Japanese version of the what car thread - JDM

So much Japanese car porn

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:

AE101 Levin GT APEX?

Too bad you need a four-seater. I would have suggested an Autozam (Mazda) AZ-1

or a Suzuki Cappuccino

I'm going to say Nissan Stagea.

Sorry for the delay in responding and thanks for all the great suggestions. Seeing pics of the GTi-R's definitely makes me want one, especially that white one. The 323 looks awesome as well. The more I see them around I'm definitely thinking the GC8 Impreza may be a good middle ground of practical and fun. The older cars are awesome, but I need whatever I drive to be a daily driver in traffic so AC is a must. I have thought about the 25 year rule and I'm thinking I may trade to something I want to import shortly before I leave.

Just a little background info. As a civilian here I get all exchange priveleges including gas so that's the same cost as in the States. I also don't have to pay Shaken so the older cars (more than 5 years or so) are very affordable. We pay less taxes than the Japanese citizens as well and my insurance is based on my rank so that's plenty affordable. SO with my $8000USD budget I can afford most stuff older than 8-10 years except for the real popular stuff like the Skyline GTR. That R32 that popped up really surprised me as it was just within my price range. If another one comes up like it I will likely jump on it. I do have to prove I have a parking space before I can register a car since I will be living off base. We already bought a 99 Odyssey for my wife with ~40k miles (66k km) for $2200. I've got temporary stickers for it until I find a house to rent and then the Japanese police have to come out, measure the parking spot and verify I have a spot and my car will fit. Crazy!

Our new to us 99 Odyssey:

I'm looking forward to shopping for my car in the next few weeks. My buddy and sponsor recently bought a Subaru Outback Turbo and he looked at tons of cars and dealers so he's got lots of good ideas on places to look. Also, I'll be sure and post some pics of any interesting stuff I see for sure. Anyway, keep the ideas coming.

Also, just FYI if people want to see some typical cars specifically being sold by military members to other military here's one site specifically for the Yokosuka navy base: http://yokosuka4sale.com/index.php?a=5&b=340

That's the site where the R32 GTR popped up, but it disappeared pretty quickly. It's an hour drive or so to Yokosuka for me, but it might be worth it depending on the deal.

Maroon92 wrote: Hako Sukairine FTW.

THAT is cool.

Rusted_Busted_Spit wrote: I very much approve of the above list.

Why thank you sir!

I was trying to stay off the beaten, "boring," and "overdone" path for those suggestions. MOST of those should be able to be found for CHEAP, and you don't see any of them in the states. (Unlike the Skyline, S15, blah blah blah)

sanman wrote:

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:

AE101 Levin GT APEX?

Nope, that's an ST206 Curren.

But the Levin is a good idea... I'd just prefer mine in Levin BZR flavor.

Mazda RX-7 Spirit R

I can't explain how badly I want one of these:

The Currens are pretty cool, i just don't remember if they could be had in "SS-III" trim like the Celica. The BEAMS 3sge is a pretty awesome motor.

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:

sanman wrote:

92CelicaHalfTrac wrote:

AE101 Levin GT APEX?

Nope, that's an ST206 Curren.

Forgot all about the Curren, but your talk reminded me of something better...The Caldina: Can't afford a Skyline, but want 4wd and a Turbo:

It is basically a five door version of the Celica GT4. I like the 3rd gen the best for looks and the 3s-gte

^That gen of 3sgte was a MONSTER, too. And contrary to popular belief, they ARE available with manual transmission.

In reply to poopshovel:

I'll take one in white

Anything with a rotary

GC8's can be had cheap (like...2-3kk cheap at auction for an older wrx when I used to troll the auction sites). I got a contact over there if you need help picking up a car . WRX seems like a nice middle ground , or a Pulsar GTI-R, I'm [pretty partial to either of those. Or you could pick up an AE86, and if you bring it back, make bank on the JDM goodness of it.

I was going to suggest a AWD Suzuki Cultus. But, I can't find any decent enough pictures of one to post.

sanman wrote: Celica GTV

Second that. Might be hard to grab for $8k though... at least look for a good RA25

If it has to be newer then try for an AE86 Corolla Levin.

Took a while for my jealous rage to subside but all the JDM porn has re-routed the blood flow and now I'm just happy. Like, really happy.

When I was looking to import (a dream that has since been dashed), I was pretty set on a twin turbo Legacy GT-B (which has already been suggested). Not sure how many kids you plan to shuttle and how often, but I figured the Leggy would be an ideal daily for a father of two.

Seems you're looking at something smaller (I'll also +1 the Pulsar idea) but as a wagon fan, I'll throw the Nissan Stagea into the ring. Autech made a version with the GT-R's twin turbo RB26.

This one's been diddled with but you get the idea:

RoadWarrior wrote: GC8's can be had cheap (like...2-3kk cheap at auction for an older wrx when I used to troll the auction sites). I got a contact over there if you need help picking up a car . WRX seems like a nice middle ground

Actually, a 96 STi Type RA can be bought for $2k or less, regular STi for $1k or less.

What I can tell you is this; you can NOT go wrong with a Subaru. They make the most power, have strong driveline parts, and aftermarket support everywhere. They are durable, roomy, drive well, and do everything a daily driver should ever do.

I personally would never get a Familia GTR or a Pulsar GTR or Celica GT4 or or or... anything above and beyond the simple fact that one is the best, and that is Subaru. I mean, yes, a Skyrine GTaRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR would be awesome to own; but they are known for their fair share of problems and they are 2 doors only correct?

Edit- What I am trying to say is that while it is cool to be different, it's not much fun to be different and own an inferior product. Just something to consider.

I was stationed in Iwakuni (Near Hiroshima) for about three years. I had a GF8 WRX Wagon. It was a riot, very practical for snowboarding trips into the mountains. Four guys and snowboards in at least a little bit of comfort. I'd assume it would be similarly practical for a family man.

My WRX had a few mods, intake, exhaust, bigger intercooler, piggy back ECU, some suspension toys, and it was a seriously quick car. I'd highly recommend one. But, if you can afford it, get the facelift model. The first three years, while a lot of fun, were severely limited in the ECU department. Anything over 0.9kpa would make the ECU panic, even with the aftermarket piggy back.

If you haven't found them already, look for a store called UpGarage, it's a second-hand speed shop. They buy wrecked modified cars and part them out. Selection changes quickly though.

Another option to consider, would be to stop by UpGarage a few times, see what they have in stock and what comes through. It's frustrating when you want to play with a car and it turns out that parts are few and far between. (You'll find that the base hobby shop doesn't have much by the way of fabrication tools)

Good luck, and enjoy yourself! There's so much to get out and see and do over there, I've thought seriously about taking an English teaching job just to get to spend another year or two over there.

^At least two of those cars have big tricks up their sleeve, but i think we went through that in another thread a couple months ago.

I like the Subie idea for sure. I just can't go outside without tripping over a turbo Subaru that looks pretty much the same. If it's all about the performance and nothing else, then it's probably THE choice.

If it's about JDM-ness, having something different, while still having performance, the others are pretty relevant as well.

But i sure wouldn't kick a Type RA out of bed.

01 WRX. Everyone here wants one, you can make us all jealous.

although a panda treuno Hachi-Roku would be nice also

minus the tofu delivery text on the door or not.