MARKET REVIEW

2020 JAPANESE CLASSIC & PERFORMANCE CAR GUIDE

Datsun Bluebird/ 1200/ 1600/ 240K

Looking for a collectible Japanese car in good condition for less than $10,000? Here is not the place to start. Early Datsuns are appearing in decent numbers but prices are increasing as well so stepping into anything good for less than $15K is difficult. Top of the heap are 1600s, especially pre-1970 models in original or mildly-modded condition. 1200 Utilities remain in demand and expensive while pre-1969 Bluebirds seem predominantly to be pick-ups. 1000 and 1200 coupes might seem cheap but the sample was below average and a top example of either model will cost more than $15,000. The car to find if you can is a two-door 240K; currently $20,000 in decent order but potentially worth a lot more.

Bluebird 1963-68 $15,325 [9] 1000/1200 Sedan/Wagon $10,780 [8] 1000/1200 Coupe $9625 [4] 1200 Utility $14,320 [30] 1600 Sedan/Wagon $21,635 [14] 240K $19,750 [1]

Datsun 120Y/ 180B/ 200B/ 280C-300C

Here is the place to find affordable and generally enjoyable Datsuns. The 120Y was derided for decades but survivors in excellent condition today make $10,000. Coupes should be worth 30 percent more than sedans or wagons. The 180B and 200B are solid, usable ‘family classics’ with parts still available. Excellent sedans and wagons remain below $8000 but SSS coupes are scarce and one recently sold at auction for $18,000. Six-cylinder 240, 280 and 300C models aren’t rare yet, however demand isn’t huge either and only the two-door versions are likely to sell for more than $15,000.

120Y $6085 [15] 120Y Coupe $6665 [3] 180B/200B $5420 [16] 180/200B SSS $18,000 [1] 240-300C Sedan/Wagon $5400 [5] 240-300 Coupe $12,085 [3]

Datsun Sports 1964-83

Reports from overseas of huge money being paid for rare versions of the 240Z are bound to influence local asking prices. The averages in our survey for 2.4 and 2.6-litre two-seaters have been held down by part-finished ‘projects’ however the cost of Japanese-spec Fairlady Zs has climbed above $60,000 and will move higher. Open-top models have settled, with 1500 Fairlady and 1600 models mostly below $25,000 while the scarce 2000 Sports is typically $35-45,000. Those wanting a 1970s Datsun with sporty looks and sufficient practicality should consider the 260Z 2+2. These in excellent condition cost $25-30,000 with the newer, more powerful 280ZX at $10,000 less.

Fairlady/1600 $22,975 [5] 2000 Sports $34,335 [5] 240Z $41,860 [15] Fairlady Z $69,475 [4] 260Z $41,240 [10] 260Z 2+2 $23,675 [19] 280ZX $16,300 [24]

Honda 600-800/ CRX/ Civic 1964-2006

Not long back the shortage of early Hondas in the market was so severe it seemed likely they would disappear. Since then, surging interest in early Civics helped boost values (over $10,000 for some) and bring once-threatened cars into the market. Restyled 1985-91 Civics survive in decent numbers and are creating interest at less than $5000. 1990s VTi-Rs remain very cheap. Civic Type Rs sourced from Japan offer hot hatch kudos and cost less than $15,000. Early S600 and S800 sports cars remain in demand but cars offered recently have been atypical and ordinary. Pre-1991 CRX coupes could in the past exceed $20,000 but now it’s rare to see one at more than $15,000. Later CRXs are more conservative in their design and at $5500-7000 offer interesting transport.

Honda S600/800 $15,665 [3] CRX 1987-91 $10,985 [12] CRX 1992-97 $6715 [9] Civic 1972-84 $6245 [7] Civic 1985-91 $4000 [17] Civic VTi-R 1993-98 $3650 [13] Civic Type R 2001-06 $14,785 [14]

Honda Integra/ Prelude/ Accord 1976-06

Hot Hondas, classy coupes and classic sedans, they’re all here in a mix of models spanning 30 years. Oldest in this group are early Accords; lovely cars in their day and still great value if you can find a good one. Early Preludes are scarce but still cheap with later 1980s versions offering performance and elegance. Look for a well-kept 1987-91 4WS five-speed at less than $7500. VTi-R Preludes which sold throughout the 1990s are still easy to find and 50 percent cheaper than the previous version. Integra VTi-R coupes cost around the same as Preludes with Integra Type Rs at $15,000. These are a good, cheap track-day car that will double as regular transport.

Integra VTi-R 1994-99 $3910 [18] Integra Type R 1999-03 $14,300 [10] Prelude 1978-82 $4250 [3] Prelude 1983-86 $3915 [4] Prelude 1987-91 $6235 [8] Prelude VTi-R 1992-99 $4000 [36] Accord 1977-90 $4000 [6]

Honda NSX/ S2000/ Insight/ Acty 1984-2006

Boxed with the late-model sporty Hondas in this year’s weird additional inclusions is the ACTY 4WD which comes as a van or pickup. These miniature commercial models sold for a while in Australia however most in the current market were sourced from Japan where they cost US$3000-4000. At the opposite end of the Honda spectrum are early versions of the NSX flat-six supercar. These five years ago were available for less than $80,000 but demand since then has surged and is helping push prices past $120,000. Also up are S2000 sports cars which will typically cost more than $20,000. Rarely seen but offering collector possibilities is the original and radical-looking Insight ZE-1 Hybrid, which based on overseas values might reach $15,000 here.

S2000 1998-00 $23,950 [16] S2000 2001-06 $24,925 [8] NSX 1990-93 $138,950 [4] NSX 94-98 $111,995 [2] Insight ZE-1 [N/S] Acty 4WD $8610 [4]

Lexus 1989-2006

Lexus took a surprisingly long time to become an established brand and along the way left a string of cars that offer opportunities for the astute. Early LS400 sedans are finally achieving recognition and those showing 150,000km or less can exceed $10,000. The GS300 is less-cumbersome and survives in decent numbers, however cars from the late 1990s are worth only $4500-7000, LS430s that cost $170K new offer loads of value at less than $20,000. Collector appeal is minimal. One Lexus that does offer some chance of future growth though is the classy SC430 convertible. These when new were also ten times their current value but depreciation has finally slowed and excellent cars cost around $20,000.

LS400 1989-00 $8510 [20] LS430 2001-05 $17,845 [7] GS300 1998-03 $5330 [18] GS300 2004-06 $8770 [23] SC430 $16,730 [17]

Mazda MX5 1989-2006

The world’s most popular sports car is still easy to find and 30 year-old cars are beginning to gain noticeably in value. It is still possible to find an early MX5 suited to daily use and pay $5000 for it but cars that have been neglected will never recoup the money you spend on repairs. MX5s built after 1998 progressively gained power (by 2006 they had 118kW) yet later models cost virtually the same as very early ones. If you’re keen to get your MX5 out on the track for some club-day fun then a Turbo, which sold here from 2002-03 with 150kW, will cost around $20,000.

MX5/Limited/Eunos 1989-93 $10,190 [32] MX5 1994-98 $12,010 [21] MX5 1999-02 $11,660 [39] MX5 2003-06 $11,265 [16] MX5 Turbo $18,775 [11]

Mazda 323/ Familia/ SP20/ SP23/ MX6

Lots of interesting and generally low-cost Mazdas in this grouping. Most do merit preservation, beginning in the 1980s with decent examples of the Mazda 323 (an SS version is the one to have). A few 4WD Familia turbos have survived and their values remain reasonable too. The late-1990s Astina V6 was fun when new but few remain and good cars are scarce. So too the MX6 with a turbo or V6 engine that rarely make more than $4500. Moving into more recent territory we find sporty SP20 and SP23s perfect for daily transport and still in the $3500-5500 bracket. Series 1 SP23s are getting scarce and at $8000-10,000 for an excellent car they can cost more than a Series 2.

323 (1981-85) $3435 [7] 323 Astina V6 $2880 [7] Familia 4WD 1986-93 $8025 [6] SP20 $3465 [14] SP23 $5670 [26] MX6 Turbo $2760 [5] MX6 V6 $3800 [4]

Mazda 808/ 1500/ Capella/ RX-2/ RX-3

If you haven’t recently cashed in a big house or inherited handsomely don’t look here. Mazdas that not long ago were cheap everyday runabouts have topped $20,000 and the ones that made a name for Mazda in 1970s production racing are on their way to $100K. On top are RX3s, with coupes worth slightly more than sedans and the best two-doors likely to have already reached $100,000, Anything that resembles an RX3 or R100 coupe will be surging as well, with two-door 808s (used for cloning RX3s) above $25,000. RX2 coupes are very scarce and likely worth $70,000, with rotary sedans at $50,000 and Capella sedans $20,000.

1000/1200/1300 $18,830 [16] 808 Sedan $28,300 [5] 1500/1800 $2790 [4] Capella 1600 $19,145 [7] RX2 Sedan $51,555 [5] RX3 Sedan $64,875 [4] RX3 Coupe $69,740 [4]

Mazda 929/ RX4/ RX5

It’s fair say we would be surprised if some RX4 coupes offered early in 2020 were sold for anywhere near their inflated asking prices. Sedans at around $50,000 are plausible, but over $90K for a coupe is excessive. 929s sold in Australia from 1973-78 shared the RX4’s shape but not too many seem to have been converted to rotarys. That said, very few of those early 929s seem to survive at all. 929s from the mid-1980s were a totally different design with various engines and are appearing in greater numbers. Only Turbo hardtops have the legs at present to reach $10,000. The HD Series 929 with four-wheel steering is an outstanding car but complex and almost all of them are gone. The same can be said for 121 coupes from the 1970s and the RX5 which shared its shape.

929 Sedan/Wagon 1973-78 $13,165 [3] 929 Hardtop 1973-78 $35,000 [2] 929 Sedan 1978-84 $5075 [4] 929 Sedan/Hardtop 1984-90 $3860 [11] RX4 Sedan $47,000 [4] RX4 Hardtop $80,750 [4] 121 Coupe $8750 [2]

Mazda RX7 Series 1-5

Lots of early RX7s appearing in the market should have dampened values but to date that hasn’t happened. Top examples of Series 1 and 2 cars still exceed $30,000, with Series 3 Limiteds close behind. The RX7 shape changed in 1986 and if you want your car to look like a Porsche 944 while spending half the money then find a non-turbo Series 4 or 5. If you want performance without spending more than $30,000, a Series 4 or 5 Turbo makes sense. These weren’t plentiful in recent months and the money sought for Series 4s is up. Convertible versions were locally sold with non-turbo engines and also can be sourced via Japan with a turbo. Values for both versions sit at around $20,000.

RX7 Series 1-2 $25,230 [30] RX7 Series 3 $22,865 [11] RX7 Series 4-5 $15,900 [5] RX7 Series 4-5 Conv. $21,100 [10] RX7 Series 4 Turbo $25,640 [7] RX-7 Series 5 Turbo $24,440 [5]

Mazda RX-7 Series 6-8/ RX8/ Cosmo

Mazda continually claims that plans for a new rotary model exist, however at present anyone who owns an RX8 or late-series RX7 can be fairly confident that their cars are the last of a unique breed. The Series 6 RX7 released in 1992 was a very different car to earlier models and, with prices generally below $35,000, remains cheap. Type 7-8 cars in excellent condition from Japan reflect world market demand and prices are climbing. Type A Spirit Rs of which just 1500 made have hit $60,000 and look to be headed for $100,000. The only 20B Cosmo seen was priced higher than normal for this model. RX8s offer decent performance for less than $12,000.

RX7 Series 6-7 1992-97 $33,975 [4] RX7 Series 8/Spirit $54,460 [17] RX7 Type R $59,160 [5] RX8 2003-06 $10,795 [35] Cosmo 20B $47,000 [1]

Mitsubishi GSR/ EVO I-IX/ RVR

It took Mitsubishi Australia way too long to understand that Australians really did want to own rally-spec EVOs and by the time a local version of the EVO IX was offered the end was imminent. Most cars available in the current market will be relatively recent imports and generally in decent order. Some came here with the intended purpose of rally car conversion and may not have full ADR compliance. Very early EVO I-Vs are scarce and, for no logical reason, cheap as well. So are VII and VIII versions of which there is an oversupply, however the ‘Makinen’ 6.5 will cost 30 percent more than a basic car. For people who want to own an EVO without the stresses of changing gears the VIII version was available as an automatic. The cute Hypergear mini-SUV built with EVO-spec engines is cheap but few survive and that’s a shame.

EVO I-V $12,625 [4] EVO VI $33,360 [14] EVO 6.5 Makinnen $44,325 [13] EVO VII-VIII $23,240 [39] EVO IX $41,320 [9] RVR Hypergear $8990 [1]

Mitsubishi Delica/ 3000GT

Listing some Mitsubishi’s fastest models alongside some of its slowest we found minimal differences in the pricing of some very different vehicles. There is also a surprise new entry; the L300 4WD van which during the 1980s were very popular with weekend explorers. Survivors for a long time were scarce but recently several have appeared at strong prices. Even more common and at similar money to the L300 are 2.8-litre diesel Delicas from the 1990s. Similarly-shaped 2001-06 models come with 3.0-litre petrol engines and are 50 percent more expensive. Spend less than you would on a Delica and the slippery shape of a 3000GT non-turbo with 165kW could appear in your garage. Or for serious supercar performance, stretch your spend to around $30,000 and get a late-series, twin-turbo version.

Express L300 4WD 1983-91 $7355 [7] Delica 1994-2000 $8750 [28] Delica 2001-04 $14,190 [15] Delica 2005-06 $15,635 [20] 3000GT Non-Turbo $11,000 [2] 3000GT Twin Turbo 1990-92 $22,825 [6] 3000GT Twin Turbo 1993-99 $33,300 [5]

Mitsubishi FTO/ Starion/ Galant/ Legnum/ Scorpion

Loads of variety in this grouping but only the Starion is showing serious price gains. Local cars remain generally below $30,000 but the odd one at Japanese auctions will cost more and land here at close to $50K. Given their 1990s rally heroics we did think that early Galant VR4s might be doing better by now, however typical cars hover at $8000-10,000. Later twin-turbo VR4s are cheaper again and the big surprise is how far and fast the price of a decent Legnum AWD wagon has fallen. FTO coupes with their 2.0-litre V6 once were common in our market but disappearing fast. Less common but making a comeback is the 1970s Scorpion which has pushed past $10,000.

FTO 1994-99 $3865 [9] Galant VR4 1989-93 $8170 [7] Galant VR4 1996-01 $7125 [7] Legnum VR4 1996-01 $5600 [5] Scorpion $13,000 [3] Starion 1982-89 $35,655 [3]

Nissan Exa/ NX/ Pulsar 1983-99

Cheap as chips and loads of fun describes this group of Nissans from the latter years of the 20th Century. Apart from the GTi-R, which with its turbo engine and rally-spec underpinnings makes $15,000, these Nissans can all be found in decent condition for less than $5000. Early EXAs are cramped and scarce but almost the same price as the more practical, non-turbo 1987-91 cars. In here too should be the turbo-engined Pulsar ET Hatch but we could not find even one being sold. The N14-series Pulsar SSS is staging a price revival and excellent cars at $6500 are matching values with the newer N15 version. NX and NXR coupes remain cheap and are still viable as daily transport.

Exa 1983-86 $5165 [3] Exa 1987-91 $5400 [4] NX/NXR $3570 [16] Pulsar N14 SSS $4670 [10] Pulsar N15 SSS $5045 [17] Pulsar GTiR $14,915 [6]

Nissan 180SX/ 200SX/ Silvia

Different slices from the same pie, the 180/200SX and Silvias remain very popular with local buyers of rear-wheel drive performance coupes. A lot are set up for various levels of competition from drags and tarmac rally events to drifting; these cars reflecting the cost of development and modification in asking prices up to $50,000. Most aren’t anywhere near that expensive and older 180SXs sit currently at around $10,000. Locally-sold 200SX versions have surged past imported S15-series Silvia turbos and can exceed $20,000 while S15 Silvias and mid-1990s 180SXs remain at $15-20,000. The attractive Varietta with retractable top and no turbo typically sells at less than $20,000. They are rare too with just 1143 built.

180SX 1989-92 $9810 [17] 180SX 1993-97 $16,860 [16] 200SX 1995-98 $21,160 [14] 200SX 1999-02 $29,615 [21] Silvia Turbo 1988-96 $15,645 [25] Silvia S15 1997-02 $20,280 [21] Varietta $17,780 [5]

Nissan Skyline/ Patrol 1965-89

Money has been rushing towards Japan as the collector market discovers early Nissan Skylines. Except for the 1960s Prince GTs that sold new in Australia we saw none of these Nissans as new cars but that hasn’t stopped local enthusiasts shelling out big money to secure scarce cars. Looking at recent Japanese auctions, some prices [1922 Million Yen or A$220-250,000] are already prohibitive and that’s before adding shipping costs, GST or Duty. Cars already here, such as late-1980s HR31 Hardtops or the DR30 fastback, are equally scarce but can be found for a more realistic $2025,000. Consider also the 1960s-70s G60 Nissan Patrol which to date haven’t made even half the $40,000 sought by people selling F40 Landcruisers. Their time will come.

Prince GT/GTA 1965-68 $45,000 [1] Skyline 2000GT 1970-72 $135,000 [2] Skyline GTX 1972-75 $185,000 [1] Skyline Sedan/Hatch 1977-84 $22,665 [6] DR30 GT/R31 GTX Hardtop 1980-90 $25,915 [6] Patrol 1968-74 $5985 [15] Patrol 1975-89 $10,530 [32]

Nissan 300ZX/ Stagea/ Figaro

Some real value in this grouping, except perhaps for the Figaro. These ‘Kei’ class, retro-lookers are expensive at $20,000 but lately there have been moves to push them above $40,000. That’s close to the money that should be available for twinturbo 300ZXs in perfect condition, however they top out at around $25K. One from this group to track down and keep would be a Z31 targa Turbo. These in any condition have become scarce yet the few top-quality cars that remain aren’t expensive. Stagea wagons with a straight six turbo (pre-2001) or later ones with a V6 still offer value at around $10,000. Double that money will buy a twin-turbo RS260.

300ZX 1983-86 $8590 [10] 300ZX Z31 Turbo 1985-89 $15,095 [4] 300ZX Z32 1989-95 $11,835 [11] 300ZX Z32 Twin-Turbo 1989-94 $17,600 [17] Stagea 1996-01 $10,170 [14] Stagea M35 2001-05 $9320 [19] Stagea RS260 $24,325 [3] Figaro 1991-92 $29,695 [4]

Nissan Skyline 1990-99

Five years ago in a market glutted with R33 Skyline Turbos it was hard to think that at some point they might become scarce. However, that is now happening, with numbers down and asking prices for cars that do remain available increasing. Changes to the rules governing specialist vehicle imports will open the way for more cars aged 25+ to arrive from Japan and that will have an influence on future R33 values. Turbo R32 and R33 sedans are less common than two-doors but prices are up and these cars remain more expensive than later R34 versions. Biggest leaper amongst the 1990s Skylines was the R34 Turbo coupe which remain in plentiful supply but are still offered at prices that in some cases exceed $30,000.

R32/R33 GTS Sedan $8140 [7] R32 GTS-T Sedan $17,700 [8] R33 GTS-T Coupe $17,740 [18] R34 GT $14,020 [15] R34 GT-T Sedan $14,585 [7] R34 GT-T Coupe $28,100 [27]

Nissan GTR

Just one from the lot of 100 Australian-spec GTRs appeared in the recent market and sold for unspecified money. Used R32s that have arrived more recently from Japan are being offered at unprecedented and at times ridiculous prices which very likely are unsustainable. R33 GTR values remain closer to sensible, however basic R34s have climbed to bewildering levels. None of these cars are especially scarce, especially in Japan where one specialist dealer recently displayed 1000 GTRs of various types in one massive location. Prices ex-Japan begin at around US$20,000 but climb dramatically if the car is showing very low kilometres. An R34 GTR with 9700 kilometres was offered at more than US$180,000. The rare R34 NUR (Nurburgring) was always destined to be collectible and cars bringing $220-250,000 in the current market are set to soar.

GTR R32 (Aust-Spec) [N/S] GTR R32 (Import) $78,055 [26] GTR R33 $57,815 [12] GTR R34 $138,610 [11] GTR R34 Nur. $225,945 [4]

Nissan V250/ V35/ 350Z/ Elgrand

350Z Roadsters when new cost more than the coupe yet current asking prices are inexplicably lower. Japanese derivatives are available here, with sedan or coupe bodies and 2.5, 3.0 or 3.5-litre engines at prices lower than those sought for the nearidentical 350Z. As daily transport, a V35 GT sedan at less than $10,000 is a worthy choice, with 350GT coupes at similar money. If you need multi-person transport or to accommodate a wheel-chair the Elgrand people mover is massive and comes usually with a 3.5-litre petrol engine. A few diesels might survive but they are ageing and usually come with big kilometres.

V250/V300GT 2002-06 $6100 [7] V35 GT Sedan 2003-06 $9225 [17] V35 GT Coupe 2003-06 $10,535 [26] 350Z 2003-06 $14,265 [37] 350Z Conv. 2003-06 $11,985 [16] Elgrand 1999-02 $8515 [24] Elgrand 2003-06 $13,950 [24]

Subaru 1973-1995

There has not been a new Subaru Brumby sold in over 25 years yet survival rates are extraordinary when compared with Libertys and other Subarus of similar age. Values remain strong with good base-model Brumbys at $5000 and a couple of the Sport version sighted up near $10K. The 1984-92 L Series wagon is practical but rapidly disappearing, while pre-1984 models are cheap as well. Two-door GLFs can exceed $5000 but the one collectors want is the mid-1970s GSR coupe. The SVX coupe, Vortex and rally-winning Leone RX Turbo sedan are all hard to find but cheap if you do find one and decide it warrants preservation.

Leone Sedan/Wagon 1973-84 $2840 [7] Leone Coupe 1975-84 $3000 [2] 4WD Wagon 1984-92 $1935 [6] Brumby 1984-94 $4535 [20] SVX $8995 [2]

Subaru WRX/ STi 1994-2006

Fashions come and go and WRX values have been leaping about in response to one trend or another. Pre-2001 cars were not long ago priced 25-35 percent below current levels while very early versions looked likely to disappear due to disinterest. That didn’t happen and today the only Rexes to typically sell for less than $10,000 are 2001-03 ‘Blob-eye’ versions. Cars with ‘STI’ tacked onto their model code were once expensive and exclusive, however STI Rexes built from 2001-05 can be easily found and typically cost less than $25,000. Version 5 two-doors from 1999-00 are rare and getting expensive with the odd one topping $80,000. That’s cheap though when compared with the mega-rare 22B version. These currently exceed $250,000 and are said to be headed towards $500K.

WRX 1994-97 $10,700 [12] WRX 1998-01 $13,680 [26] WRX 2001-03 $8660 [20] WRX 2003-05 $11,370 [25] WRX STi 2001-05 $22,435 [18] WRX STi 2-DR $67,070 [7]

Subaru Liberty 1989-06

Libertys don’t present themselves as performance cars and that’s probably how a lot of owners like it. The RS Turbo arrived in Australia 30 years ago and while survivors are scarce they aren’t expensive. Around half of the available B4s are automatic but you need to buy a manual to get the full 190kW of available power. Excellent cars cost around $8000. That money will also buy a 2004-06 GT Turbo (look for the bonnet intake) or 3.0R Spec B. All of these have All-Wheel Drive however only the RS Turbo was seriously campaigned in dirt road competition. Lots of 4WD Liberty sedans and wagons with 2.0 or 2.5-litre non-turbo motors keep appearing at less than $3000 and provide durable basic transport.

Liberty 4WD 1989-94 $2790 [30] Liberty RS $5535 [3] Liberty B4 $6830 [11] Liberty GT Turbo 2004-06 $7345 [19] Liberty GT STi 2006 $12,695 [8] Liberty 3.0R Spec B 2004-06 $6530 [17]

Suzuki 1974-99

People who preserve Suzukis seem to have quite strange priorities. Once upon a time the Swift GTi hatch was seen as a reincarnated Mini Cooper S but look now for one in excellent condition and the search is futile. The money people should be paying for a quality GTi is instead being spent on odd-looking Carry vans and pickups or fully-restored versions of the equally odd Mighty Boy. Suzuki’s early LJ50 and LJ80 4WDs with 500cc and 800cc two-stroke engines have collector appeal and survive in surprising numbers. The Sierra 4WD is still viable as a serious off-roader and values are steady.

Swift GTi 1988-98 $3100 [7] Mighty Boy 1985-88 $5720 [7] LJ50/LJ80 $3415 [6] Sierra 4WD 1984-96 $6055 [16] Carry Van/Pickup $7895 [5]

Toyota 700/ Corolla/ Corona 1963-94

Australia’s vehicle market changed forever once the Corolla and Corona took charge. Thousands sold annually from 1967 and into the 1980s but apathy during recent decades saw them dumped in huge numbers. Despite scarcity, early Corollas still generally cost less than $10,000 and Coronas are half that amount. Among the versions already making their mark in the collector market are KE15 Sprinters at around $20,000 and the later AE86 version. Australian-spec AE86 can achieve $35,000 and modified cars might reach $50,000. Add to those some recently-arrived Truenos - imports from Japan - and the market for feisty two-door Toyotas is well supplied. For those wanting to spend $5000, the 1980s-90s SX and GTi Corollas are worth the search.

700 Sedan 1963-65 $5950 [4] Corolla 1967-73 $9500 [7] Corolla Coupe 1970-79 $18,500 [3] Corolla 1974-85 $8615 [24] Corolla SX/GTi $5425 [4] Sprinter AE86 $34,170 [5] Levin/Trueno $19,595 [6] Corona 1964-78 $4540 [11] Corona 1979-86 $4545 [19]

Toyota Crown/ Cressida/ Landcruiser 1964-2006

Early Landcruisers, even those that have been extensively restored, aren’t as yet bringing the ridiculous money being paid in the US and other overseas markets. 1980s long-wheelbase ‘Cruisers, often with diesel engines, typically cost less than $20,000. Early Cressidas are showing some growth but the bigger and better-equipped 1989-93 cars remain inordinately cheap. Early 1960s-70s Crowns remain unexpectedly affordable and get cheaper as they move into the mid-1980s. Crowns built after 1987 will be low-volume Japanese imports that come as a sedan or wagon with V8, turbo-six or diesel engines. Some cost $15,000+ but $12,000 is more realistic.

Cressida 1982-88 $5330 [13] Cressida 1989-93 $3530 [10] Crown 1964-67 $6500 [2] Crown 1968-77 $7790 [6] Crown 1978-86 $4135 [7] Crown 1997-08 $13,320 [10] Landcruiser 1968-74 $20,050 [9] Landcruiser 1975-80 $30,115 [27] Landcruiser 1981-89 $20,225 [36]

Toyota Celica 1971-2004

With a couple of exceptions, the Celica range remain undervalued and a prime target for enthusiasts wanting an interesting car that won’t cost much to buy or run. The only versions likely to top $35,000 are 2000 Fastbacks that sold here from 1975-77 and Group A versions of the 1990s GT4 rally rocket. Going back to 1971 there do still exist well-preserved 1.6-litre cars and most won’t cost more than $25,000. Less than half of that amount buys a good RA40 or RA65 (1978-85) or an outstanding example of the 1986-89 2.0-litre Liftback. Celica coupes built during the 1990s and beyond remain viable as daily transport and usually cost less than $5000. All-Wheel Drive GT4s are an exception at around $15K.

Celica 1971-75 $17,800 [7] Celica 1976-77 $30,195 [6] Celica 1978-85 $7480 [7] Celica 1986-98 $3590 [43] Celica 1999-04 $5210 [34] Celica GT4 1989-93 $15,250 [4] GT4 Group A $34,450 [2] Celica Conv. 1988-95 $9330 [7]

Toyota MR2/ MR-S/ Sera/ Paseo 1986-2002

Toyota’s early MR2 has a reputation for tricky handling but that heightens its appeal to some buyers. Australian-delivered examples of the AW11 model cost $15,000, with supercharged imports scarce and normally more expensive. All-new SW20 versions sold in Australia with non-turbo engines and most now cost less than $10,000. Turbo versions with a 163kW motor can be found here at around $18,000 but cars in Japan are becoming harder to buy. Post-1994 Bathurst and GT versions that sold new here will go close to matching Turbo money. The third-Generation MR-S Spyder has less power than an SW20 and comes only as a soft-top. Paseo coupes are vanishing fast and good cars sell at under $3000.

MR2 1986-89 $14,585 [9] MR2 S/Charged $15,000 [4] MR2 1990-96 $9850 [9] MR2 Turbo 1990-95 $18,600 [6] MR2 GT/Bathurst $15,860 [6] MR-S 1998-02 $11,345 [13] Paseo $2530 [6]

Toyota Caldina/ Surf/ Estima 1988-2006

If you’re buying on behalf of the family and want an interesting import, take a look at these. The Caldina is Camry in size and design but with a turbo motor, AllWheel Drive and considerable character. Good examples of the GT-Four Caldina cost around $10,000. Should you need to move 7 or 8 people in decent comfort the Estima offers lots of space, a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine in early versions or thereafter a 2.4 or 3.5-litre petrol. Toyota’s turbo-diesel Surf was among the first models to beat 1990s restrictions on used Japanese imports and they sold here in huge numbers. Not many survive, especially early 2.4 models, but the wide-body 3.0-litre at $5500-7500 is decent buying.

Caldina 1998-01 $7315 [7] Caldina GT Four 2002-06 $9995 [9] Surf 2.4 1990-93 $4470 [7] Surf 3.0 1993-97 $7050 [12] Estima 1997-00 $9385 [17] Estima 2001-06 $11,625 [24]

Toyota Aristo/ Chaser/ Soarer

Big Toyotas built 15-30 years ago offer longevity, value and surprising performance. Top money still goes to the four-door twin-turbo Chaser, which despite being 25 years old in some instances still ticks boxes for space and deceptive pace. Also fitting the description but considerably cheaper is the Lexus GS-bodied Aristo with V8 or turbo-six power. Soarers have been a favoured import for 25 years, with the SC400 V8s still available in sizeable quantity but at a very affordable $4500-8000. The market also offers 3.0-litre straight-six or 2.5-litre twin-turbo versions with late-1990s Turbos reaching $20,000 and excellent examples of the rest generally below $10,000. Single turbo Soarers from the 1980s were among the first ‘grey import’ cars to arrive in Australia but are scarce now.

Aristo 1994-98 $11,075 [12] Soarer 1984-90 $5100 [2] Soarer 2.5T 1991-93 $6895 [11] Soarer 2.5T 1994-98 $15,125 [6] Soarer SC300 1992-99 $5300 [14] Soarer SC400 1991-93 $5385 [30] Soarer SC400 1994-98 $7480 [10] Chaser 1993-97 $19,970 [4] Chaser/Mark 2 1998-04 $22,825 [13]

Toyota Supra 1983-2000

The arrival of a new Supra has revived interest in a whole range of older ones. The obvious targets for cashed-up buyers will be 1990s twin-turbo RZ versions in close to showroom condition. $45-55,000 is feasible for these, with pre-1995 cars slightly cheaper. Sharing the RZ shape are non-turbo SZ models, some with lift-out roof panels, that rarely exceed $25,000. Surviving from the early 1980s are Celica-based P-Type Supras with guard flares and a 2.8 litre engine. These have climbed during recent years and look headed for $20,000. So too Turbo versions of the more sophisticated RA70 models from the late 1980s. RA70s sold in Australia as a 149kW non-turbo or single turbo with 24kW more. Non-turbo cars are now hard to find.

Supra 2.8 $12,125 [4] Supra Turbo 1986-92 $14,240 [16] Supra SZ 1993-96 $19,285 [14] Supra SZ 1997-99 $27,450 [13] Supra RZ T/Turbo 1993-94 $45,815 [6] Supra RZ T/Turbo 1995-00 $50,745 [21]