Bargain Depreciation Proof Jap Performance Car?!

Bargain Depreciation Proof Jap Performance Car?!

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rod1m

Original Poster:

13 posts

97 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
Hi all,

I’m looking for a jap performance car, that will be “depreciation proof” or maybe even appreciate over time.

Even though it will be a second car, I want it to be practical enough to drive to work if I choose, and also to be able to pick the kids up in it if required (2 x little ones, aged 4 & 2). A usable performance car.

I was previously looking at E46 M3’s (coupe, manual) as I think these tick all the boxes, but having owned one before as well as some jap cars previously (JDM Celica GT SS3, Celica GT4, S2000), I am drawn back to another jap car for some reason!

My anticipated budget to purchase is around £10k.

I absolute hate to pass or see the exact same car, same colour, wheels, spec etc etc as my own, so I do tend to ‘modify’ or personalise my cars a bit. So would ideally like something that some mods (obviously top branded JDM items!) won’t devalue.

Cars I have / am considering:

1. RX8 – looked at the R3 version and also a PZ. Would ideally fit a turbo kit, as I test drove one before I bought my S2k when coming out of the M3, and the performance didn’t excite me. This would prob put it over budget and not be worth anything near what I put into it?
2. R32 GTR – would stretch the budget for entry price (approx. £13k) – really nice examples out of price range.
3. R33 GTR – ditto.
4. S202 / S203 Impreza – I actually really like these. Would stretch the budget again. My only caution is the “image” that goes with the impreza. But they are rare and high performance, JDM only models, which I like.
5. DC5 ITR – I have a large soft spot for Hondas, and have always liked this model. It’s high on my metal shortlist. The performance is lower than my ideal though, I would probably be constantly looking at getting it turbo charged! Plus it’s FWD.


Any other suggestions or thoughts??

designforlife

3,734 posts

162 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
Supra, DC5 or a skyline. Or if you fancy something older, an AE86.

ETA - £10k won't buy much Supra, but if you can stretch your budget, a clean one should only rise in value.

Edited by designforlife on Wednesday 18th May 12:55

designforlife

3,734 posts

162 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
as for mods, just make sure whatever you do is reversible, and keep hold of the OEM bits...will make you a bit more money come resale time to sell the shiny stuff off the car.

TommoAE86

2,659 posts

126 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
Seriously keep hold of OEM bits or if you can handle it, don't mod it. As designforlife said Supra's Skylines and anything with decent heritage/providence should keep or rise in value (so no 3000GT/GTO's)

To get into a Supra you could try and get hold of a JZA70 (the mk3) one but make sure it's got the 1JZ engine otherwise you'll just lose money in my opinion.

Some Celica's are also slowing/revising their drops at the moment but only specific models (like the GT-Four), even 300ZX's are starting to hold their value (unless someone puts a horrid bodykit on it).

If you want a Skyline then you might be able to get a R33 GTR for your budget but I'd expect it to be ropey or at least need some work done on it. GTST/GTT's are about half the price of GTR's and are the RWD ones, with all Skyline's going up they have stuck at half the value of the GTR's.

What about some good old EVO's? Anything from III's to VI's should be around your budget although don't take my word for it as I am not a fan of them.

Impreza Turbo 2000's and other such unmodded gems are around, could you get an RA in your budget?

Also I do want to say, please don't treat it as an investment, Japanese cars from the 80's/90's are truely fantastic machines and need to be appreciated. I've done four times the annual mileage in my R33 compared to the previous owner and every mile has been a joy. It's a sad indication of "progress" when all that has improved is NVH and interior plastics.


designforlife

3,734 posts

162 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
I would avoid EVOs if it's a daily, unless you have deep pockets for maintenance and repairs. Although mitsi parts prices themselves are reasonable enough (i have to buy plenty for my old coupe).

Another shout could be a 1JZ Toyota Chaser, should be able to import one for under £10k, and that will deffo hold its value.


designforlife

3,734 posts

162 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
a clean factory spec s14 or s15 could also be worth a look...they're a bit lively in the wet though.

TommoAE86

2,659 posts

126 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
^-- excellent options! And you're probably right on the EVO front laugh

Have you thought of importing one? You'll have to add for the process but you're more likely to get a mint-in-box one if you use an importer (or someone who has people over their to bid for you). Can underseal straight away and thus delay the rot for as long as possible wink

rod1m

Original Poster:

13 posts

97 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
Thanks for the comments and ideas guys. I'm thinking whatever I go for I should restirct mods to removable items (wheels, exhaust, maybe a vinyl wrap), and keep the original parts. That's what I've done with my bike (its not a rare or special model, but I've got all the original parts from where I've made upgrades, which i will likely just give to the new owner when I change it).
I like the mk4 supras but it would have to be a manual tt which I can't touch for my budget (even accepting that I'm likely to stretch it to 12-13k)!!
Skylines same, would have to be a gtr and as you say they are attainable at the price point but it is the bottom of the market.
Gt4 I have had one before - would look at again but to be honest would prefer something different.

No won't be viewed as an investment, will be driven and enjoyed, just will be nice to enjoy something that time alone is no longer depreciating!

A fresh import would be good due to the condition and lack of rust - just need to keep an eye out for previous accident damage!

TommoAE86

2,659 posts

126 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
I used Torque GT to import my GTS-T about a year ago and it was very reasonable (cost about the same as one already here +£1k). It also took the worry about finding a ruined one as they checked it out. I had one come through when I was looking, all setup to bid and the auction sheet translated, but because they used guys in Japan the feedback came back "did not bid as engine was rattling" so saved me that headache smile

You could even get an R33 GTR if you are willing to stretch that extra £2-£3k.

Are RX-7's in your budget?


rod1m

Original Poster:

13 posts

97 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
I've spoken to torque gt before - seemed really nice knowledgeable guys. I would look at them to do an import for sure.

I think an early rx7 would - but a later one probably not? Newera seem to have theirs priced quite high....

TommoAE86

2,659 posts

126 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
Hmmm there is nothing written down that's negative towards them but I've heard rumours and their cars are overpriced as you say.

Other than Torque I've heard JM Imports are also amazing for service and quality, just depends which part of the country you want to go to collect, Newcastle or Devon? wink

rod1m

Original Poster:

13 posts

97 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
They are both ones that I keep half an eye on the stock of.

I like how newera detail their descriptions and pictures so well. Some other importers barely give any information on their cars at all!
They do seem to be priced high though. They've got a nice looking DC5 I've just spotted too.....

designforlife

3,734 posts

162 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
torque GT are a bit optimistic in their pricing in some cases, but i suppose they need to cover the costs of actually importing the car.

They had a pair of white Mitsubishi Mirage Asti RS up for £4k apiece...these are worth a max of about £2.5k...unless you really, really, really want one.

rod1m

Original Poster:

13 posts

97 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
I expect they will have fixed costs (de-registration, shipping fees, insurance, registration in uk etc) that will make a big difference on cheap cars, not so much as the cars get more expensive.

I think rx7's and supras are out due to the rear seats. I can't imagine fitting boosters in them for the kids!

Pretty much narrowed down to a skyline gtr, dc5 or maybe a limited edition of impreza / evo at the moment.
Is an evo makinen a sure fire investment?

danllama

5,728 posts

141 months

Wednesday 18th May 2016
quotequote all
The only way is up for mr2 turbos smile