Model years: 2002 – 2008
CarMax
| Engine | 5.0-liter V8 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 292 hp |
| Torque | 336 lb-ft |
| 0-60 | 9.7 seconds |
With one of the longest production runs in history, stretching from the late 1970s, you have to pick your battles right if you’d like to invest in Mercedes’ go-anywhere offroader, the Geländewagen (or G-Wagon as it is commonly known outside its native Germany). Our choice is the early 2000s monster called the G500 – an instant classic with that era’s big 5.0-lietr V8 under the hood.
Mercedes
Accessible entry
Rarer models like the six-wheeler or the Landaulet will appreciate more in value, but their starting point is just sky-high and out of reach for the average investor. With the G500 you have accessible entry, and there is good room for value to be increased, but unfortunately there are still plenty around.
Model years: 2003 – 2013
Lamborghini
| Engine | 5.0-liter V10 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 513 hp |
| Torque | 376 lb-ft |
| 0-60 | 4.3 seconds |
Well, rapper Akon sang about his Lamborghini Gallardo, and we’ll admit, the sleek little coupe of the early 2000s was an instant hit among buyers with its low-slung profile and big V10 behind the driver’s back.
Lamborghini
For some reason, the Gallardo was overtaken in popularity by investment buyers shopping elsewhere for some time, but in recent years it has seen renewed interest as prices have started to surge. The 7% surge might not sound like a lot, but the upshot according to insurance authorities is that demand will increase in the coming year. So grab a Gallardo as soon as you can, as this is one of the most affordable Lambos out there today, with a great opportunity to combine childhood dreams with a great investment.
Model years: 1989 – 1991
BMW Group
| Engine | 2.5-liter Inline-6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 168 hp |
| Torque | 164 lb-ft |
| 0-60 | 8.1 seconds |
While prices of the bigger BMW Z8 have shot upwards, most experts agree that the smaller Z1 is still very undervalued, especially considering it’s a rare two-seater sports car from a prestige brand. This may be partly because the Z1 has the humble underpinnings of a 3 Series, but the Z1’s compact design – and that stunning wedge profile – make it a future classic.
BMW Group
There is also its party-trick, the drop-down doors, and interchangeable body panels. A gimmick, yes, but it’s a rare feature probably not coming back soon to a production car. Some 8,000 were produced, but considering its unique features and cheap maintenance (thanks to the 3-Series underpinnings), it will become a hit in the near future.
Model years: 2001 – 2011
2003 Mercedes SL500 Roof Down Silver Front Angle Driving
| Engine | 3.7-liter IV6 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 242 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft |
| 0-60 | 6.4 seconds |
Yes, this isn’t the classic, flat-bodied SL of Bobby Ewing. But, the modern, rounder R230-version of the SL-family we think will have the biggest rise, percentage wise, in value in the coming years. The smoother, rounder looks are aging well, and the folding hard top makes them practical as an everyday car.
Mercedes-Benz
We choose the smaller-engined SL350 over the bigger, more powerful SL55 AMG’s or SL500s. It is not much slower than the bigger models, and the 3.7-liter was less prone to problems and cheaper to maintain than the big V8’s. Another good point in favor of the SL350, is that it wasn’t fitted with the Active Body Control system as standard, which is known to be troublesome and expensive to repair.
Model years: 1999 – 2005
Audi
| Engine | 1.4-liter Inline-3 Turbodiesel |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 75 hp |
| Torque | 144 lb-ft |
| 0-60 | 12.3 seconds |
The dimunitive Audi A2 might have the profile of a loaf of bread, and wasn’t that popular back in the day, but we reckon it has good upside as an investment in the years to come. Various engine options were available, and if you’re not scared of diesel, the one to look out for is the top model with the 1.4-liter-turbodiesel. It was the advent of the modern turbodiesel-era, but thanks to the A2’s lightweight aluminum body of less than a tonne, owners regularly got extremely good gas mileage. Low-mileage models are fetching good prices, but look out for a troublesome sunroof.
Audi
Model years: 1999 – 2009
1999–2003 Honda S2000 Front Angle View
| Engine | 2.0-liter Inline-4 |
|---|---|
| Horsepower | 237 hp |
| Torque | 153 lb-ft |
| 0-60 | 6.2 seconds |
The rear-wheel-drive open-top two-seater from Honda has all the fun of a Mazda MX-5, but with much more exclusivity and a lot more power under the foot. Thanks to its high-revving engine (redline at 9,000 rpm) the little Honda demands a unique driving experience where the power comes on very late in each gear, and not at low revs like a modern turbocharged car.
Honda
The S2000 was always one of the little-known gems for those in the know, but as the years march on they will only become scarcer and thus increase in value. A good model without accident damage and low mileage, in original condition, is one of our top picks for this year as far as appreciation goes.
