With used car prices having jumped 44 percent in the last year, it is only a matter of time before they start to drop, as they are traditionally tied to the new car market, which is slowly gaining equilibrium.
The BMW Z8 roadster costs more today than it did brand-new. And while the aluminum-heavy construction, E39 M5 powertrain, and GT/sports car handling undoubtedly contribute, the biggest reason for its high price tag is its neo-classic 507-inspired looks.
In 2003, the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG was the quickest production sedan in the world. But while it's still fast by today's standards, this one on Cars & Bids is significantly cheaper than it was back then.
If it weren't for the phenomenal Elise S2, Lotus might not be selling cars in the US. And while these mid-engine sports cars aren't terribly expensive these days, the 2005 example currently listed on Bring a Trailer is a true, rare bargain.
BMW Blog had some good suggestions for the best used BMWs to buy for less than $25K, but some of the models chosen have some reliability issues. So, instead of those models, consider shopping for one of the used BMWs on this list instead.
The 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO didn't look quite like the iconic classic. But with a 350- and later 400-hp V8, the modern Australian-built muscle car could outrun any vintage GTO. And examples are still affordable--case in point, this tastefully-modified 2004 GTO with a manual on Cars & Bids.
The 2012 Maserati GranTurismo MC currently listed on Bring a Trailer isn't just an affordable exotic. It's also a luxurious, sporty GT with genuine Ferrari heritage--and it's more reliable than you might think.
The Cash for Clunkers program took hundreds of thousands of used cars off the road. Did this cause the current used car price increase? It certainly impacted the market, but is not the main cause.