10 of the best investment cars you can buy today

If you want to buy that fun car that you’ve always promised yourself, then there is an excellent way to convince yourself or your sceptical partner – just say it’s an investment. While most cars we buy will inevitably lose money over time, there are some which will grow in value if they are well maintained.

Some rare and exotic cars might make their owners millions but even models which cost a few thousand can grow in value, or at least offset the cost of owning them.

Before you raid the savings account, bear in mind that no car is guaranteed to make you money and the car market can be unpredictable, but here are 10 relatively affordable cars that experts believe have the best chance of growing in value.

We think the 10 best investment cars in 2024 are: 

1. Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
2. BMW Z1
3. R50 Mini Cooper S
4. R230 Mercedes SL
5. Range Rover L322
6. Renaultsport Clio 182
7. Audi A2
8. Honda S2000
9. Aston Martin DB9
10. Fiat Seicento Schumacher

1. Vauxhall VX220 Turbo

• Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
• Power: 200hp
• 0-60mph: 4.7 seconds
• Top speed: 151mph

If you’ve always fancied an early Lotus Elise, we have some bad news – they are already shooting up in value and you’ve missed the boat. If you are prepared to put up with a less exotic badge there’s an alternative which some experts quietly admit they think is better.

The Vauxhall VX220 was launched in 2000 with the intention of adding some glamour to the brand. But while it wore the Griffin badges, it was engineered and built by Lotus. Compared to the contemporary Elise it was slightly – but only slightly – less sporty, with more predictable handling, plus an airbag and ABS. Many modern drivers will be more comfortable with these safety essentials.

Badge snobbery keeps prices much lower than an equivalent Lotus and it’s possible to find a scruffy but sound example for under five figures. That won’t last long – prices of sound, original versions can surely only go one way.

2. BMW Z1

• Engine: 2.5-litre six-cylinder petrol
• Power: 168hp
• 0-60mph: 8.1 seconds
• Top speed: 140mph

There is no such thing as a ‘cheap’ BMW Z1, but most experts agree that they are still undervalued for a rare two seater sports car from a prestige brand. While prices of the bigger Z8 have shot upwards, the Z1 has risen at a much slower pace.

This may be partly because the Z1 has the humble underpinnings of a 3 Series, but the wedge styling was enough to rival supercars.

It also has a party trick – its doors. Rather than opening outwards or scissoring upwards, they disappear down into the sill. That might make it tricky to get in if you are less agile, but the car can be driven with the doors stowed down, meaning you can feel the wind in your armpit hair too, if you wish.

Those 3 Series origins also mean it is mostly cheap to maintain, but some drivers will be put off by the left-hand drive-only layout. It does mean you can import a Z1 from Germany though, where most of the 8,000 made were originally sold.

3. Mini Cooper S (R50)

• Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol
• Power: 170hp
• 0-60mph: 7.2 seconds
• Top speed: 135mph

Glance through the classifieds and it’s easy to find an early Mini for just a few hundred quid, and a banger like this might provide you with some cheap fun for a while. But the good cars with low miles, stacks of history and just a few owners are starting to climb in value quickly as people realise they are collectable and look out for the best.

Any early Mini that has been loved is worthy of attention, but it will always be the fastest Cooper S which is the most sought-after, even more so if it’s the hotter John Cooper Works or even the rare GP version.

The ‘S” stands for supercharger, which obviously brings more power but also adds an intriguing whine as you accelerate. Add in the sharp chassis responses, solid BMW build quality and infinite personalisation options and it’s easy to see why a good Mini is much more fun than a savings account.

4. Mercedes SL R230 (2001-2011)

• Engine: 3.7-litre six-cylinder petrol
• Power: 270hp
• 0-60mph: 6.4 seconds
• Top speed: 155mph

Before Mercedes fans furiously type emails of complaint, we know the 2001-2011 SL isn’t the most valuable or desirable of these models. But we think it is the version which has the greatest potential to rise in value, at least in percentage terms.

The smoother, rounder looks are ageing well and the folding hard top makes them practical as an everyday car.

The SL doesn’t suffer from the rampant quality issues which can affect other Mercs from this era. That doesn’t mean they are free from problems though, and for that reason it’s the model with the smallest engine and simplest mechanics which experts recommend.

The SL350 has more than adequate performance and is not much slower in reality than the V8 SL500. But crucially it did not have the Active Body Control system fitted as standard. This is known to be troublesome and expensive to repair, and buyers know it. Find a good 350 and it will make you look like a millionaire for less than £5,000.

5. Range Rover L322

• Engine: 4.4-litre eight-cylinder petrol
• Power: 313hp
• 0-60mph: 7.8 seconds
• Top speed: 131mph

Most people who have owned a Range Rover will laugh at the idea that one could earn you money, but experts reckon the 2002-2012 version, codenamed L322, is on its way up. This could at least help soften the blow of the inevitable bills.

There are plenty of tatty examples out there, but canny dealers are starting to snap up those with less than 100,000 miles and are even restoring them to appeal to a new type of buyer who appreciates their versatility and regal design.

The later V8 diesels offer the best combination of power and economy and are surprisingly reliable too if properly serviced. The last of the line Westminster models are the most desirable of all, but you’ll have to stump up more than £700 a year for road tax – a problem for all post-2006 models. Look for meticulous maintenance records and a tasteful colour combination.

6. Renaultsport Clio 182

• Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
• Power: 182hp
• 0-60mph: 7.1 seconds
• Top speed: 139 mph

The very best hot hatchbacks from each generation have gone on to be highly collectable; prices of the best Volkswagen Golf GTis and Peugeot 205 GTIs can reach £30,000 these days, mainly because they were so desirable in the 1980s and 1990s.

The most acclaimed performance hatchbacks of the 2000s were the Renaultsport Clio series. The pinnacle of these was the daft mid-engined V6, and while this will turn the most heads and undoubtably have investment potential, the 182 is more accessible and probably faster on a British country lane – especially as the front-wheel drive handling is more predictable.

As with all hot hatches, there will be plenty of 182s that will have been abused and used as track cars, so seek out the examples which have been loved by enthusiasts. It’s worth paying more for a car with a full history, especially if it’s from one of the specialists who cater for fast Clios.

7. Audi A2

• Engine: 1.4-litre three-cylinder diesel
• Power: 75hp
• 0-60mph: 12.3seconds
• Top speed: 107 mph

It might not have been a commercial success, but time has looked favourably on the Audi A2. The arch-roofed hatchback was an expensive oddity when it was launched but now looks like a cast iron future classic – which is ironic as the A2’s shell was made of lightweight aluminium.

This meant it was extremely economical, especially when fitted with the three-cylinder turbo diesel. Owners regularly achieve above 60mpg in the real world and the low emissions mean cheap road tax too.

This makes the TDIs the most desirable of the A2s. Scruffy cars can still be found for less than £1,000 but collectors are starting to snap up the low-mileage cars and the best are now worth close to £10,000. Buyers will pay more for an interesting colour and leather interior, but be wary of the troublesome sunroof. The larger wheels look great but ruin the ride comfort so choose according to your taste.

8. Honda S2000

• Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
• Power: 240hp
• 0-60mph: 6.2 seconds
• Top speed: 150 mph

Is the Mazda MX-5 a little too tame – or common – for you? Then perhaps you need to move up to the next level with a Honda S2000. The two-seat roadster is far rarer than the Mazda, which means there is greater investment potential, but it still has the same Japanese build quality and arguably even more engineering integrity.

Under the long bonnet is a 240hp 2.0-litre engine which loves to be revved – peak power comes in at 9,000rpm, when most cars will have bounced off their rev limiters or blown up. That’s great fun, but doesn’t suit all drivers and will seem alien to anyone used to the low-down punch of a turbo engine.

They generally have the reliability you’d expect from a Honda but look out for crash damage – it’s easy for drivers who aren’t used to rear-wheel drive to get caught out on a wet roundabout. Buy the best you can afford and keep it as a weekend toy and you should always find a willing buyer when you want to sell.

9. Aston Martin DB9

• Engine: 5.9-litre 12-cylinder petrol
• Power: 456hp
• 0-60mph: 4.9 seconds
• Top speed: 186 mph

Any Aston Martin will eventually become collectable, but the DB9 is going to get there faster than most as it is a genuinely desirable – and usable – supercar. It marked a revolution for the company, using a central bonded alloy chassis which was developed by Lotus and gave the Aston surprisingly low weight. If you put a Caterham 7 on the roof rack it would still weigh less than its contemporary rival, the Bentley Continental GT.

No Aston is going to be cheap to run but many of the components were sourced from Ford and Volvo which keeps prices down.

Most DB9s were autos, which makes the rare manuals more desirable and costly. They will hold their money better though. The Volante convertibles are not worth any more than the coupes largely because it can cost five-figures to replace the soft top.

Prices for DB9s start at around £15,000, but buying cheap is rarely wise. It’s best to find a car costing double that with fewer miles and a stack of history.

10. Fiat Seicento Schumacher

• Engine: 1.1-litre 4-cylinder petrol
• Power: 54hp
• 0-60mph: 13.1 seconds
• Top speed: 93 mph

Not got much space in your garage, or money in the bank? Here’s one investment car which might slot into your life neatly – the Fiat Seicento Sporting. While the ‘regular’ Seicento is already a relative rarity, it’s the special edition Schumacher version which has the best potential to grow in value as it was more desirable and limited in numbers.

Fiat made 5,000, half in yellow and the other 2,500 in red, all with a special numbered plaque and the optional ABS brakes with an Abarth styling kit. There is also the F1 driver’s signature in decal form on the bootlid and side skirts.

As they were cheap to insure and buy, many went to young drivers who skimped on servicing and ended up in a ditch. It means there are now fewer than 300 left registered in the UK.

Those that are left are already being cherished and collectors are actively looking out for them.

Best investment cars – FAQs

Q: Are cars a bad investment?

It’s possible to make a lot of money from classic cars and speculating on future models which will be in demand. Investors are attracted to them because the tax authorities just treat them as used cars, so there’s normally no capital gains liability – unlike stocks and shares.

But like any investment, there is risk involved and you need to take care of the car by storing it properly, maintaining it and having it insured. Even a service on a blue chip car like a Ferrari F40 can cost more than £40,000.
Having said that, there is a great deal of pleasure which can be derived from owning a car which you are unlikely to get from a portfolio of shares. The best investment car to buy is the one you want to own: that way if its value goes down rather than up, you will have enjoyed owning it regardless of its financial performance.

Q: What cars are the best investment?

Generally speaking you are looking for cars which were desirable when new and are now rare, either because they were made in limited numbers or have just disappeared as they got scrapped.

If you are looking for a quick buck, then find a car which is basically sound and has the right history and bring it back to the sort of condition which will appeal to a collector or enthusiast.

For longer term investments, try to find cars which are at the bottom of their depreciation curve but are starting to creep up. That’s likely to be models built around 20 years ago.

Q: What car holds the most value?

A: Cars from exotic and prestige brands are usually the best at holding their value, especially if they are limited editions and performance models. If your budget can’t stretch that far then look at the more glamorous versions of everyday cars. Fast Fords and Volkswagens, for example, will always be sought after. Buyers usually prefer unmodified cars with a good history of maintenance and a low number of owners.

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