Check Out This List Of the Top 10 Used Vehicles That Are Affordable And Won’t Depreciate
Are you in the market for a vehicle, or a “weekend car” but don’t want to make a bad investment? Buying used is a smart way to avoid the dreaded depreciation we all feel when car buying. But what if we told you there are used cars out there that can in fact hold steady or gain value over time? And forget boring cars. These vehicles are fun. So, if you've ever wanted a toy and also didn't want it to burn you financially, here are a few ideas.
1993–1995 Mazda RX-7
Japanese cars from the 1980s and 1990s should absolutely have a place on any collector's list, and the lightweight, twin-turbocharged RX-7 should top that grouping. It is fast, nimble, beautiful, and appreciating in value. In fact, it's a good thing the RX-7 seems likely to accrue value faster than any costs you might incur owning one.
1991–1995 Toyota MR2 Turbo
The Toyota's bombproof turbocharged 2.0-liter 3S-GTE engine responds extremely well to tuning, and the MR2 looks like a proper sports car. In a perfect world, you'd find a 1994 or 1995 model but settle for a 1993 as needed, and you'd see if you could find a unicorn without the available T-tops to maximize your investment. Prices have been slowly creeping up, but it'd be a mistake to think these sports cars have climbed as high as they're going to go.
2001.5–2002 BMW M Roadster
While pricing of its solid-bodied M coupe sibling has climbed toward the stratosphere and can still be had for less than $20,000. Like the M coupe, the roadster received BMW's S54 inline-six engine midway through 2001. The upgraded engine imbued the car with 315 horsepower, individual throttle bodies, and a wonderful 8000-rpm redline. What's not to love?
2001–2006 BMW M3
Values have been slowly climbing since BMW's M division began introducing forced induction, automatic transmissions, and other affronts to purists' delicate sensibilities to its wares. The E46-generation M3 is an old-school Bimmer, with a 333-hp inline-six that redlines at 8000 rpm. It is still a riot to drive today, and, being an M3, it's practical enough to be your only car, if need be. These were available new with heated leather seating, automatic climate control, and fancy audio systems.
1995–2001 Acura Integra GS-R
With 25 horsepower less than the Type R (170 instead of 195), the GS-R still moves right along, and its Honda VTEC–equipped 1.8-liter engine revs to 8000 rpm. Pro tip: It doesn't take rocket science to transform your GS-R into a Type R clone, although, if you're into practicality, you can have the GS-R in sedan trim (the Type R was coupe only). You can find GS-Rs for a couple thousand dollars (how's that for savings relative to a Type R?), but the real trick is finding one that hasn't been shoddily modified or eviscerated by rust.
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX
Finding one of these is no small feat, but if you can, you probably should buy it. Skip any that have been fortified with insane turbos, big wheels, and the like. What makes the Evolution IX appealing in standard guise is that it adds Mitsubishi's variable valve timing (MIVEC) to the already stout 4G63 four-cylinder engine from the Evolution VIII, as well as a slightly peppier turbocharger and sleeker bumpers. That powertrain blends well with the compact sedan's aircraft-size rear wing, incredible steering response, and rally-car spirit.
2000–2009 Honda S2000
Simple, beautiful, reliable, and fast, but maybe the most compelling argument for the sports car is that it drives like a Mazda Miata with an extra 100 horsepower and a 9000-rpm redline. Prices have been climbing steadily, but you can be sure they'll continue to do so for some time. Act fast, though. Buying an early car (any 2000 to 2003 model) gets you quicker steering and that sky-high-rpm redline, but the smart buy is a 2004 or later iterations, which benefit from more usable low-rpm torque and a better soft top.
1990–1996 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo
This was Nissan's high-tech play at the time, and it featured an adjustable suspension (driver-selectable from the cockpit), four-wheel steering, and twin turbochargers with twin intercoolers. It also was one of the first mainstream cars developed using computer-aided design (CAD). You can pick one up for around $10,000 to $15,000. Nonturbo models, though less desirable, are also significantly less expensive and look pretty much the same.
2004–2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited "LJ"
Dubbed the Long Jeep, or LJ for short, the Unlimited was only built for three model years at the end of the TJ's life cycle. The extra size translated into a more comfortable interior and more cargo space behind the rear seats. The vaunted Dana 44 rear axle was included on every LJ, but if you really want to source the hen's tooth of the bunch, you'll need to find an LJ Wrangler Rubicon, built in 2005 and 2006, which also got a Dana 44 front axle and standard locking differentials. Prices are climbing slowly, with Rubicon LJs costing as much as $25,000 or more, but their values never really bottomed out. These things have been trading in the $15,000 to $20,000 space since they were new.
Affordable sports cars exist for one reason – to offer all of their splendor to those of us that usually can’t afford luxury cars, supercars, or even top tier muscle cars. You won’t pay much for them and nothing will hold you back for it. You’ll be able to squeeze out the most of them without feeling guilty about forcing them too much. This is why cheap used sports cars can be a fine investment. You can drive them until their soul leaves their body and move on to the next one.
تعليقات