For most people, buying a completely new car makes the most sense since it comes with a warranty, and sometimes, a maintenance service plan. But since new cars depreciate the moment they leave the showroom, this makes it a financial liability instead of investment – this is when people turn to the used car market for classic cars.
Although there are some scary prospects of buying a used car, such as its full maintenance record, there are still some great ‘bargains’ that can be found in this market. These used cars or classic carss actually have stopped depreciating and instead, have started to appreciate in value, making them a smart investment opportunity.
Fun Fact: The 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO is the most expensive used car that was sold for $48,405,000 (RM198,557,310) at the Sotheby’s Monterey’s RM sale in California back in August 2018.
Apart from that, at Carsome, a classic Datsun Sunny KB210 Coupe 1.2 MT 1975 is the oldest, classic car that we have ever bought. Despite being old, this car is sold for a much higher price because of its appreciation value.
So, here are 10 other classic cars with a great appreciation value.
1. Honda Integra DC2 Type-R
The Honda Integra Type R was first introduced for the local Japanese market in 1995 and quickly became a crowd favorite. This classic car is powered by a 1.8 -liter DOHC VTEC 4 -cylinder engine that is capable of producing 200 PS or 197 hp at 8,000 rpm. As for the model imported to the United States, it is capable of producing 198 PS or 195 hp at 8,000 rpm.
Used Honda Integra DC2 Type-R Price: RM40,000 to RM60,000
2. Proton Arena
Proton Arena, also known as Proton Jumbuck in the United Kingdom, Taiwan, and Australia, is a front-wheel drive utility coupe that is made in Malaysia by Proton. It was first introduced in 2002, and compared to the local Malaysian market, this car is the only Proton car that became extremely popular overseas.
The Proton Arena has three variants which are Freestyle, Sportdeck, and Fastback, while also powered by a 4G15 engine matched with a five-speed manual transmission.
Used Proton Arena Price: RM25,000 to RM40,000
3. Mercedes-Benz S123 Wagon
This Mercedes-Benz Wagon is a series of executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz between November 1975 and January 1986. This model, which was previously known as the Mercedes-Benz W123 Wagon, changed its name to Mercedes-Benz S123 Wagon in 2020 after the W123 was altered for the sedan or salon cars use, while S123 is used for estate and wagon cars.
This classic car is arguably the most successful Mercedes model, recording sales of 2.7million units sold between the years 1970 and 1986.
Used Mercedes-Benz S123 Wagon Price: RM35,000 to RM40,000
4. Toyota Celica TA22
Toyota Celica was manufactured by Toyota from the year 1970 to 2006 and debuted as the first “specialty car” in Japan. Specialty cars (known as pony cars in the U.S.) referred to affordable and sports cars that were built on existing sedan platforms. Toyota Celica had a lineup of engines including a 1,400-cc unit and three 1,600 cc units, as well as a choice of four- and five-speed manual, plus a three-speed automatic transmission. It also has h several vehicle body styles including convertibles, liftbacks, coupe, and notchback coupe.
The Toyota Celica is considered the most legendary and stylish car in Japan as it features the exact same design as the Mustang car produced in the United States within the 1970s era.
Used Toyota Celica TA22 Price: RM20,000 to RM30,000
5. Datsun 510
The classic Datsun 510 is from the Datsun Bluebird series sold between 1968 and 1973. It was imported to countries outside the United States and Canadian markets as the Datsun 1600.
image source: Sinarplus
The 510’s engineering was inspired by the contemporary European sedan, known as the 1966 BMW 1600-2. It combines a SOHC engine, plus a MacPherson strut suspension at the front and rear. This classic car is extremely popular in Australia, United States, and New Zealand, among others.
Used Datsun 520 Price: RM20,000 to RM30,000, depending on the condition of the car
6. Mazda 3 MPS
Mazda unveiled the Mazda 3 MPS (Mazda Performance Series) during the 2006 Geneva Motor Show automotive show. It is sold in North America as the Mazdaspeed3 and as Mazdaspeed Axela in Japan. The Mazda 3 MPS is a front-wheel drive and is powered by a 2.3 -liter (2,261 cc) turbocharged petrol engine.
This engine is capable of producing a power output of 163 hp and 380 Nm of torque and is able to go from 0-100 km/h at just 6.1 seconds. This is a great buy in terms of used cars as it is a compact sedan that looks and feels luxurious. To top it off, with the appreciated rate, this car is a good investment as well.
Used Mazda 3 MPS: RM65,000 to RM75,000.
7. Suzuki Swift Sport
The Suzuki Swift is a subcompact car produced by Suzuki and it is powered by a 1.6 -liter four-cylinder engine that is capable of producing 130 hp and 160 Nm of torque. In addition to that, the model also offers a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a high-performance CVT transmission with a seven-speed manual mode and paddle shifter.
Used Suzuki Swift Sport Price: RM25,000 to RM30,000
8. Mazda MX-5
The Mazda MX-5 is a lightweight two-seater sports car produced and marketed by Mazda that features rear-wheel drive with a mid-front engine. Its convertible model, known as the Mazda Roadster or Eunos Roadster, was sold in the Japanese market. This classic car was also coined as the Mazda MX-5 Miata in North America.
The MX-5 made history with production, with over one million making it historically known as the best-selling two-seater sports car.
Used MX-5 Price: RM50,000 depending on the condition of the car.
9. Mazda RX-7 FC
Mazda RX-7 FC is the second-generation Mazda RX-7 model that is available as a two-seater sedan, a four-seater sedan, and even, a convertible version in some countries. The Mazda RX-7 FC is powered by a 13B rotary engine and is offered in the form of natural aspiration (NA) or turbocharge.
Used Mazda RX=7 FC: RM50,000 depending on the condition of the car.
10. Perodua Kelisa
Perodua Kelisa is another car produced locally by Perodua. The model was first launched in 2001 as a replacement model for the Perodua Kancil before being replaced by the Perodua Viva in 2007. The Perodua Kelisa was built based on the fifth generation Daihatsu Mira platform (L700) and was named Kelisa after the native Arowana fish species in Malaysia.
Used Perodua Kelisa Price: RM10,000 to RM30,000 depending on the variant
For any other used car services and news, do check Carsome out! You can sell your used car at Carsome for the best price, fast payment, and no paperwork hassle. Check the website today to know more.
Keyword: Classic Cars You Should Invest In for its Appreciation Value