Bargain Depreciation Proof Jap Performance Car?!

[rod1m]

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??

[rod1m]

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!

[rod1m]

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....

[rod1m]

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.....

[rod1m]

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?