Pre-Purchase Checklist

Pick the car you're going to view, walk around it with this on your phone, and tap off each point as you check it.

Car model

Use this fallback when a specific model isn't listed.

General JDM Car — Critical Points

Major Checks

Minor Checks

General Essentials

Name this inspection (optional)

Reference

Essential JDM Inspection & Import Guide

Common Rust Areas to Inspect

When purchasing classic Japanese domestic market sports cars from the late 1980s and 1990s, rust is your primary enemy. Always inspect the rear wheel arches, the sills beneath the side skirts, the spare tire well in the trunk, and the frame rails under the engine bay. Climate conditions in coastal regions or areas that salt their roads in winter can accelerate structural corrosion hidden beneath aftermarket body kits.

Engine Health & Mechanical Longevity

Many performance engines of this era feature turbochargers that require strict maintenance histories. Check for smoke from the exhaust upon startup — blue smoke indicates burning oil, while white smoke can indicate head gasket failure. Listen for premature valve train noise or rod knock at idle. Ensure modifications like aftermarket electronic boost controllers have been tuned professionally to avoid catastrophic lean-run engine failure.

Importation and Registration Documentation

Before finalizing a purchase from international listings, verify the vehicle's export certificate such as the Japanese Export Certificate or equivalent European registration logs. You will need a clean bill of sale, shipping invoices, and proof of customs clearance. Be aware of your local registration tax structures, as vehicle age, emissions standards, and historic veteran status thresholds heavily dictate the final cost of road licensing.