The Best Used Cars to Buy in 2026 Before They Disappear

The Mk7 Golf R marries practicality with genuine performance in a way few hatchbacks manage. Its all‑wheel‑drive system, punchy turbo engine, and understated look make it a favorite among drivers who want speed without shouting about it. Because it’s so versatile, many owners daily‑drive them into high mileage, which means clean, unmodified examples are becoming scarce. As the hot‑hatch landscape evolves, the Mk7 R is quietly transitioning from everyday hero to future collectible. This shift is accelerated by the fact that later generations have moved toward more complex digital interfaces, making the Mk7’s tactile cabin and mechanical balance highly desirable. For enthusiasts, finding a low-mileage car today is a smart investment before the market fully recognizes it as a modern classic.

The 200 Series Land Cruiser has become one of those rare vehicles that feels almost immune to time; its V8 powertrain, overbuilt chassis, and calm, unbothered personality make it the kind of truck people keep for decades, which is exactly why used examples are getting harder to find. Buyers who want something capable of crossing continents without drama are snapping them up before the supply dries out. As Toyota shifts toward more efficient platforms, the 200’s old‑school charm becomes even more appealing. If you’ve ever wanted a luxury SUV that behaves like a loyal workhorse, this is the moment to grab one!

The GS F occupies a special corner of the performance‑sedan world, blending Lexus refinement with a naturally aspirated V8 that sings in a way modern turbo engines rarely do. It’s the kind of car that surprises people: understated styling, a comfortable cabin, and then  - suddenly - an engine note that makes you grin. Production numbers were never high, and with the GS line discontinued, the remaining examples are aging into cult‑favorite territory. Drivers who appreciate long‑term reliability wrapped in genuine performance won’t find many alternatives left.

BMW’s F87 M2 has already earned a reputation as one of the brand’s most engaging modern cars. Compact dimensions, rear‑wheel drive, and a lively straight‑six create a package that feels playful without being intimidating. It’s the sort of coupe that encourages weekend drives for no reason other than the joy of it. As newer models grow heavier and more digital, the original M2’s simplicity becomes a selling point. Collectors have noticed, and clean examples are disappearing quickly.

The Honda S2000 has long been admired for its high‑revving engine and razor‑sharp handling, but its recent surge in desirability has pushed it into a new category entirely. Owners tend to hold onto them, and the few that hit the market are often modified or heavily used. That scarcity, combined with its unique character, makes the S2000 one of the most compelling used sports cars left - it’s a machine that rewards smooth driving and rewards commitment, offering a level of engagement that’s increasingly rare. With values climbing steadily, 2026 may be the last window to buy one before prices drift into collector‑only territory.

The Chevrolet SS remains one of the automotive world’s best kept secrets - a big, comfortable sedan hiding a Corvette‑sourced V8 under the hood. This car never sold in large numbers, which only adds to its mystique today. Drivers who discover one are often surprised by how balanced and composed it feels, especially considering its size. The manual‑transmission versions are already becoming unicorns, and even the automatics are gaining attention as enthusiasts realize how few were built.

The 981‑generation Cayman and Boxster represent a sweet spot in Porsche’s lineup: modern enough to feel refined, yet still powered by naturally aspirated flat‑six engines that deliver a wonderfully linear response. These cars strike a balance between everyday usability and weekend excitement, making them ideal for drivers who want something special without sacrificing comfort. As Porsche’s newer models lean heavily into turbocharging and hybridization, the 981’s character becomes even more desirable. Demand has already pushed prices upward, and well‑maintained examples are getting harder to locate!

The RX‑8 has always been a bit of an oddball, and that’s exactly why it’s gaining traction among enthusiasts again. The RX-8’s rotary engine, lightweight chassis, and quirky rear‑door layout give it a personality unlike anything else on the road. While the rotary requires more attention than a typical four‑cylinder, the payoff is a driving experience that feels lively and unique. As Mazda moves further away from rotary production, the RX‑8’s rarity becomes part of its appeal. Buyers who appreciate unconventional engineering are starting to scoop them up before the remaining good examples vanish.

The S550 Mustang GT represents one of the last widely available naturally aspirated V8 performance cars, and that alone makes it worth considering before the market shifts further toward electrification. Its 5.0‑liter engine delivers a satisfying merge of power and character, while the chassis offers enough refinement to handle daily use without complaint. Because Mustangs are so popular, many have been driven hard or modified extensively, which means finding a clean, stock example is becoming more challenging. For drivers who want a classic muscle‑car feel wrapped in modern comfort, the S550 GT offers a compelling mix that won’t last forever.

The W213 E63 S is one of those rare machines that manages to be brutally quick yet perfectly composed. The twin‑turbo V8 delivers astonishing acceleration, while the interior provides the kind of comfort expected from a flagship Mercedes. As AMG transitions toward hybridized powertrains, the pure V8 versions are becoming increasingly desirable. The wagon variant, in particular, has developed a cult following thanks to its practicality and absurd performance! The W213 is poised to become one of AMG’s most memorable creations.

The VA‑generation WRX STI marks the end of Subaru’s traditional rally‑inspired formula, and its departure has left a noticeable gap in the enthusiast world. With its mechanical all‑wheel‑drive system, turbocharged flat‑four, and unmistakable styling, the STI delivers a driving experience that feels raw compared to newer, more refined competitors. Because Subaru discontinued the model without a direct successor, demand for clean examples has grown steadily. Many were modified or driven hard, so unchanged versions are becoming increasingly rare. For fans of analog performance and rally heritage, the VA STI represents a final chapter worth preserving before it fades from the market.

The Nissan 370Z spent years flying under the radar, but its straightforward design and naturally aspirated V6 have aged surprisingly well. It offers a level of mechanical honesty that’s hard to find in newer sports cars, and its relatively low running costs make it appealing to a wide range of drivers. As the Z34 platform winds down and the newer Z takes center stage, interest in the 370Z has grown. Many enthusiasts appreciate its simplicity and durability, especially as modern cars become more complex.

The V60 Polestar is one of those rare wagons that blends Scandinavian restraint with genuine performance - its turbocharged and supercharged engine delivers surprising punch, while the chassis tuning gives it a level of agility not usually associated with family haulers. Because production numbers were limited, the remaining examples are already being treated as future classics. Drivers who want something fast but understated are discovering the Polestar’s appeal, and values are beginning to reflect that interest. As Volvo moves toward full electrification, this generation stands out as a unique moment in the brand’s history.

The JK Wrangler represents a transitional era for Jeep - modern enough to be comfortable, yet still rugged in a way the newer JL has softened. Its straightforward interior, mechanical feel, and unmistakable styling make it a favorite among off‑road purists. Because many JKs were modified or used heavily on trails, finding a clean example is becoming more difficult each year. Enthusiasts who prefer simplicity over technology are gravitating toward the JK before the supply dwindles further. It’s a vehicle that invites adventure without overthinking it, and that spirit is exactly why it’s becoming a must‑buy before the good ones disappear.

The 8S TT RS delivers a driving experience centered around its charismatic five‑cylinder engine, a powerplant that gives the car a distinctive personality. Its compact size and all‑wheel‑drive system make it quick in all conditions, while the interior offers the kind of design flair Audi is known for. As the brand shifts toward electric performance models, the TT RS stands out as one of the last small combustion‑powered sports cars in its lineup. Production numbers were never high, and enthusiasts have begun to recognize its long‑term potential.