Old-School Nostalgic Boomer Cars That Are Affordable Today
If there's one thing we know about boomers, it's that they have great taste in cars! Though the boomer generation is stereotyped as having more money than any other, some of their favorite cars are still affordable today. Keep reading for a nostalgic walk through automotive history.
Ford Crown Victoria
The Ford Crown Victoria may have only been launched in the early ‘90s, but it quickly became a reliable run-around for busy boomers with their own families. It was spacious, durable, and surprisingly swift. Nowadays, a Crown Victoria can go for as little as a few thousand dollars.
Buick Regal
We can see why boomers fell in love with the Buick Regal back in the ‘70s; it was a timeless new luxury option. Though brand-new, modern Regals cost a pretty penny, a classic, muscular model can go for under $10,000 due to age and previous ownership.
Volvo 240
Though young boomers loved luxurious cars, they also understood the importance of owning something practical. That’s why the 1974 Volvo 240 was such a hit, with room inside for all the family. Nowadays, you could scoop one up for as little as $5,500.
Dodge Caravan
Speaking of spacious family vehicles, the Dodge Caravan was another great option that was popular with boomers for its roomy interior, reliable engine, and amazing price point. Luckily for us, it’s still affordable now, with the low price range clocking in at around $8,500.
Rambler American
The vintage Rambler American proves that practical vehicles don’t have to look boring. Even at its boxiest, this car looked stylish, with a bold grille and sleek bodywork. Nowadays, the average price of a Rambler American is around $16,000, which is an absolute steal!
Datsun 510
Though its light may be a bit dimmer now, the original Datsun 510 was a huge hit with the boomer generation. They particularly loved its agile build and powerful engine, and those same sporty cars can now be found for under $5,000 in certain markets.
Oldsmobile Delta 88
The Oldsmobile Delta 88 is as old as the boomer generation, and they grew up to love this luxurious American automotive icon. Unfortunately, that means they can be pricey to buy now, unless you opt for an affordable fixer-upper and restore it to all its glory.
AMC Javelin
Boomers have always loved pony cars, and the AMC Javelin had all the aggressive beauty and raw power they could ask for. But it stood apart from its competitors because it was such an affordable option. Luckily, it still is, with good-condition Javelins now priced at around $13,000.
Mercury Monterey
Ask any boomer, and there’s a strong chance they’ll fondly remember the beautiful Mercury Monterey. From its gorgeous chrome accents to its sumptuous interior to its agility, the Monterey is timeless, and some models can be bought second-hand now for under $10,000!
Honda Civic
Even in the ‘70s, Honda Civics were considered some of the best commuter cars, and they still appeal to boomers with their current contemporary facelifts. Their excellent pricing has persevered over the years, and a brand new Civic now costs a reasonable $25,000.
Chevrolet Corvette
You didn’t think we’d get through this list without mentioning the Corvette, did you? It’s a staple nostalgic boomer car, thanks to its classic American automobile design. This means that many Corvettes are still expensive, but the used car market has many affordable options available.
Toyota Camry
The Toyota Camry may be a modern favorite, but boomers were particularly fond of it. 1980s Camrys were simple to look at, but they drove like a dream. You can get that same engaging experience for a few thousand, or hundreds, if you don’t mind a project car.
Pontiac Firebird
The Pontiac Firebird was a symbol of the American muscle car era, so it’s no wonder boomers still rave about its aggressive looks and matching roaring engine. Firebirds are also cheaper than you’d expect for a classic car, with the average price sitting at a respectable $38,000.
Ford F-100
It hit the market in the 1950s, and things only improved for the Ford F-100. This old boomer favorite perfectly suited the social evolutions of the time, with a pickup build and engine that embraced automotive innovation. Nowadays, a basic F-100 typically costs under $10,000!
AMC Eagle Wagon
Back in 1980, the rugged AMC Eagle Wagon made a huge impression on boomers, particularly with its pioneering all-wheel-drive system. We’re sure that boomers would love to see more Eagle Wagons on the road now, so it’s lucky that they cost as little as $3,000!
Honda Accord
Boomers have always liked to invest in things, and the original Honda Accord certainly gave them their money’s worth. And for under $30,000, you can pick up your own today and enjoy the same easy, worry-free cruising that your grandparents did.
Volkswagen Beetle
The Volkswagen Beetle is older than the boomer generation, but it still became one of their favorites. It was an instant classic and hippie icon, so many boomers chose the Beetle for their first car. If you’d like it to be yours, you could pay as little as $12,000.
Toyota Corolla
We like the Toyota Corolla for the same reasons as young boomers: it’s attractive, reliable, and affordable. Boomers used them as family vehicles or everyday run-arounds, and while things were cheaper back then, $22,725 nowadays isn’t a bad price for a Corolla.
Dodge Aries
The Dodge Aries may seem like yet another dependable ‘80s car, but that’s exactly why boomers remember it with warmth. It was exactly what they needed at the time, and pretty cheap to run, too. They’re the same now, with an estimated price of between $6,000 and $7,000.
Chrysler LeBaron Convertible
Boomers like sporty elements in their cars, which is probably why the Chrysler LeBaron Convertible was such a big deal back in the ‘80s. But it still exists now, and you can get your hands on one for just a few thousand if you play your cards right.
Buick Century
The Buick Century has been on the road since 1936, and it’s still a firmly appreciated car, especially by boomers. It looked good and drove well, so there was nothing to complain about. We can’t complain about the price now, either, since it can be under $1,000!
Ford Taurus
The Ford Taurus was a late boomer car, but it more than made up for it. It was both sporty and appropriate for families, so it suited any driver’s needs, with a strong performance promise. In 2025, you can expect to pay just $5,000 for older models.
Chevrolet Chevette
We’ve established that boomers loved Chevrolet, but the Chevette is a particularly nostalgic model for them. It was hard-working and economical, which made it an ideal first car, and it maintains that reputation today, with Chevettes costing under $16,000.
Oldsmobile Cutlass
We have no doubt that it was the Oldsmobile Cutlass’s dashing good looks and promise of luxury that drew so many boomers in. But did you know that it’s possible to purchase a used Cutlass now for less than $10,000? That’s a timeless bargain.
Triumph TR3
Boomers literally grew up with the Triumph TR3, so it’s no wonder this car has such a nostalgic following. Everything about it was exciting, which was perfect for many young daredevils. For as little as $14,000, you could buy a TR3 now, too.
Toyota Celica
The original Toyota Celica was inspired by the Ford Mustang’s styling, so it's no wonder boomers have such a nostalgic love for it. It's a beautiful callback to a glorious time in automotive history. What's more, a well-kept original Celica typically costs between $5,000 and $20,000.
Jeep CJ-5
The Jeep CJ-5's success speaks for itself, and boomers were some of the biggest buyers of this glorious off-road workhorse. Nowadays, the average price of an older CJ-5 is under $20,000, so they're still very accessible vehicles that everyone should try.
Pontiac GTO
Boomers adored the Pontiac GTO for three reasons: muscle, power, and freedom. It became a symbol of rebellion for many of them in their youth, so it's one of the most nostalgic cars on our list. Luckily, there are also affordable GTOs still around, especially project cars.
Buick LeSabre
Though some young boomers dismissed the LeSabre as an “old person's car”, many loved how comfortable, practical, and surprisingly engaging it was. Its basic styling actually works in its favor, too, because now, you can get used LeSabres for next to nothing.
Chevrolet Bel Air
The Chevrolet Bel Air had everything that boomers loved in a car, and its iconic, vibrant retro styling is still famous today. For those seeking an affordable vintage beauty, the lower end of the Bel Air pricing spectrum is around $20,000, which is quite a good deal.
Nissan Altima
The Nissan Altima represented a new era for boomers, as they entered their older years and required more practical cars that suited their lives in the ‘90s. It was a reliable, safe option. The price for an older Altima can be as low as $4,000 now, too, so they’re ever-dependable.
Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
Boomers fondly remember station wagons from their teenage years, but especially the distinctive, wood-grained Vista Cruiser, which was a family staple. Oldsmobile is now defunct, yet the Vista Cruiser lives on, with models available between $15,000 and $30,000.
Dodge Magnum
We all know the modern Dodge Magnum, but the original model that boomers were driving back in the ‘70s and ‘80s was far more beautiful and impressive. An original Magnum typically retails for just under $20,000, though there are even cheaper second-hand models available.
Ford Mustang
It’s hard to imagine such an iconic historical car being affordable now, but there are plenty of cheap Mustangs still around, with some costing under $20,000. Ford originally designed it to be an accessible ‘blue collar’ car; its famous looks were just a bonus for boomers.
AMC AMX
The AMC AMX was demoted to a Javelin trim level, but boomers still remember it as a beautiful individual vehicle. If you’re lucky enough to find one now, it could cost around $30,000, which is an excellent deal for a rare vintage car.
