CHEAP JDM COUPES YOU CAN SNAG FOR UNDER $10,000

JDM cars remain popular used options on the market today. While the most revered examples can fetch north of $1 million, there are still bargains to be had, if you know where to look.

How we got our model selections: HotCars analyzed used JDM car listings on JDM Export. We only factored models listed for less than $10,000, including the cost and freight (C&F). Models were ranked in order from most to least expensive.

RELATED: 10 Awesome JDM Sports Cars Under $10,000

1988 Toyota Corolla Levin: $9,654 (C&F)

The 1988 Corolla Levin Features Cool Two-Tone Retro Styling

When the topic of Toyota Corollas from the 1980s comes up, naturally the mind gravitates toward the AE86 (a JDM that's really expensive today). This 1988 Corolla Levin offers similar performance, with 120 horsepower to the AE86's 125, both from similar 1.6-liter inline-4 motors.

The real difference, however, comes in the price, as the more famed model can command multiples of what this cheap JDM coupe fetches. That's one of the reasons why JDM cars are cheap, because quite often, they can fly under the radar.

Other competitor JDM cars for sale, such as the Nissan Sentra SE-R and Mazda 323 GTX are available for less on the used car market, but this AE92 is simply so much cooler, thanks to its similarities to the iconic Initial D drift car.

1989 Toyota Supra: $9,153 (C&F)

The Third Generation Of Toyota's Supra Can Still Be Secured For Sub $10,000

Who knew that the Toyota Supra could be considered a bargain JDM coupe? OK, you're not going to snag a MK4 for this money, but if you're patient and don't mind an automatic non-turbo MK3, then $10,000 (or marginally more) should be just enough to net one. The styling is distinctly more '80s than the revered MK4, but that does mean you get pop-up headlights.

When new, this 160 horsepower Supra would have made a great alternative to the FC RX-7, or the aforementioned Mitsubishi GTO, perhaps. At 182 and 222 horsepower respectively, this base model Supra is down on sheer performance, but that's not the appeal really. What this MK3 offers is an achingly cool slice of JDM history, and all for a touch over $10,000.

RELATED: 10 Cheap JDM Cars That Are Not Available In The U.S. But Are Worth Importing

1988 Toyota MR2: $9,095 (C&F)

This Is The First Generation Of Toyota's Mid-Engine Compact Sports Car

At a time just prior to the launch of Mazda Miata, the sharp and striking MR2 commanded a powerful position in the compact sports car segment, with its only true competition coming from European hot hatchbacks such as the 205 GTi. The rear-drive coupe offers a reserved 116 horsepower, but with it tipping the scales at just north of 2,300 lbs, performance was still lively, with a 0 to 60 MPH time of just 9 seconds.

This was actually Toyota's first mass-produced mid-engine car, and attracted positive attention at the time, most notably the 1984-1985 Japanese car of the year award. From here on out, the MR2 went from strength to strength, resulting in multiple generations over decades. For an '80s example of a hugely successful classic, this JDM car's cheap nature is certainly a pleasant surprise for those on the market.

1989 Nissan Leopard: $8,805 (C&F)

The Leopard Luxury Coupe Is Powered By A Small Displacement V6 Motor

A lot of JDM cars tend to be cheaper than alternatives around the globe. One reason why JDM cars are cheap, especially for newer models, is because the Japanese motor industry is massive, and benefits from savings that are only accessible to them, due to economies of scale. Another reason why some JDM cars can be perceived as cheap is simply because they have numerous models that are almost lost to history, and therefore have just a small pocket of potential purchases — the Nissan Leopard falls into this latter category, and therefore could be one of the most underrated JDM cars for sale today.

A quirky alternative to the Toyota Chaser, this V6 executive coupe offers underwhelming performance but makes up for it with epic 1980s JDM style. The Leopard shared a platform with the Cedric. As a result, it shares luxury features such as power adjustable leather seats and wood trim, which makes for a very cool and comfortable JDM project car basis.

1998 Mitsubishi FTO: $8,462 (C&F)

Front-Wheel-Drive FTO Coupe Is Ideal For Budgeting Enthusiasts

Don't let the small proportions of Mitsubishi's baby sports coupe fool you here — it packs quite a punch — 197 horsepower to be exact, courtesy of a 2.0-liter V6, sent directly to the front wheels. The sweeping lines of the FTO are a stark contrast from the boxy arches that adorned the preceding Starion, and clearly show how designs progressed from the '80s into the '90s.

Only 37,000 examples were produced over the FTO's 7-year lifespan, which is remarkably low. This cheap JDM coupe offers a decent chunk more power than rival models such as the Toyota Celice and Honda Prelude. Smart and well-maintained examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find. However, $8,500 is still enough to secure and import a JDM example in 2023.

RELATED: 18 Cheap JDM Cars That Are A Blast To Drive

1996 Toyota MR2: $8,344 (C&F)

The Mid-Engine 1996 MR2 Sports Car Is Approaching Modern Classic Status

Time to revisit the Toyota MR2 once more, but this time, the larger, sleeker, and considerably faster second generation. Displacement of the inline-4 has been increased to 2.0-liters now, which results in a 54 horsepower jump up from the aforementioned first generation, and a 1.5-second quicker 0 to 60 MPH sprint time.

By now, the Mazda Miata was in full swing, and taking the world by storm. By sizing up the MR2 and building it as a proper coupe, rather than a roadster with a hard-top like Mazda, Toyota managed to target a slightly different audience with their mid-engine sports car, resulting in impressive sales, which seemingly were not hampered by the huge success of Mazda's compact sports car revival.

1991 Subaru Alcyone SVX: $7,630 (C&F)

The 1991 SVX Makes Use Of A 3.3-liter Boxer Engine

Despite enjoying a lengthy production run until 1997, the Subaru SVX is largely forgotten, which makes it potentially one of the most underrated JDM cars available to collectors today on a modest budget. From here on out, Subaru focused their performance efforts on the hugely successful Impreza WRX model, which shares little with the SVX, apart from a reliable all-wheel-drive system, and an uncommon boxer flat-6 engine layout.

The closest competitor to the SVX on offer in the 1990s would be the Mazda MX-6, which while just as obscure, falls way short of the performance of Subaru's flagship luxury coupe. Mazda's MX-6 features a 163 horsepower 2.5-liter V6, leaving the SVX to dominate with an additional 77 horsepower.

1995 Mitsubishi GTO: $7,613 (C&F)

Mitsubishi's Modern Classic GTO Boasts A 3.0-liter V6 Motor

This 1990s Mitsubishi may look familiar as the GTO was launched in the U.S. as the 3000GT. Although many have been modified, poorly maintained, or broken down for parts over the years, it makes sense that enthusiasts are now turning their attention to the JDM model. The flagship GTO made use of a twin-turbocharged motor, but for our $10,000 budget, the 222 horsepower naturally-aspirated unit will have to suffice.

Competing 2+2's from this era include the Subaru SVX and Nissan 300ZX, both of which offer similar performance as the GTO. The Mitsubishi appears to be more readily available as a JDM export, and with multiple examples available under $8,000, it's also the budget-friendly option, and certainly one of the sleeker cheap JDM cars for sale.

RELATED: 10 Cheap JDM Cars That Can Soon Be Imported To The States

1995 Toyota Sera: $7,059 (C&F)

Compact Toyota Sera Sports Car Features Epic Gullwing Doors

After seeing the fairly commonplace GTO and Celica above, you may be wondering, are JDM cars rare? It all depends on the model, of course. And if you prefer a scarce model, then the Toyota Sera definitely fills that void, with only 15,941 ever produced. It's also one of the more unique cheap JDM cars for sale out there, thanks of course to the rather flamboyant gullwing doors.

Perhaps the closest competitor to the Sera is Honda's CRX Del Sol, which churns out an extra 17 horsepower from its rev-happy 1.6-liter inline-4. Regardless, it's unlikely anyone would buy the Sera for performance purposes, and nothing else comes close to matching its absurd style, which is a much more probable reason as to why someone would shell out upwards of $7,000 to import one. If you're wondering what the cheapest JDM cars are, it's quirky and fun models like the Sera that command less than the more powerful sports models, such as the Fairlady Z and Celica.

Sources: JDM Export

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