Some cars just get you from point A to point B until they break down or get traded in. But then there are vehicles that transcend mere utility, becoming rolling works of art or pieces of automotive history. Others are legendary for refusing to die, like one iconic Lexus. In a viral video, Ronnie (@ronnie_motors) makes his pitch for what he considers the ultimate forever vehicle: a 2007 Lexus LX 470. "You want something to last forever? Here we go," Ronnie says in the video as he walks toward a pristine white Lexus SUV. "You want something to drive, take it everywhere, off-roading? Here we go: 2007, super clean." He opens the door to reveal the leather interior, panning the camera across the dashboard and seats. "Let me show you from the inside. Can't go wrong with that car," he continues. Ronnie highlights one of the SUV's family-friendly features, the rear entertainment system mounted in the headrests. "You got the entertaining system for the kids so they don't bug you on the way for a road trip," he explains. In a comment, he shared that the car is listed for $18,599. What Makes A Car A Classic? Not every old car is a classic. According to Family Handyman, a true classic has a "historical past, distinctive styling, or is considered a collectible due to distinctive design, craftsmanship, rarity and or age." At 19 years old, the 2007 LX 470 sits in that gray area between "old car" and "classic." Progressive reports that collector cars had an average annualized return of 4.6% from 2018-2023. But that depends heavily on which models you choose. Cars that are well-maintained, properly documented, and rare tend to hold their value best. So what are the pros and cons of buying a luxury classic car? The Upsides Nostalgia and character: Classic cars take you back to a different era with emotional value that's hard to quantify. Potential appreciation: Unlike modern vehicles that lose value immediately, classics can increase in value over time with proper maintenance. Community connection: Owning a classic connects you with enthusiasts through car shows and clubs. As Family Handyman notes, classics are conversation pieces. Affordable insurance: Hillbank Motor Corporation reports classic car insurance typically runs $200 to $600 per year, which is up to 40% cheaper than standard coverage. The Downsides Hidden costs: Annual maintenance typically runs $500 to $3,000, according to Hillbank. Plus, restoration costs can spiral fast. Parts are expensive and hard to find: Some require importing or custom fabrication. Fuel economy: Older V-8s often return low-teens to low-twenties MPG. No modern features: No navigation, Bluetooth, backup cameras, or working A/C in many cases. Storage requirements: Most insurers require fully enclosed, locked buildings with proper ventilation. Environmental impact: Early 1970s vehicles emitted pollution levels over 99% higher than today's standards, according to Hillbank. Are There Safety Issues In Classic Cars? Classic cars are significantly more dangerous than modern vehicles. Hillbank cites a study showing vehicles built before 1970 carried a 6.7 times higher fatality risk in crashes and a 9.5 times higher risk in rollovers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the average 2012 vehicle had a 56% lower fatality risk compared to vehicles from the late 1950s. Between 1960 and 2012, vehicle safety developments helped save over 600,000 lives. Many classics lack: Airbags (not mandatory until 1998) Three-point seatbelts (became common in the late '60s to early '70s) Electronic stability control (required since 2011) Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and effective crumple zones Backup cameras and modern crash engineering If you plan to drive with passengers, especially children, this safety gap may outweigh all other advantages. But if you’re in the market for a conversation piece that turns heads everywhere you go, a classic might be just the ticket. Motor1 reached out to Ronnie for comment via email and TikTok direct message. We'll update this article if he replies. We want your opinion! What would you like to see on Motor1.com? Take our 3 minute survey. - The Motor1.com Team