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5 Ways To Own A Classic For Under $10K

Without even taking into account maintenance and modification, a classic car can often seem like a daunting purchase that your wallet can’t weather. That’s not always the case, though. If you know what to look for, there are vintage models on the market that are plentiful, affordable, and relatively easy to keep running.

This latest crop of cheap models that are heating up includes a good mix of cars, trucks, and SUVs. The valuation experts at Hagerty® stack up these hot and affordable up-andcomers using the Hagerty Vehicle Rating, a 0–100 measurement of a vehicle’s performance relative to the market. If you want to get in on the action, it’s best to act sooner rather than later. 1983-1992 Volkswagen Golf Mk II Average value in #3 (good) condition: $5092 The boxy body, simple mechanicals, and nimble handling make it as fun to own and eager to hustle as it was back in the day. Prices have consistently been going up these last few years, so for now they’re not getting cheaper.

1983-1992 Volkswagen Golf Mk II Average value in #3 (good) condition: $5092 The boxy body, simple mechanicals, and nimble handling make it as fun to own and eager to hustle as it was back in the day. Prices have consistently been going up these last few years, so for now they’re not getting cheaper.

1984-1993 BMW 3-Series (E30) Average value in #3 (good) condition: $9,814 Now that the high-powered, racing-derived M3 version has been way out of this price range for quite a while now, prices on the more pedestrian E30 cars are creeping up. Convertible prices tend to be a little cheaper, and if you can get a hold of a clean all-wheel-drive model (the 325iX) you should definitely consider adding it to your stable.

1967-1972 Chevrolet Suburban Average value in #3 (good) condition: $9,836 The Suburban is bound to be off this under-$10K list soon, especially as prices on vintage SUVs across the board are on the rise. And whether you go two- or four-wheel drive, the trusty ‘Burban will make you want to hit the highway with all your gear and get away for awhile.

1977-1988 Porsche 924 Average value in #3 (good) condition: $7,945 Envisioned originally as a VW/Audi sports car that Porsche eventually picked up and billed as a replacement for the 914 and 912E, the 924 is most certainly an entry-level Porsche.

They were affordable then, and right now they are still, but this low bar for entry into the Porsche world might not last long as once-derided untouchables like the Boxster and 996- generation 911 are also losing some of their stigma. 1973-1979 Ford F-Series Average value in #3 (good) condition: $6,291 Trucks are hot, and the F-Series isn’t immune to the fervor. This sixth generation F-Series got a major styling overhaul for ’73, recognizable by the side marker lights and turn signals mounted above the headlights. The mid-‘70s saw bigger V-8 engines as the 360 and 390 turned into the 351-, 400-, and 460-cubic-inch motors. These things are climbing—quotes are up 12 percent in the last year, and the number of vehicles added to policies over the same period is up 36 percent.