Forget the Elise...what car for 20-30k that looks like a beater but holds its value?

For me, owning an appreciating classic or modern day sports car is financially achievable, but the thought of leaving it outside of a garage and driving on crappy roads makes me cringe. I love the idea of parking in Walmart parking lots, leaving the fender protector hanging up when I reach for a wrench, and sleeping soundly as it's parked on the street outside.

This disqualifies the long list of potential cars I've created over the past few years. I realized my fear of rock chips and scratches will lead to me never driving a nicer car.

That being said - with a budget of 20-30k, I've begun searching for cars that are EXPECTED to be in rougher condition.

Have to admit I'm a bit unsure where to start. Been looking at a lot of classic trucks, Subaru's, adventure-type SUV's, etc. Any ideas from ya'll?

That's rough Ferrari territory.

Land Rover Defender?

You might be on to something with the classic trucks bit. Some properly solid looking vintage 4x4 almost looks better with a few battle marks. Perhaps early SUV (Bronco/Scout/etc.)?

ugly? check. Looks like a beater? check. can be had for under 30? yep.

values on FJ40s, early broncos are heading up. you might still find a scruffy a/c 911 - 74-77 targa is probably the best bet.

I don't think anything holds its' value quite like a WRX STi

I would vote for a defender as well. maybe even look at importing one from Europe under the over 25 year rule. they are supposedly much less money there.

pointofdeparture wrote: That's rough Ferrari territory.

Act quickly if you want this. The rising prices of the 308 seems to be dragging up the rest of the "lesser" cars with them.

To me, the trick is buying a car that isn't a show car to begin with. My Spitfire already has its share of scratches and door-dings. I don't think twice about a close spot in a grocery store lot. The only thing I think about is parking near the end of the space so that nobody pulls in thinking the spot is empty.

Where are you finding G Wagens for under 30?

You could buy one helluva Subie 2.5 RS for that amount of change.

Last of the affordable ferraris

In reply to MCarp22:

That's because everyone is trying to pay them off while they sit with a blown 2.5......if you want to buy a car in the 20-30k range that will not depreciate, buy either a BMW Z3M coupe, clean FD RX7, clean mk IV Supra TT, 996 911 Turbo(I don't see these depreciating much more), or perhaps you could snag a 2nd gen viper for that price range....

Buy a logbooked stage rally car. They have to be registered/street legal and usually have more interior than a non-streetable track car, so can be used as a daily driver if you don't mind cage and race seats. If you buy it "as is" and don't wreck it, it'll probably hold it's value or appreciate, especially if it's something cool and unusual.

The one that comes to mind is the 280z that runs all over the eastern seaboard. It's still gorgeous, but fully caged and has rock chips and such. Assuming he doesn't wreck it, it'll probably appreciate in 20 years and be a legitimate "vintage rally car"....think of how much people pay for vintage rally Datsun 510s or Lancias :)

I could be wrong though about appreciation. Just an idea since I'm on the N.A. rally for sale boards, lol....with 2004 Subarus taht would be worth $6k as street cars selling for $30k as rally cars.

And every chip and dent you get on it you can just say "happened on stage" lol. Plus nobody is going to steal a car that is hard to get away without notice, and most people won't mess with a racecar, because they think it's cool.

Nsx, Early bronco, nsx 964, nsx, 981 cayman, nsx, 996tt, nsx

Jeep Wrangler...JKs are actually appreciating right now...otherwise Defender, FJ, Ferrari, NSX

MCarp22 wrote: I don't think anything holds its' value quite like a WRX STi

Well unless it needs a new engine or transmission.

Wouldn't you really rather have a Buick?

(I did not read the thread, only the subject header)

After reading the thread - get a ratty 911 or Ferrari 308/328. I had an acquaintance who made the argument that a 308 was a very DIY-friendly device.

And re-reading... i see a flawed premise.

OSULemon wrote: For me, owning an appreciating classic or modern day sports car is financially achievable, but the thought of leaving it outside of a garage and driving on crappy roads makes me cringe. I love the idea of parking in Walmart parking lots, leaving the fender protector hanging up when I reach for a wrench, and sleeping soundly as it's parked on the street outside.

What you want is a NEW car. NEW cars are worthless in the "replacability" sense. They are still making them, therefore who cares.

A $20-30k enthusiast car is not something you can treat like a beater. It's either a Very Expensive Car still on the downslope of its depreciation, or it's a Very Sought-After car in a holding pattern in its value curve, or it's an Irreplaceable Classic.

What you want is a new car. Buy a Focus RS. It's slightly above your budget, but if the other turbo AWD hyper-sedans are any indication, it won't really depreciate much. If it gets totaled or stolen, you have insurance and they will still be making them so it is a replacable commodity.

Stage rally nsx

C5 Z06 or FRC

Can you still get a 356 under 30,000?

In reply to Appleseed:

Probably not, but you can definitely get a replica that takes cheap VW parts for that kind of money.

EDIT: Ebay says ~$20k will get you a Intermeccanica speedster, which is the nicest one as I understand it.

That's a lot of money for "expectedly rough".

How about a 6.0 LS2 swapped E30 M3 for $25k? Rotisserie frame-off restoration in preparation for the swap. It's got replacement panels and is far from original so you don't have to worry too much about dents and dings, just drive the living daylights out of it :)

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=371646

Wish it was mine