Buy, drive it 5 years, sell it for a profit.

Most buy their dream machine and then are totally disappointed in the performance. They then get rid of the car.

 

Delorean. I think it can only get up to 88 mph. total headache car that many lust after. One little dent and you need a specialist. Poor quality materials, a crappy Volvo engine that means like the Exxon Valdez.

Btw I think all Alfa spiders are going for stupid prices today. Being swept up in the "Italian car" thing.

 

M3 E36, M5 E34

I am of the generation that had a childhood in the 90s. Basically everything that we lusted after growing up has already shot up in price. Fun to see childhood dreams get too unreasonable (I need SOME common sense even with sportscar purchases)!

 

May be true for some, but I know a lot of guys who are having time of their lives when they finally get their (performance wise outdated) dream car.

 

I'll try my hand at a few . . .

Lancia Fulvia (Fanalones have already climbed, other versions still reasonable)
M-B 560SL (preferably a Euro version)
M-B 500E
Porsche 914 2.0 (though they've already climbed a bit)
BMW Z3 coupe

 

What do you guys think on the british roadsters such as MGB's TR6's? I know the TR3's and 4's have popped a little bit.

 

Up and still climbing. 348's are still a deal.

 

Another one may be the 912.

 

V8 Esprit

 

911SC
Lotus Turbo Esprits are a steal
RX-7 underappreciated vs Supra.
360 stick
+1 on the Viper

NSX and 550 left the station already.

I don't think the 996 turbo will do all that well. Unloved in its day.
If you get one get the X50 option or Turbo S. NO AUTOMATTIC.
GT2s left the station as well but I'm trying to catch the caboose

 

Personally I LOVE them ! My first car was a well worn MGB-GT.
I'd like a TR6.
But is there enough people to drive and hold up the market ?
Just for grins searched for Austin Healey 3000s the other day. Prices have not moved in years.

 

AM is a strange bird. Never liked the jelly bean DB7.
The vanquish had 1/4 the production of the 550/575 yet gets little love. AM a better more exoitic car IMO.
Sweet spot 04 SDP cars is where I would buy.

 

Just did this very thing with a 944S2. The uptick in value paid for the maintenance I did as its owner.

 

I agree with the M3. Even the newer E9x generation. So far it's the only one with a V8. Buy one now and at least break even if not make a profit five years from now.

 

I never understood the esprit market either. They are a very rare car to see on the road anymore, but still a looker. I really like them. I think they should be worth more then they are.

 

The 92 (first year) vipers seem very cheap here considering only 250 were made

 

Agreed. Our generation is coming of age and all of the cars I lusted over have risen in price the last few years: NSX, Supra, e36 and e46 M3's... the e30's are ridiculous right now!

I have the e92 and plan to keep it forever. First v8 and last naturally aspirated M3 coupe (now they're turbo m4's). Can't believe you can find some in the $35K range now.

 

lotus elise, inexpesive to run too.
e46 m3, but where can you find a good unmolested one.
Agreed on the nsx.
good cts v

 

I think it's a uniquely American issue. Most Esprits are worth 2X-4X as much in other countries as they are in North America. I think it is a combination of Americans' general lack of awareness of Lotus, and the American cultural "need" to have a V8.

Americans are finally starting to pay more for early Esprits, about ten years behind the U.K., Europe, South America, and Japan on the appreciation curve. I think this is because a new crop of American enthusiasts are entering the market, and U.S. dealers are catering to the international demand for these cars, so the American buyer is now having to compete with the international buyer. I've seen many, many Esprit S1s and S2s leave the U.S. to go to another country where they are more appreciated. Our loss, their gain.

The Giugiaro Turbos are now rising in value globally . . . give the U.S. Esprit market its usual 7-10 year lag . . .

 

I'm glad we realized early that the 928 is not worth the investment.

A friend of mine is a service tech at Porsche and says not even the dealer will work on the 928!

 

My son just bought a like new E92 even though IMO a F82 with the discounts I had arranged (10K) were a better short term deal. Indeed the last of the ripping V-8s.

Still a lot of depreciation left in the E90/92s.

 

Bottom line now is a great time as they are at the rock bottom of depreciation.
These cars are just plain cool in a primitive way like older Ferraris.

 

Elise is a great bet. Nothing else like it.

Not sure any of these will ever be collectibles.

The 308/328 are the last hand-finished Ferraris. Can't really be replaced, so I suspect prices will hold.

The Lotus Elise/Exige is simply a unique type of pure sports car and relatively rare and exotic -- hard to think those would ever be cheaper. The only thing keeping one out of my garage is the lack of space.

 

M3 V-8 Manuals ?