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Smart Buys: Affordable Cars That Somehow Never Go Down In Price

Cameron Eittreim March 30, 2023

Some cars were once very expensive but are now affordable bargains. But when they’ve reached a certain point in time, they won’t depreciate anymore. They can actually become affordable cars like the 1998 Porsche Boxster and the Acura Integra, cars that fundamentally changed the game. These cars were everything that drivers wanted for the right price.

The Integra, in particular, defined the era of tuner cars and culture in the early 2000s. But many other cars made a great impression as well. The Toyota Land Cruiser, for example, is a versatile vehicle that holds its value no matter which generation you pick. We looked at several affordable cars that will never go down in price no matter how the automotive market fluctuates. Check out these incredibly smart buys below.

Porsche 911 Carrera RS
Photo Credit: Silodrone

1978-89 Porsche 911

The 1978-1989 Porsche 911 is a legendary sports car that has become an icon in the automotive world. With its sleek and timeless design, the Porsche 911 is instantly recognizable on the road. The rear-mounted engine and classic silhouette give it a unique driving experience (via Drive).

Porsche 911 Carrera RS
Photo Credit: STV ID

The interior of the car is also noteworthy, with a driver-focused cockpit and high-quality materials. The 1978-1989 Porsche 911 is a true classic and an icon in the automotive world, with a timeless design that continues to turn heads today.

Mazda RX-7
Photo Credit: Super Street Online

1993-95 Mazda RX-7

The 1993-95 Mazda RX-7 is known for its distinctive rotary engine. It was designed with a sleek and aerodynamic exterior, and its high-performance capabilities made it a popular choice for drivers who appreciated speed and precision. The RX-7 was equipped with advanced features, such as a twin-turbocharged rotary engine and a well-balanced chassis (via Motor Trend).

Mazda RX7 via Motor Junkie
Photo Credit: Mazda Life

The high-tech design contributed to its exceptional handling and agility on the road. Furthermore, its stylish and comfortable interior, coupled with its impressive performance, made it an all-around excellent sports car. The Mazda RX-7 has cemented its place in automotive history as one of the most beloved sports cars of the 1990s.

Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

1993-97 Toyota Land Cruiser

The 1993-97 Toyota Land Cruiser is a rugged and reliable SUV that has earned a reputation for its off-road capabilities and durability. With its solid construction and powerful engine, this vehicle is capable of handling even the toughest terrain. The Land Cruiser had the offroad capability and a functional interior (via New Car Review).

Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

The spacious interior provides plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it ideal for long road trips and outdoor adventures. With its timeless design and impressive performance, the Land Cruiser has become a favorite among drivers who demand both style and functionality in their vehicles.

Toyota MR2
Photo Credit: Toyota

1991-95 Toyota MR2 Turbo

The sleek, aerodynamic design and impressive performance capabilities made it a popular choice among driving enthusiasts. Equipped with a powerful turbocharged engine and advanced suspension system, the MR2 Turbo was capable of reaching high speeds and delivering a thrilling driving experience (via Car & Driver).

Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Additionally, its compact size and lightweight construction made it maneuverable and agile on the road. With its combination of style, speed, and dependability, it’s no wonder the MR2 turbo remains a beloved classic among car enthusiasts.

Photo Credit: BMW

2001.5-02 BMW M Roadster

The 2001.5-02 BMW roadster is a two-seater sports car that’s a blast to drive. The car’s body is compact and sleek with a convertible top that’s perfect for enjoying nice days. The hatchback design is unlike any other BMW from the same era. The five-passenger design and hatchback had a functional feel to them (via Auto Blog).

Photo Credit: Edmunds

Inside the car, the driver and passenger are treated to a comfortable and luxurious ride. There are plenty of amenities to keep the driver entertained. Overall, the 2001.5-02 BMW M roadster is a perfect choice for drivers who want a fun and exciting sports car that’s also practical and comfortable.

Photo Credit: Edmunds

2001-06 BMW M3

The 2001- 06 BMW M3 is a high-performance car that’s sure to impress car enthusiasts. The M3 features a powerful engine and responsive handling, making it a joy to drive. With its sleek and stylish design, the M3 is sure to turn heads wherever it goes (via Motor Trend).

Photo Credit: Edmunds

The short wheelbase and modern design were ahead of their time. The engine had a reliable design and the factory wheels added to the performance-oriented design. Whether you’re looking for a thrilling driving experience or just a reliable car to get you from point A to point B, the M3 is worth considering

Photo Credit: Motor Trend

1995-2001 Acura Integra GS-R

The 1995-2001 Integra GS-R was a sporty compact that gained a ton of popularity among driving enthusiasts. Equipped with a high-revving 1.8-liter engine that delivered 170 horsepower, the GS-R offered an exhilarating driving experience. The car’s handling was also impressive thanks to its stiff suspension and front-wheel-drive configuration (via Edmunds).

Photo Credit: Super Street Online

The GS-R’s sleek design and attention to detail in the interior made it stand out from other cars in its class. The Integra GS-R quickly gained a reputation for being reliable and long-lasting, making it a sought-after option for those in the market for a used sports car. Even though production ended over 20 years ago, the Integra GS-R still holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts.

Photo Credit: Edmunds

2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX

The 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX, also known as the Evo IX, is a highly-regarded sports sedan that has become a cult favorite among car enthusiasts. With a turbocharged engine capable of producing up to 286 horsepower and an all-wheel drive system, the EVO IX delivers impressive performance both on and off the track (via Car & Driver).

Photo Credit: Edmunds

Its sharp handling and responsive steering make it a joy to drive, while its aggressive styling and large spoiler gave it a distinctive look. The EVO IX also offers a spacious and comfortable interior, with features such as Recaro seats and a premium sound system. Its combination of power, handling, and comfort has made it a sought-after car for those looking for a thrilling driving experience.

Photo Credit: Wiki

2000-09 Honda S2000

The S2000 is a two-seat roadster from Honda. It was designed to be a modern take on the classic roadsters of the 1960s and it quickly gained a following among driving enthusiasts. The S2000 has a high-revving 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower (via Car & Driver).

Photo Credit: Wiki

The S2000 was also known for its responsive six-speed manual transmission, which made shifting gears a joy. Additionally, the S2000 featured a simple and elegant interior, with a driver-focused cockpit that put the controls within easy reach. Overall, the S2000 was a pure, thrilling sports car that offered a unique driving experience.

Photo Credit: Auto WP

1990-96 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo

The 1990-96 Nissan 300ZX twin turbo was an iconic sports car that took the world by storm with its sleek design and impressive performance. Equipped with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter v6 engine, this car was capable of producing up to 300 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful sports cars of its time. Its aerodynamic body and advanced suspension system also provided exceptional handling and stability, making it a favorite among driving enthusiasts (via Motor Trend).

Photo Credit: Auto WP

Additionally, the 300ZX Twin Turbo boasted several high-tech features. It had four-wheel steering and an advanced digital dashboard display. The classic design continues to influence the design of modern sports cars.

Photo Credit: Shannons Club

2006-2008 Audi RS4

The 2006-2008 Audi RS4 was equipped with a powerful 4.2-liter V8 engine capable of producing 420 horsepower. The RS4 was designed to be a high-performance sports car and was equipped with advanced technology and features. It was known for its exceptional handling and performance on the road (via Motor Trend).

Photo Credit: Muscle Car

The RS4 had excellent performance for a sedan, although it had a short wheelbase. With its sleek design and exceptional performance, the RS4 was a popular choice among car enthusiasts and remains a sought-after model to this day.

Photo Credit: Mecum

1978-86 Ford Bronco

The 1978-86 Bronco was a rugged and capable off-road vehicle that was popular with outdoor and off-road enthusiasts alike. The Bronco was known for its powerful engine and sturdy chassis, which allowed it to navigate rough terrain with ease. It also featured a spacious interior and plenty of cargo space, making it a practical choice for camping trips and outdoor adventures (via Car & Driver).

Photo Credit: Bring a Trailer

Despite its off-road prowess, the Bronco was also a comfortable and enjoyable vehicle to drive on the highway, with a smooth ride and responsive handling. Over the years, the Bronco has become a classic symbol of American ruggedness and adventure.

Photo Credit: Car and Driver

2004-06 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited “LJ”

The 2004-06 Wrangler Unlimited “LJ” is a popular choice among off-road enthusiasts. The LJ model is unique because it has a stretched wheelbase compared to the standard Wrangler, which results in improved stability and a more comfortable ride. The extra space in the LJ also means more cargo room and a more spacious interior, making it a more practical option for daily use (via Motor Biscuit).

Photo Credit: Wrangler Tj Forum

Furthermore, the LJ shares many parts with the standard Wrangler, which means that there are plenty of aftermarket options available to customize and upgrade the vehicle to your liking. Whether you’re looking to tackle tough trails or simply want a fun and versatile vehicle, the “LJ” is a solid choice.

Photo Credit: Hemmings

1991-93 GMC Syclone and Typhoon

The GMC Syclone and Typhoon were in production from 1991 to 1993. Both cars are high-performance versions of the GMC Sonoma and GMC Jimmy. These vehicles were known for their impressive acceleration and handling. Thanks to the turbocharged V6 engine and all-wheel drive system. The Syclone and Typhoon had an excellent design and groundbreaking technology (via Road & Track).

Photo Credit: Bring a Trailer

The Syclone, in particular, was able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. Making it one of the fastest production trucks of its time. The Typhoon was similarly impressive, with its sleek styling and powerful performance. Despite their short production run, the Syclone and Typhoon have remained popular. Many consider them to be the most iconic and groundbreaking vehicles of the early 1990s.

Photo Credit: Car and Driver

2000-2005 Porsche Boxster S

The 2000-05 Boxster S was a highly sought-after sports car. It featured a mid-engine layout, which provided excellent balance and handling. The Boxster S was powered by a 3.2-liter flat-six engine that produced 250 horsepower and 225 lb.-ft of torque. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds and had a top speed of 165 mph. The Boxster S was also equipped with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic transmission (via Car & Driver).

Photo Credit: Auto Evolution

Despite its high performance, the Boxster S was also a practical car, with a spacious interior and a large trunk. Overall, the 2000-05 Porsche Boxster S was a well-rounded and thrilling sports car that provided an exceptional driving experience. Although other cars from this era provided more fun, the Boxster broke the mold. The Boxster had one of the best exterior designs of a modern Porsche.

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