Quick facts about JDM cars
- A tuner idealologist will tell you that JDM applies exclusively to cars built and marketed in Japan. You are right.
- The imported Nissan 240SX (Silvia in Japan) and Acura NSX (Honda NSX in Japan) are not JDM cars.
- Yes, you can import JDM cars into the United States. However, the vehicles must be at least 25 years old.
In the world of Japanese tuners, Japanese domestic market (or JDM) cars have achieved iconic status. They are often spoken of with great reverence. By the way: Tuners replace vehicles with replaced parts so that they drive faster. You can take the used family Honda Civic, load it up with aftermarket components, give it a $10,000 paint job and branded parts stickers, and then head to the next TunerEvo event. However, if you start with an authentic JDM car, your tuner project will reach Valhalla status before you spend a dime. A tuner, by the way, is short for someone who outfits a car (often, but not always, a Japanese brand model) with aftermarket parts and components to improve its looks, performance, and cool factor. What qualifies a car as a JDM?
What are JDM cars?
A tuner idealogue will tell you that JDM applies exclusively to cars built and marketed in Japan for the Japanese domestic market. That’s it. End of the story. In other words, vehicles in the Japanese market that are renamed or renamed and then exported to other markets are not JDM cars under the strict definition of the term. For example, the imported Nissan 240SX (Silvia in Japan) and Acura NSX (Honda NSX in Japan) are not JDM cars. To dilute the JDM status somewhat, some tuners, in their eagerness to lay claim to the JDM corona, have expanded the JDM meaning to include such renamed or rebranded cars. However, the ideologues are right.
How do you recognize a JDM car?
If you have any doubts about the authenticity of a JDM car’s credentials, there is a basic litmus test: Does it have a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)? If so, it is not a JDM car. Instead of chassis numbers, JDM vehicles have a frame number (chassis number). Additionally, JDM vehicles will always be right-hand drive. The steering wheel is on the right side of the car because the Japanese transport system uses the English driving style on the left – the opposite of the US standard.
Can you import JDM cars?
Yes, an individual can import a legitimate JDM car into the US as long as the car is 25 years old or older. Several import companies such as JDM Expo with offices in the USA can sell and import JDM cars. In addition, some companies in Japan, such as Japan Car Direct (JCD), can facilitate the purchase and import of a JDM car. Hire an experienced JDM importer who is familiar with all the rules, regulations and paperwork that JDM car importing entails and you have a better chance of avoiding expensive pitfalls. For example, in some states such as Rhode Island, registration of certain JDM models is illegal. California is also particularly problematic. A knowledgeable importer knows his stuff.
Why 25 years old?
Vehicles 25 years old or older are not required to meet U.S. crash or emissions testing standards. In some states, cars of this vintage are considered antiques and may qualify for special registration and license (and special insurance).
Advantages of JDM Cars
- Good business – The Japanese tuner trend started in, well, Japan. Therefore, building an authentic JDM car immediately elevates the endeavor.
- Unique – Your right-hand drive Honda Integra Type-R will immediately set you apart from the crowd.
- Better maintained – You should expect your JDM model to be in at least slightly better condition than a US model that is a quarter century or older, as Japan requires compulsory semi-annual vehicle inspections.
- Story – Many JDM models have a long racing, drifting or rallying history to spice up the conversations they inspire.
Disadvantages of JDM cars
- Old – With a minimum age of 25 years, every JDM car imported into this country will be well-engineered.
- Cost – Importing a JDM into the United States requires a list of additional taxes, fees, importer commissions and other costs in addition to the transaction price.
- Right-hand drive – Japan is a right-hand drive country and all JDM cars have this feature. Mastering the intricacies of driving a right-hand drive car on U.S. roads requires a steep learning curve.
- Language – The default language of your JDM car is Japanese, which may pose a problem when using the infotainment system or the owner’s manual.
- spare Parts – Depending on the JDM model, it may be difficult to find the necessary replacement parts, potentially driving up costs. Before purchasing, examine the parts situation of each JDM model.
10 Popular JDM Imports
A quest becomes easier with a starting point. We’ve put together a list of 10 popular cars to help a dedicated JDM stalker get started. Happy hunting!
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evo station wagon
- Nissan Silvia
- Nissan Skyline Hakosuka
- Nissan Fairlady Z
- Toyota Celica GT Four
- Toyota Supra SZ-R
- Subaru Impreza 228 Sti
- Honda Prelude BB6
- Honda Integra Type R