12 Cars Going Up In Value: A Complete Guide

You have your eye on a BMW but are hesitant to buy one because of how much it will depreciate each month, or you may enjoy driving an Aston Martin but worry about the expense of upkeep.

You should seriously consider investing your money in an automobile that will increase in value rather than lose weight. You could enjoy years of depreciation-free driving if you choose the proper model. While the majority of cars lose value with time, some do.

While it might be difficult to anticipate which new models will stand the test of time and which will wind up in the scrap heap, automobiles that will be worth more decades later frequently have several things in common. They often have devoted following, unique design characteristics, and are rare.

12 Cars That Will Increase In Value

1.    Land Rover Defender

Sometimes a car comes along that is the ideal tool for a specific function, making it very challenging for any other manufacturer to enter and seize its market share. One such automobile is the first Land Rover Defender.

For decades, rural residents, farmers, and even some city inhabitants have admired the Defender, admiring its toughness, usability, and capacity to complete tasks in any environment.

There was grand celebration and nostalgia when production ended in 2016, but the replacement product was released to the market in 2020. The original was still in high demand, and a void needed to be filled.

Land Rover Defender 2023 SUV exterior shown.

Although the new model has been released, the value of the older models is still rising. Another one is uncommon in the USA due to importation restrictions, but many are already over 25 years old. Although it is an icon, the car is undoubtedly an off-roader.

2.    Porsche 911

Numerous auto aficionados have always favored the 911, and the value of vintage 911s has skyrocketed. However, more recent 911s, including versions that weren’t initially popular, like the 996, are now joining the appreciation trend.

The 911 is the ideal sports car from the perspective of Porsche fans. Used every day and appropriate for all situations. From the Carrera to the Turbo and even the special editions, various models suit everyone.

The 996 is a fantastic entry-level Porsche, and the 997 is likewise exhibiting evidence that it has already reached the bottom of its depreciation curve.

3.    Honda S2000

In 1995, this excellent Japanese two-seat roadster first caught our attention as a concept car. It was later made commercially available in 1999. Throughout its ten-year production cycle, it proved to be incredibly popular, and it still is today.

The early automobiles had a 2L 4-cylinder engine, replaced in 2004 with a 2.2L engine delivering 237 horsepower. The car had a 50:50 weight distribution and was equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission. It’s obvious why it was well-liked.

4.    Jaguar E-Type

The Jaguar E-Type, also known as the Jaguar XK-E in North America, is arguably Jaguar’s most well-known model and is regarded as one of the most elegant and attractive vehicles ever made. Therefore, it is not surprising that values have been increasing for a while. The E-Type was introduced in 1961 and produced for 14 years in various forms.

Jaguar E-PACE 300 dashboard shown.

The older models had a 3.8L or 4.2L straight-six engine, while Series 3 vehicles built between 1971 and 1974 had a 5.3L V12 engine with 272 horsepower. Not shabby for the time.

Since there were many produced, valuations have changed over the years. However, in general, you may anticipate their appreciation.

It would be best if you didn’t let the fact that later models are more affordable and less common deter you from purchasing one. If you prefer working on automobiles yourself, there are also many prospects for restoration projects; a common barn discovery is the E-Type.

5.    Lancia Delta HF Integrale Evoluzione

The interest of investors and automotive enthusiasts is sure to be piqued by any vehicle with a lengthy rallying history like the Delta’s.

The Integrale and the S4 that came before it experienced precisely what was predicted. It was so successful at the World Rally Championships that many people believe it to be the best rally car ever constructed. The six consecutive championship titles demonstrate that.

The Evoluzione (or Evo) and Evo II, to be the final rally-bred Deltas, although the latter did not participate in the World Rally Championship, were initially unveiled in 1991 and 1993, respectively.

Due to their extreme rarity, Evo I and Evo II cars will always be highly valued. Additionally, many of them were altered by owners throughout the years, making it even harder to find original examples. Originals will always be worth considerably more than their molested equivalents.

As long as the Delta is older than 25 years old, importing one into the USA is now permissible. Due to the nation’s stringent “safety” standards, the US market previously lost out on the Delta craze.

6.    Porsche 944

Porsche purists long hated the 944, yet it is now acknowledged as one of the most significant vehicles in the brand’s history.

The 944 had been relatively inexpensive for much of the 2000s and early 2010s, with many ending up in the wrong hands and leaving the market, but recently it has seen a quick increase.

Compared to today’s cars, it is lightweight, compact, and provides a pleasurable ownership experience. Most spare parts are still readily available and are generally regarded as trustworthy. Rather than using the regular 2.5L engine, Porsche introduced the 944 S2 in 1989. Today, this model is still the one to choose from.

7.    BMW 1M

New cars seldom avoid depreciation right away from the dealership, but the 1M did. And it took a little while for their value to increase gradually.

Close up photo of BMW 1M engine.

The 1M’s small production run of only about 6,300 vehicles, along with its famous handling and firm performance, were the primary factors in the car’s success. One of the best driving experiences may be had with the 1M. The 1M will cost you at least £10k ($14k) more today than it would have if you purchased it brand-new in 2011 or 2012

8.    Volkswagen Golf GTI

While not the very first hot hatchback, the first Golf GTI was unquestionably the one that got people’s attention when it was introduced in 1976. It’s not surprising that it gained such a following today, as the MK1 and MK2 Golf GTI values have been rising for some time.

9.    Mini Cooper

In post-war Britain and other countries, the Mini Cooper became a symbol of popular culture. It was simple to own, consumed little fuel, and, most importantly, was fun to drive. The iconic Mini Cooper, produced for almost 40 years, managed to keep its following far into the 21st century while retaining it in the second part of the 20th century.

Even some of the BMW Mini Cooper and Cooper S models manufactured from 2001 onwards have the potential to improve in value. When the iconic Mini Cooper went out of production in the year 2000, it was still as popular as ever.

Likely, the value of a vintage Mini Cooper you’re considering purchasing will increase. It offers a terrific ownership experience and is a great place to invest money.

10.    Ford Mustang

The Mustang is undoubtedly one of America’s most well-known and beloved muscle vehicles.

Since the introduction of the first generation Mustang in the 1960s, many models and modifications have been produced. The classic models are typically a good choice if you want a Mustang that will appreciate the value or, at the very least, keep its worth.

Many Mustangs have been produced during their 55+ year production run, but a select few, like the Boss 429 and Boss 302, have emerged as more collectible than others.

Even in the millions of dollars, some Mustangs are valued. But it would be best to exercise caution at the lower end of the market, where specific consumers will require gentle, loving care. The amount of work needed could outweigh any potential appreciation gains.

11.    Honda / Acura NSX

A vehicle with pure racing roots was the first Honda NSX sold as an Acura NSX in North America. It was created to compete with the European (i.e., Italian) supercars of the day and arrived with the approval of none other than F1 great Ayrton Senna.

2021 Acura NSX coupe exterior.

Throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, the NSX proved to be quite popular. In 2002, the pop-up headlights were removed as part of a makeover (terrible decision). In recent years, the value of the first-generation NSX has increased and is still rising. Car fans worldwide know it was indeed the pinnacle of automotive perfection.

12.    Daimler V8 250

Starting in 1962 and continuing through 1969, the Daimler 250 V8 was produced. Following Jaguar’s acquisition of the company in 1960 and subsequently renaming it Jaguar, it was the last automobile to utilize a Daimler engine. The unit body and Jaguar platform were used in a Daimler vehicle for the first time.

Prices for Daimler V8 250s start closer to $10,000, and beauty costs $25,000 or more. The price of a show-quality vehicle will be double that.

What Cars Appreciate The Most?

Although most cars lose value over time, others do. Although it’s not always simple to forecast which new models will go down in history as classics and which will end up in the scrap heap, automobiles that will be valued more in decades to come sometimes have several traits in common.

They frequently possess first-of-their-kind design characteristics, are rare, and have a devoted following.

What Is The Best Car To Invest In?

Several car types available today retain their value and frequently increase over time, even though it is impossible to predict which cars will appreciate and be worth more in the future than they are now.

British and German classics

Foreign manufacturers produce some of the most desirable collector automobiles. These classic automobiles feature recognizable brands like Jaguar, Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche and are renowned for their efficiency, dependability, and capacity to hold their value.

Conclusion

We all experience concern when deciding to purchase a car about how much value it would lose in the coming months. Unfortunately, we don’t buy cars every few months, and given how expensive they are; it stings to see them depreciate.

Purchasing vehicles that may also serve as investments is wise in this situation. If you invest in a vehicle that increases in value rather than one that is anticipated to depreciate, you can use vehicles as investments.

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About Matthew Webb

Hi, I am Matthew! I am a dedicated car nerd! During the day, I am a journalist, at night I enjoy working on my 2 project cars. I have been a car nerd all my life, and am excited to share my knowledge with you!