Collecting Cars Comes With Risks
We've all experienced buyer's remorse at some point in time. But it can be especially galling for car collectors. From buying a vehicle that's recently skyrocketed in price, to plumping for an expensive classic that's actually pretty lame, the risks are there. And we're going to run through some of worst examples right here. We hope you're ready!
BMW E30 M3
Is the BMW E30 M3 a cool retro car? Absolutely. There's just one problem, though — they're insanely priced at the moment. A few years ago, you could nab an E30 for a few thousand dollars. But now? You're looking at closer to $45,000. At least! Collectors who pay that today must be kicking themselves.
Ford Escort RS Cosworth
The Ford Escort RS Cosworth is a '90s classic. Although it was never officially sold in America, that didn't stop U.S. motorists from pining for it. It's a zippy little vehicle! But is it really worth $50,000 today? Talk about overpriced. And that's on the lower-end of the scale, too.
Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2
The Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 is a very nice motor. There's lots to like here. And there was a time when collectors didn't have to break the bank to buy one. But that's not the case now! The average price is more than $78,000 today. Overvalued? Most definitely.
Ferrari 308
With an average price of around $86,000 today, the Ferrari 308 is anything but cheap. Mind you, it hasn't always been that expensive. In the not-too-distant past, the figure was closer to $27,000. That must be so galling for the collectors who've shelled out the higher sum recently!
Audi Quattro
Boasting a powerful engine and an eye-catching body, it's no wonder that the Audi Quattro still has its fans today. But the price has to sting collectors right now. It's jumped up significantly, starting at roughly $47,000. Is the Quattro honestly a near-$50,000 motor? It's tough to make a case for it, regardless of its positive attributes.
Lancia Delta Integrale
How's this for an infuriating price hike? A few years back, collectors could get their hands on a Lancia Delta Integrale for just under $7,000. But now? The price can range from around $30,000 to $100,000. Even though it's a very decent motor, those are some insane sums.
1970s Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaros of the 1970s are well-liked for a reason, folks. They look gorgeous! Yet collectors could be in for a nasty surprise after splashing around $17,000 on one of these motors. They're not as powerful as you might think, while the gas mileage is pretty poor, too.
Aston Martin DB5
We'll be blunt here, folks — the Aston Martin DB5 is worth a serious chunk of change today. $860,000 is on the cheap-end of the scale! But if collectors hope to take these cars on the road and enjoy a smooth experience, they're in for a rude awakening. The DB5 is notoriously overweight. And you feel it behind the wheel.
Lamborghini LM002
If you're paying an average of $401,000 for a working retro car, you'd hope it's easy to drive. Yet the Lamborghini LM002 has its challenges. The biggest issue is its tendency to gain air-time when travelling at speed. Can you imagine damaging a vehicle that expensive? We wouldn't blame collectors for shedding a tear or two!
Renault Dauphine
The Renault Dauphine is something of an infamous classic. For roughly $10,000, car collectors could do a lot worse, right? Wrong! This motor deserves all the shade it gets. Rocking a meek engine, the Dauphine can only muster 27 horsepower. It also takes just under 40 seconds to reach 60 mph. Someone should pay you $10,000 to take it.
AMC Pacer
You can't argue that the AMC Pacer isn't an interesting-looking car. It's certainly unique! But is it worthy of being valued at upwards of $30,000 on the collector's market today? That's debatable. With its bad fuel economy and dodgy design flaws, the Pacer has problems that are hard to ignore.
Lincoln Continental Mark IV
It's hard to take your eyes off the Lincoln Continental Mark IV. Talk about a vehicle that just screams luxury! $11,000 or so for a 1972 model sounds like a snip, right? Unfortunately, though, it's a nightmare to maintain these beasts. The quality of the interior is known to decline, while the body is prone to bad rusting as well. The cost of fixing them up can leave collectors sweating.
Subaru 360
Once dubbed "cheap and ugly" by Subaru's own marketing team, the 360 has always been up against it. Among other things, this car can barely register 26 horsepower. Remarkably, though, it's gained something of a cult following in the collector community over the years. Now, the average price sits at around $23,000. Would you really spend that? On this?!
DeLorean DMC-12
If you're a car collector and love Back to the Future, then the DeLorean DMC-12 has to be near the top of your most-wanted list. Having said that, you might regret spending upwards of $64,000 to buy one today. This car is poorly built, sluggish, and highly unreliable.
Triumph TR7
The Triumph TR7 is one good-looking motor. Who wouldn't want to nab a beauty like this for roughly $10,000? Is has its issues, though. Lots of them. The most pressing concerns are the reliability problems and the bad build quality. Suddenly, this great deal looks pretty lame!
Mercedes-Benz 190SL
A car that just oozes style, the Mercedes-Benz 190SL still has the power to steal your heart. But collectors might feel somewhat short-changed if they pay the typical price for one of these vehicles. The 190SL is a pretty poor performer. For at least $84,000, you'd expect much better!
Classic Jeep Grand Wagoneer
Classic Jeep Grand Wagoneers don't come cheap today. Prices can range from $10,000 all the way up to $130,000. Are the higher figures justified, though? Maybe not. Older Wagoneers are gas-guzzling monsters with poor safety features. Collectors who didn't know that could be in for a shock!
Plymouth Superbird
A cool-looking muscle car equipped with a powerful V8 engine? One that can reach nearly 400 horsepower? What's not to love about the Plymouth Superbird! Collectors might think they've snagged a bargain at $200,000. But they haven't. For that kind of money, you'd hope a motor like this could surpass 150 mph. The Superbird can't.
Aston Martin Lagonda
Faulty electronics. Bad fuel economy. Dodgy digital displays. Yes, the Aston Martin Lagonda is about as imperfect as they come. Yet that hasn't affected its average price today. $53,000 is on the low-end of the scale, and even that feels too much for a car this iffy.
Porsche 914
Would any car collector turn their nose up at a Porsche? Well, the 914 might give pause to a few folks! This underpowered vehicle is severly lacking compared to its brethren, but it still commands wild prices. We're talking $12,000 at minimum — and $225,000 at the upper end.
Volkswagen Bus
Yes, the Volkswagen Bus is an iconic vehicle. But would you really want to spend in excess of $37,000 to own one? If you think you're getting a memorable ride out of it, you're in for an unpleasant surprise! The VW Bus is slow and ponderous. It can just about reach 51 horsepower.
Chevrolet Corvair
Based on looks alone, collectors may think that the Chevrolet Corvair is worth the $30,000 to $40,000 average price. But that'll soon change once they get behind the wheel! This car isn't particularly safe, boasting some horrible handling. Overpriced? Without a doubt, folks.
Subaru SVX
At roughly $12,000, the Subaru SVX might entice car collectors looking for a cheap bargain. If you buy one, though, you may soon regret it! The SVX is plagued by mechanical problems, with the worst coming in the form of a nightmarish transmission.
Toyota 2000GT
Want to guess the average price for a Toyota 2000GT today? It's pretty dang big! Yep, this Japanese vehicle is worth a staggering $1.1 million. But collectors may be upset by the 2000GT's deficiencies. It's not particularly powerful or fast for a sports car.
BMW Z3
Boasting an average price range of $5,000 to $20,000, the BMW Z3 looks like a steal for fans of the famous brand. There's just one problem, though — maintaining it can be a nightmare! The costs that come with sorting out all the internal gremlins won't be pleasant.
Nash Metropolitan
Is the Nash Metropolitan a unique car from the past? You bet. But would you regret spending around $17,000 to buy one today? Most definitely! Equipped with an engine that can only hit 80 mph at its peak, this motor is essentially a slug on wheels.
Ford Galaxie
The Ford Galaxie is an undoubted classic. But even so, collectors may still regret splashing out $35,000 to buy one. The car's body is absolutely huge, while its handling on the road leaves a lot to be desired as well.
Ferrari Mondial
Questionable design? Check. A lame V8 engine? Check. Bad performance? Unfortunately! Yep, the Ferrari Mondial is a pretty poor effort all-round — but that hasn't stopped folks from splashing the cash on it today. This motor has an average value of around $53,000 now. Would you pay that?
1970s Ford Thunderbird
$14,000 or so for a 1970s Ford Thunderbird? That sounds like an awesome deal! It really isn't, though. For that kind of sum, you'd hope your retro car didn't have lethargic performance or unreliable mechanics. But alas — these Thunderbirds flatter to deceive.
Plymouth Prowler
We wouldn't blame any car collector for feeling buyer's remorse here. The Plymouth Prowler looks so much cooler than it actually is. Its V6 engine lacks bite, while the trunk space is practically non-existant. And at an average price of nearly $32,000? Yikes!
Hummer H1
You might not be surprised to hear that the Hummer H1 is a tough vehicle to handle. It's a monster! Considering the challenges it poses, collectors may take issue with the average price. $66,000 just seems too much, right?
1955-57 Chevrolet Bel Air
At first glance, a Chevrolet Bel Air from the mid-1950s at $34,000 might look like a great deal. After all, it's a classic model. But collectors could regret making the purchase. These Bel Airs don't handle that well, and the less said about their performance the better!
Pontiac Firebird Second Generation
The second-generation Pontiac Firebirds had a tough act to follow. Could they match their predecessors? Unfortunately not. These cars are bulkier, less powerful, and noticeably slower. Yet they're still worth a lot of money today. Whether anyone's happy paying around $46,000 is another matter, though!
Ford Mustang II
Are you hoping to buy an old Ford Mustang II? Well, you'll be looking at a price between $9,000 and $12,000. Is it worth the money, though? That's up for debate. For a muscle car, the Mustang II is notoriously toothless. A lower figure might be more palatable in all honesty!
