10 affordable future classics you should find now!
This list was next to impossible to narrow down to just 10 cars, let us know what we missed! ( we have tried to spec this list as the affordable alternatives to the out of reach god like vehicles which ships have already sailed. think e30 325i mpsort vs E30 M3 ).
#10 BMW 335i - e92 Msport
The BMW 335i coupe was an obvious choice when it came to this list. Due to it being a maintenance nightmare with issues ranging from Electric Water pump's to Wastegate rattles and oil leaks. Because of these issues the BMW 335i is actually a very affordable performance vehicle with a wide range of mod options that can push up to 500hp and because of this has been dubbed a Baby M3. Over the last 12 months with some selling for less than $7,000 with some of the above issues ( Who doesn't love a project ), this car is one to add to the shopping list.
#9 Audi S6 (C6) 5.2l V10
I mean come on it has a Lamborghini motor.. The Audi S6 ( C6 Chassis ) is another maintenance nightmare which makes it a perfect candidate for an affordable future classic. With issues like Air Suspension popping, throttle body's failing, Head Gaskets popping and Electrical Gremlins this car is not one for the faint of heart. The Audi S6 is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 that produces 435 hp and 398 pound-feet of torque. It sends that power to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission that includes Tiptronic automanual shift paddles behind the steering wheel. This car is one that will appreciate with time. Just don't drive it all the time because you know... Gas prices. These are becoming harder and harder to find but in the last 12 months we have seen them for sale as low as $12,000.00 ( I mean come it has a lambo motor )..
#8 Subaru Legacy 1996-1998 BG5 BD5
Did somebody say blown head gasket, Con rod knocking, Blown Primary turbo or the affectionate BBOD ( black box of death ). Are you starting to notice a trend with our list? The Subaru Legacy Twin Turbo with an EJ20R comes in at 8th on our list with a 2.0 L DOHC twin turbo EJ20 engine producing 276 hp (206 kW) of power!!! The Humble Legacy held the land speed record In 1993 for station wagons with an average speed of 249.981 km/h over 1 km with the Legacy wagon at the U.S. Salt Lake Challenge. In 1998 The Legacy wagon set another new world speed record with an average speed of 270.532 km/h over 1 km. There is a lot going for the legacy in terms of future value you just look at it's predecessor which was a sleek looking box car which you can hardly find for less than 30k the BG5/BD5 chassis can generally be found in the 5-10k mark for now.. ( just make sure you start a savings account for the inevitable maintenance bills ).
#7 Mercedes-Benz C 55 AMG
One of the very best Mercedes-AMG collaborations is a much subtler affair. Unless you know what you’re looking for, you’d never guess that the understated C55 AMG, which was produced for just a few years (2004-07), is anything more than an entry-level C-Class. That is, until it dusts you off the line.
The anonymity of the C55 AMG is one of its best traits. Not only does the bantam Benz shrug off the prying eyes of neighbours (as well as the local constable), it also has yet to attract the attention of most collectors. That means prices for a used C55 remain quite reasonable — cheap even, if you consider the levels of performance it offers.
And that makes the C55 AMG a used car hidden gem with 367 HP (270kw) and 510 Nm of torque this is one that should be in your garage right now. just make sure you stock up on a few rear tyres =). These are currently going for around 20k so quickly grab one!
#6 Holden Commodore SS VY - VZ
The VY/VZ Commodore SS ran a 235kW version of the 5.7-litre GEN III Chevrolet V8. Peak torque was a chunky 465Nm developed at 4400rpm, though ample torque was there from much lower in the rev range. This Vehicle was more bullet proof than most, but with the company Holden gone. Part's are likely to become scarce in the future and this is why this retains the number 6 spot on our list. You can score a decent one for less than $20,000.00.
#5 BA Ford Falcon XR6 turbo
Coming in just slightly ahead of the Commodore is the Ford Falcon with the iconic Barra turbo motor. Because of the Turbo straight 6 being a go to for easy mods and big HP it beats out it's bigger v8 brother to make it on this list. Now this is a hard one for prices as ones come up with 47 owners and and a big ol wutang war whistle for cheap every so often, but a good example will set you back 16-20k.
#4 Nissan Safari/Patrol TD42 turbo
The weekend warrior for off roading and pulling your mates out of mud. With the TD42 Turbo Diesel pushing 120KW and 330nm of torque this is one off roader you can see doing 500,000kms plus and appreciating in value while you rack up the kilometers. A decent example will set you back around $20,000 but watch out for either the government banning it as she is a coal burner or a climate change activist deflating your tyres.
#3 Mazda MPS
The Mazda MPS is definitely a future classic judging by what has happened with the rest of the JDM legends. Pushing 260hp and a lot of fun to boot. This hot Hatch will set you back $16,000 for a decent example. Just watch out for timing chain issues and be prepared to do a turbo rebuild every so often.
#2 Subaru WRX 1998-2000 EJ207
Remember this list isn't about the best future classics to buy now. this is about the affordable versions of them. Well the V5 or V6 JDM WRX with the Ej207 running gear from factory is one cool odd ball WRX. Basically having the same engine as the WRX STI with a few minor differences for quality of life this WRX boasts an impressive 280hp using a vf29 to do the hard yakka vs its sti brother with a vf30. The other major difference apart from the badges is the gearbox The JDM wrx version having a longer ratio than it's short ratio hard boosting brother. Expect to pay around $20,000 for a nice example, but it may be a long hard hunt!
#1 Nissan Skyline R33 GTS25t Manual
Coming in at number 1 one of the most controversial entries into this list. Have you ever considered sailing the seven seas in your Nissan boat. The ugly duckling of the Skyline Family the R33 Series 2 GTS25t factory manual came with one of the most fun baseline motors from the JDM market. Because RB Tax has become a real thing and these are now fetching more than 45k at some auctions in Japan. Why not pick one up in New Zealand for a modest $30-35k for 247 hp and one of the best sounding revving engine out there. With only 13521 S2 available in the word and another 5294 s2.5 made and 60% of these gone to either rust, a chop shop or being wrapped round a pole this is one car to grab and let the RB tax become an investment.