Top 10: Future Classics You Can Afford Now

[Samantha567]

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

 

[Samantha567]

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

 

[Samantha567]

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

 

[Samantha567]

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

 

[Samantha567]

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

 

[Samantha567]

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

 

[Samantha567]

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

 

[Samantha567]

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

 

[Samantha567]

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

 

[Samantha567]

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