Issue #1 · March 2026
The 25 Year Rule
Weekly JDM auction picks, news, and market intel.
Published
March 25, 2026
Japanese Auto News
Nissan listened. The 2027 Z NISMO returns to a six-speed manual after fan backlash over the auto-only configuration — a win for purists eyeing the JDM-spec variant.
Subaru has quietly halted domestic WRX orders in Japan, signaling the current generation's production run is winding down. Could affect future JDM availability and pricing.
Lexus is keeping the ES accessible at under $50K for both the hybrid and new EV variants — a rare value play from Toyota's luxury arm as the segment heats up.
Yen Snapshot
¥1 JPY =
$0.0063
USD · as of Mar 20, 2026
Yen has been weak vs. USD — favorable conditions for importing. Factor in ~2–3% on wire transfer conversion.
Japan Today
— Shipping & TradeJapan's ruling party heavyweight Sanae Takaichi met with President Trump amid escalating tariff tensions. The US has floated broad automotive tariffs that could affect Japanese export volumes and, critically, the secondary market prices on JDM vehicles as domestic supply adjusts. Importers should watch this — if tariffs tighten on new vehicles, JDM grey-market demand tends to rise.
Featured From the Feed
1991 Honda NSX
NA1 · Black · 232,000 km · 3.0L V6 · Grade 3.5
The original supercar killer. Grade 3.5 on the NSX is solid — this is a driver's car at a price that still makes sense before values run further.
Auction
¥6,997,000
USD Est.
$47,580
Landed
$54,380
2000 Toyota Chaser JZX100
JZX100 · White · 88,000 km · 2.5L Turbo
Low mileage JZX100 at a very approachable landed cost. The 1JZ-GTE platform has a massive aftermarket. White over white — clean example.
Auction
¥1,980,000
USD Est.
$13,464
Landed
$20,264
Landed cost estimates include shipping (~$2,500), US customs duty (2.5%), and EPA/DOT compliance. Actual costs vary. Use the calculator for your exact numbers →
25-Year Spotlight: Class of 2001
Vehicles manufactured in 2001 are now legally importable to the US under the 25-year exemption. Here's what just opened up.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII (CT9A)
The Evo VII brought launch control and active center differential to the rally-bred platform. CT9A prices have been climbing steadily — get in before the VII catches VII hype.
Honda Integra Type R (DC5) (DC5)
Honda's last high-revving Type R before VTEC went mainstream. The DC5 is lighter than the DC2 and just as sharp. Still undervalued relative to where it's heading.
Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec II (BNR34)
Some 2001 R34 V-Spec II units are now crossing the 25-year threshold. Premium pricing, but the R34 is the benchmark — if you've been waiting, the clock just started.
Quick Tip: Finding a Reputable Auction Agent
Your auction agent is the most important decision in the import process — they're bidding on your behalf with your money. Look for agents who:
- → Have verifiable English-language communication and transparent fee schedules
- → Provide inspection reports (full auction sheet translation, not just the grade)
- → Work with established Japanese auction houses (USS, TAA, JU) — not grey-market resellers
- → Have a track record on forums like JDMbuysell, RHDJapan community threads, or r/JDM
- → Are willing to pass on a car — an agent who talks you out of a bad buy is worth more than one who closes every deal
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