Unless big Army changes it's mind, or the Shut down is still going on I'll be moving to Japan in 2015

"Ricepuddin a shitty superhero" (ricepuddin)
10/10/2013 at 11:40 • Filed to: None

What cars should I look at purchasing?

Requirements

Must be at least 25 years old when I return in 2017

Must be around $10k ( I am going to want to get the future Mrs Ricepuddin something as well)

Must not be available in the states (or at least the trim level must not be, exception to this is a Celica GT4)

Must be 6'5" friendly

Obvious choice is obvious

DISCUSSION (25)

505Turbeaux > Ricepuddin a shitty superhero
10/10/2013 at 11:43

well, where are you stationed is a good start!

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Ricepuddin a shitty superhero
10/10/2013 at 11:46

Honda Beat. Because economical NSX. Still MR layout, just fun-sized.

Kinja'd!!!

Ricepuddin a shitty superhero > 505Turbeaux
10/10/2013 at 11:48

Camp Zama, But with so much time between then and now I am not really worried about whats around there. Just curious what other folks would buy

505Turbeaux > Ricepuddin a shitty superhero
10/10/2013 at 11:49

ah ok, that makes the decision easier. If you were in Munich or on that side the choice would be easier!

505Turbeaux > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
10/10/2013 at 11:54

6'5" friendly though?

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > 505Turbeaux
10/10/2013 at 11:58

To the onlookers and bystanders? Yes. Very.

Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST) > Ricepuddin a shitty superhero
10/10/2013 at 12:19

In Japan some 90s legends are going for pretty cheap at some dealerships.

505Turbeaux > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
10/10/2013 at 12:20

Kinja'd!!!

Ricepuddin a shitty superhero > 505Turbeaux
10/10/2013 at 12:56

Why is that?

Ricepuddin a shitty superhero > 505Turbeaux
10/10/2013 at 12:56

Why is that?

Ricepuddin a shitty superhero > Blunion05 drives a pink S2000 (USER WAS BANNED FOR THIS POST)
10/10/2013 at 13:00

I've seen a late model Celica GT4 going for 6k,but it's to new otherwise I'd be all over it.

GhostZ > Ricepuddin a shitty superhero
10/10/2013 at 13:27

Find something that was produced in the states, but in much more tame trim. That way if parts go bad, you can still find them locally. RB26DETT parts are basically impossible to get ahold of here, without shipping from Australia or Japan.

Kinja'd!!!

For a cheaper alternative to the GT-R, The S13 was never offered with the SR20DET, or with those body panels, in the US. Despite that, a vast majority of mechanical parts (transmission, differential, interior, etc.) are still available for cheap. The SR20DE even made it over in the Sentra SE-R, but not the turbo version, so you can even get some engine parts domestically.

Kinja'd!!!

The Z31 200Z-R came with an RB20DET, and was the only Z offered with a turbo RB block. Alternately, the 200Z (and ZG, and ZS) came with a VG20ET (V6), which is unique as well. They had many different exterior packages we didn't get. Ideally though, go for a 300ZR, which had a VG30DE (Naturally aspirated, dual cam engine) from the Z32. A quick turbo manifold from a Z32 and you have the 330-350HP VG30DETT in a car that weighs 400-500lbs less, with a lower drag coefficient.

Ricepuddin a shitty superhero > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
10/10/2013 at 13:40

As much as I'd like one, most certainly not 6'5' Friendly

Ricepuddin a shitty superhero > GhostZ
10/10/2013 at 13:47

In all honesty I'll probably try to sell whatever I buy when I return at a profit, but that depends on if I fall in love or not. Silvias are not an option because there are so many conversions over here. However that Z is pure sex and I was unaware of that trim level with the RB so that is a good possibility. Also the redneck in me loves T-Tops and Targas

Thank you!

Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment > Ricepuddin a shitty superhero
10/10/2013 at 14:05

Honestly, I'm biased, but I can't think of a better choice than the R32 GTR as you posted.

505Turbeaux > Ricepuddin a shitty superhero
10/10/2013 at 14:28

because i am a euro car guy, not too savvy with asian steel

Ricepuddin a shitty superhero > Evan, Pope Of Jalopnik by Self-Appointment
10/10/2013 at 14:29

Well I am a Toyota Fanboy, but I do love me some R32/33

Ricepuddin a shitty superhero > 505Turbeaux
10/10/2013 at 14:30

Oh gotchya, my dad is on orders to Germany and I am trying to get him to by a Delta Evo

xxxxxx > Ricepuddin a shitty superhero
10/10/2013 at 14:32

It is with goggles and the top down.

505Turbeaux > Ricepuddin a shitty superhero
10/10/2013 at 14:33

ha yeah my uncle was stationed in Munich for years. My Aunt never brought a single car back, used to bring her american cars over there. One notable was her Fiero GT V6. Cant say you see to many of those over there!

Ricepuddin a shitty superhero > xxxxxx
10/10/2013 at 14:35

Touche!

feather-throttle-not-hair > Ricepuddin a shitty superhero
10/10/2013 at 14:56

I think 1994 was the first year for the ST205. Kind of hard to justify a 185 or a 165 with both of those being mechanically identical and available worldwide, so you're sorta SOL on the GT4 train.

If you're planning on selling, then yeah, R32 is a good bet. You might also want to look into 3 rotor Cosmos, as those are well loved on this side of the pond.

You could also go the Kei car route, the AZ-1 is the obvious choice, being the most famous. But it's worth remembering that the Honda Beat is also RWD and pretty interesting.

Ricepuddin a shitty superhero > feather-throttle-not-hair
10/10/2013 at 15:01

I actually forgot about the Cosmos, I'll have to look at what they are going for state side.

I want an ST205 badly, but yeah I know. Maybe the Grey market law will change between now and then.

No Kei cars, I had to sell my FR-S because I was too tall, can't imagine I'd even be able to get in one of those.

GhostZ > Ricepuddin a shitty superhero
10/10/2013 at 16:59

A legitimate RHD Silvia in the US still fetches a premium. While engine conversions are popular, I haven't seen many front clip/body conversions to that body style that didn't sell well, and a legitimate one would sell even better.

But the Z is definitely the rarer option. The RB20 is the unique one, and the VG30DE is the best performing one.

Ricepuddin a shitty superhero > GhostZ
10/10/2013 at 17:01

I've seen a few down in San Antonio, but that is true. I love the looks of the z but if I can get a good deal on a Silvia I may jump on it