Crystal is a chain of auto parts stores, a melding of Pep Boys--eerrrr, make that Super Autobacs--and the "Recycler." It has loads of used and refurbished performance parts under one roof and for JDM purists, it's pure heaven. We checked it out after the Tokyo Auto Salon in 2003 and were rocked by the deals that went down. When you think about it, there's a vast and logical source of used parts in Japan. Considering the short shelf life of cars in Japan, it makes sense for enthusiasts to strip them to stock before parting ways, and Crystal is an outlet to get some money back on that performance purchase.
 This A'PEXi Super AFCII had a U.S.-converted price of $262. At the time, the unit was new to the U.S. market and the price here was in the $450 range. |  This bin-o'-bargains included Blitz and HKS gauges, which were still new to the U.S. market, and hard-to-find Fields electronics. |  Wheels and tires are Crystal's core business, but we found good deals in every aisle of the store. |
 |  With a dollar/yen conversion rate of 116:1, the Blitz wheels at left cost $1,190 with low-profile performance tires mounted. |  Waiting just inside the door was a rack of coil-overs. With pricing starting at $600 for a set of four, there were bargains aplenty to be found. |
 Blitz intercoolers were going for $594 to $758 and we believe this price included all the piping. Wow. |  HKS Hipermax coil-overs were $694 in the box. What a deal. | |