Unusual JDM 4x4/AWD Cars

[Zerosumgame]

Hello,

I am looking for a new 4x4/AWD car - inspired by a poster here that mentioned the Xtrail GT yesterday that I had never heard of (albeit I don't think I will go down that route due to the gearbox issues) - can anyone else think of a performance orientated JDM 4x4 that isn't a Legacy/Forrester GT, Exiga or Odyssey - any ideas welcome. Thanks.

[D_G]

Mitsubishi Airtrek Turbo R

[Zerosumgame]

Nice - yes that is exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for

[loskie]

Izuzu Vehicross ( it took me a while to remember the name of this one)

Subaru Tribeca

Shogun Ralliart evo
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1019565

[Axeboy]

The X Trail would be a decent choice, they are pretty damn cheap, its just that the box is a 4 speed that it put me off.

The Airtrek is a solid choice as mentioned above, super cheap too for a good one (in Japan)

Do you want a raised 4x4 or just any car? If its anything then there are loads of options in Japan for various saloons with v6's and 4x4, likewise there are loads of people carriers like the Alphard, Elgrand, Velfire, Estima etc with 4x4 and decent power

Some ideas:

Nissan Liberty GT4, little people carrier with the SR20DET - rare though
Nissan Avenir GT4 - estate with the SR20 turbo
Bluebird SSS came in various specs with 4wd and turbo, manuals are rare, but usually over 200bhp
Nissan Cefiro/Laurel etc came in 4wd
Subaru Levorg - The JDM market got the good version with 280bhp
Suzuki Vitara (Escudo) - available with a 3.2 v6 in Japan, actually this temps me for some oddball reason!
Pajero with the 3.8 V6 (250bhp-ish)
Mitsubishi RVR Sports Gear
Outlander with the 3.0 v6
Stagea new and old - you'll be aware of these I'm sure, loads of options
Toyota Harrier 3.5 v6
A good alternative to the X Trail is the Toyota Vanguard 350, a long Rav4 with the 3.5 v6 and 280bhp
Caldina GTT and GT4
Altezza Gita 4wd - 3.0 2jz non turbo with 220bhp, cheap though


There are loads of Toyota and Nissans Saloons like the Crown, Mark X etc with 4wd that might suit too



Generally, anything "performance orientated" with a turbo and 4wd will be silly money, but most of the options above will be reasonably priced as they are auto or not seen to be performance yet have good power.

Edited by Axeboy on Monday 28th December 11:43

[Zerosumgame]

Axeboy that is brilliant - will take care of the rest of my day!!

[Zerosumgame]

One final question - keen to hear of preferred importers/sites (preferably based in the South of the UK). Thanks!

[Salmonofdoubt]

Zerosumgame said:

One final question - keen to hear of preferred importers/sites (preferably based in the South of the UK). Thanks!

I don’t know of any in the south but local to me there’s a place called ‘The Car Warehouse’ Google will provide you a link who have a huge stock and have been importing cars for years.

[TommoAE86]

South of the UK = Torque GT to me, both mine have been through them and service has been faultless. Will go back to them again when I need to get another JDM piece of greatness.

[Gandoolie]

I think JM Imports in Newcastle actually have a good Airtrek in stock at the moment