No matter what flavor of car you prefer, the one common denominator that unites all enthusiasts is the acknowledgement that cars are an expensive passion!

Buying cars, modifying cars, fixing cars, heck even driving cars all have an impact on your wallet. It’s just the nature of the hobby. This is especially true if you’re a JDM fanboy/fangirl as generally speaking, the best parts usually have to be shipped from Japan.

The thing is, there are ways to save a significant amount of cash in your journey to JDM excellency. The trick is starting on a platform that is relatively cheap. That will provide much more budget breathing room for other things like performance mods and styling.

In this article I’m going to give you a run down of the top 5 best JDM cars (in my opinion) that can be picked up on the used market for less than $10k. My ranking will be based on various factors including price, aftermarket support, base specs, and other more subjective factors like looks, cool factor, nostalgia, etc.

5. Acura RSX/Honda Integra (DC5 chassis)

The release of the RSX was a big deal in America. It represented the next evolution in Honda performance and was the replacement of the legendary Acura Integra. Though in Japan, the Acura brand didn't exist; the Integra was always a Honda. This unfortunately meant that America wouldn't get a Type R variant. Instead, the U.S. would get the RSX "Type S". In the U.S. the Type S leaned more toward luxury. While Japan's Type R had a more powerful engine and track-focused chassis tuning. The RSX was the first appearance of the new K-series Honda engine in America and basically “reset” Honda tuning as it was known at the time. Today, the DC5 chassis enjoys very healthy aftermarket support in almost all areas. It’s clean lines also mean it's very easy to make the RSX/Integra look good.

4. Mazda Miata/MX-5/Eunos Roadster (NA & NB Chassis)

Mazda’s old tagline used to be “on any given weekend, more Mazdas are raced across the country than any other car”. The Miata AKA MX-5 was the reason why they could say that so confidently. Despite it's very small stature and cute appearance, the Miata is still one of the best, most cost-effective race platforms in the world. It is hands down the least expensive car to modify on this list. Looks wise, it can adapt to just about any style quite nicely. You can go clean, you can go wide with fenders, stance it, and even do big off road tires and it all looks good on the tiny roadster.

3. Nissan 350Z/Fairlady Z (Z33 Chassis)

Before Nissan finally brought the GT-R to America, their performance flagship was the 350Z. Released in 2002 the 350Z was relatively light, had near 290 horsepower, and came with a carbon fiber driveshaft stock. The Z33 chassis is one of the few Japanese performance cars that didn't have may differences between its American and JDM variants. Mechanically speaking, Americans were lucky enough to get the same performance experience as Japanese Z33 owners. It is a great platform to start with as it is easy to get more power out of its V6 with natural aspiration or with boost. It is a great track car be it racing or drift. And it can park hard if you are more about flexing. It has style and performance potential for days.

2. Subaru WRX (GD & GG Chassis)

Coming in at a very close second is everyone’s favorite rally car. JDM fans in America were thirsting just as hard for the WRX as they were for the GT-R. Only Subaru listened to the fans and brought the WRX to American soil six years before Nissan finally obliged us with the GT-R. The Subaru WRX is a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive platform that's performance-minded and produced by some of Japan's greatest tuners. It even had two extra doors and a back seat for practicality. Though, the best thing about the WRX in my opinion is how easy it was to add power. A simple ECU tune could provide significant gains. It could be an asphalt track day weapon, an off-road rally monster or both. Granted it's looks are a bit subjective but there are ardent fans of both the "bug eye" and "Blob eye" facias. Though, with the right set of wheels, springs, and subtle aero, the WRX can turn plenty of heads.

1. Honda Civic (EF, EG, EK, heck just about any chassis really)

Did you think I was going to write a list about the best JDM cars on a budget and not have the Honda Civic in the #1 spot? Like it or not the Honda Civic essentially defined the JDM movement in America. Some of the most well-known people in the culture started with a Civic and some still rock with them. You can't really go wrong with any Civic chassis but my personal favorite is probably the EG chassis which was offered in the early 90s. Civics are by far the easiest JDM cars to modify, the easiest to style, and have the biggest, most dedicated community. Even if Hondas aren’t your thing, you have to respect the Civic’s place in the culture.

Those are my picks for the top 5 JDM cars under $10k. I’m sure there are plenty of you out there who totally disagree with my choices and that’s totally ok! That's what makes JDM culture so cool, we’re all different. What are your picks for the best JDM cars under $10k? I want to see your lists!

Top 5 JDM Cars Under $10k