Many people have a romantic notion of collecting an older car, restoring it, and enjoying it. In many cases, they also hope to sell it on for a profit as it becomes more collectible. Sadly, once they get that mass of metal and rust into their garage, many realize that it can be remarkably hard to “flip” the vehicle. Not only that: not many know the joys of smelling exhaust, oil, and gasoline as they drive. Modern cars (usually) don’t smell that way.
In addition, these older classic vehicles are a pain to drive daily, and many lack creature comforts that many have grown accustomed to. Everyone loves a good underdog story, especially in the car world. While most “future classics” are expensive supercars locked in climate-controlled garages, there’s a growing crop of everyday vehicles that could be tomorrow’s blue-chip collectibles. Best of all? You can still find them today without taking out a second mortgage.
Here are three inexpensive used cars that have the right mix of design, performance, cultural significance, and nostalgia; traits that might make them valuable classics in the years ahead.
Mazda
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata (ND, 2016–2023)
A little roadster with big future potential.
From $18,000 – about $30,000
Keep in mind: There are four generations of the Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA, NB, NC, ND) produced since 1989, with the current fourth-generation (ND) model introduced in 2015 for the 2016 model year, continuing its legacy as the best-selling roadster ever. Think of them as a mix of British/Italian old-school roadster, mixed with solid Japanese engineering. Outstanding in almost every regard.
It’s hard to argue with the enduring appeal of the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The ND generation (introduced in 2016) might be one of the best. Lightweight, rear-drive, and pure fun, it’s what so many enthusiasts grew up dreaming about. No big horsepower figure, no complicated turbos, just perfect balance and communicative handling.
Easy to modify, update, and repair, the ND Miata is an outstanding driver that has worldwide appeal.
Why it might be a classic:
- Iconic design, timeless proportions
- Pure driving experience that outclasses most modern sports cars twice the price
- Strong enthusiast support and aftermarket community
- Relatively low production cost, meaning used prices are still affordable
It’s not just nostalgia; this generation feels like a spiritual continuation of the original Miata ethos. In 10–15 years, clean, low-mile examples could be highly sought after by collectors who grew up with them. Stay tuned for the end of this post, as there’s an interesting relative of the Miata that deserves a bit of praise as well.
2. Ford Mustang GT (2011–2014 5.0 V8)
A classic formula that never gets old.
From about $13,000 up to the mid $20,000 range. Convertibles and special editions can be more.
The Mustang’s history is filled with hits and misses, but the 2011–2014 Mustang GT with the 5.0-liter “Coyote” V8 is a modern legend. It brought back the classic naturally aspirated V8 in a way that felt honest and robust: raw muscle with modern reliability. The sound alone is worth the price of admission.
Aftermarket supplies are through the roof with most Mustangs, and this generation is quite popular with the tuner crowd. Once again, it’s about that Coyote V8. Now, there are V6s and, later on, I4 turbos – all of which have some potential, but it’s the V8 that most buyers will be looking for. Additionally, manual transmissions (which are slightly harder to find) are the most collectible. The same goes for convertibles in some markets.
Why it might be a classic:
- Massive cultural cachet: the Mustang is already a legend
- Big, happy V8 sound people still crave
- Strong aftermarket and racing heritage
- Affordable now: you can find nice examples under market value
Unlike many modern performance cars that rely on forced induction and complicated electronics, this Mustang GT is about big engine feel and simple fun. Decades from now, it might well be seen as one of the last great naturally aspirated American V8s.
3. BMW E46 3-Series (M3 and select 330i/325i)
German precision with character to spare.
Under $10,000 for high-mileage or less desirable models to over $30,000, even $50k+, for pristine, low-mileage M3s.
If you ask most car lovers what their dream classic is, the BMW E46 3-Series will be near the top of the list. Especially in M3 form, but also in the sweet-spotted non-M variants with the sexy straight-six engines, this generation strikes an incredible balance of performance, handling, and everyday usability.
Related: This Ultra-Rare Lamborghini Urus Was Only Offered to 40 People—and One Is for Sale
In some ways, I see the E46 as a German take on what makes the Miata and Mustang great: balance, performance, and fun. Sure, it’s not as carefree as the Miata, nor is it as uncivilized as the Mustang; it’s more mature, yet all of them are a hoot to drive. Not just the M3.
Why it might be a classic:
- Near-perfect driver’s car reputation
- Beautiful proportions that still look timeless
- Legendary straight-six engines with character
- Huge enthusiast and tuning community
Today, these are still priced within reach for many enthusiasts, and that’s exactly what makes them exciting. As clean, original E46s become rarer, desirable manual-transmission examples could climb significantly in value.
Bonus! The 2016 Fiat 124
Prices can range from $15,000 to the mid $20,000-range. Abarth models are at the high end.
It’s not exactly a full Fiat, nor is it a Miata – some call it a “Fiatta.”
The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider used a 1.4L MultiAir turbocharged four-cylinder engine, available in two power outputs: 160 hp (Classica, Lusso) or 164 hp (Abarth), both with 184 lb-ft of torque, paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, driving the rear wheels for a fun, efficient roadster experience.
Related: As BMW Takes Over Alpina, These Cars Defined the Brand
Why it might be a classic:
- While it shares a platform with the Miata, the MultiAir engine is all Italian, and sweet
- It has an Italian-centric interior design, with nice materials
- They are pretty rare, yet most parts are easy to source
- Well balanced, fun to drive, and not very common to see
BMW
What Makes a Future Classic?
Not every old car becomes valuable, and not every valuable car was expensive to begin with. What these three share is:
- Strong emotional appeal – people remember them fondly
- Engaging driving experience – not just straight-line speed
- Cultural significance – they tell a story about their era
- Reasonable numbers – enough exist to matter, but special examples are rare
Classic car status isn’t guaranteed, but these models tick a lot of boxes, and they’re still affordable enough today that you can enjoy them before everyone else catches on.
BMW
Final Thoughts
If you’d told me 15 years ago that a Miata or a 3-Series sedan would someday be more collectible than a supercar, I might have laughed. But trends shift, nostalgia deepens, and the enthusiast market respects character above all.
So if you’ve been eyeing one of these models, or heard the old “buy, hold, and park” advice from salty gearheads, now might be the perfect time to act. Better still: if you want a driver that could appreciate in the near future, one of these might be your ride.
