10 under $10K: December 2017

Average Condition #3 value: $4,100

Is it boring to look at? You bet. Is it sporty? Not really. The Mk VIII is bland enough to let you cruise in anonymity, and it’s about as cheap as something with four wheels, an engine, and a roof can be. But hear us out. These cars are pretty loaded, with leather, power seats, heated mirrors, automatic climate control, and an optional sunroof. A Diamond Anniversary model in 1996 even had a voice-activated cell phone. Plus, there was a 4.6-liter Ford Modular V-8 under the hood that made between 280 and 290 horsepower, allowing for a 0–60-mph sprint of well under eight seconds. Parts are available and affordable.

These cars are still easily forgettable, but some people seem to be catching on as both buyer interest and Hagerty Price Guide values have sharply increased over the past year. The ’90s Lincolns aren’t likely to be the next collector car craze, but they also aren’t likely to get any cheaper than they are now.

Average condition #3 value: $8,600

For much of this year, one of the market’s biggest stories has been the Bronco, but the model just keeps on going gangbusters. The measures that make up the second-gen Bronco’s Hagerty Vehicle Rating are up across the board. The full-size, F-100-based models built for 1978 and ’79 are quite a bit faster and more usable than the first-gen Broncos, but on average they can still be had at a much more affordable four-figure price.

Average Condition #3 (good) value: $6,300

While we already named the sixth-gen Ford F-Series one of the hotter affordable collector vehicles, it still has room to grow. Buyer interest remains up, and this pickup’s rating grew three points since April. Buyers continue to be drawn to these trucks as rugged and dependable workhorses with classic styling, as well as disc brakes and spacious cab.

Average Condition #3 value: $7,700

In October we claimed that you needed to buy a 924 right now, but there’s still time. Perfectly good examples can be found for well under 10 grand. While most would point to it as the last Porsche they would ever want to buy (yes, even after a 914), the 924 has a transaxle that gives it incredible balance, and what it (severely) lacks in power, it makes up for in handling. Big growth in buyer interest going into the end of the year suggests these prices for once unloved members of the Porsche family still have a ways to go.

Average condition #3 value: $9,600

The third-generation Suburban was the first to have four full passenger doors, making it even more consumer-oriented than its three-door predecessor. And while smaller vehicles like Broncos, Blazers, Scouts, and Typhoons have been getting lots of attention recently, buyers have been showing increasing interest in larger trucks as well, particularly these vintage Suburbans.

Average condition #3 value: $8,600

Another Bronco with plenty of room for movement is the fourth-generation model from 1987–91. These later Broncos naturally offer more of the conveniences and reliability of a modern vehicle, but still have an old-school look and remain relatively affordable, even while buyer interest in Broncos of all ages continues to climb.

Average condition #3 value: $6,700

In a world where Mk IV Supras and Acura NSXs are bringing the kind of prices that could buy you a new Corvette, it’s a bit unusual that some of the other Japanese marvels from the ‘90s still reside in the realm of affordability. One of them is the Mitsubishi GTO platform, which included the mechanically identical, Japanese-built Mitsubishi 3000GT and the Dodge Stealth. Even the Stealth R/T Turbo, which was a technical marvel with twin turbos and intercoolers, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and electronically-controlled suspension is still relatively affordable, as is the slightly more valuable Mitsubishi-badged sibling. Prices continue to track fairly flat, but a significant bump in recent buyer interest suggests that we may see some movement in the future.

Average condition #3 value: $7,700

Jeeps of just about every vintage are hot at the moment, and that includes the earlier, four-cylinder CJ-3 series built by Willys-Overland and Kaiser-Frazer. The CJ-3 is quite a bit more bare bones than later Jeeps and has more in common with the old military versions so they have a narrower appeal, but buyer interest has nevertheless seen notable growth.

Average condition #3 value: $7,800

These cars are always going to live in the shadow of the Mk IV Supra. That’s understandable, but they are still fast, fun, reliable, and fairly attractive. The market’s ravenous appetite for good Mk IV Supras has priced out many people who always wanted one, and it’s the natural order of things that some of those people would settle for these earlier cars as what they look for the next best thing. Hagerty Price Guide values have increased in kind. Even Mk III Supra Turbos can still be had for a temptingly low price, though, if you can find a good one that hasn’t been victimized by mods and ill treatment.

Average Condition #3 value: $6,600

Another car we’ve looked at before but still deserves another mention is the charmingly boxy Datsun 510. Since we included it in our 10 under $10K story in August, the 510’s rating is up seven points and its average condition #3 value is up $700, so things are still looking up. Available as a two-door sedan, four-door sedan, or wagon, the 510 enjoys great aftermarket support and parts availability, and they are very fun little cars to drive. They remain affordable for now no matter what the body style, although the premium for a solid two-door car is pretty hefty. Watch out for rust, too.