These Classic Cars Can Be Bought for Under $15k but Are Set to Gain in Value
Classic cars don’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. In fact, many experts say some of the more affordable models are set to rise in value. We’ve picked 35 classic cars under $15K that could be smart buys. Scroll on and find your next investment ride.
1973 Chevrolet Chevelle Malibu
The ‘70s Chevelle Malibu isn’t as pricey as the late ‘60s models. But it’s still a classic muscle car with heaps of charm. It’s got that old-school vibe collectors love. Values are definitely on the rise as people realize they’re the next best thing.
1976 Mercedes-Benz 450L
The Mercedes-Benz 450L has a timeless design that makes you feel classy without trying too hard. Collectors love Mercedes roadsters, and this one is still affordable. Values are climbing steadily, so you might want to buy one before prices really take off.
1975 BMW 3 Series E21
Early BMW 3-Series are becoming a cult favorite. They’re fun to drive, simple to work on, and carry that sporty BMW spirit people love. Collectors worldwide are chasing them, and prices just keep rising. They’re one of the smartest picks you can make today.
1980 Porsche 924
The Porsche 924 gives you that classic sports car experience without the huge price tag. They handle well and look great. Collectors are waking up to the fact that they are one of the cheapest ways to own a Porsche, and prices are rising quickly.
1978 Chevrolet El Camino
The El Camino is one of those cars that’s part car, part truck, and 100% cool. It has style you just don’t see today. This collector's car stands out. Prices are still low, but they won’t stay there forever as more people realize how much it’s worth.
1979 Ford Mustang Fox Body
The Fox Body Mustang is full of quirky character. It’s easy to fix, fun to drive, and has a huge following. Everyone wants one today, and that means prices are climbing. You can still grab one for under $15K, but not for long.
1982 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
The Z28 Camaro screams cool with V8 power and stylish looks. It’s a muscle car that still turns heads today. These retro cars are starting to gain attention as collector’s items. Sure, they’re affordable now, but experts say their value is going up.
1970 Datsun 240Z
Datsun’s Z-cars ultimately changed the game for sports cars. They looked great and didn’t cost a fortune when new. Today, they’re still popular, and clean versions are getting harder to find. At just under $15K, they’re a bargain that’s just waiting to boom.
1984 Pontiac Fiero GT
The Pontiac Fiero GT has finally gotten the respect it deserves years later. Collectors, too, have started noticing its unique charm. This is one of those cars you’ll wish you bought sooner. Prices are still reasonable now, but the demand is climbing fast.
1981 Buick Regal
Everyone remembers the Grand National, but even regular Regals have appeal as classic collector cars. They have the same sharp body and plenty of V6 and V8 options to choose from. Yes, they’re not the Grand National, but they are the cheaper alternative collectors are looking for.
1983 Volvo 240
Boxy? Yes. Cool? Also, yes. The Volvo 240 was a quirky classic car that was built to last forever - and it did. It has a bulletproof reputation that young buyers love. Sure, they’re cheap now, but demand keeps growing and that’ll push prices higher.
1975 Chevrolet Monza Spyder
Chevrolet’s Monza Spyder is small and often gets overlooked. But it’s rare, and that’s why people want them. Right now, it’s still cheap, but people love their underdog classics and will pay big money to own one. Values are set to start climbing.
1980 Mercedes-Benz 300WD
Merc’s 300WD is built like a tank. And it has that old-school luxury vibe collectors love. These cars were made to last, and many still run strong. Collectors love a Mercedes with a bit of history, and this one has plenty to offer.
1977 Chevrolet Caprice Classic
The Caprice was everywhere back in the day - including driveways and police fleets. People are starting to remember how cool these cars were. Values are still low today, but it’s only a matter of time before more people take notice and they rise.
1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Pontiac’s Firebird Trans Am has pure ‘80s attitude. We’re talking big spoilers, loud graphics, and plenty of muscle under the hood. It’s also got serious pop culture status thanks to shows like Knight Rider. Now is a smart time to grab one while it’s still under $15K.
1981 Volkswagen Vanagon
Volkswagen's older cars, like the Vanagon, are in hot demand lately. The Vanagon is super practical and has a cult-like following with camper fans. Prices are climbing steadily, and right now they’re a smart choice for under $15K.
1978 Datsun 280ZX
Datsun’s Z280ZA carried the Z-car torch into the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. It has great performance for collectors who can’t afford the early 240Zs. They’re undervalued now, but experts say they’re set to gain fast. Now is the time to get one for under $15K.
1980 Toyota MR2 AW11
The first-gen MR2 was quick and quirky in all the right ways. These Japanese classics stand out, and collectors are in competition to find them while prices are low. But fans are multiplying, and that means the value is set to skyrocket soon.
1982 Jeep CJ-7
The Jeep CJ-7 is the classic Jeep everyone wants. It’s rugged, simple, and ready for any adventure. It’s also tough and easy to fix. It’s no secret that off-road culture is booming, and cars like the Jeep CJ-7 are becoming hot property. Prices won't stay low much longer.
1984 Jeep Cherokee XJ
Jeep’s Cherokee XJ is one of the first SUVs that became a true classic collector's item. It’s capable and reliable, and collectors know how important it is to the SUV world. If you want one, you'd better hurry, because prices are creeping up.
1975 Cadillac Eldorado
The Eldorado is all about big, comfortable luxury. Those long hoods, plush seats, and smooth rides just scream classic. Today, collectors love the style, and younger collectors are starting to appreciate its retro vibe. They’re making a big comeback.
1984 Nissan 300ZX Z31
Personality, turbo power, and ‘80s styling are just some of the things that make Nissan’s 300ZX Z31 a hot collector's item. Japanese sports cars are rising in value fast, and this one is still affordable. At just under $15K, it’s a steal right now.
1978 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
Everyone wanted a Cutlass back in the ‘70s and ‘80s. Why? Because it was a stylish muscle car that had a really comfortable interior. Collector interest is growing as people start to remember just how stylish the Cutlass Supreme really was. Get one while it’s still a budget-friendly buy.
1979 Mazda RX-7
Mazda’s first-gen RX-7 had a rotary engine. This made it light and quick. It was a true driver’s car. Japanese classics like the RX-7 are exploding in value today, and it’s getting way harder to find clean versions under $15K.
1945 Chevrolet Corvette C3
The C3 Corvette isn’t the fastest of the bunch, but it has looks that make it unforgettable. It also has that unmistakable Corvette feel that makes it a collector's item. Corvettes are scary expensive, and the C3 is one of the more affordable options.
1982 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1
Volkswagen’s GTI is the car that started the “hot hatch” craze. It was small and practical, and a legend in the car world. Collectors still chase them today, and they’re moving up in price. Experts say they’re only going to get hotter.
1981 Honda Prelude
The Prelude is often overlooked. But collectors are starting to take notice. Japanese cars are slowly gaining big attention, and experts say the Prelude’s time is coming. Right now, they’re still affordable, but don’t expect that to last much longer.
1984 BMW 5 Series E28
The E28 BMW is classy, well-built, and has an incredible driving experience. It’s also got that perfect mix of old-school charm and comfort that collectors love. Prices are still pretty low, but experts say they won’t stay there. They’re a good investment at under $15K.
1984 Toyota Supra Mk2
Toyota’s Mk2 Supra has just the right amount of ‘80s flair that collectors love. It was the bridge between early Supras and the famous Mk4, making it a collector’s gem. These are climbing in value, so you need to hurry and grab one while it’s still cheap.
1983 Ford Thunderbird Turbo Coupe
If you want a car with sporty styling and turbocharged performance, the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe is it. It stood out in the ‘80s, and it still stands out now as a rare collector's item. Prices are low, but with interest growing, it’s set to rise.
1977 Lincoln Continental Mark V
Lincoln’s Continental Mark V was massive and luxurious. The interior felt more like a living room than a car - and that’s what people loved about it. Today, collectors love that over-the-top style that you can get for under $15K - for now.
1981 Saab 900 Turbo
There was nothing else like the Saab 900 Turbo back in the ‘80s. It had a unique design and turbo punch, and became a cult classic. Today, prices are creeping over the $15K mark as collectors snatch up this rare and quirky car to add to their collection.
1979 Toyota Celica Supra
Before the Supra became a legend, it started here with the Celica Supra. It mixed Toyota’s reliability with sporty performance. Oh, and let’s not forget the ‘80s styling. Collectors are grabbing them as early Supra history pieces - especially clean ones.
1980 Alfa Romeo Spider
The Alfa Spider is still a timeless classic with European charm. It’s not the fastest, but it oozes style and makes every drive feel that much more special. The Spider fits perfectly into the European sports car market, and collectors go nuts for them.
1977 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer
There’s no other way to describe the S-10 Blazer than retro-cool. It’s small compared to more modern SUVs, but that’s what makes it special. The demand for early SUVs is building, and Chevy Blazers won’t stay $15K bargains forever.
