Have a punt on a future classic...
Discussion
Actually that 850CSi is an absolute bargain; perhaps because of the slightly unsubtle colour. There aren't many on the market, and they frequently go for more than this.
The 8 series is generating a growing following as it is, owing to its distinctive looks which are wearing well. The CSi was the ultimate model in the range, and was counted amongst the fastest cars in the world in its day. Of all the cars that have been mentioned here, I think that this is in with a good shout as top choice.
The 8 series is generating a growing following as it is, owing to its distinctive looks which are wearing well. The CSi was the ultimate model in the range, and was counted amongst the fastest cars in the world in its day. Of all the cars that have been mentioned here, I think that this is in with a good shout as top choice.
Tyre Smoke said:
Maserati Biturbo.
Very rare to get a good one these days.
Good call there. A few years ago I was looking at getting a Ghibli. Around 7k at the time for a neat one. Double that now..Very rare to get a good one these days.
Clio V6 is a good one too. Since I bought mine a few years ago it has depreciated nil, despite doubling the mileage. Running costs on the other hand...
It's fraught with pitfalls and subject to the whim of the market. Get something you enjoy and it doesn't matter too much if it makes money or not.
Cars that increase markedly in value are few and far between. Those that do are often no better, in empirical terms, than contemporaries that sank without trace but, because they have the right badge or look stylish or weren't made in huge numbers, they're deemed desirable. Unfortunately, there are many stylish, rare cars with the right badge that aren't worth much at all. Picking the former rather than the latter is as much due to luck as anything else. Look at the E30 M3 and the Porsche 968CS. Very similar cars in may respects, yet M3 values dropped pretty low and then surged while the 968CS has bumped along at a pretty steady price for years.
I'd also suggest ignoring performance if you're trying to pick a future classic. As cars age, their performance becomes less and less relevant. Let's face it, a 250 GTO could be lapped by some fairly mundane modern-era cars.
Consider historical precedent too. Lovely as some may be, there aren't many old and valuable TVRs. There are some old and valuable BMWs, but equally, there are many that are practically worthless too. People like Ferrari have a better track record but then again, you're not going to get a good candidate for £15k.
I'd be tempted to avoid all the 80's stuff that's currently worth about £15k too. If it's only £15k after 30 or 40 years, chances are, it's never going to suddenly rocket in value.
Even bearing all this in mind, realistically, the best you can hope for is to find something with minimal depreciation rather than any degree of appreciation.
Anyway, if you forced me to name some names, I'd suggest something like...
Lotus Exige - Lotus has a respectable heritage and their cars typically have sensible running costs, so ongoing maintenance costs should be reasonable. Not sure how well the looks will age though. Admittedly you might have to up the budget a bit too
Audi TT Sport - people forget just how radical the TT looked when it was first launched. Looks play a big part in the appeal of a classic. The Sport was lighter, rarer and more focused than the normal TT. The TT is pretty ubiquitous now, but it won't always be.
Citroen C6 - No, not much fun to drive but reasonably cheap, while being an uncommon but largely welcome sight. The SM and original DS fetch reasonable money now. Then again, most other Citroens, err, don't.
Renault Clio V6 or a Spider - Who knows? might be worth a punt although I suspect you've missed the boat on the Spider, budget wise.
Cars that increase markedly in value are few and far between. Those that do are often no better, in empirical terms, than contemporaries that sank without trace but, because they have the right badge or look stylish or weren't made in huge numbers, they're deemed desirable. Unfortunately, there are many stylish, rare cars with the right badge that aren't worth much at all. Picking the former rather than the latter is as much due to luck as anything else. Look at the E30 M3 and the Porsche 968CS. Very similar cars in may respects, yet M3 values dropped pretty low and then surged while the 968CS has bumped along at a pretty steady price for years.
I'd also suggest ignoring performance if you're trying to pick a future classic. As cars age, their performance becomes less and less relevant. Let's face it, a 250 GTO could be lapped by some fairly mundane modern-era cars.
Consider historical precedent too. Lovely as some may be, there aren't many old and valuable TVRs. There are some old and valuable BMWs, but equally, there are many that are practically worthless too. People like Ferrari have a better track record but then again, you're not going to get a good candidate for £15k.
I'd be tempted to avoid all the 80's stuff that's currently worth about £15k too. If it's only £15k after 30 or 40 years, chances are, it's never going to suddenly rocket in value.
Even bearing all this in mind, realistically, the best you can hope for is to find something with minimal depreciation rather than any degree of appreciation.
Anyway, if you forced me to name some names, I'd suggest something like...
Lotus Exige - Lotus has a respectable heritage and their cars typically have sensible running costs, so ongoing maintenance costs should be reasonable. Not sure how well the looks will age though. Admittedly you might have to up the budget a bit too
Audi TT Sport - people forget just how radical the TT looked when it was first launched. Looks play a big part in the appeal of a classic. The Sport was lighter, rarer and more focused than the normal TT. The TT is pretty ubiquitous now, but it won't always be.
Citroen C6 - No, not much fun to drive but reasonably cheap, while being an uncommon but largely welcome sight. The SM and original DS fetch reasonable money now. Then again, most other Citroens, err, don't.
Renault Clio V6 or a Spider - Who knows? might be worth a punt although I suspect you've missed the boat on the Spider, budget wise.
Edited by Risotto on Friday 15th February 17:37
SteveH80 said:
TVR Griffith
Porsche 964
Porsche 968 Club Sport
Ford Escort Cosworth
Or my personal choice (hoping to buy this year): Lotus Elise S1
This. Porsche 964
Porsche 968 Club Sport
Ford Escort Cosworth
Or my personal choice (hoping to buy this year): Lotus Elise S1
If you're buying a car as an investment you're totally open to market exposure. Bit of a gamble. If you're intending to use it it'll need to be relatively immune to mileage and cheap to run. And most importantly, fun.
My S1 has gone up considerably in value since I've owned it but doubt it's more than I've spent. Never had a bad moment in the car though and totally adore it. I wouldn't dare consider it an investment; more a highly entertaining alternative to a savings account.
One tiny piece of advice - buy something you'll love owning. Life is short so don't make yourself skint speculating on something you can't bear to drive in case it affects the value. Buy a car you love, drive it, enjoy it...hopefully you won't lose any money :-)
Some great feedback thanks guys! I am close to deciding the Renault Clio V6 255 might be the best pick. Running costs are not really a huge as it will need a service and mot once a year that's all, I won't be chewing through parts if it's off the road.
I think there will always be a cult following for these cars. But now I have a substantial list of cars that I can start looking at and compare the 'perfect' examples
I think there will always be a cult following for these cars. But now I have a substantial list of cars that I can start looking at and compare the 'perfect' examples
Clio does does look a fantastic car Still on my 'to own' list.
One more suggestion, I think a good Skyline R32 will be a future classic.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n...
Still on my 'to own' list. One more suggestion, I think a good Skyline R32 will be a future classic.
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/used-cars/n...
I bought my vw T25 last year, and I think it has already grown in value slightly. Obviously, i will only find out when I come to sell. Picking the correct variant of a model could also make all the difference, so I am hoping the 2.0 litre air cooled will grow the most.
To be fair my main objective was not to make money, but to have zero depreciation, just in case we didn't like it and I had to sell on.......
Just my tip......
To be fair my main objective was not to make money, but to have zero depreciation, just in case we didn't like it and I had to sell on.......
Just my tip......
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