You're in for a treat if you're interested in old Japanese sports cars. Beneath the surface, these machines are filled with personality, history, and sheer joy. So which one ought you to purchase? The 2008 Mazda RX-8, the 2006 Toyota Celica, the 2006 Toyota MR-S, and the 2005 Toyota Altezza are four excellent choices that deserve your attention.
Mazda RX-8 - Rotary wild child
Here, the unusual option is the RX-8. It distinguishes itself from the conventional piston throng with its rotary engine.
Its engine makes for a distinctive driving experience; it's smooth and rev-happy yet also a little unpredictable.
This might not be for you if you can't be religious about oil changes and maintenance because rotary engines need attention. But if you’re into a car that feels like nothing else, the RX-8 delivers.
With its "suicide doors" and sleek design, the 2008 RX-8 is a car that garners glances. While it is a true sports car, it only makes that much of a dent in your pocket when it comes to daily usability.
It has a much too simple interior and the potential to be a not-so-fuel-efficient car. But with its engine revving, it is a sight to behold and hear.
However, if you are looking to import cars from Japan, make sure you are doing proper "auction sheet verification" to avoid any bad history of the car. This small check can save your money from being wasted.
Toyota Celica – The balanced all-rounder
The Celica from 2006 represents the very last of Toyota's line of athletic coupes. It offers a balanced choice in looks, power, and the expected reliability from the brand.
No, the 1.8-liter engine isn’t a gas guzzler like the six-cylinder engine in the Nissan Z350, but the Celica is such a well-performing vehicle in almost all respects that you won't care much about its spec sheet.
Agility, handling, and day-to-day practicality are the things that the Celica does very well, and it's also one of the more affordable and low-maintenance sports coupes on this list. A zippy coupe that's rationally practical? That's a win.
Toyota MR-S – Mid-engine fun
For pure, unmitigated driving enjoyment, one would be hard-pressed to find a better candidate than the 2006 Toyota MR-S. Yes, this car is all about being light and nimble, its mid-engine layout giving it a dreamlike quality in terms of handling - especially in corners.
Its power-to-weight ratio is nothing to write home about, but the driving dynamics certainly more than make up for it. On top of that, it’s a convertible so that too brings its own set of pros.
The MR-S is an enthusiast's car, one that is compact and desperately impractical for daily use yet also endlessly entertaining on a twisty road.
The two-seater with its malignantly superficial trunk space challenges the driver in terms of practicality. And yet, for the sheer rush of driving, the MR-S hearkens back to a more simple time - and isn't that what makes it special?
Toyota Altezza – The sleeper sport sedan
The Toyota Altezza—known to many as the Lexus IS200—brings a different taste to the mix.
It’s more of a sports sedan than a straightforward sports car, but don’t let that mislead you. In some markets, the Altezza comes with an energetic 2.0-liter inline-4 and, in other markets, with the legendary 3S-GE engine, making it a surprisingly fun performer. And you get rear-wheel drive to boot.
The Altezza however remains the car for grown-ups. They are more comfortable, spacious, refined and rewarding to drive than most of the other cars on this list.
It’s ideal for anyone looking forward to having a sporty appearance car but at the same time deems necessary to have some practical car. But because it is related to Lexus, the interior, as well as its maintenance, and reliability, cannot be argued with.
Which one should you buy?
It all comes down to what you want from your car.
Opt for the RX-8 if you are in the lookout for something completely different and do not have a problem with high maintenance. The Celica on the other hand is the Goldilocks of vehicles: not too much like toys or poker-faced about grownup responsibility automotive; not too costly either.
The MR-S gives a total motoring exhilaration and fighter-plane feeling, while the Altezza is more on the conservative side when it comes to styling. It’s a car that many might not consider until they read about it, but it is a great all around car with lots of power.
All these cars are unique in their own way so go ahead and choose the car that you relate with. Regardless of which you desire, you will be in the driver’s seat of a bit of Japanese automotive history and that is something to be excited about.