10 Cheap JDM Cars to Buy If You’re Broke or on a Budget in 2023 | Taza Khabre

If you love cars but are on a tight budget, then the best place to find amazing cheap cars is the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). JDM the cars offer amazing performance, look good and, more importantly, are cheaper to buy and maintain compared to their European counterparts.

JDM companies such as Mazda, Nissan and Toyota are known for their reliability. If you are looking for a cheap project car, then an affordable, used JDM will be the best for you. So let’s talk about the 10 cheapest JDM cars you can buy if you’re broke or on a budget in 2023.

HotCars analyzed JDM cars that cost $7,000 or less on the used car market, according to Classic.com prices. The research was conducted in October 2023.

1 1997 Honda Prelude Type S

Starting price used: $2,966

The late 1970s and early 1980s saw fierce competition among Japanese automakers to dominate the fast-growing market for affordable sports cars. Trying not to miss this, Honda decided to create the Prelude in 1978.

1997 Prelude Type S Specs

The Prelude had a huge impact on the market. But there was also a problem with the car: the speed of the Prelude did not fully satisfy many motorists. As a result, Honda introduced a special Prelude Type S for the Japanese market.

Powered by a 2.2-liter H22A VTEC 4-cylinder engine, the Prelude Type S produced an impressive 217 hp. and 163 lb-ft of torque, providing a stunning driving experience. This power was transmitted to the front wheels by a five-speed manual gearbox. The Prelude Type S also had new features such as an active torque transfer system and active anti-lock brakes. This car can reach a top speed of 140 mph, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds.

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2 Mitsubishi Pajero Mini 1995

Starting price used: $3,300

SUVs are in fashion now. However, in the 90s, Japan was fascinated by SUVs. Although these cars were very different from the SUVs you see today. These were mini SUVs. These were scarce cars that never made it to the United States. One of the best examples of such cars is the Mitsubishi Pajero Mini.

Characteristics of Mitsubishi Pajero Mini 1995

Like most Kei cars of the time, the Pajero had a small 0.66 liter engine producing 64 hp. and 70 lb-ft of torque. It went from 0 to 60 mph in 12.5 seconds and reached a top speed of 85 mph. It wasn’t fast by any means, but the car’s tiny size and off-road ability meant it was incredibly easy to drive.

3 1996 Honda Beat

Starting price used: $3,813

Kei cars are some of the best types of cars money can buy. “Kei car” is a category of vehicles in Japan that refers to the smallest passenger cars allowed to drive on the highway. These cars are subject to certain restrictions regarding the size and volume of the engine. The Beat is a JDM car that proves smaller cars can be fun and exciting too.

Features of the 1996 Honda Beat

Under the hood, you’ll find a 0.66-liter in-line three-cylinder engine with a capacity of 63 hp. Although it’s not much, the engine did have Honda’s engine management system that responds to multiple throttles. Paired with a manual transmission, the Beat was a pleasure to drive. However, if you like to outrun the cops, then this is not the car for you, given that it goes from 0-60 mph in 13.7 seconds, on to a top speed of 84 mph.

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4 1998 Suzuki Alto Works

Starting price used: $4,099

Suzuki cars are not very well known around the world, but in Japan and South Asian countries, Suzuki is the main brand. The Suzuki Alto Works is a great little car, reminiscent of the Renault 5. Like the Honda Beat, it’s a Kei car, but this one is a hatchback. It has a 0.66-liter turbocharged 3-cylinder engine that produces 64 hp. and 63 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate to 60 mph in 12.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 85 mph.

Suzuki Alto Works 1998 specs

This small car is nimble and easy to handle, mainly due to its compact size and efficient electric rack-and-pinion steering system. As is often the case with Kei cars, the powerplant has the potential to increase performance with the right tuning. Among its variants, the Alto Works stood out as the fastest and offered a pleasant driving experience.

5 1993 Subaru Impreza WRX

Starting price used: $5,376

In the early 90s, Subaru decided to enter the Impreza in the World Rally Championship, and it was probably the best decision the company ever made. This decision led to the birth of the first Impreza WRX models in 1992, and they have been a significant part of the company’s lineup ever since. The Impreza WRX was first offered as a sedan, and then was also presented as a hatchback.

1993 Subaru Impreza WRX Specifications

The car was a huge success almost instantly thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and four-wheel drive system. This car produced 240 hp. and 228 lb-ft of torque. One of the best things about this car was that it had a paddle shifter. You can pick up one of these beauties for close to $5,000. It can sprint to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 143 mph, which isn’t bad considering the era this car is from.

RELATED: 12 Best Japanese Kei Cars You Can Own in the US

6 1986-1992 Mazda RX-7 FC

Starting price used: $5,500

Mazda RX-7 and car guys go hand in hand. This car went on sale in 1986 and was sold until 1992. The exterior was suspiciously similar to the Porsche 944. Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.3-liter twin-rotor Wankel 13B-T turbocharged engine.

Technical characteristics of Mazda RX-7 FC 1986 – 1992 years

This engine produced 202 hp. and 199 lb-ft of torque. Mazda won the hearts of motorists around the world, and then the 2nd generation went on sale in the United States. With a great little engine, this car went from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds and reached a top speed of 153 mph.

7 1997 Suzuki Cappuccino

Starting price used: $6,300

Another pocket-sized car that’s fun to drive. Similar to the Honda Beat, the Suzuki Cappuccino was a Kei car with a 0.66 liter engine producing 63 hp. and 63 lb-ft of torque. It did 0-60 mph in 11.3 seconds and had a top speed of 87 mph.

Technical characteristics of Suzuki Cappuccino 1997

8 1995 Acura Integra Type R

Starting price used: $6,500

After the success of the first two generations of the Integra, Acura decided to create a high-performance version called the TYPE-R. However, there was a catch. This machine was intended only for the Japanese market. It was a blast to drive and had a 1.8-liter inline-4 engine that produced 200 hp. and 130 lb-ft of torque. This allowed the car to accelerate to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 145 mph.

1995 Acura Integra Type R Specifications

9 1989 Toyota Celica ST160

Starting price used: $6,500

Celica of the fourth generation is somewhat missed. However, it stands out as a hidden gem with amazing driving dynamics compared to many of its competitors. It comes from the world of rallying and has been known to be easy to use. It has a powerful 1.8-liter 4-cylinder 1S-iLU engine that produces 135 hp. and 125 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds and has a top speed of 125 mph. It’s also a pretty solid car that still looks good.

1989 Toyota Celica ST160 specifications

10 1997 Toyota Caldina GT-T

Starting price used: $6,900

The first generation Caldina was a worthy replacement for the Toyota Corona and Carina wagons in the JDM market. However, there was a small problem with this car. There was not enough strength. So, doing what Honda did, Toyota introduced the Caldina GT-T.

Technical characteristics of the 1997 Toyota Caldina GT-T

Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.0-liter 3S-GTE turbocharged four-cylinder engine that develops 260 hp. and 243 lb-ft of torque. It also has a manual transmission, making this car extremely fun to drive. In addition, it is also four-wheel drive. This car accelerates to 60 mph in 6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 140 mph.

Sources: Classic.com