The Yes and No of Car Investments
Cars aren’t just modes of transportation- they’re investments. But only if you choose the right car! Investing in a bad car can cause you to waste thousands, so keep scrolling to discover cars that were good investments - and the ones that weren’t.
GMC Typhoon - Invest
The GMC Typhoon is hands-down one of the best-performing SUVs ever created. It’s a turbocharged, all-wheel drive vehicle, with a sleek, distinctive exterior. Only 4,697 Typhoons were ever built, so those who decided to invest in one in the ‘90s made the right choice!
Audi A8 - Avoid
Audis are sophisticated, innovative cars, but that doesn’t always make them good investments. Take the A8 as an example. They quickly run up expensive repair bills and don’t hold their value well, causing them to depreciate up to 60% in the first few years!
Chevrolet Corvette - Invest
The Chevrolet Corvette is a mind-blowing sports car with a base price of around $70,000, but owners can breathe a sigh of relief because it’s absolutely worth the investment. They’re the epitome of “supercar” and will remain fast, reliable, and attractive for a long time.
Jaguar I-Pace - Avoid
The I-Pace may be Jaguar’s first all-electric car, but it’s never been a good investment. It depreciates almost 70% in the first three years, which could mean a loss of around $40,000. The I-Pace can also be inefficient, with troublesome electrical issues.
Porsche Cayman - Invest
Porsche often gets a bad rep in the luxury car world, but the Cayman is absolutely worth it. Not only does its value increase with age, but it’s also a well-made, engaging ride that you can rely on for long journeys. If you want a Porsche, choose the Cayman.
Infiniti QX80 - Avoid
The Infiniti QX80 has long been praised for its incredible looks, but it’s one gorgeous vehicle that we sadly recommend avoiding. In five years, it can depreciate as much as 69%, and many owners report issues with the fuel system that cost a lot to fix.
Audi A2 - Invest
Despite being christened the “ugliest Audi”, the A2 was actually one of the best investments that the brand ever produced! It has elements of the brand’s sleek style but in a smaller body that’s more practical for everyday use. It’s great value for money.
Maserati Ghibli - Avoid
The Maserati Ghibli is many people’s dream car, but it can quickly become a nightmare. You’ll end up investing ridiculous amounts of time and money, especially when it comes to repairs. For over $100,000, you could get something far more reliable.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 8 - Invest
What can’t we say about the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution? It’s an iconic sports car that looks fit for the racetrack, and the eighth generation is a particularly good investment. The driving experience is second to none, and it has many high-quality features to enjoy.
Dodge Hornet - Avoid
If you know anything about cars, you’ll probably know about all the Dodge Hornet controversy. People have been complaining about its electrical failures for years, and many Hornets were even recalled due to fire risk. This car is an expensive and risky investment.
Honda S2000 - Invest
The Honda S2000 may be expensive, but you won’t regret investing in one. This car holds its value well and remains desirable. It’s a responsive, high-speed dream to drive, thanks to its phenomenal F20C engine, which is a standout among sports cars.
Ford Expedition - Avoid
The Ford Expedition may look like the perfect family-sized SUV, but don’t be fooled! It’s nowhere near as reliable as it should be, with particularly bad transmission and build quality issues. One complication could quickly turn into a hefty repair bill.
Jaguar XJ - Invest
We regularly see lots of love for the Jaguar XJ, and, in our opinion, it’s well-deserved. The XJ combines a luxury build with a powerful engine and comfortable interior, making it both an aesthetic and functional delight. Most owners don’t let their XJs go easily.
Vauxhall Mokka-E - Avoid
While some EVs are taking the world by storm, others are struggling. The Vauxhall Mokka-E falls into the latter category, with very poor reliability, which results in expensive repairs and maintenance. It also only retains around 28% of its original value after a few years.
Saab 900 - Invest
The Saab 900 is the classic ‘90s commuter car, but many people still love it! Though they may not be as pretty as some others on this list, it’s an affordable, practical, and reliable option, which is exactly what the average person needs. This investment absolutely pays off.
Tesla Model S - Avoid
Unfortunately, the Tesla Model S really does live up to its poor reputation. Its starting price is $70,000-$80,000, but its technology is faulty, and repairing parts is a nightmare. The Model S also experiences a 40% decline in value after three years.
Jeep Wrangler - Invest
Sometimes, cars are considered classics for a reason! The Jeep Wrangler has dominated the off-road automobile market since the ‘80s, with unmatched capabilities, an iconic design, and a build that can handle any terrain. It’s one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
Mini Cooper - Avoid
We hate to put the Mini Cooper on this side of the list, but we can’t ignore its myriad of issues. The transmission is especially faulty on many models, and many owners report spending thousands on repairs. They also tend to depreciate drastically.
Ford Bronco - Invest
The Ford Bronco looks very similar to the Jeep Wrangler, but the Bronco actually came first! And it has remained an equally worthwhile investment for decades, with incredible off-road capabilities and a comfortable driving experience. Many drivers actually prefer the Bronco.
Lincoln Continental Mark III - Avoid
The Lincoln Continental is generally a reliable investment, but the Mark III generation should be avoided. It has a weak build, with many reporting broken parts, including the grille and bumpers. For many people, the upkeep is too pricey and time-consuming to be worth it.
Honda CR-V - Invest
If you’re looking for the ideal family SUV, the Honda CR-V should absolutely be your next investment. Though it may not be the most exciting car, it’s an affordable option that still looks great. You’ll get your money’s worth and more out of this spacious, reliable vehicle.
Nissan Leaf - Avoid
The Nissan Leaf is one of the best-known electric cars but also one of the most problematic. It’s outdated compared to newer EVs, with inefficient charging, a subpar air-cooled battery, and difficult maintenance. It’s also quick to depreciate, leaving very poor resale value.
Chevrolet Suburban - Invest
It may be ridiculously big, but the Chevrolet Suburban is a solid investment. It’s perfect for people with large families or those who need to transport lots of cargo, guaranteeing a smooth, comfortable ride. Over the years, it has only become better and more innovative.
Ferrari SF90 - Avoid
Despite all their successes, the SF90 is considered to be a rare miss for Ferrari. Many consider it to be less attractive than the brand’s other cars, and its harsh handling and understeer have also garnered criticism. In many cases, the Ferrari SF90 is a money pit.
Toyota Supra - Invest
The Toyota Supra is an underrated sports car, and we think it deserves more love. It’s high-performance, fast, and remarkably easy to handle. The Supra also retains its value, especially if it’s well-maintained, and you’ll enjoy it for many years.
Porsche 911 - Avoid
We don't know where we stand on the Porsche 911. It's a beautiful classic car, but so many owners report issues! The 911 has been recalled several times over the years, and the suspension, coolant system, and transmission are often faulty.
Lexus IS 350 - Invest
The Lexus IS 350 perfectly balances style and reliability, which makes it well worth the asking price. It holds its value well, especially compared to some other luxury cars, and has good resale options. It’s the perfect sporty option for people who like a powerful ride.
Lamborghini Huracan - Avoid
We hate to do this, but the Lamborghini Huracan has come roaring onto our “bad investment” list. It looks incredible, but it’s also an impractical everyday car and very expensive to maintain. It also depreciates by almost 50% in the first five years!
GMC Canyon - Invest
If there’s one truck we’ll always recommend to pick up drivers, it’s the GMC Canyon. It is capable of hauling over 7,000 lbs, with excellent horsepower and a durable build. It’s also a very versatile vehicle, great for both on and off-road journeys.
Buick Enclave - Avoid
On the surface, the Buick Enclave looks like a stylish SUV, but it’s plagued with multiple problems. The transmission is often faulty and rough, and the engine also requires some costly repairs. Even worse, it can depreciate up to 60% in five years.
Subaru Impreza WRX - Invest
Car enthusiasts fell in love with the Subaru Impreza WRX years ago, and it remains an excellent investment today. It’s a performance-ready car that’s also practical for everyday use, and it’s fun and engaging to drive. The Impreza WRX has a very high resale value, too.
Jaguar F Type - Avoid
The Jaguar F-Type constantly gets a bad rep, and sadly, we can’t say that it’s entirely undeserved. Electrical faults are common, as are problems with the timing chain and water pump. Jaguars also have a reputation for fast depreciation, and the F-Type is one of the quickest.
Ford Maverick - Invest
The Ford Maverick was named after the word for unbranded cattle, and this car is certainly as strong as an ox! It’s heavy-duty yet stylish, with efficient handling and excellent hauling capacity. It’s also an affordable option that you get your money’s worth from.
DS3 E-Tense - Avoid
The DS3 E-Tense isn’t the worst car ever created, but we wouldn’t recommend investing in it. Many drivers find it to be lackluster, especially considering how much it costs, and it rarely achieves its high-speed potential. And, as it’s an EV, it’s very quick to depreciate.
Toyota Tacoma - Invest
We thought we’d end this list on a high note with the excellent Toyota Tacoma. “High” accurately describes this vehicle, which is over 6-feet tall! It’s the ideal pick-up truck for those who need a strong, durable, and powerful vehicle that more than pays off.
