Top 10: Future Classics You Can Afford Now - No Nissan or Infiniti in the List

[lino]

Source: http://uk.askmen.com/top_10/ca....html

The best collector car deals always present themselves at the worst times possible. Inevitably, you have to pass, and the sting of missing out fades with time. That is, until you see a similar car years later. Only now, it’s considered a classic among collectors and in higher demand than ever.

Until you master time travel to buy the un-bought, try future classics you can afford now. Not the usual suspects like Corvettes, Ferraris, GT-Rs, Vipers, and such; cars like these are assured future classic status from birth. And just because a nameplate is dead, it isn’t guaranteed anyone will covet them later (would you honestly crave a Plymouth, Pontiac or Saturn as a midlife crisis toy?).

We see these 10 from the last 20 years or less as better bets for future classics you can afford now instead, noting desirable years and approximate value ranges (mostly private party) for examples in good condition. We’ll admit that there are a few dark horses in the mix, and you won’t fund your retirement with them, but if you can find unmolested and well-maintained survivors, we doubt you’ll lose money in the long run. Catch these future classics you can afford now while you can.

No.1 - BMW M Coupe (1999-2002)We’d really like to have featured BMW’s Z8, but it was more or less a classic from day one, and even today’s value keeps it north of affordability. The scrappy M Coupe is another matter and our top future classic you can afford now. Developed from the M Roadster, the Coupe trades beauty for chassis stiffness and even greater handling. The looks aren’t for everyone, but they grow on you. If you come across a straight car for a remotely reasonable price, buy it. You won’t regret it.

Price: $6,300-$12,100

No.2 - Acura NSX (1991-2001)Honda seems resigned to building solid but snoozy cars after discontinuing the S2000. Missed even more is the Acura NSX. With Ferrari as its benchmark, Acura successfully rocked the automotive world a couple decades back, confusing a few enthusiasts in the process. Exotics aren’t Japanese. They don’t run reliably. And they sure as hell don’t outrun European cars. The NSX was and did. These days, seek first-gen 1991-2001 cars; they’re the most affordable and still the best value.

Price: $18,600-$45,000

No.3 - Mercedes-Benz 500 E/E 500 (1992-1994)So you think the Panamera is Porsche’s first four-door production car? This Mercedes 500 E was a joint effort with Porsche, both in development and actual production. Unlike today, there wasn’t an AMG version for practically every Benz at the time (although a handful of later E 500s were worked over by them). Tastefully upgraded in appearance, this future classic you can afford now stands as a competent performance sedan even today. Its significance ensures desirability for years to come as well.

Price: $10,800-$14,600

No.4 - Chevrolet Camaro Z-28/SS (1998-2002)This is the shot and a beer of sports cars: it’s unrefined, but it packs a wallop. For one-tenth the price of a new Corvette ZR-1 or less, you can thump along with the C5 Vette’s LS1 in the fourth-generation Camaro Z-28 or SS. And before you disregard it for its hillbilly hotrod image, try to appreciate it for the cheap thrills you get from the loudmouth V-8.

Price: $3,855-$11,600

No.5 - Porsche 911 Turbo (2009-2010)Porsche’s 911 has been alive longer than many owners, but unlike many of them, it’s become faster and stronger with age. Take the latest 911 Turbo; it is a future classic, even if the price strains the “you can afford now” part. But with 500 horsepower, an excellent PDK gearbox and 24 MPG (highway), we may never again see such a combination of power, drivability and economy.

Price: $132,800

No.6 - Toyota MR2 (1991-2005)We’re not sure collectors will ever pardon the Fiero for time served, but here’s a mid-engine peer that was never guilty of Pontiac’s crimes. First-generation Toyota MR2s of 1985-‘89 are already cult classics, and newer second- and third-gen cars are future classics you can afford now. Their rarity and addictive driving experience are the polar opposite of Toyota’s high-production, low-pulse roster today. Price: $2,000-$15,300

No.7 - Land Rover Defender Ninety (1994-1997)An early British sketch comedy milestone was At Last the 1948 Show. It’s not unlike the cool and capable Land Rover Defender Ninety. Introduced earlier but sent to North America at last for 1994, the basic 1948 design was updated with modern concessions. Safety regulations made it unfeasible to export it after 1997, so Land Rover focused on upscale models for America. It’s at the edge of affordability, but we’re still sentimental for this modern version of the original Landy and see this SUV as a future classic.

Price: $23,000-$36,000

No.8 - Subaru SVX (1992-1997)Before Subaru WRX’d Imprezas, they gave us Giugiaro’s take on an all-wheel drive GT model known as the SVX. Despite its nearly 3,600-lb curb weight, it performed reasonably well but failed to resonate with buyers when new. Like the VW Corrado you just saw, the SVX was competent but out of sync with its siblings and too expensive for the Subaru faithful -- especially during the economic climate when launched. And even if current economic conditions are worse, don’t pass up this future classic you can afford now.

Price: $2,800-$5,500

No.9 - Volkswagen Corrado (1990-1995)Under the radar then, under the radar now; it’s always been that way for the Volkswagen Corrado. Even with commendable performance and critical praise, the Scirocco’s follow-up failed to stir many buyers. Blame it on perception. VWs aren’t sports cars, the public grumbled. VWs shouldn’t be priced like BMWs, they whined. Today the biggest challenge isn’t affording one, it’s finding one. If you do and it hasn’t been wrung out by a ham-fisted teenager, you’ll be impressed with the Corrado’s balance and relatively modern feel.

Price: $1,500-$4,000

No.10 - Mazda Miata (1990-2005)Mazda has been playing the “less is more” card for over two decades with its Miata, but it kind of conflicts with the current car. Reconnect with what made this car famous in the first place and try one from the first two generations. With the exception of gen-two Mazdaspeed cars, power is modest, but handling is sweet and the short-throw manual gearbox is one of the best you’ll ever row. Having successfully channeled the essence of classic British roadsters, the original Miata is a future classic itself.

Price: $1,300-$13,000

[MinisterofDOOM]

Funny that they mention the M Coupe trading the roadster's looks for handling. I've always preferred the looks of the coupe.

[Dattebayo]

WHy is a pic of an AW11 listed when they are talking about the later model MR-2?

[Bubba1]

WHy is a pic of an AW11 listed when they are talking about the later model MR-2?

Interesting list, but I disagree with several

M coupe: agree.

NSX - probably.

Corrado - no, but I think the older Giugiaro styled Scirocco will be more collectible than the less attractive corrado.

SVX - no. nice idea, poorly executed, over priced. (my neighbor has one he's trying to sell). heavy, looks faster than it was, available only with an automatic.

Defender - probably, though the old ones this was based on are already collectible

MR2 - I think only the second generation factory turbo will be collectible. First generation were ugly.

911 turbo - probably but I think the Gt-3 would be more collectible

Camaro last generation - doubtful. look at the last two generations. Built like crap.

MB 500 perhaps, but not for quite awhile, was overpriced when new.

Miata - no. Mazda built way too many of them.

[RCA]

Top 10: Future Classics You Can Afford Now

No.5 - Porsche 911 Turbo (2009-2010)

Price: $132,800

That who can afford now? Is the 2010 911 going to be worth more then 132K when it becomes a classic?

[MellowZ32]

I'd go for the Mcoupe or the NSX.

[seang]

M coupe looks like a Honda S600/S800 coupe, but I know the M is faster. By the way, it's hot.
Modified by seang at 5:23 PM 3/8/2010

[Red coupe]

WHy is a pic of an AW11 listed when they are talking about the later model MR-2?

Yeah, I thought that was funny too.

[Veriest1]

The M coupe was the first thing that popped into my head when I saw this topic. And it's on top... maybe I should start shopping.

I also think they look awesome. About 10x better than the roadster... but neither it or the roadster is really known for being amazing handling machines. They have quite a bit of rear bumpsteer in stock form that isn't seen in the BMW models sold alongside them at the time (specifically the M3).

[PEZi]

the SVX? really? i think that is one of the worst cars ever.... how did that s*** make the list?

[BusyBadger]

the SVX? really? i think that is one of the worst cars ever.... how did that s*** make the list?

There are worse cars than the SVX for sure, but more importantly there are carsmore deserving to be on this list.

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

This list sucks...Though a few of them belong on it...NSX and the Clown Shoe notably.

[hannibal]

To be a future classic/collectible, it has to be built in low numbers. The SVX and Corrado certainly qualify on those grounds. I agree the Scirocco will be valuable too. The SVX will certainly be worth something cause we all laugh at it when it was in production and nobody bought one.

NSX is relatively common, but as Honda's Ferrari fighter, it will go down in history and become quite valuable.

Never will be classics:Camaro, 997 Turbo, Miata. Way too many of them.

[tigersharkdude]

To be a future classic/collectible, it has to be built in low numbers. The SVX and Corrado certainly qualify on those grounds. I agree the Scirocco will be valuable too. The SVX will certainly be worth something cause we all laugh at it when it was in production and nobody bought one.

NSX is relatively common, but as Honda's Ferrari fighter, it will go down in history and become quite valuable.

Never will be classics:Camaro, 997 Turbo, Miata. Way too many of them.

camaro-the later 4th gen f-body's will definitely be classic. With so many of the cars being totaled or ragged by kids today. there wont be to many left in 10 years

[Rex]

Not a bad list of cars.

It just isn't consistent.

I've always been a fan of the M Coupe.I've always liked the Corrado, both the G60 & the VR6.I liked the SVX after my Dad worked at a Subaru dealership in the late 80's/early 90's, but only because it was "quirky".I've always liked the MR2, but prefer the last generation.And I actually owned a Miata for a few months.

Again, a decent list of cars, but if you wanted to create a list of pseudo-obscure "could-be" classics, I think there's a few better examples out there.

How about ...

Early 90's Sentra SE-RMid-90's Volvo 850 T5/R Wagon, if not the more recent V70 T5/R.Late 80's Mazda 323 GTX AWD Turbo Rally carMid-80's Mustang SVO (the original 4cyl turbo one)Late 80's/Early 90's Pontiac Trans AM TTA/GTA

True, the Mustang and F-bodies may already be considered classics, but they'd still be less than $132K.

[Urabus GodofTraction]

To all those saying Miati will never be classics (note that's different from collectible) because of the numbers they were built in, remember how many 1st gen Mustangs Ford sold...

[Ace2cool]

No.8 - Subaru SVX (1992-1997)Before Subaru WRX’d Imprezas, they gave us Giugiaro’s take on an all-wheel drive GT model known as the SVX. Despite its nearly 3,600-lb curb weight, it performed reasonably well but failed to resonate with buyers when new. Like the VW Corrado you just saw, the SVX was competent but out of sync with its siblings and too expensive for the Subaru faithful -- especially during the economic climate when launched. And even if current economic conditions are worse, don’t pass up this future classic you can afford now.

Price: $2,800-$5,500

Anyone wanna buy mine