What is the WORST bang for your buck JDM legend right now, in your opinion?
Posted by Slowvia@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 88 comments
What JDM legend gets you the LEAST amount of car for the MOST amount of money these days? Not talking about new cars, we’re talking about the old school legends we all dream about.
Slowvia@reddit (OP)
I’ll probably get downvoted for this, but I think it’s the AE86 Corolla.
Really cool car, but also WAY overpriced now.
skudbeast@reddit
Or... The faster fwd 400 pounds lighter than 86 right out the box with a bit more power ae92 Corolla coupes from that era. Still have the 4age, and often 5 speed if the gts model, still examples drivable for 3-5 grand.
New-Cry-5427@reddit
Used to be right around the corner from me. Lost track of them over the years. Being FWD they get overlooked a lot. Been eyeing 2 different 2nd gen Camry Wagons near me as well. You should be able to 5 speed swap them using Celica parts pretty easy...
New-Cry-5427@reddit
So overpriced the Chinese are popping out repro bodies🤣🤣 9K gets you a brand new rust free shell.
Pantsmnc@reddit
I've watched a few channels cover these and they're pretty fuckin jank. Nothin lines up or is symmetrical and the welds are scary bad.
New-Cry-5427@reddit
So, your average ragged out AE86 🤣🤣🤣
ScaryfatkidGT@reddit
I’ve seen smashed up, rusted shells be listed at $8000
Shibil25@reddit
As far as I'm concerned there's not a wrong legends in JDM. I'm quite biased because I love the rides they produced.
Slowvia@reddit (OP)
I don’t disagree. Don’t know why you’re getting downvoted for that.
I don’t think there is a “wrong” JDM legend. Some are just more money than makes sense for what they are.
Shibil25@reddit
My thinking it's quite a rare commodity. I am very fortunate to experience these cars personally. I hold these cars in quite high esteem. I have love for all cars regardless for year, I'm an enthustast.
Roccnsuccmetosleep@reddit
Omg wow what a brave statement in a car enthusiast sub
TijayesPJs443@reddit
So ugly tho
Slowvia@reddit (OP)
I agree.
What spurred this question on for me was looking at AE86 prices these days. I’d would really like to add one to my stable (I’ve already got a few other JDM cars that I consider to be “legends”), but after seeing rusted out SR5 hatches going for over ten grand, I’ve decided that it’ll never happen. They’re so much fun, but they aren’t worth that kind of money to me, and they never will be.
PurpleSausage77@reddit
They are so rare I don’t think you can easily put a price on them. It’s collector status, anything goes.
YozaSkywalker@reddit
All of them lol. They're all slow, falling apart, expensive to fix and hard to find parts. The ones that don't need work will cost more than a brand new car.
Tangboy50000@reddit
Mazda RX-7 FD. It takes a lot of money to make them fast, and then the apex seals go, and you start over again.
MillWorkingMushroom@reddit
Unpopular opinion, if you're not chasing power and just want to appreciate the rotary for what it is, go RX-8. The car handles great and reliability isn't bad so long as you treat it right. Just budget for that 100k rebuild from the get go.
HeavyDutyForks@reddit
Its the Supra
Its comparable to the Mustang of the same era performance wise yet priced like a modern Lamborghini
Valkanaa@reddit
I won't argue they're now grossly overpriced but please don't compare it with a 93 Mustang.
Supras handled quite decently right out of the box.
I still have mine and wish parts were a bit more available
retrobob69@reddit
Supra handles a bit like a 5 series bmw of the same time. The whole car to me feels like a 2 door 5 series.
Valkanaa@reddit
Probably a fair comparison. It has forgiving limit behavior. The Corvette or the era really did not.
Mannay1@reddit
Straight-line speed isn't everything.
Supra is more refined, and way better handling than a Mustang of that era. More sophisticated suspension design, better shifter, 2JZ, etc.
Built like a Bank Vault. Shiiet, a modern Lamo wishes it has that build quality. But yes, overpriced in today's market, for sure.
Terrh@reddit
Compare to an R32 GTR, which you can pick up a nice example of for $30k. Or an FD RX-7, same, $25-30K for decent ones. The MKIV supra price is just insane. I sold mine for a reason.
The R34 GTR is also insanely priced, the R32 GTR is 95% of the car for 25% of the price, it makes no sense.
Intelligent_Unit9227@reddit
R32 is 25% of the looks of an R34
Terrh@reddit
Imo the r32 looks better. More boxy and muscular.
And 500lbs lighter and way, way more fun to drive.
Slowvia@reddit (OP)
And the R32 has more motorsport pedigree. The R32 is the one that earned the name “Godzilla”.
Doyoulike4@reddit
There was a particularly egregious window where I was seeing 50k-100k Supras and Z32 TTs were still as low as 10k-15k and I almost talked myself into an N/A 2+2 Z32 for like $5k but just didn't have the garage space for it.
frikkinfai@reddit
+1
And of the 90s JDM "4 horsemen" (a80 supra, fd rx7, na NSX, R34 skyline), the supra's look did not age as well as the others
PurpleSausage77@reddit
I’d at least put it with the catfish Camaro Z28.
Live rear axle Mustangs especially in the 90’s were so loose feeling.
Seanyd78@reddit
I will go with the S13-S15 Silvia. They are nice and I would love a stock S15 to cruise around in, but they are not $35k+ nice. Even the beat up S13 are going for $20k+.
_EnFlaMEd@reddit
Probably any of the rarer R34 GTRs. Vspec II NUR etc that kind of thing. They go for the kind of money that could buy you a pretty nuts supercar. Mclarens, lambos, Ferrari etc. While some of the rare editions make additional power, a lot of them are still only making around a reported 280hp.
SithSidious@reddit
The 400r r32 is up there as well. Sure it’s a special car, but is it worth 1 million while a normal r32 is worth less than 10% of that?
not-a-toad@reddit
240sx’s are not worth the money at all and ive owned two of them
Slowvia@reddit (OP)
I currently own two S13s. A coupe and a hatch. I couldn’t afford to buy either of them today. I don’t think they’re worth what they command in the market today, but I’ve got such a soft spot for them because I’ve had them for 20 years.
In a different timeline, where I hadn’t bought them all those years ago, and was just looking to buy one today, I’m not sure that I’d do it. But it’s impossible for me to stay neutral on the topic, just because I’ve had so much time with them. They’re easily one of my favorite cars ever made.
not-a-toad@reddit
100% agree. Wish I was able to experience them in their “prime” era. Loved my two as well but with current prices I don’t think I’d pick up another unless i got a screaming deal.
not-a-toad@reddit
I also had both a hatch and a coupe. Had both a twin cam and a single cam.
Slowvia@reddit (OP)
Never had a single cam. My pride and joy is an 89 coupe I got with a dual cam swap already done. It had 97k on the clock, and I bought it in 2007 for $2,600, lol. I think it has 113k on it right now.
A few years later I bought the hatch I currently have. Got it for $3,900 with an SR swap already done. Blew the SR five days later, rebuilt it with forged internals, then swapped the SR out of the hatch and into the coupe, and the dual cam out of the coupe and into the hatch.
Rare-Enthusiasm-3123@reddit
S13/14 the clean examples aren’t particularly exciting and the exciting ones are never particularly clean.
RunninOnMT@reddit
S14 kouki if we are narrowing it down imho. Best looking, still basically the same car
UnUsernameRandom@reddit
But they are both sooooooo good looking.
howrunowgoodnyou@reddit
GC8s/2.5RS
160ho. Abysmal econobox interior.
Usually $6500-10k. Dumb.
newoldschool@reddit
gtr has become untenable
brabson1@reddit
Nsx. They're like 80 grand now
Prestigious_Tiger_26@reddit
I was going to say the same, but after a little thought, I think it might be priced right. Its looks are timeless, it has excellent balance, it is mid engined, rear wheel drive, and partially designed by Ayrton Senna. You can't ignore its iconic status in automotive history, although it is a bit under appreciated by the masses.
NoodlesRomanoff@reddit
Original NSX is still an Awesome car, but for $80k+ for an old used car, it makes you compare with some very nice new cars.
unmanipinfo@reddit
And it's basically just a less practical Honda Odyssey
DJScaryTerry@reddit
Every skyline model. Even the 4door non turbo rwd shit boxes are overpriced.
The ae86 though is probably the most overpriced. It's a shitbox of the highest degree that makes no power, can't make power, the chassis is kinda floppy.
Terrh@reddit
IMO the R32 GTR is reasonably priced right now. I mean they're still overpriced but they're the least overpriced of the JDM legends. You can pick up a nice one for $30K USD.
DJScaryTerry@reddit
You are on drugs if you think you can get an r32 GTR for 30k. It's more like 30k for a base model r32, which you wouldn't want.
Terrh@reddit
https://imgur.com/a/vzau7zc
I will literally sell you this car for $30k USD, come get it, 1990 R32 GTR, 108,000KM, not perfect but a solid 8/10.
So yeah, I'm pretty sure you can. I've owned 8 of them.
DJScaryTerry@reddit
They don't even leave Japanese auctions below that, are you sure youve been buying gtr's and not gts-t's? Cause those are about that much and just about everyone puts the GTR kit on them.
I live in BC, we've had them for a long-ass time. I've never once seen one I'd buy for less than 80k CAD, except when they first became available for import.
Terrh@reddit
I will literally sell you that car and yeah I'm pretty sure it's a GTR.
Did you miss the part where I've owned 8 of them? I live in Ontario and we've had them a long time too. I bought my first one 20 years ago.
Vaporave@reddit
Id take you up on that depending on location
IudexJudy@reddit
Especially since you can get an RB25DETNEO powered Laurel for literally a fraction of the price and it’s basically a R33 on S14 suspension
RandomGuyDroppingIn@reddit
The AE86 is also a direct carry over from the E70 chassis, same wheelbase and everything. As Toyota put all the design work into the FWD E80s, to save costs the RWD AE8x cars are basically E70s underneath. Buying an AE86 is buying 1970s tech.
It's also one of the big reasons that the AE86 was initially known for rally rather than drift. E70 Corollas were used so much in rally all of the suspension knowledge was simply carried over.
twothoutwo@reddit
ae86 lol. i drove my buddies car with a 4ac in it, felt like a lawnmower
scrappybasket@reddit
What’d you expect? lol
scrappybasket@reddit
Mark 4 supra, nsx, r32, r33, ek type r, 3000gt, 22b sti
Shadow_ninja714@reddit
AE86, MKIV Supra, and R34 skyline (literally any trim).
They are all going to be 25-30+ years old, all of them have below 300hp factory, and tech and features of the 90s/late 80s.
All if them easily fetch $100k+. At that price point you can get a brand new 911 and have a faster, better handling car with brand new features and tech, as well as incredible luxury. It will literally be a better car in every single aspect outside of modifications. I like my Japanese cars but if I'm dropping 6 figures on a car it's not going to be a 25-30+ year old coupe that will be showing its age unless it lived the entirety of its life in a garage.
wuhanbatcave@reddit
There was (still is) an AE86 on sale on Autotrader near me for $62,000 CAD rn. A whole replica of the one from Initial D. They recently decreased the price but GOD DAMN
That's Integra Type S money, or almost Supra A90 money.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1Dduvj7Tz6/
Bonelesslimbs_@reddit
Its a fucking auto too.
wuhanbatcave@reddit
no it isnt lol it is a 5mt
2BsASSets@reddit
wtf? the tofu sticker isn't even on properly
nopester24@reddit
FD Rx7
Rough_Cancel7265@reddit
Supra, especially if the intention is to modify. Big power, RWD, manual isn't hard to do with more modern cheaper cars or equally as expensive nicer cars
racinjason44@reddit
AE86. It's a fun little RWD econobox. It wasn't expensive then, it's not worth what they cost now.
Safe-Commission1313@reddit
NSX.
Rare-Enthusiasm-3123@reddit
Pre driving one, I’d agree but Wholeheartedly disagree after driving an Nsx. Very little compares I would give anything for one and that’s why the prices are nuts
Photographitti@reddit
Driving an NSX brings a ton of attention and aside from Cars and Coffee type events, you’re usually the only one out driving one around.
NSX drivers get the attention that Corvette drivers feel like they’ve earned.
pisspeeleak@reddit
I don’t care what anyone says, corvettes are cool and the average age of ownership will not persuade me
MaritimesRefugee@reddit
"... that Corvette drivers feel that they are entitled to..."
Fixed it for ya.
timmeh-eh@reddit
I’d argue that the NSX is the only one that I understand WHY it’s held its value so well. Others are mostly just hype.
SailingSpark@reddit
The only JDM car I would want is the Delica AWD van. Its the most honest of the JDM market. There is no hype like the 86 or supra, it does not have the reputation of the skyline, and it's not going to be destroyed by fan boys trying to make the s13/14 into what they should have been all along.
They also do not have the purists up in arms like the 240z
pisspeeleak@reddit
Those delicas are physics defying. I’ve seen those things zipping up and down mountain roads with agility you couldn’t dream of them having. They always look like they’re going to tip but they never do
Slowvia@reddit (OP)
Definitely not the answer I expected to see here, but I’m all for it! Delicas are super cool. I’d love to have one for weekend camping trips.
totaltimeontask@reddit
Any non-factory GT Turbo or GT-R R34’s. Riding the coattails of “Godzilla” just because they share most of the body. Otherwise it’s just a fun sporty little car. It’s not a demon without forced induction.
IudexJudy@reddit
I mean little is also kinda untrue, past the 33 they really are midsized cars, my Laurel was longer than some SUVs haha
30thTransAm@reddit
People are asking 50-80k for NA automatic supras now.....it's the Supra.
FANTOMphoenix@reddit
1992-1998 Subaru Sambar, super charged, 4WD, AC, Scissor lift, high roof, dash mounted cup holders.
Key-Rub118@reddit
RX7... Still gonna need a fresh set of seals no matter how long they were replaced
badluser@reddit
And replace the biturbo with a single fatty turbine.
nick_c8_vegas@reddit
Supra mkiv for sure. Amazing rare car. But the cost of aftermarket parts are so expensive. And labor at shops has gotten so high. You could buy a lhd non turbo for 40k. End up doing a build and getting a 100k+ bill to put down some decent horsepower. For 140k there’s some amazing cars out there.
New-Cry-5427@reddit
Most are overpriced due to hype. Give me a clean JZX or even MX chassis. 4 doors make 'em cooler in my book. The R33s can still be a bargin
JollyGreenGigantor@reddit
Supra for real. They all have potential but weren't particularly special before Fast and Furious put the spotlight on them. Older M3 is arguably a better platform and you can make a Mustang or Camaro faster for less money.
Mannay1@reddit
Definitely, I would take a clean E36 M3 over a Mk4 Supra, based on the car itself, driving dynamics, etc.
Nemesis_Destiny@reddit
Probably the NSX. A80 Supra not far behind.
PurpleSausage77@reddit
I think this is the wrong thing to ask about collector status fanboy cars that only diminish in the quantities of them that remain. Buying any popularized JDM make/model/body style is of course going to be expensive. You aren’t buying them for “bang for buck”. They will be high maintenance high cost of ownership as they get older and parts become less.
Coming up on 30 years old for many of them. I can get “classic car” insurance on anything over 25 years old.
You’d have to get creative and get hands dirty to make a best bang for buck JDM car and even then, the engines, trans, parts etc. for them have been inflated just as much as their respective cars prices. JZ engines, getrag trans, RB series etc.
Dnlx5@reddit
Poopura