Every year various appraisers, collectors and auctions will look at collectible cars that are on the rise and try to jump on them. There is a science to figuring out which cars are going to increase in value as cars are obviously a depreciating asset, usually anyway. Which is the best part of collectible cars, especially ones that are on the rise, as you can enjoy them and drive them for pretty much free. Of course this shouldn’t be the basis for your financial future, and don’t plan on suddenly making it by selling one of these. Also be aware this isn’t the be all and end all of lists and you should always do your market research.
1993-1997 Toyota Land Cruiser FZJ80
Easily the most obvious car on this list, the Toyota Land Cruiser, a nameplate which naturally holds it’s value. The early 70s and 80s Land Cruisers are going for ridiculous prices already, the later model years haven’t really dropped in value too much. The early to mid 90s Land Cruisers seem to be the best ones to purchase. There is a lot to love about these even if they are bare minimum vehicles, they just work. You can land good condition ones for $20,000-30,000, but if you are down to get your hands dirty you can find one that needs some work for $10,000-15,000.
1990-95 Volkswagen Corrado
One of my favourite coupes of the 90s, the Volkswagen Corrado. Although the base only came with 158 horsepower, it was still good for 140 mph. You could increase the power by going for the VR6 which included a 2.8L V6 with 179 horsepower which in 1992 was bumped up further to 187 horsepower. The only real downside to these is that they are front-wheel drive and didn’t inherit more of the Porsche bloodline, which is probably why sales declined and VW ended up killing the model. However these days, they are picking up in value. These were $17,000-20,000 vehicles new but you can get a good condition Corrado now for $6,000-9,000.
2005-2017 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Probably one of the most expensive cars on this list but a worthy investment considering how well these are appreciating. The Aston Martin V8 Vantage has been Aston Martin’s best vehicle since being introduced in 2005. It came with a base MSRP of $110,000 and competed with some of it’s European rivals. Depending on the model year, you can get a variant of the V8 from Jaguar ranging from a 4.2 to a 4.7 litre engine. You can find these in excellent condition for $45,000 to $50,000, no bad for a car that was well over $100,000 new.
2000-2006 Audi TT Quattro
The original Audi TT was introduced in 1998 but the first two years were fairly rough for these. The best came in 2000 with an updated to the Electronic Stability Programme and Anti-slip Regulation. They also updated the suspension system and changed up some of the cosmetics. The Quattro obviously adds the most desirable AWD, which is really the only Audi TT you should get. They are starting to slowly climb in value but cans till be had for $12,000-16,500.
1996-2002 Dodge Viper GTS
Easily one of the greatest domestic super cars made. When Chrysler first introduced the Dodge Viper it was meant to be basically a road worthy race car, with no luxuries or comfort features. The second generation Viper was designed to fix that by featuring the great base of the original Viper with a couple of goodies. The GTS of the Viper is considered to be one of the best versions of it as it is a more powerful version of the RT/10 and in coupe form. MSRP on the Viper GTS was about $66,000, but you can still pick one of these up in good condition for $49,000-$55,000, and you can expect these to rise.
Happy shopping!
