Investing in cars?

[TouringTeg]

I've been looking into a few of the cars you mentioned lately. Porsche 993, E30 M3, NSX are all holding their value but I doubt they will earn you a big return. In 20 years they may go up in value, but during that time you will have spent money on insurance, repairs etc which will cut into your profit. The 996 is less desirable because it looks too similar to the cheaper Boxster and has a reputation for poor reliability.

I agree that if you want one of the cars you listed just go for it and enjoy it.

Personally I am looking at getting a 90-91 Porsche 911 Carrera (964) in the next year or two. They command less money than the 993 and will qualify for collector plates in 2015.

[Yodamaster]

They aren't very secure investments, you can't just let them sit around like you could with gold bars in a vault. Unless the vehicle is a home run in terms of rarity and desirability, I wouldn't place my money on them expecting any kind of safe return later on.

[SumAznGuy]

Originally Posted by kwy

Acura NSX - $30-$40k

Honda Integra Type-R - $10k-$15k. Very low entry cost, not a lot of survivors - many have been heavily modified, abused, etc, etc. There are a few examples locally that appear to be clean and relatively low mileage.

Mercedes Benz 500E (not an E500 - big difference) -$15k

BMW E30 M3 - $20k-$30k


And more questionable models:

Buick Grand National $8k-$15k

Porsche 930, 993 - I'm no Porsche aficionado, but I'm told the 930 has been going up in value. The 993 looks like it is gaining value as well, but I would be more hesitant with that one. It is the last air cooled Porsche though, that might come into play. Also, the 993 has held its value much better than the 996.

LHD Supra MKIV TT, LHD Mazda RX-7 FD3S

BMW 850CSi - 1500 produced, 1200 for 850Ci.


Any thoughts on American sports cars? Firehawks, ZR-1s, Grand Sports, etc. The C4 ZR-1 can be had for 30k or so.

Can't see NSX prices going up. Regular NSX's aren't rare enough unless we are talking about NSX Type R or some other special edition from Japan.

I can see ITR's going up a little *IF* the car is all stock, all original, etc...
ITR's were limited production and a lot of them were lost through accidents, theft or turned into racecars. Definitely some people's wet dream car.
A good example 97 ITR might have some demand as well as an all original stock interior 01 Canadian spec ITR since the red seats were never sold anywhere else but in Canada.

E30 M3's are starting to go up in price. They were expensive new but hit a low of $10K back in the mid/late 90's. They are fairly rare now and even European spec ones are asking quite a bit if it is all original. If you can find a good example for under $20K, then I can see some potential to make some money, but not a lot.

Gone are examples like the $100+K for a Shelby Mustang or $1M for a 2000GT.

Most 70's 240Z's are rusted out but a good condition one that has no rust isn't worth that much and they won't go up in value. Same thing for a rust free 2 door 510.

If you had the money, an R34 GTR *MAY* go up in value. Limited production, and some demand. Every ricer's wet dream with racing heritage.

I'm surprised Grand Nationals are so cheap now.
Can't see any of those P cars going up in value. Nothing really special about them unless they are already uber expensive.
Same thing with those domestics. Some Corvettes might go up in value but they have to be very special. Maybe the older ZR1's but again they were never really anyone's wet dream cars.

[jpark]

what about bmw 1m

[SumAznGuy]

Originally Posted by AME_VIP

Personally I am looking at getting a 90-91 Porsche 911 Carrera (964) in the next year or two. They command less money than the 993 and will qualify for collector plates in 2015.

964 Turbo.

Bad boys bad boys.... What you gonna do when they come for you.

[SumAznGuy]

Originally Posted by jpark

what about bmw 1m

1M coupe, no.

M1 maybe but they are fairly rare and already uber expensive.

http://www.bmwblog.com/2010/07/24/19...le-for-250000/

[knight604]

Who the hell thinks of cars as an investment, you buy cars because you love them.

Not to make money off them...

You drive because it is your passion, the only way to enjoy life is to do what you love.

[R. Mutt]

A car is a liability, not an asset. This is the rule, although like others have mentioned, there are a few,very expensive, exceptions.

[twitchyzero]

Originally Posted by tiger_handheld

The only time I would "invest" in a car is if there is massive import duties and licensing fees making the car appreciate over time. Only a few countries in the world operate this way..

People from South Asia should know what I'm talking about.

good point...I just learned about this recently
it explains why there are many exotics driving by youngsters in Richmond

[Stealthy]

What about a Delorean? I'm sure you could get a nice profit if you convert it into a time machine...

[Timpo]

I think bone stock R32 GT-R with VERY LITTLE kms (virtually brand new) sold for a lot...I forgot how much. But probs $100,000+ or so.

[bloodmack]

you don't buy cars like that to make money, you buy them because of their non monetary return.

[kwy]

Originally Posted by knight604

Who the hell thinks of cars as an investment, you buy cars because you love them.

Not to make money off them...

You drive because it is your passion, the only way to enjoy life is to do what you love.

People also buy cars to drive from point A to point B..just throwing that out there.

There's no reason why you can't buy a car to enjoy it and make a bit of money off of it in the long term, or at least get back what you spent on it.

[Gridlock]

Originally Posted by jlenko

Ha ha... investing in cars. What a dumb idea.. better to invest in a body shop in Richmond, where you have a guaranteed return on investment.

Though this thread reminded me of a Fiero I saw on Craigslist the other day.. 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT 15,000K

"Hermetically sealed"... it's a FIRE-O! Ha ha.. but it's his baby... ha ha ha ha.. that's even better...

Yeah, some of the fiero nuts seem to think that it was god's gift to the automobile world.

[Yodamaster]

Originally Posted by SumAznGuy

Most 70's 240Z's are rusted out but a good condition one that has no rust isn't worth that much and they won't go up in value. Same thing for a rust free 2 door 510.

Might have been accurate a few years ago, but no longer. Rust free 510's are getting quite expensive, as are 240z's and Fairlady roadsters. Parts for them are also rising in value as they are slowly being bought up and used, a good Z dash will run you $2,500.

Rust free Datsuns (as with many other classic Japanese cars) are experiencing a rise in popularity and desirability in general. You can't buy them for what you used to be able to, and they will continue until they become un-obtainable to the average joe.

2000gt's are past the $500,000 range now...


Essentially, if you want one, get one now.

[SumAznGuy]

Originally Posted by Yodamaster

Might have been accurate a few years ago, but no longer. Rust free 510's are getting quite expensive, as are 240z's and Fairlady roadsters. Parts for them are also rising in value as they are slowly being bought up and used, a good Z dash will run you $2,500.

Rust free Datsuns (as with many other classic Japanese cars) are experiencing a rise in popularity and desirability in general. You can't buy them for what you used to be able to, and they will continue until they become un-obtainable to the average joe.

2000gt's are past the $500,000 range now...


Essentially, if you want one, get one now.

So I have hope for my rusted out ITR to go up in value?

I guess I should rephrase what I meant. A good condition 510 that qualifies for collector plates is around $10K now. I don't see any reason that would drive that price up past $15K.

[Yodamaster]

Originally Posted by SumAznGuy

So I have hope for my rusted out ITR to go up in value?

I guess I should rephrase what I meant. A good condition 510 that qualifies for collector plates is around $10K now. I don't see any reason that would drive that price up past $15K.

I thought you were talking about DuPont Registry condition, in which case, they often rise above the $15,000 mark. There is a large gap in value when it comes to Japanese cars, rusted out 240z's can be had for $500. Immaculate versions will run you $20,000+.

Two door 510's are rare enough here, then you have the idiots that stuck bubble flares on them, and those who caked them in bondo. Those are the bars of gold that command sub $10,000 prices. When you see a rust free, accident free, all original two door 510, you best be ready to burn your wallet.

[white rocket]

I wish I bought a 1987 Buick GNX brand new. Low mileage examples are close to $90k now. The 1997 ITR(non-JDM) is by far the most desirable due to low production numbers(rarity) and some prefer that front end.

The real question is what current car would you buy now in hopes of it being worth mega $$$ in 40 years? Honestly I'd probably grab a BMW 1M. Only made for one year. Gotta count for something.

[godwin]

You really should have stated your investment goal at the start.

From the sounds of it, you want to just make your car ownership revenue neutral with minimal outlay.. I would suggest just spend the money on "soon to be" collectibles.. like BRZ, AP2 heck even companies that went kaput.. eg Saab etc, get them when boy racers get tired of them and keep them and up keep them.

If you really want to "game" ICBC, form a company with a few of your friends.. turn all your cars (5cars +) over to the company and get it to lease it out to you guys. Commercial rates, write off from leases etc. Then again, you will get a whole crap storm of relationships to deal with.

Originally Posted by kwy

People also buy cars to drive from point A to point B..just throwing that out there.

There's no reason why you can't buy a car to enjoy it and make a bit of money off of it in the long term, or at least get back what you spent on it.

[kwy]

That was a point that I did state in the original post. I'm not saying I plan on doing something like this, it's just a topic of discussion and something I was curious about.

[SB7]

What is the most bang for your buck, bottomed out car on the market in your opinion?
Posted via RS Mobile

[westopher]

Not really saying this from bias asI bought it for that reason. E36 m3. 240hp, rwd, bmw build quality, good safety features. MINT ones for 12-14k and IMO great styling. Also, if its just a weekend toy, porsche boxster. People are paying more for miatas than boxsters.

[Hehe]

It's possible to invest in cars. But it requires some good capital.

A gent I know has a very nice collection of Porsche (mainly classic models), he bought a Porsche Carrera GT at retail. I don't think he ever drove it except the way from the dealer to his place because when I saw it, it had 38miles.

He sold it 2 years later for 130k profit. If he had kept until today, I'm sure it can fetch much more today.

[Hehe]

It's possible to invest in cars. But it requires some good capital.

A gent I know has a very nice collection of Porsche (mainly classic models), he bought a Porsche Carrera GT at retail. I don't think he ever drove it except the way from the dealer to his place because when I saw it, it had 38miles.

He sold it 2 years later for 130k profit. If he had kept until today, I'm sure it can fetch much more today.

[SB7]

Originally Posted by westopher

Not really saying this from bias asI bought it for that reason. E36 m3. 240hp, rwd, bmw build quality, good safety features. MINT ones for 12-14k and IMO great styling. Also, if its just a weekend toy, porsche boxster. People are paying more for miatas than boxsters.

Mhm... E36 m3's are holding their value decently well, and might even appreciate according to some, but probably not by a whole lot unless you have some seriously low mileage and a stock, unmolested engine which is super rare.

The 986 is a pretty cool car, but IMS bearing issues also shared with the 911 are causing a lot of fearmongering which has resulted in pretty drastic price drops over the past few years, and especially this summer.

Now a pretty good condition 996 can be snagged for under 15k, but it doesn't help that it is still the most 'despised' 911 out there. Have they reached their bottom... Probably close to if anything, but I highly doubt there's too much investment value (unless you're just daily driving and enjoying it to the max, not worrying about future price) excluding the TT and maybe the ones with the aerokit package.

After a few missed deals, i'm still looking for my 'bang for buck' car to have fun with for a couple months. The investment is in the joy the ride brings to you, if you can sell it for close to what you paid for or even a bit more 5 years~ down the road, all the better :P