Ideas for a modern classic

[c2105026]

Hello all,

This year I'm looking at flipping the Volvo and get something a bit more modern and sporty as my hobby/club car.

My budget is likely to be around 10k. I'm looking at a 15-20 yr old performance car that has future classic potential, at the bottom of the depreciation cycle that's still sort of common and not too hard to find a good example of (before attrition means they all disappear). Something with future positive resale would be a bonus. Looking for clean original examples I can display at shows, looking for the best car for my budget without too much work (I don't want any more projects!).

As this is a Commodore forum, obviously folks would suggest an SS Commodore. This is on my short list. VT-VZ models still relatively easy to find. Parts easy to get with solid future resale potential.

Other cars I have considered include:
- BMW 3-series E46 (preferably 6cyl)
- BMW 5-series
- Mazda MX-5
- Subaru Impreza WRX
- Lexus IS
- VW Golf GTi (4th-5th gen)
- Mini Cooper S
- Ford Focus XR5
- Ford Falcon XR8 BA

Ideas? Thoughts? Anything else I could consider?

 

[Reaper]

I'd look for a 6L VZ myself however if you are wanting something different then a WRX is easy cheap fast.

 

[figjam]

BMW E30 M3 ........... couple available for about $100K. ...... oops, sorry.

What about a Lexus IS200 Manual ............ www.carsales.com.au/car/lexus/is200/manual-transmission/?WT.z_srchsrcx=makemodel.

 

[c2105026]

BMW E30 M3 ........... couple available for about $100K. ...... oops, sorry.

What about a Lexus IS200 Manual ............ www.carsales.com.au/car/lexus/is200/manual-transmission/?WT.z_srchsrcx=makemodel.

Yes is certainly on the list. Rarer IS300 also available.

 

[figjam]

I thought the rareity of a Manual may appeal. Not many IS300s in manual either.
(And they have the look of a latter day LJ Torana, in the right light, from a distance, if you squint.)

 

[figjam]

You seem to have a preference for a SS. What about a V6 SS ( not a typo, the homolgated version for series production racing) for collectability.
Although I suspect that now, you may only find one near the rear end of a rocking horse.

 

[c2105026]

There is one listed on Carsales but it needs a respray.

https://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Holden-Commodore-1998/SSE-AD-4532123/?Cr=0

Is only $2500 but if the clear on the bonnet is gone it means the clear on the roof and boot will possibly soon go as well. Nek minnit you have $3000 worth of work getting the clear re-done on top half of car.

 

[Calaber]

If you were looking at a late model Holden as a classic, perhaps a less common variant might suit.

There are plenty of VZ SS's around but why not a late production VZ 6 litre Calais? Performance similar to the SS, with the luxury of a Calais and comparitive rarity. To add to the benefit of rarity is the reasonable cost and the lower likelihood of the car having been abused.

 

[c2105026]

If you were looking at a late model Holden as a classic, perhaps a less common variant might suit.

There are plenty of VZ SS's around but why not a late production VZ 6 litre Calais? Performance similar to the SS, with the luxury of a Calais and comparitive rarity. To add to the benefit of rarity is the reasonable cost and the lower likelihood of the car having been abused.

That is a possibility - however I am looking at something a little older where there is virtually no more depreciation left (15-20 yrs).

VTII-VY Clais with Gen3 could be the go.

 

[Sandman]

I'd be looking at a VT-VY senator or Grange, purely on numbers there's bugger all of them around. Eyy picked up a VT senator I think it was for around 7k a couple of months back.