10 Cheap JDM Cars That Will Bankrupt You With Maintenance And Repairs

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Dan Smith

In addition to finding a vehicle that fits your budget, it is important to consider the reliability of the vehicle when buying a vehicle. A reliable car is usually one with minimal breakdowns and repairs. Over the years, JDM vehicles have earned a reputation for reliability. Even today, Japanese brands such as Toyota and Honda are one of the most reliable car manufacturers in the world. RELATED: The 10 Worst Nissan R34 Skyline GT-Rs Built By Japanese Tuners In addition to reliability, Japanese cars offer a high-quality driving experience and excellent performance at relatively affordable prices.However, some JDM A car with a poor reliability rating costs a lot of money to maintain. Owning these cars today can cost you a lot in maintenance and frequent repairs, even exceeding the amount you spent on the purchase. Here are 10 cheap JDM cars that will bankrupt you on maintenance and repair bills.

10/10 1990-1994 Mitsubishi Eclipse ($3,000)

Via harry_nl on Flickr
The Mitsubishi Eclipse was a true driver's car thanks to a variety of drivetrain and engine options that matched its sporty styling. From 1990 to 1994, Eclipse still attracts the attention of enthusiasts, but it suffered from reliability issues that ruined its reputation.

1992 Mitsubishi Eclipse 2.0 GS
ViaRL GNZLZ on Wikimedia Commons
In 1998, Mitsubishi recalled all 1990-1998 Eclipse GSX models to address a transfer case lockup issue that affected a whopping 24,275 vehicles. The 2nd generation models were nothing more than 4G63-equipped cars, as they suffered from crankwalk problems, usually resulting in complete engine failure.

9/10 1992 Subaru SVX ($3350)

1992 Subaru SVX (White) - Front
Via: Reddit
The SVX was Subaru's first shot in the luxury/performance market. It comes with a unique aviation-inspired glazing configuration that still attracts attention today. Sadly, reliability issues ruined his SVX's success in the market. RELATED: The 10 fastest Japanese sports sedans ever made

1993 Subaru SVX - Front Left Angle
via BringATrailer

Throughout its life, the SVX was plagued with wheel bearing failures and rotor warping. The previous model also had problems with the transmission, causing clutch failure. His SVX rarity today means that spare parts are relatively expensive. Therefore, it should be avoided like the plague.

8/10 2001 Honda Civic - $3393

2001 Honda Civic
Via AutoDataDirect
Honda Civics have a reputation for excellent reliability and low maintenance costs. But the introduction of the seventh-generation model was the carmaker's biggest disaster. His 2001-05 Civic has been back to the factory 27 times.

2001 Honda Civic
Via Elepent

According to CarComplaints, the 2001 Civic was the worst year ever. Just nine months after its introduction, Honda recalled his 2001 Civic, citing fuel system problems that led to fuel pump failure. On top of that, owners complained of airbag issues affecting entire generations. Other problems included a cracked manifold and a faulty automatic transmission.

7/10 1993-1997 Honda CR-X Del Sol ($3400)

1995-Honda-Del-Sol-Si-(Leda---Side
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The CR-X del Sol was Honda's answer to the Mazda MX-5 Miata in the early '90s. Based on the Honda Civic, it was powered by his punchy 1.5-liter or his 1.6-liter engine, which delivered power to the front wheels via a 5-speed manual or his 4-speed automatic transmission.

1995-Honda-Del-Sol-Si-(Red)---Front Left
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Unfortunately, this little fun-driving sports car didn't quite match the reliability of the Miata. Its main problem was quality issues, especially the complex Targa his roof, which was prone to noise and leaks. The car's poor quality also extended to the interior, which was considerably outdated compared to other Japanese sports cars from the 1990s.

6/10 2004 Honda Odyssey ($4,730)

2004 1995 Honda Odyssey EX - Front
Youtube
The Honda Odyssey is a well-received and respected family hauler. It's been nearly 30 years since he entered the US market, and this crowd-pleasing minivan is still doing well despite a slowly dying segment. Unlike a brand new model, a used Honda Odyssey is very cheap, but there are some age issues that should be avoided. RELATED: 10 Japanese Cars That Are Not As Good As People Think

2004-Honda-Odyssey---Side
Youtube

The 2004 Honda Odyssey has the worst reliability ratings on various websites. Consumer Reports gave it a terrible 1 out of 5 reliability rating. The car had serious problems with the engine and transmission. Owners report an average repair cost of $3,600 for a transmission failure that occurs at about 117,000 miles. Another concern is peeling paint and damage to the window regulator.

5/10 2004 Mazda RX8 ($5072)

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Introduced in 2002, the Mazda RX-8 was the successor to the iconic RX-7 and, like its predecessor, was powered by a rotary Wankel engine. Few sports cars today can pull off the feeling of being behind the wheel of an RX-8. In addition to the car's agile handling, the crisp rotary engine sound is intoxicating.

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Unfortunately, the RX-8 is one of the most unreliable cars ever built, so all those thrills come at a heavy price. Engine apex seals tend to wear out quickly, leading to excessive fuel and oil consumption. Ultimately, the engine will have to be rebuilt within his first 80,000 miles.

4/10 2003 Honda Accord - $5180

2003 Honda Accord
Via Honda car
It's been over 40 years since the Accord entered the US market. The Accord is one of the best-selling midsize sedans thanks to its performance, handling, reliability, and fuel efficiency. However, despite the rave reviews on various websites, some years can experience reliability issues and require expensive repairs.
2003 Honda Accord Parked
Via Honda
Avoid the 2003 Honda Accord like the plague, according to CarComplaints. Extensive transmission problems and a failure of the backlight in his stereo occurred. Owners report that the transmission begins to slip within 90,000 miles and cost over $2,000 to repair. Expensive repair costs.

3/10 1985–1991 Subaru XT ($5,200)

Red 1988 Subaru XT6
Via: Bring Trailer
Like the Subaru SVX, the XT was another aircraft-inspired vehicle from the Japanese automaker. It had a very low drag coefficient of 0.29, adjustable pneumatic suspension, an advanced trip computer, a digital dash and an adjustable instrument cluster, among other innovative features. RELATED: 10 Underrated Japanese Cars We'd Like to Own
Black 1988 Subaru XT6
Via: Bring Trailer
Despite its innovative features and distinctive wedge shape, the XT's production remained low throughout its life. This was largely due to the XT's measly 134 horsepower and unreliable mechanics, which made it a rather unsatisfying sports car.

2/10 2007 Toyota Camry ($6,650)

2007 Toyota Camry XLE
Via: Toyota
The Toyota Camry has a longstanding reputation for being affordable, fuel efficient and reliable. However, some years should be avoided, especially his 2007 Toyota Camry. There are 1,010 of his NHTSA complaints, the majority of which address the engine's tendency to consume excessive oil.
2007 Toyota Camry XLE Side View
Via: Toyota
According to Car Complaints, this problem occurs when the engine has 97,000 to 110,000 miles and an average repair cost of $2,250. In some cases, the damage was so severe that a complete engine replacement costing $4,100 was required.

1/10 2013 Nissan Altima - $8184

Red 2013 Nissan Altima on the road
Via Nissan News USA
The Altima is one of Nissan's longest-running and most popular models. For the most part, the Altima Sedan is a reliable car and a favorite with most buyers. However, some model years were more problematic than others, especially his 2013 Nissan Altima.
Red 2013 Nissan Altima on the road
Via Nissan News USA
Many owners report vibrations and transmission failures related to problematic CVT transmissions. This problem he had just over 53,000 miles and to fix it would require a complete transmission replacement, costing about $3,100. In addition to transmission problems, the 2013 Altima has problems with the power steering pump, windshield, door handles and latches. Source: Consumer Reports, Carcomplaints, Reddit, Kbb