For Less Than $20,000, You Can Buy One of These Classic American Cars
There’s no debate; American classic cars are some of the best on the market. The only downside is that they’re often too expensive, unless you venture beyond the mainstream market. Here are 35 classics selling now on Autotrader for under $20,000.
1993 Chevrolet Corvette - $13,900
The Chevy Corvette is an undisputed American classic, so it’s rare to find one so cheap. This ‘93 model is a steal, with a decent 76,636 miles on the clock and a fully functional 5.7-liter V8 engine. Its Ruby Red Metallic paintwork is just the cherry on top.
1988 Dodge Ramcharger 2WD - $16,995
We’re not sure what’s more impressive about this 1988 Dodge Ramcharger, the fact that it has under 37,000 miles on it, or that its price is currently reduced! It’s in full working order, too, with automatic transmission, a V8 engine, and professional chrome bodywork.
1999 Jeep Cherokee - $12,890
There’s nothing that screams “American classic” quite like a Jeep Cherokee. Instead of shelling out an absurd amount of money, you can get this well-maintained model for $12,890. It has been serviced, repaired, and repainted over time, and almost looks as good as new.
1987 Pontiac Grand Prix - $16,890
The Pontiac Grand Prix seamlessly blended performance and luxury, and this affordable classic is described as being “back in the 80s”. It is unrestored to maintain its original design, but has undergone various mechanical upgrades to keep it fit for the road in 2025.
1988 Ford Mustang GT Convertible - $18,995
Not everybody was a fan of changing up the original Mustang design, but the GT Convertible was incredibly cool to drive. One lucky buyer will get to experience this top-down beauty, featuring a rev-happy V8 engine, a comfortable interior, and a gorgeous paint job.
1983 Mercury Zephyr - $9,690
We think the Mercury Zephyr is an underrated classic, and it’s very rare to find one this cheap. But what’s the catch? There isn’t one! This old car looks as good as new, with immaculate bodywork, top-notch automatic transmission, and a gorgeous original build.
1982 Cadillac Eldorado - $14,890
Some people would pay a lot of money for an original Cadillac Eldorado, so this sale is a great deal. It has only had one previous owner, and its unique coachwork, throwback wire wheels, and fuel-injected V8 engine make it a top choice for 2025.
1991 Dodge Spirit - $16,890
It’s a bit more contemporary-looking, but this ‘91 Dodge Spirit still has plenty of classic charm. Only 1,208 were ever built, so it’s a rare hidden gem, with Lotus-designed engine components, performance-tuned suspension, and driver-centric handling. It’s a gateway back to the ‘90s!
1990 Pontiac Sunbird - $6,890
The ‘90s were the era of sports cars, so we’re sure this immensely affordable Pontiac Sunbird will be snatched up soon. It features a nimble, sporty build, a fuel-injected engine, and a working convertible roof, making it perfect for touring. Aside from a few dings, it’s as good as new.
1985 Chrysler LeBaron - $14,890
Speaking of well-kept convertibles, this 1985 Chrysler LeBaron is another classic collectible car. After almost 40 years of climate-controlled storage and just 11,511 miles driven, it’s ready for someone to put its 2.2-liter rev-happy engine through its paces on the road.
1981 Ford LTD - $17,890
The Ford LTD was a successful range of automobiles for two decades, and this well-priced model is sure to inspire many collectors. It has under 30,000 miles on the odometer, a working 5-liter engine, and a rare color combination that was only ever applied to 53 cars.
1995 Chevrolet G30 - $13,890
It looks a bit utilitarian, but that’s part of this 1995 Chevy G30’s charm. It’s perfect for taking on family road trips or using as a work van, thanks to its extended cargo space and heavy-duty, durable wheels. It has also been kept clean and mechanically updated.
1984 Plymouth Conquest - $15,890
The Plymouth Conquest was always a classic speedster, but they’re not as big on the market anymore. This ‘84 model has been very well-maintained, with all the original features intact, including the pop-up headlights and power mirrors, as well as luxury touches like the gold alloy wheels and glass moonroof.
1996 Lincoln Town Car Signature - $12,500
We don’t always think of ‘90s cars as elegant, but this Lincoln Town Car definitely proves us wrong. Its metallic gold exterior and tan leather interior both hint at luxury, and the roaring V8 engine under the hood proves that it drives as good as it looks.
1988 Cadillac Brougham - $4,000
A classic Cadillac for just $4,000? That’s right! It may have driven over 100,000 miles, but most of the mechanical parts have been rebuilt or repaired, and the paintwork refreshed to keep this ‘88 Brougham in tip-top, classic condition for its future new owner.
1948 Jeep Jeepster - $18,500
The Jeep Jeepster was only manufactured for two years, so this 1948 model is absolutely worth the money. It has been garaged for most of its life and requires some cosmetic work, but you could have it back in prime condition in no time.
1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme - $7,700
The mileage on this Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme may be a bit high, but don’t let that put you off. It’s a collectible classic, and its price reflects its condition, which requires some cleaning to restore it to its original state. But, overall, it’s a great find.
1975 Pontiac Le Mans - $5,500
We’re always pleased to see the Pontiac Le Mans get some appreciation, and this one is in pretty good condition, considering its age. Like other old cars, it needs some work, but the $5,500 price tag leaves plenty of cash for that, and it drives perfectly fine.
1964 Ford Falcon - $19,500
It’s about time a classic American pony car showed up! This well-preserved 1964 Ford Falcon is a phenomenal legacy car, featuring durable bodywork, a functioning engine, and a recently added clutch and pressure plate. The paintwork is also clean and rust-free.
1976 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray - $14,000
This Chevrolet Corvette Stingray looks like an absolute beast, and it still drives like one, too! Its V8 engine and automatic transmission are a match for any 2025 road, and a recent buffing job has the paintwork sparkling. It’s very reasonably priced considering its vintage appeal.
1960 Studebaker Lark - $2,000
Holy rustbucket! This classic Studebaker Lark needs a lot of work, but it’s perfect for anybody searching for a new project car. It needs a cosmetic overhaul and a new transmission, but all the original parts are in order, and we can’t fault its low price.
1962 Dodge Lancer - $8,500
The Dodge Lancer is another underrated classic, so a deal like this is unlikely to come along twice. This model runs well and has a decent 55,000 miles on the odometer, and unique retro styling more than makes up for a few rusty edges.
1956 Ford Fairlane - $11,000
The Ford Fairlane has long been sought after for its classy design, and this ‘56 model is seriously impressive to look at. While it would start out as a project car, this cool-looking Fairlane has bags of potential, and a working engine is always a plus.
1987 Mercury Grand Marquis - $14,995
If you’re going to buy a practical car, why not make it a classic? This Mercury Grand Marquis is a spacious wagon, with a stylish woodgrained trim and a roaring V8 engine under its hood. It looks fresh and is in top-notch mechanical condition.
1985 Pontiac Fiero SE - $18,995
Once upon a time, the Pontiac Fiero SE was a futuristic car, but even next to the most modern cars, it still holds up remarkably well. This model is in practically mint condition, featuring a V6 engine, a fully functional transmission and suspension, and a mileage of less than 27,000.
1987 Jeep Wrangler Sport - $20,000
This Jeep Wrangler Sport might be bang on $20,000, but it’s more than worth the money! It’s built for off-road adventures, featuring oversized, rugged tires, a sturdy suspension, and a 4-liter inline engine that delivers plenty of power. Any Jeep enthusiast will adore it.
1992 Cadillac Allante - $12,000
With such a gorgeous Pininfarina design, we’re shocked that the Cadillac Allante is routinely overlooked. That’s why this $12,000 Allante is such a great deal, especially with a powerful working engine and well-preserved luxury features. It also has a fun convertible roof to enjoy.
1985 Chevrolet Suburban - $13,500
Before we had modern SUVs, there was the Chevrolet Suburban, which was super spacious and perfect for families. This model remains a top family car in 2025, offering all the comfort features you could want, along with new wheels and brakes for maximum safety on the road.
1953 Ford Mainline - $17,995
1950s cars sometimes get a bad rep, but this Ford Mainline is an absolute vintage dream. It has some of the most beautiful styling we’ve ever seen, with fresh paintwork and chrome accents, but the true star has to be its fully-functional 239 Flathead V8 engine.
1962 Nash Metropolitan - $19,500
Nash is now defunct, so don’t miss out on this ‘62 Metropolitan! It’s a vintage beauty with some of the most distinctive styling of any classic car, including on its wheels. It’s also surprisingly swift, but we’d be content just to look at it.
1986 GMC Jimmy - $19,995
The GMC Jimmy was a pioneering SUV, but this model has been impeccably maintained for the modern automotive market. It’s capable on any terrain, with lots of cargo space and a 305 V8 engine to power it. Sometimes, practical vehicles don’t have to be boring!
1959 Edsel Ranger - $15,995
It wouldn’t be a ‘50s car if it weren’t a little over the top with the chrome, and we love every inch of this retro beauty. Despite being almost 70 years old, it barely has 15,000 miles on the clock, as well as perfectly preserved mechanical parts.
1964 Pontiac Tempest - $2,700
For such a low price, why not take a chance on this Pontiac Tempest? It needs some heavy restorative work, but it would make the ideal project car, especially as it is such a rare classic. The price is already reduced, so don’t delay if you want it!
1947 Chrysler Windsor - $19,995
If you’ve never seen a post-war classic in the flesh, take a good look at this ‘47 Chrysler Windsor. It’s a beautifully preserved antique with room for eight passengers to ride in style, all powered by a working inline 6-cylinder engine. It’s a truly special car.
1969 Buick Wildcat - $19,500
We couldn’t end this list without mentioning the Buick Wildcat, which remains a simple but stunning American classic to this day. It may be old, but it drives very well, thanks to its V8 engine and smooth transmission, and looks as good as the day it was manufactured.
