These Modern Classics Become Import-Eligible in 2026
Thanks to the 25-year import rule, 2026 unlocks a new wave of modern classic cars that were once off-limits. These models combine old-school appeal with modern.
Nissan Skyline V35
you know how everyone keeps acting like the R34 is the skyline? i mean yeah, cool car, movie icon blah blah but the V35, it’s like the cousin nobody invites to the reunion. still, there’s something about it. kinda grown-up. like it wants to be a G35 coupe in a nice shirt. i remember sitting in one 10 years ago and thinking the dash smelled like crayons (why do old Nissans smell like that?). if you’ve got, I dunno, fifteen grand lying around, this could be a guilty pleasure. not fast-fast, but it’s the kind of car you park, look back at, and go “eh… maybe I do have taste.”
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX Wagon
okay hear me out a wagon evo. like family man meets rally man. who thought of that?? it’s so dumb it circles back to being brilliant. imagine picking up groceries at 6pm and then bombing a mountain pass at 6:15. if this thing goes for under thirty-five grand i’ll cry. i remember how Evos always had that weird exhaust tint like it smells like burnt Lego. anyway, this one’s peak chaos on wheels.
Honda S2000 Type S
this one, man… this is like listening to vinyl after years of Spotify. it’s pure. mechanical. twitchy as hell but in a good way. honestly, it scares me a bit it’s one of those cars that punishes ego. the clutch feels like a grudge. but you forgive it. i think in 2026 these will hover around, what, forty-five grand? and still feel worth every bit. also, every time someone revs one near 9k rpm, my inner teenager starts crying.
Subaru Legacy Spec B
i swear this car never got the attention it deserved. everyone talks WRX, STI, but this one’s like mature chaos. the beige dad that secretly texts his ex. my friend had one that lived on Dunkin’ iced coffee and check-engine lights. if they creep up to 20–25k, still a bargain for something that feels too calm until you press it, then it’s all whoosh and grip.
Toyota Century (V12 one)
okay, absolute plot twist a V12 Toyota. like what universe? it’s quiet, smooth, smells mildly like rich people and old newspapers. i sat in one once in Tokyo the kind of car that makes you whisper. it’s lowkey intimidating. you look at it and think, “this car has seen some government secrets.” people say they’ll go for about 60k but i swear, they feel priceless.
Mazda RX-8 Type RS
so here’s where my opinions go all over the place. love the idea, hate the reliability, love the styling again. the RX-8 is like that one toxic friend who throws the best parties. it’s everything you want until it’s not. but that rotary sound, man, like a blender full of angry bees. if these roll into the US for around 15–18k, i bet some people will take the bait again (me, maybe, stupidly).
BMW M3 (E46 CSL)
god, the sound. the rasp. that car doesn’t drive, it screams. i still remember hearing one flat out and just freezing. you know how some machines imprint on you? yeah, this one does that. i’d sell, uh, not my kidney, but like an organ i don’t need. what are they now, eighty grand maybe? and people still argue it’s better than new M cars which, honestly, maybe. maybe not. depends how nostalgic you feel that day.
Porsche Cayman S (987)
this one feels too modern to be “classic” but whatever, 2026 makes it almost twenty years old and that’s crazy. i used to think it was like a poor man’s 911 until i drove one, then I was like oh no, it’s just right. mid-engine balance, tiny cabin smell like warm electronics and German glue. thirty-five grand maybe gets you one now, and I can’t believe I’m saying that’s good value.
Alfa Romeo 159
okay, so the Alfa. this car makes me irrational. because look, it’s beautiful. like, legitimately makes other cars insecure. but it breaks. all the time. everything squeaks. you’ll hate it, curse it, then stare at it parked and forgive everything. if one shows up for like ten, twelve grand, it’ll ruin your Sundays but make your Mondays look cooler.
