From Diesel to Dirt, These 5 Vehicles Gained Ground in a Slow Market
It’s been an eventful summer for the collector market. On one hand, it shows obvious cooling, with even our Hagerty Market Rating settling back to pre-pandemic levels. On the other hand, while it may seem like the entire market would follow suit, there are still some bright spots. Gains are becoming more nuanced, though, as pickier buyers are more willing to pay big sums for a rare, exceptional example as well as more willing to pass on more average or common ones.
Our latest quarterly update of the Hagerty Price Guide is now live, and below we look at the most noteworthy gainers (measured by average increase across year, model, submodel, and condition) of the past three months. As always, if you have questions about how we arrived at these changes, you can read more about the methodology behind the Hagerty Price Guide here.
1986-93 Mercedes-Benz 300D/E300 Diesel
Average increase: +68%
Old Mercedes-Benzes have a well-deserved reputation for toughness and over-engineering, including the W124 platform of the 1980s-90s and especially the diesel models. While performance versions of the W124 and early AMG models have enjoyed attention and big prices, diesel Benzes of this era more or less remained cult classics. Earlier models have already gained wider attention, but it appears that newer models have gained wider appreciation.
Over the course of the summer, a handful of low-mile oil-burner W124s hit the market and brought big numbers, including a six-figure result from an 8400-mile example. While more transactions are needed to call these more than just outliers, these results drove a huge gap between our #1 (“concours”) and #2 (“excellent”) values. While a no-mile, perfect example may be worth in the range of $80,000 these days, a more driven example that has still been maintained exceptionally is worth about half that. The reason? Well, when was the last time you saw a no-mile W124 with a diesel? These cars are considered to be just broken in at 150,000 miles. Just as noteworthy is the fact that crusty and neglected examples in #4 condition were not helped by enthusiasm at the top of the market. In fact, poor-condition cars actually slid in value slightly to just below $3000.
It seems that collectors are willing to pay seemingly absurd amounts for unused cars, while enthusiasts looking for a car to simply drive and enjoy can still accomplish that with relative affordability.
1988-91 Honda CRX Si
Average increase: +25%
Along with the Civic Si, the CRX Si helped Honda cement its reputation for delivering small, spunky compact cars to the masses that punched above their weight class and sold at competitive prices. Given Honda’s propensity to deliver practical and efficient subcompacts at the time, the CRX is even more noteworthy. Here you have a two-seater with a distinctive short wheelbase and aggressive kammback style. It looks bonkers, and is a hoot to drive. The sporty Si (sport injected) model came with a D16A6 engine making barely 100 horsepower, but in a car with a car weighing just a hair over a ton.
The CRX is a beloved car among OG Honda enthusiasts. It has a stellar reputation as a driver and clean examples are highly sought after, particularly the more refined second generation models (1988-91). Over the summer, a number of stock examples hit the market, all trading for strong prices. While driver-quality cars have been out of the realm of truly “cheap” for a while, #3 (“good”) condition cars have crept out of the sub-$10K range and have been trading for closer to $12K. If you happen across an excellent condition example, however, be prepared to shell out $30,000 and up.
These cars have been out of production for over 3-decades now and unmolested examples are getting harder and harder to come by, so while this feels like a lot of money for a car that used to trade for less than half what they used to less than a decade ago, don’t expect these to get any cheaper as Honda enthusiasts snatch these up.
1991-97 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ80
Average increase: +19%
Land Cruisers have always had a bit of a cult following, especially the 80-Series. It’s the last of the lineage of the Land Cruiser as it was originally formulated with solid axles and an inline-six engine. A set of triple locking differentials makes for a crazy capable SUV and the amenities inside were above and beyond what was standard for the market at the time. Simply put, it was the most well-rounded and most capable of the original Land Cruisers. The 80-Series is to Land Cruisers what the 993 is to air cooled Porsches, and much like 993s, enthusiasts are willing to shell out big sums for 80-Series in the right condition.
For the most part, these SUVs accumulated tons of miles, and it’s not uncommon for clean, maintained examples with hundreds of thousands of miles to still bring close to $20,000. However, that is not where we are seeing most of the market movement. Much like the diesel W124 Mercedes, the real divergence comes in with the low-mile (sub-100K miles is barely broken in over in 80-Series land), well-preserved trucks. Buyers are shelling out good money to the tune of $50,000 and up for them. For an FJ80 in truly like-new condition, though, we’re now looking at six-figure prices.
A recent transaction at $170,000 for a 4200-mile truck shows just how high enthusiasts are willing to go for the right example. Sure, a sale that high is still an outlier, but it does prove that there is appetite out there. Most of these trucks are in used condition and are still perfectly enjoyable and somewhat attainable classic trucks in the sub-$30K range. It’s only for the cream puff collector-grade Land Cruisers that you’ll need to dig deep in that wallet.
1984-88 Pontiac Fiero
Average increase: +17%
Once upon a time, Pontiac wasn’t afraid to get a little bold or even a little weird with their creations. While the other GM brands tended to play it safe, Pontiac’s legacy of pushing the boundaries and not taking no for an answer from corporate gave us some memorable innovations. Some were segment defining hits like the GTO and others never managed to capture the public’s imagination (*coughs in Pontiac Aztek*).
Take the Fiero, for instance. With it, Pontiac sought to serve an unserved market. Back in the early ’80s, unless you were willing to buy a Fiat, there was no affordable way to obtain a sporty, mid-engine two seater. Pontiac sought to enter that space with an economical but sporty two seater with Bertone-esque looks. Initial reviews were positive, but lack of power was an Achille’s heel for the car until the GT came along with an available V-6 engine. Perhaps the most memorable issue was a fiery one for the Fiero. It quickly gained a reputation for hucking rods and catching fire. While GM did solve the issue, the stigma has always stuck. Toyota would prove the idea had legs with the MR2 not long after, but for Pontiac, the damage was done.
While the Fiero has been and remains a cheap enthusiast car, it’s 17-percent hike in value is notable, and when we wind the clock back a full year, Fieros have gained on average 25-38 percent, meaning that while pristine Fiero SE would’ve run you $11,000 a year ago, that same car is just over $15,000 today. Just as noteworthy is that the more desirable GT has remained steady in the same time period. Maybe our forgotten friends are getting the love they deserve. Maybe the stigma is wearing off. Either way, it’s a good day when we get to talk positively about a car that is so often ignored.
1990-97 Mazda Miata
Average increase: +16%
Mazda’s Miata has been the answer to all your drop top needs for over three decades. It is small, nimble and doesn’t offer you anything you don’t need. When it came out at the dawn of the 1990s part of its appeal was that it was like a classic British roadster without the issues, but now early first gen (NA) Miatas are old enough to be classics in their own right.
NA Miatas have been outside the realm of truly cheap for some time now. You used to be able to pick up a pristine example for $10K about a decade ago, but now that same car will run you as much as a well-optioned brand-new 2024 Miata. We live in strange times indeed. While most conditions saw a bump, the real rise in value came to the truly perfect condition #1 examples, which rose to $38,700. Much like with the Benz mentioned above, there is a clear divergence between #1 cars with zero use from new and #2 condition cars which are still extremely good, but have been enjoyed to a limited extent.
When we’re talking about cars built in large quantities at low prices for the driving enthusiast, delivery mile only cars are exceedingly rare and it is becoming clear that collectors wanting the cleanest of clean are willing to pay up when the opportunity presents itself. For the rest of us who prefer to drive our cars as intended, an NA Miata is still an attainable car at under $15K.
The Mercedes in this case is the car I have the lowest energy for. Fieros, Miatas, Land Cruisers sign me up!
W124 Mercedes are almost all rust buckets at this point. Yeah, sure, the ones that stayed in SoCal or Arizona haven’t rusted out, but the others have. I know, I owned a handful of them on the east coast. Mercedes never did adopt galvanized steel body panels, unlike the other German manufacturers.
Move to the South we don’t have rust down here … Or snow..
The south has high humidity and salt along the coasts. Look out for flood cars.
I much prefer snow storms over hurricanes. My summer cars are parked indoors in the winter and never get flooded at any time.
there great cars
they’re, as in they are……..
thank you.
Writing the English language properly is truly becoming a lost form of communication.
Especially with the “help” of autocorrect
There, their. Then, than.
To, too, two
Lose, loose
Apparently some people didn’t go to school for 2nd or 3rd grade.
Haha! Not just me that this annoys then! The worst one I see is when the ‘has’ loses it’s ‘h’ ! I mean, how can you spell a three-letter word incorrectly? Grrrr
I’m a CPA (also three letters) and every time I try to enter a client’s HSA contribution into a spreadsheet, autocorrect insists it should be HAS. To pass inspection I must reenter it as H.S.A. I know this is off topic, but I’m obviously not the only member of the Spelling Police who reads these posts.
Don’t you mean “looses” its (note the lack of apostrophe) “h”?
No, it is loses. Loose is the opposite of tight.
I’m so annoyed every time I read a classified add and the car has had new ‘breaks’ installed. Seriously? Them’s the breaks, I guess…
Don’t you mean a classified ad?
That should be a classified “ad”. But whatever. Tell ya what, I’ll cut you slack for that if you cut the other guy slack for his “breaks”. We’re all fallible humans, after all. And some of us didn’t grow up in an English speaking/writing household.
Now… on an only slightly related topic… the thing that drives me batshit crazy are the classifieds that state “it used to run great!” Or “ran great when parked”. Sure, my ratty ’63 bug ran great at one time, but now it’s 61 years old. It doesn’t run so great now. Be honest with your marketing, folks!
And I used to run great too – about 40 years ago!
Folks don’t take the little time to proof read before sending!
They’re going to park their car over there.
Wear?
B^)
The Mazda Miata write-up describing it as a ‘British roadster without the issues’ rings true with me. After purchasing a new ‘76 MGB the fuel pump cut out the first week. From a phone booth I was told by the dealership to tap on it lightly with a hammer to give it life. Really?
They told you how to fix it and you’re complaining.
Haha
Exactly!
Fonzi must have been working the Customer Service line at the time.
how else do you fix reluctant electric pumps ???????
Lucas starters too.
Lucas anything too.
I had a “77 MGB and after 2 lucifer fuel pumps in 6 months i had my mechanic put a GM pump in and it worked, although noisy, forevermore.
Excuse me, but “Lucas” doesn’t normally apply to most British fuel pumps, most of which were/are SU (Skinner Union), and yes, a light tap with a small hammer would usually persuade the electric contacts to start working again.
Why did the English drink warm beer? Their refrigerators were build by smith electric.
ALL British cars with electrical fuel pumps have this issue. Joseph Lucas again? Replacing the pump with a “no name white box” pump always works. I keep one handy at all times, those cars still haunt the roads. Be sure to use a fuel filter either sides for looming tank corrosion. Amazon $15.00 these days. And, free delivery!
The only new off the showroom floor car I have ever owned was a 1962 MGA MkII. It was fun to drive but I always had a new fuelpump and extra fanbelts and the tools to change them. I could never know when one or the other would fail and require replacement on the spot. I owned several and can verify they had “issues.” The subsequent MGBs also had their “issues.”
I wonder how the Lexus SC 430 is doing?
Rarely see any info on them.
Has the 80’s fox body cougar XR7 seen any movement in value or collectibility
Interesting you bring up that model. I know someone who is selling her late husband’s 81 Cougar. In recent years I’ve seen a few well preserved 79-81 Thunderbirds and Cougars sell at affordable prices. All seemed to be in good condition. I wonder though with digital instrument clusters how those have held up over the years.
We sold our 2005 SC430 for 18,500 with 22,500 miles the rims were curbed and due for timing belt and water pump body had one chip. Should have kept it.. We talked ourselves into buying a 2022 SL 55 you only live once right?
Timing belt at 22,000 miles??
Timing belts have both a mileage and time limit. In this case, age forced the change not miles. Common with many parts on cars…
Go to LexusSC430 club and you will see everything you want
I have a 2006 SC430 with 20K on the clock. It’s an awesome car. Luxury Hardtop Convertible, Toyota legacy reliability, readily available parts, and they are relatively inexpensive to maintain.
You should see low mileage examples blasting off on Bring A Trailer. I remember seeing SC430s around 6k…. Now they’re up in the 20-30k range.
I would want an SC 300 with the 5-speed manual transmission. They were pretty rare when new and very rare today.
The Miata will always have a bid. They are fun to drive and inexpensive to maintain
Most of all early Miatas are now eligible in most Vintage racing events.. That puts a floor on price level.
Sign me up for one of those Land Cruisers.
Me too!
No cookies,you don’t respect my privacy
I’m waiting for my 2001 Acura CL-S to increase in value, although I am sure it won’t since mine has over 250,000 miles since I bought new. I love it and it still is a nice looking, handling, ride, and gets great gas mileage which helps me out since my 87 MB 560sl drinks premium like a skid row bum……
The Fiero finally getting the respect it deserves.
Not so sure they deserve to much respect , they were horrible vehicles …except for the last year V6.
They get more respect than some rebodied 323 or rotting toyota
Not true. I’ve owned 2, one new in ’87 (GT), and a used one 4 years ago, (’86 GT), Loved/love both of them, and could easily triple my investment on the ’86 currently.
Agreed, i wanted to like them but they kinda sucked.
Again with the English?
Too…
Too much…
Wrong ed o . I had several. The 88 I brought used had 80k on it. I drove it 10 years and put 100k on it, I would have kept driving it if it wasn’t an idiot in a new BMW turning into my lane. What a shame the brand new silver BMW got some red paint on it. LOL Jerk!
As a proud owner of a 87 Fiero GT, I’m just wondering based on your statement, have you ever driven or owned a Fiero? I have had two, my current 87 GT and a 86 SE and I loved/love them both. They do deserve attention. If you aren’t familiar with the history of the Fiero you should look it up. It’s pretty interesting. Unfortunately, most people don’t know about it and they often get overlooked at car shows.
Ed O…You’re Very Correct. The Pontiac Fiero is Pretty Much in the Same League/Mistake…As The Chevy Vega (‘1970-’77)…”JUNK”
True. The 88 model is the best one. GM got the suspension right that year.
I had 85 with manual transmission and 86 with automatic. Loved them.
Has anyone seen the prices of Square body (73-80) GM trucks?
I’ve appraised many square bodies where I live in western Canada. I’m in the heart of truck country and this generation of pickup is very popular. Prices remain strong for the truck with the right options, engine and trim. Younger generation fans are restoring them or modifying the trucks and they are holding value really well.
All very nice cars. How about 1980 VW Rabbit convertible, regarding price and attainability?
If you find one, be sure to bring a broom and dustpan, or you’ll leave half of it behind when you leave.
B^)
Collectible maybe, but none float my boat. I owned a Miata, Turbo of all things. It was ok, good actually and perfectly competent and complete boring.
A Miata boring? You must be used to driving Ferraris or such!
The MB and the Pontiac are great cars. The rest of the list are Walmart brand disposable rotting garbage
Tell me you’re anti-Japanese cars (can make several other unsavory assumptions from there, but I’ll keep it PC and car-related) without telling me you’re anti-Japanese. It’s ok. We won the war and they’re our allies.
Just raised the insurance on my 85 Fiero point nose V6
Now worth almost sticker at last auction. Worth more than my 88 GT. Love these cars
As long as is does NOT have the Iron Duke four-banger.
In before the usual “Hagerty doesn’t know what they’re doing” guy who thinks he knows better. I have some Mercedes W140S Class V12s that have picked up along the way, and in dry storage because I like them. Some are only 1 of 20 or 50 and one is 1 of 10, maybe some day they’ll shoot up.