With modern cars becoming ever-more digital and artificial, more and more enthusiasts are seriously considering the idea of owning a classic car. Cars from the olden days are, generally, considered to be more visceral due to being more analog, compared to their modern-day counterparts. They are, generally, considered easier to work on due to their simplicity, and many car technicians from the older generations are still around and able to work on them.
Some of the young-timers, mainly from Japan and Germany, are also considered over-engineered and built to last, which is not something that can be said about the majority of modern cars, built for the consumer market. Classic cars are not without their downsides, and between trying to source rare parts or finding a good example, dealing with them can be an ordeal. With that said, there are still a fair amount of classic cars, like the ones below, that are fairly trouble-free and if taken care of, will make for an enjoyable ownership experience without breaking the bank.
We’ve looked at data from Repairpal, and pricing data from CarGurus and Classic.com to put this list together of classic cars that are actually affordable to own.
10 Honda S600
Average Used Car Price: $35,577
Before the Japanese brand started making cars in 1964, it was best known for its motorcycles. The Honda S600 was the brand’s first sports car and it was, technically, Honda’s version of the Miata, 25 years before Mazda’s roadster first appeared. As the name suggests, the engine displaces 606 cc (21.7 cubic inches) and revs to 9,500 RPM. This is the forefather of all iconic, Honda inline-fours.
Performance
| Engine | 0.6-liter inline-4 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Power | 57 hp |
| Torque | 37.6 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 17.8 seconds |
The engine was good for 57 horsepower, but there was a more powerful, 800cc, 71-horsepower unit available. The small roadster featured a chain, which transmitted power to the rear axle. Granted, with a price of $35,000, it’s not a performance car bargain, but Honda’s legendary reliability was a fact even then, and the S600 was very easy to work on.
9 BMW 635CSi E24
Average Used Car Price: $19,642
Back when BMW’s luxury and sports cars were about more than fancy screens, ugly grilles, and numbers, they made some truly magnificent, sporty grand tourers, and in the 1980s it didn’t get any better than the “Shark nose” E24. Cars produced in 1976 and 1977 were produced by Karmann and are generally considered the more valuable ones. The M6 E24 has already appreciated to the point, many enthusiasts would give up on them.
Performance
| Engine | 3.4/3.5-liter inline-6 |
| Transmission | 4/5-speed manual/ 3-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Power | 208-215 hp |
| Torque | 224-229 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.2 seconds |
The M30 engine came in a few different versions and is considered a very stout and under-stressed unit, as is the rest of the E24’s mechanicals. The only major thing to look out for is rust. A good example can be had for around $19,000.
8 Ford Mustang 1st Generation
Average Used Car Price: $54,282
The original Ford Mustang, introduced in 1964, is a popular choice for a classic car, not just in the U.S., but in all parts of the world. Even today, survivors can be found in barns, and most require little to get back on the road. Ford Mustangs from that era are simple and reliable cars, and a good example with the 289 V-8 engine can still be found for relatively cheap.
Performance
| Engine | 4.7-liter V-8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic/ 3/4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Power | 200-225 hp |
| Torque | 300 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.3 seconds |
Around $21,000 can get you a decent V-8 example, but it will not be a GT model – those start from around $30,000. The non-GT 289s pack anywhere from 200 to 225 horsepower, but go-fast parts are available and plentiful. You can even find a four-speed manual version without much effort.
7 Datsun 240Z
Average Used Car Price: $35,632
Datsun 240Z is the original Z-car from Japan that spawned a long line of great, affordable, Nissan sports cars. Early S30 models with the 2.4-liter, L-series inline-six can still be found for relatively cheap. Depending on mileage and condition, you can pick one up for anywhere between $10,000 and $40,000. The lightweight nature of the rear-wheel-drive sports coupe makes it very enjoyable to drive while the mechanicals are fairly reliable and easy to work on.
Performance
| Engine | 2.4-liter inline-6 |
| Transmission | 4/5-speed manual/ 3-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Power | 151 hp |
| Torque | 146 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.6 seconds |
As with all classic Japanese cars, the biggest thing to look out for is rust, and there can be lots of it. These tend to go fairly quickly since resto-mod companies are using the car as a basis for modern builds, and they tend to pick the most rust-free examples. If you manage to find one with a five-speed manual, you are getting are fairly quick, fun sports car.
6 Porsche 944
Average Used Car Price: $21,557
The Porsche 944 is in many ways, the more refined, premium version of the Datsun 240Z, but made by Germans. The front-engine Porsche was an evolution of the 924 – a car that wasn’t meant to be a Porsche. The car is fairly reliable if taken care of, but there are a few things to look out for. The most important thing to look out for is cam-chain tensioner failure, timing belt failure, and water pump failure.
Performance
| Engine | 2.5-3.0-liter inline-4 |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Power | 160-211 hp |
| Torque | 155-206 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0-6.7 seconds |
Electrical failures are also a known thing that’s mostly related to the DME relay. Aside from that, you are getting a balanced, lightweight sports car with an engine at the front and a gearbox at the back. 944 Turbos are more expensive, with the cheapest example, currently going for $16,500.
5 Chevrolet Corvette C3
Average Used Car Price: $33,414
The C3 Corvette is one of the most beautiful American sports cars in history. Its curvy body lines earned it the nickname “the Coca-Cola Corvette” as it was said to be inspired by the design of the classic Coca-Cola bottle. The body is the main thing to look out for with a C3 Corvette as it was made entirely out of fiberglass, which is notoriously tricky to repair. Bent frames and rust around the door sills is a potential deal-breaker. Aside from that, the Chevy Corvette C3 features stout mechanicals, which if maintained properly, could outlive you.
Performance
| Engine | 5.7-liter V-8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic/ 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Power | 190-375 hp |
| Torque | 280-380 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.9-5.8 seconds |
Even the more desired, pre-smog examples can be had for around $35,000. Any C3 after 1971 is significantly more affordable, due to the lack of performance. The good news is, the V-8 responds well to mods and there’s no shortage of those.
4 Jaguar XJS AJ6
Average Used Car Price: $15,676
The idea of a sophisticated, British grand tourer is, no doubt, an appealing one to many classic car enthusiasts. This is where the Jaguar XJS comes in. This big boat of a car doesn’t have the best reliability record, but that’s mainly due to its V-12 engine, which is notoriously difficult to work on. And while mechanics will chase you out of their shop like they are exorcising a demon, things are different if you go for the AJ6 engine.
Performance
| Engine | 3.6-4.0-liter inline-6 |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic/ 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Power | 200-230 hp |
| Torque | 239-278 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.8-7.1 seconds |
The inline-six unit was introduced for the XJS in 1983 and ranges from 3.6 to 4.0 liters. When equipped with a five-speed manual, it was quicker than the V-12 model. More importantly, it is the more reliable engine, and it’s much cheaper to run than the V-12. Around $12,000 can get you a good example.
3 Mercedes W123
Average Used Car Price: $14,480
Some say that if a nuclear war erupts, two things would survive – cockroaches and old Mercedes cars. When it comes to classic Mercedes cars, nothing personifies that better than the W123. These were built like tanks, but as they are near 50 years old, rust could be a major issue. Also, most models have fairly high mileage, but if taken care of properly, this isn’t a problem.
Performance
| Engine | 3.0-liter inline-5 turbo diesel |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic/ 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Power | 123 hp |
| Torque | 184 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 13.3 seconds |
The best part is, around $8,500 can get you a decent example with the legendary, 3.0-liter, OM617, inline-five turbo diesel, which is said to be indestructible. With only 123 horsepower, it won’t be very quick, but it will be enough to loft you around in comfort and class. Quicker, gasoline versions like the 280 SE are available too, if you can find one. For this relatively modest sum of money, you can even find the much rarer coupe version.
2 BMW 325i E30
Average Used Car Price: $17,437
The BMW E30 is an appreciating classic and an all-time favorite among classic car enthusiasts in Europe. While the majority of European examples feature inline-four engines, most U.S. examples came with the M20, 2.5-liter, inline-six unit, under the 325i 325iS, or 325iX designations, depending on whether it was all-wheel-drive or not. Unlike the modern 3 Series, the E30 is lightweight, and with 171 horsepower from its inline-six, it’s capable of reaching 60 mph in 7.9 seconds.
Performance
| Engine | 2.5-liter inline-6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic/ 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Power | 170 hp |
| Torque | 164 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.9 seconds |
The four-speed ZF automatic is to be avoided as it is sluggish. Some examples with the M20 engine had the option of a dog-leg, five-speed manual. Common things to look out for are timing belts, steel brake lines, rear sub-frame bushings, and rust. $16,000 can get you a good example.
1 Chevrolet Camaro 1st Generation
Average Used Car Price: $71,839
In 1967, Chevrolet introduced a worthy competitor to the Mustang, thus starting one of the greatest rivalries in the automotive industry. The original Camaro has already appreciated in value, but some versions are still fairly affordable. For under $40,000, you can still find a good Camaro RS with a 327 Small block and a four-speed manual.
Performance
| Engine | 5.4-liter V-8 |
| Transmission | 3-speed automatic/ 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | RWD |
| Power | 210-275 hp |
| Torque | 320-355 lb-ft |
| 0-60 mph | 7.0 seconds |
In this trim, the engine produced 210 to 275 horsepower, but with the vast aftermarket support and great community surrounding these classic American muscle cars, making more power isn’t a problem. As these are old cars, rust is a major issue, with the most susceptible areas being the floor pans and trunk area. Aside from that, the mechanicals are, generally, quite stout and simple.
