For most gearheads, working on a project car is one of the most rewarding experiences. There's something extremely satisfying about buying an old car and adding the necessary aesthetic and performance modifications to allow it to compete with new cars.
However, taking on such a project can quickly get expensive, which is why it's important to find an affordable JDM project car to start with so that you have plenty left for mods. If you have $20,000 to work with, that's a great place to start as there are plenty of superb Japanese used cars in that price range that make great projects. Let's explore ten of them.
10 Nissan Z Series - $15,000
In the late '60s, Toyota received widespread praise when it built the 2000GT, largely because of its sheer beauty. Nissan, then going by' Datsun ', couldn't just sit and watch as its rival received all the glory, so it developed the 240Z.
Like the 2000GT, the Datsun 240Z was immediately lauded as one of the most beautiful Japanese cars. However, since it was a lot more affordable than the 2000GT and European sports cars, it became a huge success and kick-started the now-iconic Nissan Z series. Most Nissan Z models cost less than $20,000 and have plenty of aftermarket support.
9 Honda S2000 - $19,000
Honda was on a roll in the '90s. The decade started on the right foot when Honda unveiled the iconic NSX and ended in a similar fashion when they introduced the S2000.
The S2000 was a huge hit, thanks to its beauty, affordability, and its masterpiece of an engine - a high-revving F20C naturally-aspirated inline-four engine making just under 250 hp. If you're looking for an affordable roadster project, the S2000 is it.
8 2013 Toyota GT86/ Subaru BRZ - $16,000
About a decade ago, Toyota and Subaru joined forces and decided to create a new entry-level sports car to serve as a cash cow for both companies. The result was the Toyota GT86 and its brother - the Subaru BRZ.
Both cars have been criticized for being underpowered, but we think buyers got a great deal considering their low price. Those who need more power can make use of the wide variety of aftermarket performance parts available for both cars.
7 Mazda MX-5 - $7,000
When it comes to Mazda sports cars, it doesn't get better than the legendary MX-5 Miata. The Miata debuted in the late '80s with one winning formula - a lightweight front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive roadster with an affordable price tag.
The Miata has been a huge success since and is currently the top-selling two-seater sports car ever made. With so many used Miatas out there, prices are super low for such a good sports car and parts are readily available.
6 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution - $15,000
Mitsubishi has built many cars, but none of them are as iconic as the Lancer Evolution. The Lancer Evo was the result of Mitsubishi's vast experience in the rallying world, and it brought some fantastic rallying technologies to road-going cars.
The Lancer Evo has millions of fans all over the world thanks to its highly tunable turbocharged four-cylinder engines and all-wheel-drive systems.
5 Toyota Land Cruiser 100-Series - $14,000
Toyota was among the first automakers to take advantage of the growing demand for SUVs when it built the Land Cruiser in 1951. The Land Cruiser has been such a huge success that Toyota is still producing it.
If you want a Land Cruiser below $20,000, you'll have to settle for the 100 Series, which was in production from 1999 to 2007. There are plenty of modifications you can buy to turn the Land Cruiser into an offroad monster, including roof racks, body and suspension lift kits, off-road tires, among others.
4 Lexus LS XF30 - $18,000
Lexus aims to be the Japanese equivalent of top European luxury car manufacturers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. The LS - Lexus' flagship model - shows that the automaker isn't far off its target. The LS has been in production since 1989 and is still as popular as ever.
The XF30 generation, which was in production in the 2000s, was praised for its ultra-luxurious cabin, which featured design elements inspired by top luxury hotels like the Ritz-Carlton and seats inspired by Japan Airlines first-class seats.
3 2005 - 2012 Honda Civic Si - $17,000
The Civic is Honda's pride and joy, as it has been among the best-selling vehicles in the world since its introduction. The Civic makes a great project car since it's dirt cheap and has parts readily available on the market.
The best Civic you can get in the $20,000 range is the eight-generation Si. The 2005-2012 Civic Si is a great place to start as it already has a 2.0-liter VTEC engine with 197 hp on tap and comes with a six-speed manual gearbox with a helical limited-slip differential.
2 Mazda RX-7 FC - $12,000
The Mazda RX-7 is an icon, largely thanks to the third-generation version - the FD. The FD's beauty and powerful rotary engine have earned it a cult following, which is why it can cost more than $40,000 at auctions today.
If the FD is too expensive for you, you can settle for the FC. The FC may not be as good-looking as the FD, but it has many of the elements that made the FD so popular.
1 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STI - $18,000
Like the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution mentioned above, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI was developed to give gearheads a taste of what it felt like to drive an ultrafast rally car on public roads - all while still being a spacious, comfortable, and practical daily driver.
The modern WRX STI, which dropped the Impreza name in 2014, is still too expensive. Models built in the mid-2000s are still affordable though, and they still have sufficient aftermarket support.