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.