Younger drivers have already let us know. In a recent survey, 60% of Gen Z said they’re looking at buying a classic car because new ones are just too boring. And we don’t think they’re wrong, although there’s probably something new out there that’ll scratch any one driver’s itch. Still, if you’re on a budget, a new high-performance sports car or off-roader might not be within reach.

Here’s a list of decidedly not boring classic cars you can get into for relatively easy money. And for today’s intent, “easy” points to the stinging fact that the average used car runs U.S. drivers more than $30,000.

Depending on the car, you can find these models for as low as a few thousand bucks. Just be sure to do your research first, including getting a pre-purchase inspection from a reliable, neutral mechanic. Obviously, the best-case scenario is finding a private buyer who babied the heck out of the car and wants to “gift” it to the next owner who will do the same. It’s how I’ve landed a few classics myself.

12 Cheap Classic Cars That Solve for ‘Bored on a Budget’

Datsun 280ZX (1979 to 1983)

Let’s hop right with a headturner. The 280ZX has a long hood, rear wheel drive, and a pavement-eating inline six. It sits in a sweet spot between classic styling and modern comfort. Fuel injection helps drivability.

Prices remain approachable because it lives in the shadow of earlier Z cars. Parts support stays solid thanks to shared components.

This is a fairly unique-looking car that many won’t recognize out and about, and will surely get attention. On Bring a Trailer, some go for less than $5,000, but expect to pay $15,000 to $18,000 for something fairly clean. The 10th Anniversary edition and pristine versions go much higher.

The one pictured above was a single-owner 1981 that went for $8,500.

Ford Mustang SN95 V6 (1994 to 2004)

The V8s get the attention, but the V6s get the bargains. This Mustang offers rear wheel drive, a simple suspension, and an aftermarket the size of a small city. Insurance stays reasonable, and repairs remain straightforward.

Toyota MR2 SW20 (1991 to 1995)

Mid-engined cars usually cost more. This one breaks that rule. The second-gen MR2 offers sharp handling and a low seating position that makes every drive feel deliberate. Naturally aspirated models keep ownership simpler. Engine access requires patience, but the payoff comes in cornering.

Recent Bring a Trailer auction results range from just $6,600 to over $20k.

BMW E36 3 Series (1992 to 1999)

This generation still feels mechanical. Steering talks back. Inline six engines run smoothly when maintained. Prices stay low because neglected examples scare buyers. A sorted one delivers balance and real driver feedback.

Be aware that in this and other classic Beemers, cooling systems do tend to need attention. Ignore that and the deal stops being a deal.

Toyota Pickup and Early Tacoma (1989 to 1997)

These trucks earned their reputation the hard way. Simple four cylinder and V6 engines, compact size, and real frames. Prices stay reasonable, although they have risen recently, because they’re still “common” but certainly not disposable.

They make great daily classics since they tolerate neglect better than most and reward basic maintenance with absurd longevity.

In terms of pricing, you can probably get into one between $15,000 and $22,000, depending on where you’re looking. A cool 1995 Tacoma went for $16,250 on Bring a Trailer in July 2024, for instance.

Volkswagen GTI Mk2 and Mk3 (1985 to 1999)

These cars explain why hot hatches exist. They mix practical shapes with “eager” engines and light curb weights. Manual gearboxes dominate the market. Parts availability remains strong thanks to shared platforms and long production runs. Here, rust matters…a clean shell is worth more than shiny wheels.

Chevrolet Corvette C4 (1984 to 1996)

This is the cheapest way into real American performance. The C4 feels special without feeling fragile. Aluminum suspension parts, strong small block engines, and a low center of gravity make the C4 far better than its reputation. Understand that interiors age poorly, but mechanical parts tend to hold up.

These days, many Corvette C4s sell for less than $10,000. You’ll pay more for cleaner examples.

Ford F-150 9th Gen (1992 to 1996)

This is the last of the truly simple F-150s before dashboards filled up with screens and warnings. Rear wheel drive or four wheel drive. Straightforward V8 and inline six engines. Cheap parts. Huge supply. Easy to insure. Easy to fix. It works as a classic because it still does truck things without arguing back.

A beautiful 1993 Ford F-150 XLT SuperCab 5.8L 4×4 just sold on BaT for $9,800.

Honda Prelude Fourth Generation (1992 to 1996)

Front wheel drive does not mean front row boring. This Prelude brings precise steering, a low hood, and high revving engines. Some models include four wheel steering, which adds real character. Timing belts need to be changed on time. Follow the schedule and these cars reward consistency.

They’re admittedly harder to find now, but you can bring one home for less than $17,000, generally, with about half of listings asking for less than $10k.

Volvo 240 (1975 to 1993)

The Volvo 240 offers a simple engine, rear wheel drive, and brick-like durability. Wagons offer extra charm. Sedans offer balance. Add good tires and shocks and the personality wakes up.

Jeep Cherokee XJ (1984 to 2001)

Classic doesn’t have to mean sports car. The XJ Cherokee pairs a unibody chassis with solid axles and a legendary inline six. Parts are cheap, and modifications range from mild to wild. 

Rust and suspension wear deserve close inspection…watch for notorious “frame rot” in cold weather states.

The Cherokee XJ is pretty common, and most listings ask well below $15,000. Most are under $10k.

Mazda Miata NA and NB (1990 to 2005)

We couldn’t say “cheap classic cars” without mentioning the Miata.

Early Miatas bring rear wheel drive, double wishbone suspension, and engines that beg to rev without begging for premium parts prices. They stay cheap because Mazda built a lot of them and owners raced them hard. That also means parts are everywhere. Manual tops, manual gearboxes, and big smiles at low speeds.

Now, we’re not saying that these classic cars haven’t gone up in price and down in inventory, but they’re still very cheap compared to everything else out there.

Porsche Boxster 986 (1997 to 2004)

This is the controversial pick that I’m arguing still makes sense. Early Boxsters offer mid engine balance and real Porsche steering feel at prices once reserved for used sedans.

Maintenance history matters more than mileage. Known engine issues demand verification: Main risks are IMS bearing failure, which can destroy the engine, and rear main seal leaks, which cause oil seepage but are less catastrophic. Also common are air-oil separator failures and aging cooling system plastics, both manageable if caught early. When sorted, few cars offer this much engagement for the money.

They’re everywhere on BaT and most auctions land under $15,000, with a good number under $10k.

Boredom usually comes from predictability. These classic cars push back without demanding exotic budgets or heroic patience

These classic cars invite learning, reward attention, and turn errands into joyrides. That’s real value, no?