BMW E36 or Nissan Silvia: What to Buy for Drift in Argentina

Frequently asked questions

Are there Nissan Silvias in Argentina?

Very few are seen. On 3 October 2026 there was no Silvia, 180SX or 200SX listed in the cars section of Mercado Libre Argentina. The rear-wheel-drive Nissans that did show up were four 350Z and five 370Z.

Can I import a used Silvia from Japan?

Only through an exception. A used car cannot be nationalized except in specific cases, and the collector-car route requires more than 30 years, an FOB value of at least 12,000 USD (≈ $20.160.000 ARS) and qualifying as cultural heritage (Decree 110/1999, art. 7, and Resolution 24/2025). An S15 is not 30 years old yet. Check with a customs broker before paying anything.

Is the BMW M3 E36 good for drift?

Yes, it is a community favourite, with a straight six of 243 to 321 PS depending on version and market. The problem is price: the only E36 M3 listed on Mercado Libre on 3 October 2026 was asking 99,900 USD (≈ $167.832.000 ARS). For a first car it is overkill.

Is a BMW 318 good for drift?

Yes but less so: the E36 316 and 318 are four-cylinders (M40, M42, M43 or M44 depending on the year), so you will work the car harder to hold slides. They are the cheapest E36s listed: on 3 October 2026 the 12 316 and 318 from 1993 to 1997 priced in dollars were asking 5,800 to 16,000 USD (≈ $9.744.000 to $26.880.000 ARS). If you can stretch to a 325 or 328, better.

What about the Nissan 350Z?

It is rear-wheel drive with a 3.5 V6 and was built from 2002 to 2009. It works for drift, but in Argentina it is expensive: on 3 October 2026 there were four listed on Mercado Libre, asking 39,900 to 50,000 USD (≈ $67.032.000 to $84.000.000 ARS). As a first car, there are better choices.

What about the Toyota AE86, Mark II JZX or Soarer?

Unicorns in Argentina. The AE86 (1983 to 1987) was the last rear-wheel-drive Corolla and is the Initial D car; its resale price rose so much that the premium is nicknamed "Takumi tax". On 3 October 2026 we found no AE86, JZX or Soarer listed on Mercado Libre.

Is a Ford Sierra worth it for drift?

Yes, and it is an underrated local option. It is rear-wheel drive and was assembled in Argentina between 1984 and 1992, so local shops know it. Not the first choice, but a legitimate one.

Should I buy a built car or build it from scratch?

To start, already built. Buying an E36 that already has a locked diff, dialed-in suspension and proper tyres saves you months and often costs less than building one. Building from scratch makes sense once you know exactly what you want.