Best JDM Cars For Beginners: Top 10 For Good Starter!
For enthusiasts of Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) cars, the abundance of available makes and models can be overwhelming. To assist in navigating the selection process, we’ve compiled a list of the best JDM cars for beginners!
Best JDM Cars For Beginners: Top 10 For Good Starter
Toyota Chaser
If you’re a fan of the powerful JZ engines but find the $50,000 price tag of a Supra out of reach, there are more affordable alternatives available.
You can explore options that cost only a fraction of the price of a Supra, Toyota Chaser.
All the fifth-generation Chasers, produced between 1992 and 1997, came equipped with JZ engines.
Moreover, if you’re looking at Chasers manufactured between 1996 and 2001, there’s an even higher likelihood of finding a JZ engine, as only two out of five available engines were not JZ variants.
The price range for an used Toyota Chaser typically starts at around $3,000. If you desire a rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan with respectable power, the Chaser presents an appealing option.
It’s also an excellent choice for those embarking on their first JDM project car, thanks to the considerable tuning potential offered by the JZ engine.
Nissan Silvia
A Nissan Silvia is essentially the choice for those who desire the flair of a GT-R but find it financially out of reach while still yearning for a stylish two-door JDM vehicle as their inaugural car.
In the current market, the majority of Silvias are equipped with the SR20 or SR20DET engines.
Instances of Silvias featuring CA or KA engines are rare, and when you do come across them, they typically command a lower price compared to their SR-powered counterparts.
The Silvia’s appeal lies in its suitability as an excellent daily driver for JDM enthusiasts. Moreover, it doubles as an ideal weekend track car, perfect for those thrilling drifting sessions.
If you plan to take a Silvia among the best JDM cars for beginners to the track, some essential upgrades, such as installing a roll cage and enhancing its power output, may be necessary to unleash its potential.
Nissan Skyline GTS
If your heart set on owning the best JDM cars for beginners, consider going for a sedan or coupe GT trim Skyline.
Many people assume that all Skylines come with a hefty price tag and are out of reach for those on a budget.
However, across the production years of the R32, R33, and R34 models, Nissan produced various trims, making some Skylines more affordable.
The Skylines are either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, making them excellent choices for your first JDM car, as long as you maintain them properly.
Furthermore, both OEM and aftermarket GT-R performance and cosmetic parts are readily available, allowing you to customize your Skyline Sedan to resemble a GT-R if you wish.
Skylines consistently rank among the best choices for a first JDM car, whether you plan to use it as your daily driver or as a project car.
Their versatility and potential for customization make them a rewarding and satisfying choice for enthusiasts on a budget.
Mazda Miata MX-5
When it comes to the best JDM cars for beginners, the Mazda Miata stands out as a top choice.
While it may not boast the raw power of a Skyline, the Miata offers an ideal entry point into the world of Japanese cars.
With a budget-friendly price tag of under $5000, you can easily find a first-generation NA or second-generation NB Miata.
What’s remarkable is that these Miatas, even at this price point, exhibit impressive handling and driveability.
If luck is on your side, you might even come across a Miata equipped with the 1.8-liter turbocharged engine, which originally generated nearly 200 horsepower.
This adds a thrilling touch to the driving experience and showcases the Miata’s performance potential.
Many enthusiasts have embarked on this car’s exciting engine swap projects, experimenting with various powertrains to enhance performance further.
Subaru Legacy
Coming up next, the Subaru Legacy might be your perfect choice among good starter JDM cars.
The Legacy is available in both Sedan and Station Wagon body styles, making it a versatile option for daily driving.
In terms of engine options, the Subaru Legacy offers either a 2.0-liter or a 2.5-liter engine. During the late 1990s, it stood out as the ultimate family car.
Additionally, for those interested in the J-spec GT version with the EJ20 engine, it is rumored that the 276 horsepower might have been a conservative estimate, making it an even more exciting option.
In summary, the Subaru Legacy offers a range of engine choices and body styles, making it one of the best JDM beginner cars for daily driving!
Nissan Fairlady Z
When mentioning the best JDM cars for beginners, one standout model is the Z33 or Fairlady Z.
The Nissan Fairlady Z is particularly appealing to first-time JDM car buyers due to its budget-friendly nature.
It comes equipped with various versions of the 3.5-liter VQ35 V6 engine, powering the rear wheels and delivering a thrilling driving experience.
What makes it even more attractive is the starting price, which hovers around $5,000, making it an affordable choice, especially for a vehicle with a potent V6 engine.
It’s a popular choice among enthusiasts, and if you’re a beginner looking to get into motorsports, the Fairlady Z offers an excellent platform.
You can acquire a Fairlady Z and customize it to meet your specific racing or performance requirements!
Mazda RX-8
Being a highlighted models of good JDM cars for beginners, the Mazda RX-8 deserves a prominent place on the list.
While this car may not boast the same level of dependability as some of its counterparts, it offers remarkable value for budget-conscious enthusiasts.
Despite its age, the RX-8 continues to impress with its aesthetics and performance, often surpassing the capabilities of some modern sports cars without breaking the bank.
In essence, the Mazda RX-8 proves that you can enjoy the world of JDM sports cars without emptying your wallet.
Honda Civic Si (Late 2000s)
For those diving into the world of JDM cars as beginners, the late 2000s Civic Si is a hidden gem worth considering. Often overlooked, it has much to offer for budding JDM tuners.
Under the hood, you’ll find a robust K20Z3 i-VTEC engine paired with a manual gearbox.
The Civic Si stand out for an inclusion of a limited-slip differential, enhancing both power and handling compared to the standard Civic models.
Additionally, the aftermarket support for these JDM classics is extensive, and when you consider the affordability factor, it’s challenging to find another Civic that offers such enticing performance potential in today’s market.
Toyota Celsior
Another good starter JDM cars is the Toyota Celsior, which is recognized as the Lexus LS400.
Initially introduced with the Toyota Celsior badge during its inaugural generation from 1989 to 1992, this vehicle is a prime choice for those yearning for a JDM V8 experience.
This car offers a perfect balance of sophistication and ease of upkeep.
Additionally, due to its enduring presence in various motorsports scenes, finding replacement parts is relatively hassle-free.
Moreover, if you’re inclined to explore performance enhancements, there’s a wide array of tuning parts available to help you extract more power from this remarkable vehicle.
With its blend of luxury, performance potential, and cost-effectiveness, the Toyota Celsior stands as one of the best JDM cars for beginners to kickstart your automotive journey.
Honda Accord (4th Generation)
Civic enthusiasts may be surprised to see an Accord included in the list of JDM tuner cars for novice drivers, but let’s take a moment to consider this choice.
The fourth-generation Accord boasts a timeless 1990s JDM aesthetic that many find more appealing than modern Accords.
Under the hood, the Honda Accord offers either the F20A or F22A engine, both of which are well-regarded for their dependable performance by the tuning community.
With a bit of online searching or local market exploration, you can uncover used models priced at under $5,000, an ideal choice for beginners looking to enter the world of tuning and customization.
Conclusion
Here are the best JDM cars for beginners that are excellent choices for drivers due to their reputation for reliability and affordability.
With customization potential and dependable engineering, JDM cars provide an enjoyable and dependable start to the automotive journey.
