the BMW 3 Series. RWD, sporty suspension, and a stylish, aggressive sedan body. JDM Altezzas came with the high-revving 3S-GE BEAMS engine, making 207 hp, while the export IS200 got a less exciting 2.0L inline-six.
Either way, you get a clean-handling chassis and rear-drive fun in a car that doesn’t scream for attention. Dirt cheap from Japanese importers, underrated everywhere else, and an excellent starting point for drift builds or sleeper sedans.
Mazda RX-8 (2003–2012)
The RX-8’s rotary heart might scare off the lazy, but to those who appreciate its uniqueness, it’s an absolute riot. Powered by the 1.3L Renesis rotary, it makes up to 238 hp and revs to 9,000 rpm. That’s supercar behavior in a car that costs less than a set of wheels on a GT-R.
It’s perfectly balanced, handles like it’s on rails, and features clamshell doors for rear-seat access. Keep up on maintenance, and you’ve got a sports car like no other.
Subaru Legacy GT / 2.5GT (2005–2012)
If the WRX is too loud and flashy, grab a Legacy GT and enjoy turbocharged boxer goodness in stealth mode. Under the hood is a 2.5L turbo flat-four (EJ255), putting down 250 hp through Subaru’s famous AWD. It’s a luxury sleeper with serious performance chops.
The Spec.B trim came with a 6-speed manual and upgraded suspension, making it a legit backroad killer. Maintenance matters, and you should be on the lookout for head gasket issues. If that’s sorted, this is one of Subaru’s best-kept secrets.
Toyota MR2 Spyder / MR-S (1999–2007)
Forget the “cute” looks! This thing drives like a budget Elise. Mid-engine, RWD, and tipping the scales around 2,200 lbs, the MR-S is one of the most responsive and pure-feeling cars you can buy for under $10K.
The 1.8L 1ZZ-FE only makes 138 hp, but that’s all you need when the chassis is this sharp. Want more power? The 2ZZ-GE swap is common and turns it into a screamer. Light, nimble, and surprisingly affordable, it’s a scalpel for twisty roads.
Toyota MR2 SW20 (1990–1999)
The SW20 MR2 is the most exotic-feeling Toyota you can buy. Mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive, and styled like a mini-Ferrari, it came with options like the turbocharged 3S-GTE making up to 245 hp. It’s a proper ‘90s sports car with a rep for being snappy, but if you master it, you’ll be grinning from ear to ear.
Turbo models aren’t cheap, but they’re still fairly priced compared to Supra or Skyline money. It’s still possible to get a good deal on a naturally aspirated model, and there’s a healthy tuning scene keeping the legend alive. Respect the throttle, though, as this one bites back.
Mitsubishi Eclipse 2G (1995–1999)
Made famous by Fast & Furious, the second-gen Eclipse was available with a 4G63T turbo engine, the same bulletproof lump found in early Lancer Evos. The GSX added AWD into the mix.
With 210 hp and huge tuning potential, these were drag strip terrors back in the day. Today, clean examples are harder to find thanks to rust and mod-happy teens, but if you score one, you’ve got a turbocharged 90s icon that’s way more than just movie nostalgia. If you want the looks while spending less, opt for one without the turbo unit.
Toyota Soarer / Lexus SC300 (1991–2000)
Big, sleek, and packing a 2JZ-GE straight from the Supra, the Soarer (or Lexus SC300 in the U.S.) is the ultimate luxury sleeper. It’s RWD and has the kind of timeless design that ages like fine sake.
Originally built as a high-end grand tourer, it’s become a favorite in the drift and stance scenes. For those who want to cruise in style but know they’re just a turbo away from 600 hp.
Nissan Cefiro A31/A32 (1988–1998)
The A31 Cefiro is almost like a four-door R32 Skyline in disguise. It shares parts, platform, and often the RB20DET engine — a 2.0L turbo inline-six with plenty of tuning potential. It’s rear-wheel drive, has a balanced chassis, and looks tough as nails.
This one’s a proper sleeper: roll up in a Cefiro and no one expects it to light up the tires like a drift missile. Cheap in Japan, and a favorite among grassroots drifters in New Zealand and Malaysia. Skip the FWD A32.
Toyota Century (1990s VG20)
This is Japan’s Rolls-Royce. The Toyota Century was the car of choice for prime ministers, diplomats, and Yakuza bosses. Under the hood is a 5.0L 1GZ-FE V12. Yes, a V12 Toyota. It’s rear-wheel drive, ultra-quiet, and oozes presence. Some have even modified the exhaust to make it sing like an Italian exotic.
Inside? Reclining seats, lace curtains, wool upholstery, and more analog switches than a ‘70s hi-fi setup. You can import a clean ‘90s model for under $15K and show up at car meets with the most gangster ride in the lot.
Suzuki Cappuccino (1991–1998)
The Cappuccino proves you don’t need horsepower to have fun. This tiny kei car roadster has a 657cc turbocharged inline-three making just 63 hp, but it’s still a hoot as it only weighs 1,600 pounds and redlines at 9,000 rpm.
It’s rear-wheel drive, has a proper 5-speed manual, and handles like a slot car. Plus, the roof can convert from coupe to targa to full convertible. It’s fun, funky, and draws more attention than cars five times the price. One of the purest JDM experiences you’ll ever find.
Buy One While You Still Can
If you’ve been priced out of the JDM dream, don’t sweat it, the cars on this list prove there’s still some golden nuggets to be found out there. Some of these won’t stay cheap forever, especially as more enthusiasts realize what they’ve been missing.
So, whether you want a drift missile, a Sunday canyon carver, or just something different from the cookie-cutter crowd, get in while the getting’s good.
