Whether it be because of the sharp designs, the shedding of horsepower strangulation from the 1970s, or just because the era produced some of the coolest and unique muscle cars, sports cars, and hatchbacks ever, the best cars of the 1980s are some of the most sought-after for classic collectors.We have seen the price of a lot of 1980s models skyrocket lately; take the Buick GNX. It is now worth north of $180,000 at auction. However, that is not the case for all 1980s models; there are still plenty of models out there that can be bought for under $26,000. Some of these awesome 1980s machines are likely to go up in price as they get older, and when more people realize how good they are, so we think you should consider buying one of these models before it happens. 1986–1990 Mazda RX-7 (FC) Current Average Auction Price: $11,568Bring A Trailer The Mazda RX-7 is, beyond doubt, one of the best and coolest cars of the 1980s. Mostly because of the smooth, rev-happy Wankel rotary engine (13B) under the hood, which kicks out 146 horsepower naturally aspirated, or a far punchier 182 horsepower and 200 pound-feet when mated to a turbocharger in the RX-7 Turbo II. However, alongside the engine choices, the pop-up headlights, the razor-sharp design, classic fastback rear (for the coupes), and an interior that shows the true colors of the tech-forward era, you've got yourself a real 1980s-looking and feeling classic car. We were surprised, because of its iconic status, but the FC-gen Mazda RX-7 currently has an average auction price of below $12,000.1986 Mazda RX-7. Average auction price: $6,200 1987 Mazda RX-7. Average auction price: $18,257 1988 Mazda RX-7. Average auction price: $16,275 1985–1989 Toyota MR2 Current Average Auction Price: $12,012 Toyota As one of the most iconic JDM models ever created, the 1980s Toyota MR2 (AW11) boasts a tiny footprint, pinpoint wedged stylings, pop-up headlights to complete the nostalgic '80s feel, and a mid-engine layout. It looks like a scale-model exotic, and despite the small engine options, it's a gas to drive about in. You can either get the AW11 MR2 with a 130-horsepower 4A-GE DOHC inline-four that screams about in the rev range nicely, or a supercharged 4A-GZE inline-four good for 145-horsepower and some more shove from a standstill. What stands out the most about the '80s Toyota MR2 is its engaging feel behind the wheel. You get a short wheelbase, rear-wheel drive, and near-perfect weight distribution, so with average auction prices just over the $12,000 mark, it is a lot of retro vibes and driving grit for not a lot of money.1985 Toyota MR2. Average auction price: $13,705 1986 Toyota MR2. Average auction price: $10,590 1987 Toyota MR2. Average auction price: $11,669 1989 Toyota MR2. Average auction price: $13,274 1986–1990 Toyota Supra Current Average Auction Price: $14,799Toyota There are two impressive engines available for the 1986–1990 Toyota Supra: a 3.0-liter 7M-GE NA straight-six that puts out around 200 horsepower, or a 3.0-liter turbocharged 7M-GTE that is good for up to 235 horsepower and 254 pound-feet of torque. We'd say either engine is a good choice. They are both Toyota-grade bulletproof, but what you may want to buy a late-80s Supra for is the more GT-like cabin that makes everyday classic-car driving slightly more comfortable. Not only can the engine choices put out some decent power for its price point, but the cabin comes equipped with a driver-centric dash, comfortable seats, large, easy-to-read gauges, and 'advanced electronics' for the era. Some models even benefit from TEMS adjustable suspension; the whole build of the Mk III Supra is that slightly bit more sophisticated compared to some of the other affordable Japanese classic cars.1986 Toyota Supra. Average auction price: $17,469 1987 Toyota Supra. Average auction price: $7,500 1989 Toyota Supra. Average auction price: $15,780 1981–1990 Maserati Biturbo Current Average Auction Price: $16,026Bring A Trailer You're probably surprised to see a classic Maserati on a list of cheap cars, but the 1981–1990 Maserati Biturbo is the classy, striking-looking, classically Italian-designed 1980s car that punches way above its weight class and average auction prices. The Biturbo was one of the first production models to utilize a twin-turbo configuration; under the hood sits either a 2.5-liter or 2.8-liter 90° V6 mated to two IHI turbos (one for each bank of cylinders). Horsepower outputs range from 180 to 205 for the 2.5-liter variants, and between 205 and 250 horsepower for the 2.8-liter variants, with the latter MYs boasting the larger engine options and kicking out the most horses. The quickest rest-to-60 times clocked for the Biturbo is a very impressive 5.6 seconds (Biturbo Ghibli), so alongside the sumptuous leather upholstery, real wood trim, a bespoke-looking dash, and the very 1980s on-trend wedge shape, squared off exterior design, and raked windshield, it is very possible to get a lot of bang for your buck here.1987 Maserati Biturbo. Average auction price: $12,575 1988 Maserati Biturbo. Average auction price: $26,708 Very few Biturbos go up for sale; in the last five years, just eight have been sold via online auction. 1980–1990 Saab 900 Turbo Current Average Auction Price: $17,052 Bring A Trailer There is next to no chance you won't be noticed driving a Saab 900 Turbo. It is an odd shape (even for the era), it has been designed with its own rule book, and it is unique in nearly every way. For just over $17,000, you can get your hands on one of the most stand-alone '80s cars ever created. Under the hood is a 2.0-liter inline-four (either available with SOHC or DOHC), mated to a single Garrett T3/T25 turbocharger, which can kick out 145 horsepower in the earliest flavors and 160 horsepower nearer the end of the '80s. That may not sound like a huge amount of juice, but Saab designed the turbo/engine to ensure you get everyday usability over peak power; the low-pressure turbocharger, combined with a front-mounted intercooler, wastegate, and oil-cooled bearings, was utilized to ensure reliability and comfortable driving. So, alongside the unique body design, comfortable and spacious interior, and not-terrible dependability for its age, you've got a classic '80s car that can be used a lot more regularly than some of the more finicky options out there.1984 Saab 900 Turbo. Average auction price: $27,139 1985 Saab 900 Turbo. Average auction price: $13,940 1986 Saab 900 Turbo. Average auction price: $6,600 1987 Saab 900 Turbo. Average auction price: $15,192 1988 Saab 900 Turbo. Average auction price: $22,307 1989 Saab 900 Turbo. Average auction price: $7,400 1986–1990 Peugeot 205 GTi Current Average Auction Price: $20,798 Bring A Trailer As possibly one of the greatest hot-hatches ever created, the Peugeot 205 GTi can be seen as very cheap for what you get from it. There are two engine options for the 86–90 GTi: a 1.6-liter inline-four that puts out 115 horsepower, or a 1.9-liter inline-four good for 130 horsepower. Power is not the Peugeot 205 GTi's forte, but lightweight, engaging driving truly is. The 1.6-liter-equipped models weigh only 1,870 pounds, while the 1.9-liter-equipped model weighs slightly more at 2,006 pounds; both are featherweight, both boast a minuscule wheelbase (95.3 inches) and almost telepathic handling credentials, and even weight distribution, making it exceptionally agile in the corners. The 205 GTi makes the most of its available power, and today makes for an awesome 1980s hatchback to collect. Unfortunately, it was one of the best cars that America missed out on originally, and today, you have to be very lucky to find one over here. However, we have seen more being imported from Europe lately.1986 Peugeot 205 GTi. Average auction price: $14,532 (GTi 1.6) 1988 Peugeot 205 GTi. Average auction price: $14,376 (GTi 1.9) 1989 Peugeot 205 GTi. Average auction price: $16,417 (GTi 1.9) 1981–1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Current Average Auction Price: $21,805 Bring A Trailer For just shy of $22,000, you can buy a very in-your-face, swagger-filled fourth-gen Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Chevy didn't try to make it subtle, and we are glad they didn't. It boasts a very boxy design, a long hood, cut body lines, a wide stance, and a plush interior that is still comfortable today. There is a massive number of engine options you can choose from (ranging from 3.3-liter V6s to 5.7-liter V8s), but the obvious choice for the most power is the 5.0-liter or 5.7-liter V8 found under the hood of the Chevrolet Monte Carlo SS models. MYs 1983–1985 are available with a 130-horsepower 5.0-liter V8, while the 1986–1988 SS models come equipped with a 225-horsepower 5.7-liter V8. All Monte Carlo models are relatively plush, with originally optional leather trim, oodles of legroom, woodgrain-effect dashes, and air conditioning, but if you go down the Super Sport route, you'll get all that plus blacked-out trim, body-color mirrors, SS badging, and sportier-looking grille options.1983 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Average auction price: $19,500 1984 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Average auction price: $19,470 1985 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Average auction price: $20,684 1986 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Average auction price: $11,637 1987 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Average auction price: $25,100 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Average auction price: $32,633 1987–1990 Ford Mustang GT Current Average Auction Price: $22,066 Bring A Trailer The Ford Mustang has been an icon since it first hit the scene back in the mid-60s, and today, the 1980s Fox Body Mustangs are some of the most reasonably-priced yet still-fun-to-drive examples you can get. Not only do you get one of the most legendary muscle car nameplates in existence, but you also get a compact, hard-lined, squared-off, and quintessentially late 1980s-looking Mustang GT that can perform well, courtesy of the eager 225-horsepower/300-pound-foot 5.0-liter NA V8 under the hood. 0–60 mph times are just north of 6 seconds, and top speeds are around 140 mph, so it is no slouch. Equipped is a live rear axle with coil springs, an independent front suspension with a MacPherson strut, tuned sway bars, front discs, lightweight wheels, a limited-slip diff, and a small rear decklid spoiler. All in all, this machine boasts all the '80s design cues you could ask for; it is relatively fast, it has a Mustang badge, it can handle corners at speeds, and it is still a cheap 1980s car to buy today. What else could you want?1987 Ford Mustang GT. Average auction price: $26,925 1988 Ford Mustang GT. Average auction price: $13,541 1989 Ford Mustang GT. Average auction price: $23,567 1985–1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z Current Average Auction Price: $24,940 Mecum The Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z is one of the most iconic American cars of the 1980s. It nails the era's sharp look; it has decent power under the hood from a V8, and it is surprisingly nimble to drive. The look alone makes it an '80s legend: the lowered stance, chunky ground effects, a deep front air dam, and unique IROC 16-inch five-spoke wheels are effectively the era in a nutshell. Under the hood, you can pick up an IROC-Z boasting a 5.0-liter V8 good for 215 horsepower, or a 5.7-liter V8 that can spit out up to 245 horsepower. What makes the IROC-Z stand out, though, is that it handles far better than the Camaros that came before it, courtesy of firmer springs, quick-ratio steering (usually around 12.7:1), and performance shocks. Altogether, it is the 1980s American package for Chevy, and despite its fame, glory, and all-around bad-assery, average auction prices for the whole model lineup are still just under $25,000.1985 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z. Average auction price: $19,507 1986 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z. Average auction price: $19,697 1987 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z. Average auction price: $34,037 1988 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z. Average auction price: $21,111 1989 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z. Average auction price: $27,351 1982–1990 Pontiac Trans Am Current Average Auction Price: $25,338Bring A Trailer The Pontiac Trans Am has a muscle car heritage that is hard to compete with; it is a proper institution in the V-engine lover's world. The '82 to '90 MYs have a bold style, real performance guts, and unmistakably 1980s design cues. The Trans Am's aero nose, pop-up headlights, hood vents, and wraparound rear glass give it a futuristic, fighter jet presence on the road. Inside, the cockpit-style cabin wraps around you with deep buckets and a T-top above you; it is retro-style and performance comfort. Engine choices are of the V variety and range from a 5.0-liter V8 that kicks out up to 205 horsepower, to a 5.7-liter V8 that can shift out up to 240 horsepower and give you sprint times to 60 in the 6.5-second region. If you go for a model year up to 1987, you also get the last carburetor muscle car in America, so to complement the low stance, agile handling, beefy V8, and pointy face, you also get the feel, smell, and sound of a carb'd engine.1982 Pontiac Trans Am. Average auction price: $17,782 1983 Pontiac Trans Am. Average auction price: $16,215 1984 Pontiac Trans Am. Average auction price: $10,962 1985 Pontiac Trans Am. Average auction price: $10,725 1986 Pontiac Trans Am. Average auction price: $15,558 1987 Pontiac Trans Am. Average auction price: $21,813 1988 Pontiac Trans Am. Average auction price: $15,400 1989 Pontiac Trans Am. Average auction price: $42,749 Sources: Classic.com and Hagerty.