Top 5 Undervalued JDM Cars to Import in 2026

Feb 2
5 min read

The Smart Money Isn't Chasing GT-Rs and Supras

While everyone's fighting over R34 Skylines and Mk4 Supras—paying epic high prices for a badge and a reputation—there's a quieter conversation happening among experienced JDM buyers.

They're asking smarter questions: What delivers 80% of the experience at 30% of the cost? What models are still flying under the radar? Where's the next wave of appreciation coming from?

The truth is, some of the best JDM cars to import in 2026 aren't the ones dominating Instagram. They're the ones that offer exceptional driving dynamics, bulletproof reliability, and genuine enthusiast appeal—without the hype tax.

This list focuses on undervalued models that are either newly eligible for Canadian import or still trading below their true worth. No hype. Just smart picks for buyers who know what they're looking for.

What Makes a JDM Car "Undervalued"?

Before we dive in, let's define what we mean:

**Strong fundamentals** — proven reliability, good parts availability, enthusiast community support
**Real driving appeal** — not just a collector's piece gathering dust
**Price relative to performance** — you're getting more than you're paying for
**Growth potential** — recognition and appreciation are coming, but haven't peaked yet
**Canadian eligibility** — 15+ years old, cleared for import under Transport Canada rules

These aren't cars you buy to flip next month. They're cars you buy to drive, enjoy, and watch appreciate over the next 3-5 years while everyone else realizes what you already knew.

The Top 5 Undervalued JDM Cars for 2026

1. Honda Prelude Type S (BB6) — The Driver's Coupe

The fifth-generation Prelude is one of the most overlooked front-wheel-drive sports coupes ever made. While enthusiasts obsess over the Integra Type R, the Prelude Type S offers a more refined, mature driving experience with Honda's legendary VTEC magic and one of the best manual gearboxes ever bolted to a front-drive car.

Why it's undervalued:

Overshadowed by the Integra Type R hype
Still affordable — clean examples under $15K CAD
220hp H22A engine with VTEC screams to 8,000 RPM
ATTS (Active Torque Transfer System) makes it dance through corners
Timeless styling that's aging beautifully

What to watch for: Rust in the rear quarters, worn synchros in 2nd gear, and ensure the ATTS system is functioning properly.

Investment outlook: As clean Integra Type Rs push past $50K, buyers will rediscover the Prelude. Get in now.

2. Mitsubishi FTO GPX (DE3A) — The Forgotten V6 Gem

Never officially sold in North America, the Mitsubishi FTO is a compact, front-wheel-drive sports coupe powered by a screaming 2.0L V6 (or turbocharged inline-4). Think of it as Mitsubishi's answer to the Prelude and Integra, but with a unique V6 character that sets it apart.

Why it's undervalued:

Almost unknown outside of Japan — no North American nostalgia tax
Prices still under $10K CAD for good examples
200hp 6A12 MIVEC V6 with a 8,000 RPM redline
Gorgeous 90s design that looks modern today
Lightweight (around 1,200 kg) and fun to drive

What to watch for: Timing belt service history is critical. Check for transmission issues and ensure maintenance records are available.

Investment outlook: As people discover this car exists, prices will climb. It's a future cult classic.

3. Nissan Stagea 260RS (WGNC34) — The Sleeper Wagon

Want R34 GT-R performance in a practical, understated package? The Nissan Stagea 260RS is essentially an R34 Skyline wagon with the RB26DETT twin-turbo straight-six, ATTESA AWD, and GT-R running gear. It's a wolf in sheep's clothing.

Why it's undervalued:

Same RB26DETT engine as the R34 GT-R (in 260RS trim)
Prices around $25K-$35K CAD vs. $150K+ for an R34 GT-R
Practical daily driver with rear seats and cargo space
Fly-under-the-radar styling — nobody knows what you're driving
Tuning potential matches the Skyline platform

What to watch for: Verify it's a true 260RS (not a base Stagea). Check for rust, turbo health, and AWD system function. Service history is everything.

Investment outlook: As R34 GT-Rs become untouchable, the Stagea 260RS is the ultimate performance bargain.

4. Toyota Crown Athlete V (JZS171) — The Gentleman's Sport Sedan

The Toyota Crown is Japan's answer to the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class—a refined, luxurious sport sedan with rear-wheel drive and available 2JZ-GE power. The Athlete V trim combines elegance with genuine driving dynamics.

Why it's undervalued:

Legendary 2JZ-GE inline-six (same engine family as the Supra)
Rear-wheel drive with excellent weight distribution
Prices under $10K CAD for clean examples
Understated luxury — leather, wood, premium sound
Toyota reliability and parts availability

What to watch for: Suspension bushings wear, check for oil leaks, ensure all luxury features work. Lower mileage examples are worth the premium.

Investment outlook: As VIP style and Japanese luxury sedans gain recognition, the Crown Athlete will appreciate steadily.

5. Mazda RX-7 Type RZ (FD3S) — Yes, Still Undervalued (Relatively)

Okay, hear us out. The FD RX-7 isn't cheap anymore, but compared to Supras and GT-Rs, it's still trading below its true value. A clean, low-mileage Type RZ is one of the most visceral driving experiences in JDM history, and prices haven't caught up to its legendary status.

Why it's (relatively) undervalued:

Prices around $40K-$60K CAD for excellent examples (vs. $150K+ Supras)
Timeless design — still looks exotic 30 years later
13B-REW twin-turbo rotary is a masterpiece of engineering
Handling that rivals modern supercars
Growing collector interest with no replacement on the horizon

What to watch for: Rotary engine health is critical. Compression test is mandatory. Look for service records, especially apex seal replacements. Rust in the rear quarters.

Investment outlook: As the last rotary sports car Mazda made, the FD will continue climbing. Buy the best example you can afford.

Honorable Mentions

These didn't make the top 5, but they're worth considering:

**Nissan Cedric/Gloria (Y34)** — VIP luxury sedan with available turbo power
**Subaru Legacy B4 RSK** — Turbocharged AWD sedan, Impreza WRX in a suit
**Mazda Cosmo (JC)** — Rare rotary-powered luxury coupe, future collectible
**Honda Accord Euro-R (CL7)** — Type R for adults, K20A VTEC screamer

Why Canadian Buyers Have the Advantage

Canada's 15-year import rule means you can bring in 2011 models right now, while U.S. buyers are stuck waiting until 2036. That gives you access to:

Lower prices (less competition from U.S. market)
First access to newly-eligible models
Opportunity to buy before prices spike when U.S. eligibility hits

Smart Canadian buyers are capitalizing on this 10-year head start.

Final Thoughts: Buy What You Love, Drive What You Buy

The best investment isn't always the rarest badge or the most Instagram-famous model. It's the car that makes you excited to drive every time you turn the key.

These five cars offer something increasingly rare in the JDM world: genuine value. They're not cheap because they're bad—they're affordable because the hype hasn't caught up yet.

If you're looking to import a JDM car that delivers real driving joy without the six-figure commitment, these are the smart picks for 2026.

Ready to Import Your Undervalued JDM Dream Car?

At JDM Rush Imports, we specialize in sourcing clean, well-maintained JDM vehicles from trusted Japanese exporters. Whether you're after a Prelude Type S, an FTO, or a Stagea 260RS, we'll find the right car and handle the entire import process for you.

👉 [Get started today] — tell us what you're looking for, and we'll track it down. 👉 Check Out Our JDM Import Calculator] - get your instant quote now!