8 ’80s Classics You Can Buy for $5000 or Less
It is getting quite difficult to find a car from the “Rad Era” for an entry-level price these days. The generations that enjoyed these cars when new—as well as a younger audience who might have experienced them on the used market—are recognizing their true worth as relevant historical tributes to a decade known for decadence.
It’s not just Lamborghinis and pre-merger AMGs that are getting the attention, either. Demographic changes and an increasingly globalized 1980s automotive marketplace spoiled “young urban professionals” for choice: cars ranging from a 1982 Ford EXP two-seater to an E32 BMW 7 Series luxury sedan each had their own enthusiast audience then, and they do once again today.
As a result, the list of ’80s cars that are in good shape and can be had for $5000 or less is a pretty short one. We dug into the Hagerty Price Guide for cars in #3 condition (a very clean, driver-quality example that runs well) that met our pricing and age criteria, and here’s what we found.
1984–2000 Jeep Cherokee 2.5-liter (XJ)
Some may forget that the AMC-derived, 2.5-liter four-cylinder motor in the Jeep Cherokee lasted so long, but you could indeed get this entry-level mill up until the 2000 model year. It even had a cool name by that point: “Power Tech,” though, given its 125 horsepower and 150 lb-ft of torque, the phrase risks overselling. (The next and final year of the Cherokee was exclusively powered by the 4.0-liter inline-six.) And when you opt for the big four in your Cherokee, you get the perk of owning a 2020 Bull Market pick, but with a more approachable transaction price.
That’s not to say all four-cylinder Cherokees sell below our promised ceiling of $5K. For the 1989 model year, a two-door, two-wheel-drive example averages at $4900; a four-door example goes up to $5000. Add the 4×4 option and prices for both four-cylinder Jeeps jump to $6600. In fact, the cheapest 4×4 is the 1984–85 base model with a one-barrel carburetor, and it will set you back an average of $5800. Interested in the rarer, turbodiesel four-pot Cherokee? Those go for a far steeper $8200.
1988 Buick Reatta
It is a shame that such a compelling and uniquely styled touring coupe made this list, but the Buick Reatta had a difficult time finding its place in the market. That isn’t likely to be the case for much longer, as only the first year of Reatta production (1988) can be purchased for $4800. This is up 4.3 percent, while 1988 Reattas in #1 condition are up 10 percent to a robust $22,700.
1980–83 Continental Mark VI
Unlike the 1980–89 Lincoln Town Car, which is experiencing a resurgence, the sistership Continental Mark VI can still be purchased for under five grand. The iconic Mark Series was downsized, contemporized, and computerized in the tail end of the Malaise Era, and being early in on that technology hasn’t earned valuations worthy of later Lincolns or earlier Continentals.
The more desirable Mark VI coupe can be had for $4500 in #3 condition, while the more staid sedan rings up for an even more modest $3500. It’s ironic that Continental Mark VIs originally sold for more than their Lincoln Town Car siblings, but the broader appeal and higher production volume of the Townie ensured a comfortable advantage in the classic car market.
1982–88 Cadillac Cimarron
While it takes some serious mental gymnastics to think GM’s J-body would make a car worthy of the Wreath and Crest, the last few years of Cadillac Cimarron production actually made for a decent car. By 1985, GM’s 2.8-liter V-6 had 130 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission was available, and the front end looked far more like that of a baby ‘Lac and not a tarted-up Cavalier.
Too bad about that, because it wasn’t enough to save the Cimarron. And a mere $2500 in 2024 dollars is needed to buy a #3 condition example, with any powertrain configuration. A shame, because modern motoring could be fun in a 1988 Cimarron with a five-speed and those rad digital gauges, far less so in a 1982 model with its 88 carbureted horses and its less distinctive styling touches.
1982–85 Pontiac Firebird
How can a third-generation F-body go for this cheap? That’s a fair question, as only the older examples without the Trans Am trim level can be had for less than five grand.
You will need exactly $5000 to buy a 1985 Firebird with a 165-horse 5.0-liter V-8 with a four-barrel carburetor, but a 1985 Trans Am is nearly triple the price ($13,800) with the same engine. Considering the long-term appeal of Firebirds in general, the 1985 Firebird V-8 might be one of the best bargains currently on the market.
1984–88 Pontiac Fiero 2M4
The addition of “2M4” to the title is crucial here, as it stands for “two-seat, mid-engine, four-cylinder.” We aren’t talking about the 2.8-liter, six-pot Pontiacs, just the Iron Duke examples that are currently at $4100 in #3 condition. The smaller engines clearly lacked the performance of those in later models, hotter commodities that include the 1988 Fiero V-6 Formula ($7700), and the 1988 Fiero GT ($12,300).
Consider the Iron Duke Fieros as easily approachable fun from the Rad Era, with style that’s hard to beat at any price. And whenever the lack of power becomes impossible to ignore, give V8 Archie a ring to make those pricey V-6 Fieros nothing but a speck in your rearview mirror.
1985–88 Cadillac Sedan DeVille
Much like the aforementioned Cimarron, values for the baby DeVilles do not reflect their regular updates and powertrain improvements. Numerous internal upgrades were done to the worrisome HT4100 V-8 engine in 1986, and the increase in displacement (from 4.1 to 4.5 liters) made the 1988 DeVille a rather fantastic luxury vehicle with wonderfully tidy proportions. But none of this seems to matter, as all 1985–88 Cadillac DeVilles go for an average of $3500 (up nine percent last quarter), no matter the quality of the engine.
And what of the Coupe DeVille from the same time frame? Those two-door Caddies are above our threshold, running a $5400 asking price (up 10.2 percent) in today’s market.
1985–91 Subaru XT
Perhaps we saved the best for last, as the Subaru that tried to be normal is such an eye-catching example of 1980s excess. How exactly has the most aerodynamic car not achieved the return on investment seen by cars like the Mazda RX-7 (FC) and Nissan 300ZX (Z31)?
We may never know, but it likely has something to do with Subaru’s more workaday front-wheel-drive architecture (though AWD was optional) and more limited reach thanks to lower production (around 98,000 units globally, less than 30 percent of FC RX-7 production), and a relatively small dealer network in this era. The end result is that a Subaru XT in the high-spec “GL 10 Turbo” trim level only fetches $4700 in modern times. And that’s a bit of a shame, as the looks alone should push it above the $5000 mark.
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Don’t buy an ’80s car to make a profit; buy it because you love turning heads. In 2006, I bought a 944 for $5,675. It needed a new clutch. Since then I have spent north of $40,000 to replace almost everything and have brought it to near showroom condidtion.
Walking out into a large parking lot to drive the coolest car there; priceless.
Even if a Cimarron was perfectly stored and preserved by a little old lady, it ain’t an “enthusiast’s car.” I had a new one and it was a rather nicely finished economy car with a leather interior. Other than that, it was not fast, not fun to drive, and not memorable, and happily it went away when paid off. Today, if people ask me if I ever owned a Cadillac, I say, “No, but I owned a Cimmaron.”
What??? Who put this “list” together?? An assortment of “mediocre” cars sprinkled in with some greats, but the absence of the 84-88 Thunderbird is sacrilege!!! The Fox body T-Birds were (and still remain) one of the best cars of the era and V6 Birds can be had in near-immaculate shape for well under $5000.
My experience with Fiero’s is if they catch fire (and they will) don’t try to put out with the metals in them…. A real eye opener when hit with H2O, have a class “D” extinguisher handy … also the AMC’S with the plastic valve covers were good with engine cooking….get an Aluminum cover…no problem
To add another vehicle to the list, I paid $6000cdn for an 1985 Toronado with only 130,000kms on the dial.
Whoever wrote this article needs to verify AND fact check. No Lincoln Mark VII anywhere for $5k unless its been butchered! I love that car and I got so excited to look at them. Also, FYI, coupes are always a premium especially in these type of vehicles. Like the Coupe DeVille. Noone ever notes the Sedan Deville as memorable. Even the Fleetwood Brougham Coupe always garners a premium. 4 Door mark better be a factory limo.
They said MarkVI. You probably could get it for around $5000. Finding one would be the problem, lol.
I’ve got both an xj (4×4 4L) and ‘88 Reatta and paid $1800 and $2500 respectively for decent versions. With repairs and resto I’m into each for just under $5k. Reattas still have to be in very good condition for them to be worth more than $5k. The pristine versions get $10k+
I am a long time car collector and have three collector vehicles from the 80’s. One is a 1980 Jeep Wagoner with a factory CB radio with just 30,000 miles. It has been my second best investment when it comes to profit and a nice comfortable ride. I also have two Choo Choo ElCaminos which appear new. They get a lot of attention at car shows and are tow trucks for matching drag racing boats. They reduce stone chips on the boats, and the low profile is excellent for backing trailers into the water. Great 80’s vehicles!
The Buick Reatta is an excellent choice-I have owned a number of them. My four kids and 8 neices/nephews all had a Reatta as a first car. Though far from underpowered they are not a street racer, and with noi back seat there is no peer pressure either. the engine lasts forever. And there are a few parts vendors out there that can supply anything you need. I love the convertibles, which are still in style-people are shocked to find out my 90 is over 30 tears old. The sunroof equipped cars have problems with the sunroof, and the gauges tend to blank out, but like I said, there are a few Reatta parts suppliers that had the cars up and running in no time.
These are wonderful cars from our past, when style and horsepower were paramount, however we are talking about cars that are 45+ years of age, and unless they were kept in a glass time capsule will need a lot of repairs to parts that naturally have worn out. Suspension, engine, accessories, etc. wear out, and replacing them ain’t cheap. And, if you find that preverbal low mileage and in great shape car where all you have do is turn the key and drive away, it won’t be $5,000.00 or less. Been there, done that, got the T-shirt. With repair shop rates at $150.00/hour plus parts, think it through before giving in to that wonderful looking car from long ago.
For what is a controversial and/or disliked by some article it sure has generated a lot of responses . My compliments Sajeev
Thank you for reading, Paul. I am glad you enjoyed it!
One of the most reliable cars I have own is my 1986 Pontiac Firebird with V6 2.8 L engine. It still starts in NY sub freezing mornings and gets me where I need to go.
It’s shape is still hot even 38 years later.
I worked at a Sub dealer and only saw one 6 cylinder XT coupe. It was driven by the factory rep. Those cars were real crap as all the electronic stuff constantly gave issues. Shocks,dash, etc. Not to mention the perennial Subaru issue of blown head gaskets since they changed the engine design in the 80’s. Even the newer ones get a stop leak additive as a factory fix. I don’t get why people love them as it’s definitely a niche not based on logic. I spent some time with GM and a Cavalier is still a Cavalier that eats steering racks, has clog prone poor TBI injection and it’s still GM junk even if it says Caddy. This list is one of the biggest jokes ever in this site. The tiredbirds were wheeze boxes that couldn’t get out of their own way. The jeep is fair but not a “classic”. Just because you can buy one doesn’t mean you would want one.
The common thread here is second tier versions or just plain not very good cars. The 4 cylinder Cherokee and Fiero are very much the second best version as are are lesser Firebirds, although if you don’t care about originality the Pontiacs are an engine swap form being fun and interesting.
The Cimarron, and early FWD Sedan De Ville are legendarily crap cars and the Continental and Reatta are iffy.
The Subaru XT is just flat out weird although you need the turbo with digital dash for peak weird. Back in the day Car and Driver described as “designer got partway trough the front of a normal coupe and then the mescaline he took at lunch kicked in”
I had an 81 dodge aspen that car was pretty damn cool.