If you are a regular reader of ours, you know we pay close attention to what Hagerty has to say. After all, they are the undisputed kings when it comes to watching the classic car market. Hagerty has been our go-to source for many years now.
That’s why we are excited to share their latest reveal of the 10 coolest classic cars and trucks you can still buy for less than $10,000. We call them cool while Hagerty called them hot. It’s all a matter of perspective. That’s why all of these classics might not be on every collector’s radar, but we think Hagerty got it right once again.
Check out the list for yourself and we bet you will find at least a few of these to be some stylish classics that are still available without breaking the bank. Of course, each of these cars can be found for well over $10,000, but those are going to be in either concourse (#1) or excellent (#2) condition according to Hagerty’s valuation tool. The following list of classics under $10K are those in good (#3) condition.
1971–1977 Mercury Comet
Median #3-condition (Good) value: $6,200
Hagerty claims they have seen an uptick in collectors insuring the Mercury Comet. It might not be the fastest or best styled vehicle out there, but there is something oddly familiar about its compact body that was prevalent throughout the 70s. And at a median price of $6,200 it’s a small price to pay for a collector car on the rise.
1991–1998 Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Median #3-condition (Good) value: $7,784
The S-Class Mercedes has always represented excellence in German engineering and luxury. We aren’t one bit surprised it makes the cool list, but we are surprised you can still collect one in good shape for less than $10,000.
1974 Datsun 260Z
Median #3-condition (Good) value: $8,650
It was the new emission standards set forth in the early 70s that killed the coveted 240Z, but that didn’t stop Datsun from delivering fun on four wheels. The 260Z still packed a punch with its 2.6 liter straight-six engine. The only issue with this classic is it was only produced for one year. It might make it a little more difficult to track one down in good condition.
1977–1984 Cadillac DeVille
Median #3-condition (Good) value: $6,313
Cadillac has always made cool cars. In fact, we could probably wrangle up a list of classic Cadillac models worth collecting. The 1977–1984 Cadillac DeVille is no exception in our opinion. The fifth-generation DeVille might not be the most sought after, but it certainly has it’s own characteristics that make it unique. For starters, 1977 marked Cadillac’s 75th anniversary and also introduced the bigger trunk which more than a few poor souls saw first-hand if they ran into problems with “The Family”.
1979–1985 Mazda RX-7
Median #3-condition (Good) value: $8071
First-generation RX-7s blew car enthusiast minds in the USA with the introduction of the rotary engine even though they had been used in Japan as far back as 1967. These little wicked wedges could really move and were a blast to drive through the corners. You probably won’t find the desirable GSL-SE versions of the RX-7 for under $10,000, but you won’t be disappointed if you spend a little more to get the most performance for the buck. Second generation RX7s are also a good buy according to Hagerty with a #3 median price of $7239.
1987–1991 Ford F-series
Median #3-condition (Good) value: $9376
While we don’t find these models to be the most attractive, it just proves that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. According to Hagerty, these late-’80s pickups have upped their values in relative to other vehicles in our Hagerty Price Guide. Valuation specialist Greg Ingold remarks, “We’ve been seeing the same year range of Chevy high up on the HVR scale… it was a matter of time before Fords caught up.” Now might be the time to get one before they actually do catch up.
1987–1991 Ford Bronco
Median #3-condition (Good) value: $9246
The first, second and third-generation Broncos are already in high demand. Now it’s time for the fourth-gen Bronco to rise up through the ranks. Now is the time to get your hands on these soon-to-be high-dollar collector SUVs! And if you really want to make a statement, you need to get a white one.
1990–1994 Volkswagen Corrado
Median #3-condition (Good) value: $6133
A friend from high school bought one of these and I can tell you first-hand that this little German rocket is a blast to drive. It seemed to have such a solid drivetrain and could really take a beating. They certainly didn’t get praise from the market like I am giving (probably cause of the temperamental supercharged, four-cylinder G60, or “G-fix-me,” motor), so it didn’t have a long production life.
1990–1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Median #3-condition (Good) value: $7063
For a small Japanese car, it sure had a lot of American patriotism as it was only offered with a red, white or blue color option when it was first released. Owners couldn’t stop bragging about how fun they are to drive when they first came out as well which helped to increase their overall popularity. We have seen a rise in the presence of the MX-5 Miata at car shows which just goes to show they are a cool car to collect.
1983–1992 Volkswagen Golf Mk II
Median #3-condition (Good) value: $5375
A big reason the Golf MK II is on this list is that its insurance quote activity is through the roof (and right about on par with the second-gen Miata’s). I personally owned one as a daily driver in 1992 and loved that little car until I was T-boned in traffic. Thankfully I made it out alive, but I can’t say the same for that poor little VW. Had it not been involved in a wreck, I bet it would still be rolling as many of them still are today with more than 200,000 miles on the odometer.
