10 Japanese Cars Worth Investing In

In the vast universe of classic cars, there’s a special place reserved for Japanese automobiles. But why, you might ask?

Japan, the land of rising sun and innovation, has graced us with vehicles that aren’t just transport mechanisms but pieces of art. 

Not to mention the huge JDM sub-culture that forms an enormous part of the automotive lifestyle.

And today, we’re diving into 10 of these masterpieces that are likely to appreciate in value and be worth every dollar, pound, or euro you’d consider putting into them.

Get ready. This journey is one of passion, innovation, and pure automotive magic. Let’s ride!

1. Honda CR-X

1 year average price: $15,875

5 year average price: $14,476

Flashback to the 1980s. The disco era was winding down, neon lights lit up the streets, and along came a compact car that changed the game – the Honda CR-X. 

Remember that exhilarating feeling of freedom the first time you saw one? Compact yet sporty, this car wasn’t just about getting from point A to B; it was about the journey.

Why invest in a CR-X? Simple.

Economy meets performance. Despite its unassuming size, the CR-X boasted an impressive fuel efficiency that didn’t sacrifice on performance. 

And isn’t that the dream? A car that keeps your pockets happy while letting you zip through streets with zest.

Its design? Timeless. With clean lines and a silhouette that echoed the race cars of dreams, the CR-X wasn’t just a car. 

It was a statement. And for those who owned one, it was a proud badge of style and efficiency.

But perhaps the most compelling argument for the CR-X is its legacy. As the precursor to the beloved Honda Civic series, the CR-X paved the way for a lineage of vehicles celebrated across the globe.

2. Toyota MR2 Turbo

1 year average price: $22,441

5 year average price: $21,995

The Toyota MR2 Turbo, a car that wasn’t just about transportation – it was about excitement. A sunny day, an open road, and you, in a Toyota MR2 Turbo, feeling every curve of the asphalt beneath you.

Why make space in your garage for this beauty? Let me explain.

Mid-engine, rear-wheel drive. This configuration isn’t just for Italian supercars; the MR2 Turbo brought this elite setup to the masses. 

The result? Balance, agility, and a driving experience that’s nothing short of intoxicating.

Performance? A punch above its weight. Beneath its sleek exterior, the MR2 Turbo housed a fiery heart. 

Turbocharged power made sure that this car didn’t just look the part – it lived it, delivering raw energy every time you touched the pedal.

But what really sets the MR2 Turbo apart is its distinct personality. At a time when many cars began to look and feel similar, this Toyota dared to be different. 

It beckoned to the driver with a spirit of adventure and a promise of unmatched thrill.

3. Toyota Celica (5th Gen)

1 year average price: $17,157

5 year average price: $16,375

The 1990s was a time of grunge, boy bands, and… the Toyota Celica’s triumphant 5th generation. Remember the chiseled body, the assertive stance, the way it seemed to command the road.

But why should the Toyota Celica – 5th Gen be on your radar? 

Elegance meets athleticism. This generation of the Celica wasn’t just about aesthetics; it was an embodiment of Toyota’s commitment to harmonizing form with function. 

A car that looked as good standing still as it did tearing up the tarmac.

And speaking of performance, allow me to introduce the pièce de résistance: the GT-Four version. Ever dreamt of harnessing the power of rally legends under your fingertips? The GT-Four makes that dream a reality. 

Turbocharged, equipped with all-wheel drive, and a force to be reckoned with, the GT-Four wasn’t just a car. It was a statement.

The Celica’s legacy is one of innovation and evolution, always pushing boundaries, always challenging the status quo. 

And the 5th Gen, with its GT-Four variant, is arguably a great investment in today’s market.

4. Honda Integra Type R (3rd Gen)

1 year average price: $23,120

5 year average price: $24,510

Ever had that feeling of things just “clicking” into place? Where every element, every nuance, works harmoniously to create sheer perfection? Now, imagine that sensation encapsulated in a car. That, I believe, is the essence of the Honda Integra Type R.

What makes this gem sparkle amidst a sea of vehicles? 

Engineered excellence. The Integra Type R was crafted with an obsessive attention to detail, every component was optimized for performance. A car that resonates with pure, unadulterated driving joy is the result.

The VTEC magic. The Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control (VTEC) isn’t just technical jargon – it’s the soul of the Integra Type R. When it kicks in, the world blurs as you’re thrust forward, accompanied by a symphony of engine notes.

But it’s not just about raw power; it’s about precision. The impeccable handling, the sharp responsiveness, the unwavering stability – everything about this car speaks of its race-track heritage.

The 3rd Gen Integra saw the first Type R variant, and has left an indelible mark on automotive history. Its iconic red seats, the unmistakable “R” badge, and that relentless pursuit of perfection make it a legend in its own right.

5. Toyota Supra (3rd Gen)

1 year average price: $21,836

5 year average price: $20,529

The Supra has always been a car that doesn’t merely connect destinations, but weaves together stories of speed, power, and unparalleled allure.

The 4th Gen has seen its values skyrocket, but why should you sit up and take note of the 3rd Gen Supra? Allow me to enlighten you.

A design that speaks. Every inch of the Supra, with its sinuous lines and aggressive stance, was crafted to captivate. It wasn’t just another car on the road – it was turning heads and winning hearts.

Enter the Turbo version. As if the Supra wasn’t already a force to be reckoned with, the Turbo took things up several notches. 

With a surge of power at your disposal and a roar that echoed with authority, the Supra Turbo didn’t just promise excitement – it delivered it in spades.

But beyond the raw power and the undeniable beauty lies the Supra’s soul. A dedication to performance that’s unwavering. A commitment to innovation that’s uncompromising. And a legacy that’s unmatched.

Investing in a 3rd Gen Toyota Supra isn’t just about owning a piece of automotive brilliance. It’s about being a part of a legend that has defined generations.

6. Nissan 300ZX (Z32)

1 year average price: $14,701

5 year average price: $14,611

Cars weren’t always just about getting from one place to another, but about the thrill of the journey itself. A time when a car could be both a work of art and a beacon of innovation. Enter the stage: the Nissan 300ZX.

So why does the 300ZX shine so brightly? 

With its aerodynamic design and poised stance, the 300ZX was never just about looks – it was about a promise. A promise of speed, agility, and a driving experience that was nothing short of transformative.

But wait, there’s more. The twin-turbo version elevates the 300ZX to an entirely different realm. Think of it as adding rocket fuel to an already blazing fire. 

This version didn’t just quicken the pulse; it set hearts racing. With its boosted power and sharpened performance, the twin-turbo was, in many ways, the dream realized.

Each aspect, from its iconic T-top roof to its mesmerizing headlights, tells a tale of a passion project brought to life.

To invest in a Nissan 300ZX, especially the twin-turbo variant, is to hold a piece of automotive history in your hands.

7. Mazda MX-5 Miata MX-5 (1st Gen)

1 year average price: $12,000

5 year average price: $11,752

No list of Japanese classic cars would be complete without the original MX-5 Miata. 

What makes this car not just memorable, but iconic? 

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. In an era where cars were becoming increasingly complex, the Miata took a step back, embracing the essence of what made driving pure joy. 

Lightweight, agile, and with a design that whispered “freedom,” this roadster was all about the sheer pleasure of driving.

Its genius lay not in power, but in balance. Perfectly proportioned, with a near 50:50 weight distribution, the Miata responded to every nuance, every shift, every turn with grace and precision.

And that pop-up headlight charm? Unforgettable. It was as if the car itself was always just as excited for the next journey, eyes wide open and ready to explore.

The Mk1 Mazda MX-5 Miata harks back to an era where driving was about the connection between the driver and the road, where every journey was a story waiting to be written.

8. Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV

1 year average price: $27,317

5 year average price: $27,676

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV, fondly known as the Evo IV, is a car that dared to challenge the giants.

But why spotlight the Evo IV amidst the illustrious lineage of Lancer Evolutions?

While every Evo has its claim to fame, the IV marked a significant shift. Enhanced aerodynamics, improved handling, and a recalibrated all-wheel-drive system gave it an edge, propelling it to a cult status among enthusiasts.

The Evo IV wasn’t just about cruising; it was about conquering. The turbocharged engine, combined with its lightweight frame, ensured that this car wasn’t merely on the road – it owned it.

Today, amidst rising prices for classic sports cars, the Evo IV stands as a beacon of value. It offers the thrill, the legacy, and the pedigree of its younger siblings, but at a sweet spot of affordability and potential appreciation.

The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IV is a testament to the spirit of racing, innovation, and the audacity to challenge the status quo. By investing in this marvel, you’re not just owning a vehicle; you’re cherishing a piece of history.

9. Subaru Impreza WRX (1st Gen)

1 year average price: $14,357

5 year average price: $14,767

If an Evo was going to make the list, an Impreza definitely had to be included.

In the chronicle of Subaru, its hero is the first-generation Impreza.

But we’re not just talking about the coveted 22B, RB5, or P1 variants. The 1st Gen Impreza still has plenty to offer regardless of budget.

While the more affordable variants may not be as rare as the aforementioned models, the rest of the Impreza performance range preserve plenty of thrill factor. 

The WRX models (or 2.5 RS model in the North American market) weren’t short of rally-bred handling, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and that unmistakable boxer engine.

As the stars of the Subaru world reach astronomical prices, the 1st gen Impreza stands as a way for enthusiasts on a budget to enter the market.

In the grand theater of cars, while others may dazzle with their grandeur, the 1st Gen Impreza continues to resonate with its genuine charm.

10. Datsun 240Z

1 year average price: $39,056

5 year average price: $34,594

In the serene panorama of 1970s Japanese motoring, there’s one silhouette that stands out – the Datsun 240Z.

What makes this classic resonate so deeply in the hearts of car enthusiasts? Let’s journey back in time.

The 240Z wasn’t just designed; it was sculpted. Its timeless profile gave it a grace that few cars of its era could match. It was a visual treat – a promise of what lay under the hood.

Beneath its exterior, the 240Z boasted a robust inline-6 engine. A powertrain that delivered not just on performance but also on reliability. 

While the 240Z was born in Japan, its charm was universal. From the winding roads of California to the bustling streets of London, it became an emblem of affordable sports car excellence.

The Datsun 240Z encapsulates a golden era where cars were more than mere machines – they were partners, companions, and timeless tales on wheels.

Investing in a Datsun 240Z is like holding a piece of automotive folklore, and although prices of pristine examples have rocketed in recent years, there are still some affordable ones out there.

The Timeless Road Ahead

From the audacious spirit of the Evo IV to the poetic elegance of the Datsun 240Z, we’ve journeyed through ten Japanese classics that have, and will continue to, shape our automotive dreams.

Whether you’ve been enticed into buying a Japanese classic car by the ever-present JDM culture, or simply admire the beauty and craftsmanship that went into producing these legendary vehicles, investing in these cars isn’t merely a financial decision. 

It’s the embrace of a nation, a nod to outstanding quality, and a pledge to preserve the magic of driving.