5 Adventure Rigs That Just Got More Affordable
A lot of attention in the collector market is paid to flashy, rare sports cars, because who doesn’t love a low-slung coupe or convertible? Don’t forget, however, that our valuation specialists pay attention to trucks and SUVs, too, and they’re subject to the same fluctuations that ripple through the rest of the collector vehicle market. Prices rise and fall as personal preferences congeal around trends and alter the desirability of specific models, powertrains, and even trim levels. Here are five more adventuresome rides that have posted some of the largest drops in value since we last checked this summer. If you’ve been looking to add something to your stable that helps you go off the beaten path, maybe one of the following models is in your future.
1980-1991 Volkswagen Vanagon
VW Vanagons don’t have quite the same charm as their rounded, T2 predecessors, but they make up for it in added power and practicality. We included them on our 2021 Bull Market list because there were already signs that the efficiently packaged haulers would gain value, and they did. Over the previous five years up to July 2024, the median #2 (Excellent) value of VW’s compact van was up just over 40 percent. This quarter prices are down about 10 percent across all models and trims. The base, L, and GL models can be had for around $12,000 in #3 (Good) condition, but camper models will bring double that. The four-wheel-drive Synchro models will add a significant premium as well.
1955-1983 Jeep CJ-5
Before the Wrangler and its immediate predecessor, the CJ-7, had settled on a 90-something-inch wheelbase as a good compromise for a two-door off-roader, the CJ-5 was the mass-market civilian Jeep. Based on the M38A1 that replaced the beloved flat-fender Jeep in military service, the CJ-5 rode on an 81-inch wheelbase and was not designed with many creature comforts in mind. Its small footprint and open-air design (it wasn’t meant to have a hard top and full doors) make for a simple runabout that has served well for generations. Before side-by-sides, this was the compact off-roader that hauled hunters into the backwoods and patrolled pastures while mending fences. While there are lots of options, including four-, six-, or eight-cylinder powerplants, all of them are down this quarter, with #2 (Excellent) values taking the biggest hit, down about 14 percent. That puts the bulk of the variants at around $19,000-$20,000 while the most desirable Silver Anniversary and Golden Eagle versions come in at over $30,000.
1968-1974 Toyota FJ40
Toyota’s stalwart off-roader was one of the first 4x4s to become a hot collectible and has brought some impressive prices from a model that was rather utilitarian when new. Its classic lines still look great and it’s been a popular canvas to restomod. We saw the peak for median #2 (excellent) values way back in 2015 at $65,900. Since then there have been plenty of fluctuations, but the latest revision in the price guide saw the earlier models powered by the 3.9-liter inline-six take a 15 percent dip. Current #2 values hover around $40,000, with #3 (Good) values just less than half that. Later models powered by the 4.2-liter six bring higher prices. They are up about five percent since this summer, with their #3 value just over $26,000.
1981-1986 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler
The short-lived Jeep CJ-8 has been desirable for years thanks to its extra wheelbase and extended body that provides the flexibility to be used as a compact pickup or as an enclosed SUV with extra cargo space. Its 103.5-inch wheelbase was almost exactly the same as the TJ Wrangler Unlimited that would pave the way for the four-door Wrangler that makes up the bulk of Wrangler sales today. In pickup form, it was also a precursor of the current Jeep Gladiator. No matter which variant you choose, there’s a lot to like about this stretched CJ. Its median #2 (Excellent) values peaked last year at $40,500. They’re down 11 percent from that today, while #3 (Good) examples are down almost seven percent, with average values of $28,500. This recent dip could just be a small correction, as these are still worth double what they were 10 years ago.
1980-1986 and 1992-1996 Ford Bronco
While the first-gen Broncos are among the most collectible 4x4s on the market, the later, full-size Broncos have more modern conveniences and offer a better ride. They still make great weekend vehicles for camping getaways and are maneuverable enough to be appreciated in urban traffic. All of that is to say that we don’t need to make any excuses to justify owning a full-size two-door SUV. We recently remarked that the late-production full-size Bronco was seeing an uptick in value at the lower trim levels and was catching up with the higher-end trims—that trend has continued, but this time it’s the top trims falling to match. Comparing median #2 values from five years ago, 1992-1996 Broncos are up 74 percent, but the cushy Eddie Bauer trim has taken a 12 percent hit in the past year, bringing their value into the $35,000 range, just less than their Custom trim level counterparts. Likewise, the median value of #2 (Excellent) 1980-1986 Broncos is up 89 percent in the last five years but a recent dip took just over four percent of that away. Values dropped for #3 (Good) and #4 (Fair) examples as well, with reductions of 10 percent and 23 percent, respectively.
The Hagerty Valuation Tool is constantly being updated. If you’re in the market to buy or sell, make sure you gather some info to help you be as informed as possible.
I owned a ‘76 CJ-5 for many years, incredibly reliable, amazing off road capability even in stock form, and very easy to maintain. Driving on the road was OK as long as you remembered you were driving a tall vehicle with very short wheelbase. My Wife was hit head on by a Buick, it had to be towed from the scene, CJ had a bent front bumper, easily repaired with a sledgehammer. Here in the Northeast, rust was the only issue.
Good to see Vanagons on the list. They have become very popular where I live in western Canada. Westfalias are reaching high values depending on condition. I’ve appraised many up here and they have quite a following.
Today I learned that there was once a 4WD version of the Vanagon.
I suspect they are quite rare, since they were primarily made for utilitarian purposes for the German Army, post offices, etc.
Tom, you are talking about the Vanagon Syncro. I think someone told me once one out of 10 were sent to Austria to be converted to all wheel drive. Then, one out of 10 of those went to Westphalia to be a synchro Westphalia campers.
I think I remember at the time in 87 they were about $800 more than a regular Vanagon so they did not sell well, this was before all wheel drive was a thing. They also include a 5spd with a granny low, with a syncro ring in reverse so you don’t have to stop to put it in reverse. With a viscous coupler between the rear differential and the front differential, it automatically kicks in FWD when the rear tires start to spin. Another standard is the rear wheel dif lock, pull a knob on the dash for that. An amazing vehicle in the snow, wet, beach and off road.
You tube search for “Syncro-fest” for dry land fun!
Many of the camper versions of the Vanagon were AWD: “Synchro.” The water jacked motor [wasserboxer] is prone to wear, and I helped facilitate CARB approval of replacement with the 2L I-4, using the diesel parts to adapt to a common block. Much better.
I see the obs chevy trucks are coming up in value. My 99 obs chevy 4×4 is very clean. I think your values are off slightly that is what you pay for one that needs work. I paid 3k for mine. Mine has had minor interior work done. New radiator thermostat overflow alternator battery new dual exhaust system wheels and tires new headlights and headlight buckets sidemarker and turnsignal lenses with bodywork and paint.
I have a Subaru powered Westfalia (’85) that has significant upgrades (in addition to the engine), and will be looking to putting it up for sale in the near future. However, I have no idea where to start. How do I go about getting it appraised for a fair market value? It’s easily a #3 and has lived its entire life on the west coast (no rust). I have owned it for 20 years and have all of the records going back farther than that. Any help getting started would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time.
Go talk to “Cars and Bids” (online auction site) by Doug Demuro’s team, and you’ll be treated well. They can help you reach the biggest market online. The website is a good start for you. Or, you can go to “Bring a Trailer” (online auction site) who are doing the same thing. It’s all about detail: good photos, good documents. So there will be some time spent on this, but it’s worth it to get it displayed in the biggest online market. More buyers means more of a chance for some competitive bidding. Bring a Trailer routinely set’s the highest price for unique vehicles.
I love the FJ, but I can wait for them to come down more. The Bronco actually makes a nice substitute with a bit more modern conveniences in it.
I love and hate these articles – pretty sure every car I’ve owned or built over the years appears in some “these values are skyrocketing” articles within a few years of selling it! My friends joke they should just buy whatever I’m selling. This article is about prices coming back to earth but I sold my ‘69 FJ40 a couple years before the “new retro” one was released – even at the lowering prices noted here, I sold mine for pennies on the dollar. But a good price at the time.
I just love driving interesting cars and I don’t have the space or net worth to keep them all!
I’m a big fan of the Willys Station/Utility Wagons from 1948-1965. I don’t see them making many lists, though. I think they’re fun to own, easy to work on and get parts for, and rare enough that everyone is interested in seeing it at a car event.
They’re probably a bit too crude for most buyers today.
Can they keep up with traffic?
Comfortable interior?
Adequately powered?
My husband and I have a 1961 and a 1964 International Scout 80, and these are hard workers on our ranch, especially after storms that flood our pastures. They really help us get through the water to check on the pastures and cattle. I am disappointed that the Scout did not make the list. I do think Jeeps are cool. But not many people still own hard working Scouts and that’s why we chose to restore these instead of a Jeep. The downside is getting parts. Sometimes we have to manufacture a part cause and original is no longer available or we have to substitute a part that is adaptable from another vehicle manufacturer. But we do love our Scouts for weekend drives through the countryside or for work hauling equipment to hay fields, driving out to check livestock and taking friends on rides through our property.
This is a list of 4x4s that are declining in value. I don’t think you should be sorry that your Scouts didn’t make the list.
We would like to see pictures of your Scouts, we have been Scouts since 1975 still driving a 1977 Scout Terra Diesel, only in the summer. Just about to turn 40,000 miles.
After 40 years of the last Scout new Terra and new Traveller to be out in late 2026.
With all the bad press concerning Jeep I wonder how long they will be manufactured.
Jeep is a huge brand for Stellantis, with sales through the third quarter of 2024 of almost 450K units. Even the Gladiator moved over 32K units. That said, sales are declining, and the entire lineup is getting old. Stellantis better get its act together.
Lordy, lordy what a pile of gas sucking rattley old beasts. Why would anyone in their right mind look back at these old rust buckets with anything but horror. I can just see my self passing on the highway, on a scorching summer day, as a family watches in hopeless acceptance as their summer “vacation” goes up in flames, rising from the back of one of those Vanagons .
Have a nice day!
It’s called lack of maintenance.
Few people know about the CJ-6 — the extended wheelbase CJ-5. Wheelbase was 20″ longer, but the rear of the body wasn’t extended like the CJ-8. It was offered from 56-80, but most sales were overseas (mostly Sweden and South America). A few were sold over hear, mostly to utility and other companies that needed a bit more cargo room working in rough areas. Started out as a military version in 53, the M170. I knew about it and the utility/fleet sales, but had to look up the years, that’s where I found that the majority were sold overseas. So few were sold over hear that it’s hard to find. The CJ-6 is only 10″ longer than a CJ-7. the CJ-8 is much more versatile and even it didn’t sell in large numbers (27,792 over five years of production).
Gen 1.5 Geo Trackers (1995 – 1998).
Nuff said.
People who overpaid for old cars just because they’re old in the past few years are going to lose the farm.
Auction shows on TV and “Classic car dealers” have ruined the hobby.
Way back in the day…I had a red Jeep Scrambler. It was a great utility ‘truck’ on the farm. I had both cabs, the van cab and the short pickup cab, giving all three options. It was 4WD and factory right hand drive. Only option was the cabin heater and a block heater. Good metal; no rust. Sold it for a few hundred bucks. Sure wish I still had it. Advice to the young, it sure would be good to hang on to the rare vehicles you own. The day will come when they become really valuable. Right now, Hagerty is insuring for me two Model T’s and two Model A’s. My favorite is the 29 Model A roadster pickup, green with black fenders. It was displayed in a local Ford dealership showroom until the early 70’s and then covered in plastic in a warehouse for close to 45 years. Absolutely original, no rust or corrosion, even the green paint around the battery box is intact.
I drove a stock ’77 CJ-5 as my daily driver for several years in Texas where a sift top is all you need.
The key to its driveability was it having the AMC 304 V-8. The post AMC merger 5s had a 83″ wb to accommodate the larger AMC engines. Something worth considering if you are worried about its size. I only gave myself a mild fright once with the high CG issue.
DO NOT DO ANYTHING STUPID (I know that’s asking a lot from many who do not know how to drive correctly) and you’ll be fine.
I had it restored by a local specialist when I bought it (basically new paint, seats, top) and I sold it 6 years later for what I had in it.
Great fun.
Today, I have a M38A1, its basic nature is an antidote when I need to get away from the rolling computer that is our new Lexus to experience back to basic driving. The gearing means it has a top speed of 50, so I stay off the highways but that limits its usefulness…I can’t drive it to the annual car show in a nearby town because the only road there is a two lane U.S. Highway where you’ll be run over if you don’t go 70.
Jeep stands for Just empty every Pocket !!
Ever owned one?
Not in my experience, I don’t put much stock in “beer tales” (or those guys on NPR radio), who like to bad mouth stuff they have limited experience with.
Did you just make it up? 🙂
Sounds like the tired Fiat “joke” usually said by guys who the DC lowest they’ve come to the subject is eating at Olive Garden
I get people wanting to buy my 1967 K10 Step all the time. Ha! I’ll Never let it go! Notice how there’s No 67-73 GMs on this list. If trucks were muscle cars these model years would be Shelbys or Barracudas!