10 cheap cars you should buy now before everyone realises they're classics

For many of us, watching the so-called cheap classic Fords and Holdens that we parted with for a couple of grand many years ago now changing hands for six-figure sums can be triggering. If you’ve ever scrolled through online classified listings and seen models that you once couldn’t give away now commanding premium prices, you’re not alone.

So what’s coming next? Which cars are going to reverse their resale dive? While the list below may not look like it holds a lot of appeal right now, the buy-in price is right, and in another 10 years the demand for these models could be very different.

Of course, it pays to keep in mind that time and trends could result in very different future outcomes, and automobiles as an investment, with the need to be kept maintained and out of the weather, aren’t always a reliable way to build a retirement fund.

Ford Falcon BA XR6 Turbo

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The moment has passed for the AU Falcon, and values are headed north already. The BA is already trending upwards too, but there’s still time to grab a bargain.

As the first in a new performance era for the Falcon, the turbocharged XR6 is going to follow in the footsteps of just about every performance Falc and Commodore before it. Better (or perhaps, worse) still, being common, cheap and favoured by some less-than-highly skilled drivers means numbers will decline steadily.

A tidy car in one of the Falcon’s more exciting colours with an engine number that matches what it left the factory with won’t be an easy thing to come across years from now.

Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ

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As a cheap track toy, the 86 and BRZ will follow the path of models like the Nissan Silvia: too good not to race or drift, but not good enough to keep pristine and factory fresh.

Numbers are plentiful right now, but modified examples vary from tastefully tweaked (and reversible) to outlandish and potentially unsalvageable. If you can find a rare example owned by a little old lady – and they are out there – perhaps with a genuine accessory or two, you’re on the right path to a cheap winner.

Nissan Y62 Patrol

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Being the last of something, just like the first of something, always tends to impact collectability. The Y62-generation Patrol, which is both the first and last model to feature a V8 engine, ticks both boxes.

Just like the V8-powered 200 Series LandCruiser, which enjoyed buoyant values after it was replaced with the V6 300 Series, Nissan’s switch to a turbocharged V6 for the Y63 Patrol stands the current generation in good stead. They are a little more than pocket change right now, but there are some fantastically underworked, suburban-owned cars that would make for a smart starting point.

Mercedes-AMG C63

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The character of the C63 fundamentally shifted when Mercedes switched to turbocharged engines, so the last naturally aspirated example is sure to become a thing of legend. Nothing sounds quite like that 6.2-litre V8 at full noise, and the free-revving authenticity it offers is only going to become more sought after.

If you’re new to European cars, the world of Mercedes-Benz maintenance isn’t always cost-effective, so rather than looking for the outright cheapest car now, shop for something with a solid service history. As something of a pro tip, if you can find a wagon instead of a sedan or coupe, it’ll be the smarter buy down the track.

Subaru Impreza WRX

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As the first-generation Subaru Impreza WRX moves into untouchable territory, its successors start climbing the range of collectability. The ship may have already sailed for the early second-gen ‘bug eye’ cars, but the third-gen Impreza is a fantastic purchase at the moment.

Third-generation cars rectified the styling woes of their predecessors and offered a hatchback body style that has since disappeared from the WRX line-up, making these the ones to hone in on. 

Nissan 370Z

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Nissan’s Z-car renaissance started with the 350Z in 2002, but its replacement in 2009, the 370Z, could be the one to watch. The 370Z’s relative simplicity compared to the eponymous Z that replaced it makes it the pick for purists.

An example of the ‘last of the line’ theory, Nissan’s last naturally aspirated sports car offers an accessible entry point right now, and like other enthusiast-focused models, won’t survive unscathed, with over-eager novice drivers thinning the herd over the years.

Honda Civic Type R

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The eighth-generation Type R isn’t the most sought-after among Honda fans, with a switch to ‘simpler’ torsion beam rear suspension seen as a backwards step compared to its double-wishbone predecessor.

That ignores the fact that Honda tuned the eighth-gen to be a Type R, and it joined notable cars like the Renault Megane RS in having absolutely excellent driving dynamics. It was also the last naturally aspirated Type R, cementing its place in history.

Lexus IS F

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The Lexus IS F flew under the radar when it arrived. It wasn’t considered as evocative or capable compared to the might of AMG and BMW’s M range. Of course, the no-compromise approach to Lexus development meant that the 5.0-litre engine was one of the most praiseworthy in its class.

Appreciation for this model is already taking hold. They’re not as common as their rivals, and not as cheap as some of the other cars on this list, but they offer a gateway into a solid vehicle you could potentially enjoy today without breaking the bank on upkeep as values head north.

Mazda NC MX-5

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The best thing about the Mazda MX-5 is that no MX-5 is a bad MX-5. On the enthusiast scale, the NC is often seen as a low spot, but even then, it hardly disappoints. Right now the market is hungry for the NA and NB generations, making the NC a great buy-in model.

Look out for special editions over the model’s lifespan, and a couple of interesting specification choices in terms of colour and trim. A car with two-tone trim or a tan roof will be sure to spark interest years from now.

Volkswagen Golf GTI manual

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They really don’t make them like they used to. In the case of the Volkswagen Golf, that means a three-door body and a manual transmission. The Mk6 and Mk7 generations offered both features, which VW has since abandoned, so chase them. In a positive sign, manual Golfs are already starting to command a premium over their auto equivalents.

A five-door wouldn’t be a bad buy either, but the holy grail could be the Mk7.5 GTI Original – three-door, manual and with less equipment but a closer link to the GTI’s hot hatch past.