Surprisingly Affordable 1990s Dream CarsBMWMany automotive stars of the 1990s, cars like the fourth-generation Toyota Supra and the last of the air-cooled Porsche 911s, have skyrocketed in price as modern classics. Many others have avoided that fate, though, and there are still plenty of bargains to be found for those brave enough to adventure out into the far reaches of Facebook Marketplace. Here are more than 20 dream cars of the 1990s that are still available today at a reasonable price to anyone willing to put up with the troubles that come with a 30-year-old enthusiast car.More Car Rankings: Best 1990s Cars | Best 1980s Cars | Best 2000s Cars | Future Classic Cars | Classic Cars for Daily Driving1) 1991–1999 BMW 8-SeriesPhoto credit: BMWPrice: $12,000-$30,000The original 8-series is a wonderful GT car that you can now buy for a tiny fraction of the price of a new one. V-8-powered models can routinely be found for under $15,000, but if you want the mighty V-12 and its optional manual, you'll have to fork up a bit more cash. Be prepared to spend extra on maintenance, and don't expect to find the coveted 850CSi for cheap.AdvertisementAdvertisementHere's our full buyer's guide2) 1992–2002 Mazda RX-7Photo credit: Brendan McAleerPrice: $30,000-$50,000Though the FD-generation Mazda RX-7 is worth a lot more than any of its predecessors, it's still relatively affordable when compared to something like a MkIV Supra. Prices are only going up, though, so you better grab one quickly before they become out of reach.Read our review of the RX-7 Spirit R right here3) 1989–1994 Nissan Skyline GT-RPhoto credit: Chris CantlePrice: $35,000-$60,000Nissan didn't sell the R32-generation GT-R stateside, but now, they're over 25 years old, and legal to import. Prices are still reasonable when compared to later R33-generation cars and particularly cheap in comparison to stratospheric pricing on R34 models.AdvertisementAdvertisementHere's our full R32 Skyline GT-R buyer's guide4) 1990–1995 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1Photo credit: General MotorsPrice: $15,000-$35,000The original Corvette ZR-1 was a technological masterpiece. It featured a 32-valve quad-cam V-8—the only overhead-cam engine in Corvette history, save for the new Z06—and adaptive dampers long before they became commonplace. Today, they're shockingly cheap with some examples falling under $20,000. Even when comparing cars in similar condition, that puts the ultimate C4 in line with the basic C6.Take an in-depth look at the ZR-1's engine factory5) 1976–2004 Lotus EspritPhoto credit: HemmingsPrice: $30,000-$80,000Buying an older Lotus Esprit probably isn't a good idea, but there's really nothing else like it. Higher-end Esprit prices have climbed, but even the almighty V-8 cars are relative bargains in comparison to NSXs and 911 GT3s of the same era. Owning an Esprit might be a headache, but there's nothing else quite like it.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhat it's like to own one6) 1991–1995 Dodge ViperPhoto credit: DodgePrice: $35,000-$55,000It's amazing how much Dodge Viper you can buy for $40,000. Some models, like the early roadsters and the GTS, are becoming pricey collector's items, but look hard enough and you can probably pick up a mid-1990s roadster in the $30,000 range. Hell, we've even seen them for $10,000, though don't expect greatness at that price. Not bad for one of America's greatest cars.Everything you need to know before buying a Viper7) 1999–2003 BMW M5Photo credit: Jonathan McWhorterPrice: $15,000-$50,000The E39-generation BMW M5 was introduced to the US market in 1999, and remains one of the best cars BMW has ever made. Well-maintained examples can reach 300,000 miles, so the market ranges wildly from high-mileage cars in rough shape to pristine collector examples in the six figure range.AdvertisementAdvertisementCheck out our detailed buyer's guide8) 1987–1996 BMW M5Photo credit: Jonathan McWhorterPrice: $25,000-$45,000Though they're not as cheap as they used to be, the E34-generation BMW M5 from the '90s is still within reach for most people. Used examples hover above $20,000, though ultra-clean examples can go for much more than that.We're big fans of the wagon version9) 1992–1999 BMW M3Photo credit: BMWPrice: $15,000-$25,000The first-generation BMW M3, the E30, has risen in price dramatically over the last three or so years, but its successor, the E36, is still somewhat of a bargain. That probably has something to do with U.S.-market M3s being deprived of the more powerful engine offered in Europe, but it's still a good car. There's a reason you see so many of these at track days.AdvertisementAdvertisementHere's our full buyer's guide10) 1997–2004 Porsche BoxsterPhoto credit: PorschePrice: $5,000-$20,000Prices for air-cooled 911s have gone totally stratospheric, but the first Boxster is still incredibly affordable. Sure, it's not Porsche's prettiest car, and there were some quality issues early on, but it's got a fantastic chassis and enough power to exploit it. It's possible to find a good one for under $10,000, and even the desirable S can be had for under $15,000.986 Boxster: The Road & Track buyer's guide11) 1999–2004 Porsche 911Photo credit: PorschePrice: $20,000-$50,000If you can't stand the thought of owning a Porsche that isn't a 911, don't worry: The 996-generation 911 can routinely be found for under $30,000. You get more performance, that rear-engine driving experience, and that classic silhouette, all on the cheap.AdvertisementAdvertisementRead this guide before buying a 99612) 1997–2004 Chevrolet CorvettePhoto credit: ChevroletPrice: $10,000-$20,000For around $15,000, you can get your hands on a C5 Corvette, which is an incredible value. This is a 175-mph car with a near-bulletproof 350-hp V-8 and good handling to boot. Sure, the interior wasn't Chevy's best effort, but it's a fair trade.Here's why the C5 is the ultimate performance bargain13) 1989–2000 Nissan 300ZXPhoto credit: NissanPrice: $15,000-$45,000Unlike the beloved Toyota Supra, prices for the Nissan 300ZX have remained fairly reasonable. You can find one in fantastic shape for around $20,000, and there are plenty of decent examples that cost less. With 300 horsepower from its 3.0-liter V-6, the Turbo Z is a legitimate performer too, though you should be prepared to pay considerably more for a good example the twin-turbo versions.AdvertisementAdvertisementRead: The legend of the world's fastest Nissan 300ZX14) 1993–2004 Ford Mustang SVT CobraPhoto credit: FordPrice: $10,000-$30,000The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra was one of the most badass cars you could buy in the '90s. Luckily, prices remain low, meaning you can get them for less than the price of a new economy car. The late-run "Terminator" cars even get a supercharger.Here's why the SVT Cobra was the original Hellcat15) 1991–1992 GMC SyclonePhoto credit: GMCPrice: $20,000-$60,000A pickup truck that could outrun a Ferrari to 60 mph? Of course people wanted to own the GMC Syclone when it was new. They held their value well, but models can still be had for around $30,000 in good shape. Just be warned, it doesn't actually make for a very good pickup truck.AdvertisementAdvertisementCheck out this retro review of the Syclone16) 1989–1999 Toyota MR2 TurboPhoto credit: ToyotaPrice: $15,000-$35,000Sad that 1990s Supras are expensive? Consider Toyota's other performance car of the era, the MR2 Turbo. Today, turbo versions of Toyota's midship runabout are getting somewhat harder to find, but the other range-topping Toyota of the 90s can be had for under $20,000. That's not a ton for an excellent mid-engine chassis with tons of tuning potential.Video: The MR2 is your ticket to mid-engine fun17) 1994–2003 Aston Martin DB7Photo credit: Aston MartinPrice: $20,000-$40,000Yes, you can get an Aston Martin DB7 for under $30,000. The V-12-powered DB7 Vantage wasn't introduced until the 2000 model year, but the 355-hp straight-six that came with the car originally should provide plenty of fun. If you're on a tighter budget, you could pick up the DB7's close sibling, the Jaguar XK8, for much cheaper.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe DB7 was almost the Jaguar F-Type18) 1991–1995 Porsche 968Photo credit: PorschePrice: $15,000-$25,000The Porsche 968 was the ultimate evolution of the brilliant front-engine 944. It's only got a four-cylinder, but it displaces 3.0 liters and makes 236 horsepower. The 968 Turbo made an impressive 305 horsepower, but those are significantly harder to find.The 968 makes for one surprisingly quick time attack car19) 1989–2001 Mercedes-Benz SL600Photo credit: Mercedes-BenzPrice: $20,000-$35,000V-12-powered Mercedes-Benzes are incredibly expensive when new, but you can get a 1990s SL600 for under $25,000 now. Of course, it'll probably be costly to maintain, but hey, you'll be driving one of the finest grand touring roadsters of the era.We prefer the 575-hp Renntech version20) 1991–1999 Mitsubishi 3000GTPhoto credit: MitsubishiPrice: $10,000-$25,000The 3000GT was one of the most interesting, technologically advanced performance cars of the 1990s, and yet, it's a bargain compared to competitors like the Toyota Supra and Acura NSX. Even the top-of-the-line all-wheel drive 3000GT VR4 can be found for well under $20,000.The 3000GT was originally supposed to star in Fast & Furious21) 1992-1998 Mitsubishi Lancer EvolutionPhoto credit: MitsubishiPrice: $20,000-$35,000Some versions of the Evo have gone way up in value. Others, like the Evo I, II, III, and IV, have remained reasonably priced. They're now old enough to import into America, and often priced under $30,000.Dreams of a New Evo Aren't Quite Dead22) 1990-2000 Lexus LS400Photo credit: LexusPrice: $5,000-$10,000The Lexus LS400 may not sound like a dream car to some, but the combination of comfort, stately looks, and ultimate reliability make for one seriously appealing package—especially considering you can find them on Facebook Marketplace for under $10,000 all day long.One of our editors got an LS400 to one million milesYou Might Also LikeIf You Can Only Own One Car, Make It One of TheseThese Are the Most Popular Cars by State