Saving & Spending Home & Auto

10 Cars That Could Make You Money as They Age (You Won’t Believe #6)

Buckle up for a journey into the world of cars that age like fine wine in your garage.

man driving vintage car
Updated Dec. 17, 2024
Fact checked

When you purchase a new car, it usually loses value quickly.

According to Edmunds, a typical car depreciates 23.5% during the first year and 60% over the first five years of its lifespan.

However, some cars actually grow in value over time. Here are some vehicles that can help owners get ahead financially by increasing in value as the years roll on.

Steal this billionaire wealth-building technique

The ultra-rich have also been investing in art from big names like Picasso and Bansky for centuries. And it's for a good reason: Contemporary art prices have outpaced the S&P 500 by 136% over the last 27 years.

A new company called Masterworks is now allowing everyday investors to get in on this type of previously-exclusive investment. You can buy a small slice of $1-$30 million paintings from iconic artists, all without needing any art expertise.

If you have at least $10k to invest and are ready to explore diversifying beyond stocks and bonds,see what Masterworks has on offer. (Hurry, they often sell out!)

AMC AMX

Brian/Adobe american motors amx coupe

American Motor Corporation built the AMC from 1968 to 1970 to compete with the Chevrolet Corvette, another two-seat sports car of the era. The AMX was priced to appeal to budget-conscious buyers at the time.

The car never gained the popularity that other sports cars did, making it a rarity compared to other classics. That scarcity has pushed the price higher.

Want to learn how to build wealth like the 1%? Sign up for Worthy to get ideas and advice delivered to your inbox.

Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren

Thomas Dutour/Adobe mercedes benz slr mclaren

At one point, the Mercedes-Benz car company had a stake in the legendary racing team McLaren, which led to the companies working together on the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren.

The car, manufactured between 2004 and 2010, featured a stylish, aerodynamic design and unique butterfly-wing doors, which still make it popular today.

Willys Jeep

OceanProd/Adobe jeep willys 4x4 car

Off-road drivers who want to try something different have been propping up the value of the Willys Jeep over the years.

This vehicle famously saw action in World War II and was known for its off-road capabilities. Today, it’s a great vehicle to own for its ruggedness. Many owners also love to work on the car.

Resolve $10,000 or more of your debt

Credit card debt is suffocating. It constantly weighs on your mind and controls every choice you make. You can end up emotionally and even physically drained from it. And even though you make regular payments, it feels like you can never make any progress because of the interest.

National Debt Relief could help you resolve your credit card debt with an affordable plan that works for you. Just tell them your situation, then find out your debt relief options.1

How to get National Debt Relief to help you resolve your debt: Sign up for a free debt assessment here. (Do not skip this step!) By signing up for a free assessment, National Debt Relief can assist you in settling your debt, but only if you schedule the assessment.

Try it

AM General Hummer H1

be free/Adobe hummer h1 general motors suv

The AM General Hummer H1 began production in 1992. It's a boxy, big SUV that stands out from the crowd.

Production of the H1 ceased in 2006, but General Motors' decision to revive the Hummer name means this classic is expected to increase in value.

The current Hummer is available as an all-electric SUV or pickup.

Saab 900 Turbo

Martin Debus/Adobe saab 900 sedan

Vehicles are no longer made under the Saab brand name, and that fact might boost the price of existing Saab models.

The Saab 900 Turbo, for example, had a striking look that appealed to fans who still wanted to get behind the wheel of the car.

Ford Focus RS

Brandon Woyshnis/Adobe ford-focus-rs

Many aftermarket parts were previously available for the Ford Focus RS, and the ability to customize the car appealed to some buyers.

However, Ford stopped manufacturing the Focus. Today, you will only find this vehicle on the used car market. That scarcity may be one reason many expect the car’s value to jump in the coming years.

Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06

Sergey Kohl/Adobe chevrolet corvette (c6)

The Chevrolet Corvette is considered a cool car regardless of the year it was made, but collectors give the C5 Z06 model from 2001 to 2004 a special look.

This model has features that make it stand out from other Corvettes, such as its styling and engine. It is still relatively affordable on the used-car market if you want to buy a Corvette, but some observers expect the price to climb soon.

Lamborghini Murciélago

Brandon Woyshnis/Adobe lamborghini

High-end sports cars can be pricey to pull into your garage when you buy them new. And in some cases, the value continues to rise in the ensuing years.

For example, check out the Lamborghini Murciélago, with its sporty design and scissor doors. The car, made between 2001 and 2010, also has a V12 engine that makes it stand out when you put your foot down on the gas.

Pontiac GTO

Brian/Adobe pontiac gto hardtop coupe

When you think about American muscle cars, the Pontiac GTO leaps to mind.

The GTO’s 1966-67 model is particularly valuable. The car includes hood scoops, unique exterior styling, and a powerful V8 engine, making it particularly valuable to collectors and car enthusiasts.

Earn cash back on everyday purchases with this rare account

Want to earn cash back on your everyday purchases without using a credit card? With the Discover®️ Cashback Debit Checking account (member FDIC), you can earn 1% cash back on up to $3,000 in debit card purchases each month!2

With no credit check to apply and no monthly fees to worry about, you can earn nearly passive income on purchases you’re making anyway — up to an extra $360 a year!

This rare checking account has other great perks too, like access to your paycheck up to 2 days early with Early Pay, no minimum deposit or monthly balance requirements, over 60K fee-free ATMs, and the ability to add cash to your account at Walmart stores nationwide.

Don’t leave money on the table — it only takes minutes to apply and it won’t impact your credit score.

Apply for a Discover Cashback Checking account today

Audi R8

pixarno/Adobe white audi r8 coupe car

Audi is known for its stylish features, but the Audi R8 took them to another level with its sporty design and desirable engineering.

The car was even featured in Marvel’s Avengers movie series, with rich superhero Tony Stark driving an R8 as his car of choice.

Scarcity could become an issue, as Audi’s 2023 version of the R8 was the last to be produced. So, you might want to get your hands on one before they become hard to find.

Bottom line

ivanko80/Adobe couple enjoying road trip

Sometimes, buying a special car can also be an investment that helps you build wealth as the vehicle increases in value.

However, remember that these cars are older models or even models that aren’t made anymore. That might lead to extra costs you should consider before deciding whether to own one of these cars.

Make sure your budget includes the extra expenses of maintenance, repairs, car insurance, and other costs associated with these vehicles.

  • You could save up to $600 with some companies
  • Compare dozens of providers in under 5 minutes
  • Fast, free and easy way to shop for insurance
  • Quickly find the perfect rate for you