Sports cars still scare some buyers with a reputation of unreliability and expensive repair costs. Oftentimes, the horrors of the 1990s Ferraris, Maserati's, and even BMWs have made some wonder if sports cars can really be both cheap and reliable. Then, with sports cars such as the Acura NSX, reliability started to increase, but so did the outstanding costs of owning one! It doesn't help that sports cars from Italy, Germany, and the UK still struggle with reliability.
The gems of the auto world are both cheap and reliable. Japan, it seems, has it down to a science. Many JDM sports cars are cost-effective in terms of the initial purchase price, and even more models are reliable. With such a combo, one sacrifices little to own one. These Japanese sports cars give hope that the auto industry has finally found the secret formula to cheap, reliable sports cars.
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Subaru WRX STI
The longtime Japanese sports car fan favorite combines affordable base price and reasonable maintenance costs. Better still, the WRX STI is a host to a 310hp turbocharged engine that is both unequal and loud, proving to be a raw rendition of the modern sports car.
The Subaru WRX STI reigns as one of the kings of the JDM world. Plus, the WRX STI starts below $40,000, and yearly maintenance costs only $758 meaning fewer large-scale repairs instead showing only normal wear and tear.
9 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Each year the Mazda MX-5 Miata enters the market as one of the most solid sports cars one can buy. The classic two-seat roadster also provides one of the most entertaining rides to ever come out of Japan.
The Miata is a classic JDM sports car and one of the most reliable. At $429 a year in maintenance, the MX-5 won't cost much to keep running. Finally, with a starting price of only $26,830, the MX-5 is living proof that reliability does come cheap!
8 Nissan 350Z
Nissan's predecessor to the current 370Z proves to be more reliable than its replacement. According to RepairPal, the Nissan 350Z will run an average of $452, keeping it in line with the likes of the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Reliability in the long term isn't the only thing working in favor of the Nissan 350Z. Great examples of this class JDM sports car can go for as little as $16,000!
7 Honda Civic Type-R
The Honda Civic is a well-built vehicle with many trims that offer choices for every type of buyer. At the top end sits the champion of the hot hatches, the Civic Type-R. Considered by many to be an almost perfect refinement of the Civic, the Type-R struggles to disappoint.
While starting prices are a bit higher at $37,895, it is still less than some of the competition. On top of all the driving fun, maintenance only costs $368 on average. The Type-R provides more evidence that Japanese sports cars can come cheap and reliable.
6 Subaru BRZ
When two heavy-weight auto giants known for reliability come together to design a car, you know it's going to be reliable. What makes the Subaru BRZ even better is the low starting price, less than $30,000!
The BRZ is a JDM sports car that checks all the right boxes. As a distinctly unique entry of what usually is an AWD-dominated brand, the Subaru drives like a dream. The turbocharged 4-cylinder pairs well with the manual transmission giving the BRZ a playful yet refined driving experience.
5 Toyota MR2
Not only is the Toyota MR2 a classic Japanese sports car, but it's also a sports car that proves that time doesn't have to be the enemy. Sadly, lack of sales saw the downfall of the MR2. One can only hope the revival holds up if it ever makes it to production.
The MR2s currently in existence only run $439 per year in maintenance. Even better, one can find examples for less than $15,000 making the MR2 one of the cheapest and most reliable sports cars available.
4 Honda S2000
Honda and Toyota often square off against each other, and the result is some of the most fantastic models to ever come out of Japan. Take, for example, the MR2 and the S2000. Two awesome two-seater sports cars that are still immensely popular amongst JDM enthusiasts.
Sitting at $404 per year, the Honda S2000 won't cost a fortune to maintain, meaning it will last forever with proper care! While not as cheap as the MR2, they can still be found under $30,000. Once again showing off sports ability and reliability.
3 Toyota Celica
The Toyota Celica is often underrated for a sports car. With a relatively underpowered engine, it is easy to see why it often goes overlooked, however with excellent gas mileage and a ton of aftermarket performance parts, the Celica is a fierce competitor.
According to Repair Pal, average maintenance costs are $367 for the year. Plus, you can find decent examples for less than $5,000! Further, the Toyota name means it scores well in JD Power surveys.
2 Mazdaspeed 3
It seems as though all the good cars die young, and for the Mazdaspeed 3, the end of production in 2013 was far too young for this hot hatch. Fitted with an impressive 263hp that could hit 60 in 5.2 seconds, the Mazdaspeed 3 could deliver sports car goodness for cheap!
While no longer in production, the Mazdaspeed 3 is a breeze to maintain. A cool $433 is all it takes to keep the Mazdaspeed 3 running for what indeed will be a lifetime! Additionally, one can find the Mazdaspeed 3 for less than $15,000.
1 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
The fierce competition between the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo and the Subaru WRX left many Japanese sports car fans bitter when Mitsubishi ended production in 2015. The end of production didn't mean the end of the cult following for this classic!
In 2015, Car and Driver named the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII the most reliable of the manufacturer's cars. Further, The Lancer Evo maintenance will run $646 per year meaning proper love will keep the Evo going. Finding one will run almost $30,000 which is nothing compared to the likes of some unreliable German or Italian sports cars!