Japanese car idea ??

[VilioBG]

Hello there
So this year i need to get a new car..... (not new like 2020)
Now i'm driving a Civic EK3 1.5 Vtec-E and i use it for daily and for long travels
I will keep it as a daily drive but i will need another one that i can rely on .....
So we are looking for JDM Machine that can compete against BMW 3 series (E36-E46/325-330i) or 5 Series (E39-E60/525-530i)
200HP++ we can make exception for 150hp if the car can handle some mods....
Not very new, let's say max 2008 ....
2/3 doors or 4/5 doors
So far i'm looking at
Lexus IS200 (IS300 if found manual (don't know about the auto) )
Mazda 3 MPS
Mazda 6 MPS
Some Subaru's but not very sure about them (are they reliable etc.) Legacy/ Liberty 3.0R or 3.0R Spec B (wagon and sedan)

Tell me what you think !?
I'm from Bulgaria/Europe and i've always had a Japanese car's and i will continue drive them....

[miami-rice]

I like your list so far, some similar options to what I've noted down on my next car list. Have you considered the GS300, Accord Type S, Chaser, EP3?

[MPublic]

I had a 1997Subaru JDM Wrx for 6 years, was fairly reliable - but I didn't beat on it.
If you're into the V8 feel, maybe a mid 90's Toyota Soarer? The GT-T spec model if it can be found would I suspect compete with the BMWs

[VilioBG]

Now I’m looking at Accord Type S 7th generation and Civic EP Type R ??
i don’t know about the EP like does it have enough space on the back seats and trunk ...
don’t really like the placement of the shifter ... but since it’s a Type R I will get over it

[Master_Scythe]

Rear of EP3's is perfectly roomy for an adult.
Boot Space is acceptable; much the same as any japanese hatchback.

Shifter placement is the BEST thing about the car, having to mvoe your hand 3 inches from the steering wheel to shift, rather than 3 feet? Godsend.

[SwiizSwift]

Well, what you could get to what amount of money are you willing to put in.

I have heard some quirks about the EJ flat 4 o the Subarus. Their head gaskets are prone to failure, due to corrosion, changing the clutch is a difficult task to do yourself because a good portion of driveline has to come off, and changing the sparks requires the engine to be lifted. Those are to take into consideration with those cars.
But nonetheless, everyone owning a Subaru loved it.

[Master_Scythe]

Well, what you could get to what amount of money are you willing to put in.

I have heard some quirks about the EJ flat 4 o the Subarus. Their head gaskets are prone to failure, due to corrosion, changing the clutch is a difficult task to do yourself because a good portion of driveline has to come off, and changing the sparks requires the engine to be lifted. Those are to take into consideration with those cars.
But nonetheless, everyone owning a Subaru loved it.

Sorry my dude, Just so you know, all of those facts are incorrect.

EJ25's are prone to head gasket failure, because they increased the bore more on an open deck block, rather than stroke, to gain the extra .5L, so they have a VERY thin seating area, there's zero to do with corrosion. The EJ20 is NOT prone to failure at all.
Most of the 'easily knocks' and 'headgasket' stories are a side effect of Boxer engines being so quiet and smooth; you have 0% chance of a single-warning-plink sound like another motor might make if the oil is low, and a rod taps the crank, or a louder piston-in-bore due to loss of water and expansion.
Having a failed subaru engine, that is 100% stock, and not missing fluids, is a rare event.

The clutch is a VERY easy task, because although it's a 4WD system, it's still a north-south box, so the only extra step is taking the front drive shafts out. It's nothing like an Audi, VW or Evo; but it is harder than a 180SX or such.

Changing the Sparkplugs is easy, you need a 2" extension on a 3/8ths ratchet, that's all.
Anyone who says otherwise has been using a 1/2inch ratchet, or a typical 3" extension.
You're playing with mm's of room; they simply won't fit.


I've built a few, and worked on dozens.