Looking to purchase a vehicle that will serve as both transportation and a potential investment? We have some concepts.
Most cars eventually lose money, which is a well accepted truth. We say "most" because certain vehicles buck this tendency, increasing in value as time goes on and their marketability rises, either making their owners a tidy sum at sale time or at the very least covering their own maintenance.
We should begin this guide by stating that the best investment car to buy is the one you want to own. The most successful collectors of anything, including art, wine, watches, and cars, advise that the best object to buy is one you love because, even if its value decreases rather than increases, you will still have enjoyed owning it.
This article should be read with the understanding that there is no assurance that any or all of the vehicles on this list won't experience financial loss over time. As demonstrated recently, the auto industry is unpredictable, and it is still unclear how the upcoming ban on the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles will affect the used car market.
With that considered, here are 10 vehicles that could be a wise investment, especially if you acquire them for personal reasons.
1. Lotus Elise S1 ( 1996 - 2001 )
1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol, 120 hp
0-60 mph 6.1 seconds
Top speed of 126 mph
The original Lotus Elise, one of the best-handling vehicles ever produced, had a ground-breaking extruded and bonded aluminum frame that not only maintained the vehicle's weight well below 800 kg but also showed the rest of the auto industry how to construct vehicles out of aluminum.
Don't think you won't fit in just because you're tall; the Elise delivered a near-telepathic connection to the road while simultaneously being a masterclass in packing and ergonomics.
Prices start at about £16,000, but think about having any prospective purchase examined by a professional because an aluminum tub can be quite challenging to restore after damage.
2.Audi R8 Mk1 (2006-2014)
4.2 V8, 420hp
0-62mph 4.6 seconds
Top speed 187mph
The original Audi R8 was that uncommon creature: a real supercar you could use on a daily basis. Power was provided by a 4.2-liter V8 and later a 5.0-liter V10, and a Spyder convertible was also available (which is tight for taller drivers).
The 4.2-liter coupe with a manual transmission is the version we'd choose because it's relatively uncommon compared to automatics and the gated manual shifter is fun to operate and adds to the R8's personality.
A manual V8 R8 will cost you at least £36,000, and like any performance vehicle, you should be ruthless when examining its history and condition. You should also think about getting an independent inspection.
3. BMW M3 E92 (2007-2013)
4.0-litre V8, 420hp
0-62mph 4.6 seconds
Top speed 155mph
Why is there just one generation of the BMW M3 without the company's renowned straight-six engine when there are six available? The E92 stands out as being somewhat unique because it is the only V8 M3, and you can pick between coupe, convertible, or saloon forms. Prices are now on the fair side.
The M3 requires meticulous maintenance; budget more than this and purchase a vehicle with a full service history from either BMW or a reputable M car specialist. High-mileage examples start at roughly £15,000. Additionally, confirm that all fluids and maintenance needs have been met on schedule.
4. Renault Avantime (2001-2003)
3.0-litre V6, 210hp
0-60mph 9.2 seconds
Top speed 134mph
Renault's Avantime was a massive sales failure, but this opulent coupe based on the Espace people carrier is brimming with character and rarity. Although fewer than 9,000 Avantimes were made in total, there is still likely to be a market for the vehicles because Avantime devotees are a devoted group.
There are two available engines, although the 3.0 liter V6 with an automated transmission may better fit the personality of the Avantime than the 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder. So take a seat back in the captain's chair-style driver's seat, press the button that opens the panoramic sunroof and all four windows, and take in the unusualness of it all.
Due to their rarity (we only identified two Avantimes for sale), prices are difficult to estimate, but £6,500 seems to be the starting point for decent examples. However, do refer to specific buyers' recommendations as there are a few things to watch out for.
5. Mercedes SL R129 (1989-2000)
5.0-litre V8, 320hp
0-62mph 6.5 seconds
Top speed 155mph
The R129 Mercedes SL epitomizes an overengineered Mercedes from the late 20th century and is nevertheless sufficiently advanced to be driven every day without any difficulty and in great comfort.
The 5.0-liter V8 SL 500 is undoubtedly the best of the group. It is a soft-top grand tourer in the traditional form, with an engine range from a 2.8-litre straight six to the extremely rare 7.3-litre V12 of the SL 73 AMG. While reasonably priced, decent-condition SL500s with moderate mileage start at around £20,000, the retractable metal roof and optional rear seats are options to keep an eye out for.
6. Toyota GR Yaris
1.6-litre three-cylinder, 261hp
0-62mph 5.5 seconds
Top speed 142mph
It would be an understatement to say that the Toyota GR Yaris received fantastic reviews. This four-wheel-drive, rally-bred hot hatch impressed testers with its grip, engagement, and raw competence.
Don't assume that the GR Yaris and the sensible hybrid supermini have anything in common despite the fact that both vehicles carry the same name. The GR has two less doors and is constructed on a distinct mechanical basis. Starting at about £32,000 for the coveted (and popular) Circuit Pack model, used values are constant.
7. Porsche 911 997 Carrera S
3.8-litre flat-six, 355hp
0-62mph 4.8 seconds
Top speed 182mph
There are so many various Porsche 911 models available that making a decision can be confusing, but the 997 model fixes the contentious "runny egg" headlights of the preceding 996 model while also being reasonably affordable.
The 355hp Carrera 2 should have all the power you require, with a top speed of 186 mph and a 0-62 mph time of just 4.8 seconds. Rarer models are undoubtedly more coveted, but a 2005 Carrera 2 with 65,000 miles costs roughly £27,000, which is a reasonably low investment for a Porsche that may appreciate in value.
8. Alpine A110
1.8-litre four-cylinder, 252hp
0-62mph 4.5 seconds
Top speed 155mph
The Alpine A110, which has an aluminum body and weighs about 1,102 kg despite satisfying modern safety regulations (a Porsche Cayman is about 300 kg heavier), is probably the Lotus Elise's spiritual successor. It has just the proper amount of power for practical use on the road.
The A110's excellent handling and reasonably affordable pricing only serve to increase its popularity. Early 2018 vehicles start at roughly £46,000, or around £4,000 less than the price of a brand-new model.
9. Vauxhall Monaro
5.-7 liter V8, 354 hp
0-60 mph 6 seconds,
Top speed 160mph
The Vauxhall Monaro is an unpredictable vehicle. First of all, it's a Vauxhall with a massive 5.7-liter V8 under the hood, and secondly, while having significant CO2 emissions that make taxing it very expensive, it actually complies with London's ULEZ and other emission zones.
But even with such a fair qualification, you shouldn't buy the Monaro. Instead, think about the allure of a vintage V8 muscle car with the added benefit of back seats. Despite the Monaro's scarcity and long-term price increases, you can currently buy a 2006 model with 60,000 miles for about £13,500.
10. Honda Integra Type R DC2
1.8-litre four-cylinder, 190hp
0-60mph 6.2 seconds
Top speed 145mph
The Integra Type R is widely regarded as one of the best front-wheel-drive vehicles ever in terms of handling. It is also famed for its rev-hungry 1.8-liter engine with variable valve timing, which starts operating at 6,000 rpm and peaks at 8,000 rpm before reaching the red line at 9,000 rpm.
The DC2 has a lot of character thanks to its high-revving engine, but its engineering prowess is also evident in its precise handling, high levels of grip, and sheer heritage. Although costs have been rising for some time, a Type R with 70,000 miles can still be found for under £16,000.
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