10 Cheap Classic Cars That Offer Style for Less

Orange 1979 Ford Mustang Cobra / Credit: Ford

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These Classic Cars Are Affordable and Eye-Catching

There are classic cars available for many budgets. From a $10 million Mercedes-Benz 540K Special Roadster to an affordable 1960s-era Dodge Dart, automotive treasure often has more to do with the joy it brings than the price it commands.

We’ve compiled a list of 10 affordable classic cars, many of which can be found – in running and presentable condition – for less than $10,000. Our list is not a “best of,” nor should it be considered comprehensive, but it provides an entertaining, educational peek inside the classic used-car market. Our list is ranked from lowest to highest average price; we’ve rounded our estimates to the nearest thousand.

Carfax used car listings are a great resource, because every car comes with a free Carfax Vehicle History Report. Just keep in mind that only cars built after 1981 have Carfax Reports.

1. Ford Mustang ‘Fox Body’

1979 Ford Mustang

Years Produced: 1979-1993
Average Price: $7,000-$20,000
Horsepower: 140-205

In 1979, Ford released a new Mustang to replace the Pinto-based Mustang II. Ford’s new car became affectionately known as the “Fox Body” that remained in production through the 1993 model year. The new Mustang featured “Euro” styling complemented by an American notched rear window design. A fastback model was also available.

In 1979, power came from a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine shared with the Pinto, and a V6 was available. Neither one produced more than 88 horsepower. The top-tier Windsor V8 engine was marketed as “5.0,” and the term quickly became synonymous with Ford’s pony car. Over the years, the Mustang’s styling would evolve, as would the engines. A convertible was introduced, as well as high-performance Saleen and SVT models.

For our affordable options, we will stick to the base and GT models, as the specialty models, such as the incredibly rare 1993 Ford Mustang 5.0 SVT Cobra R, can cost up to $125K in “Concours” condition.

While hunting for an early Fox Body on a used car listing site takes patience, Ford’s modern Mustang lineup is full of incredible cars and reasonable prices. Search through the used Ford Mustangs in Carfax’s vehicle listings to discover some compelling options.

2. Saab Sonnett III

1971 Saab Sonnett III / Credit: Wikimedia

Years Produced: 1970-1974
Average Price: $7,000-$10,000
Horsepower: 65

The Saab Sonnett III is one of the most interesting affordable classic cars available. Powered by a 1.5- or 1.7-liter Ford V4 engine, the Sonnett’s powerplant is as wonderfully curious as the styling. Saab offered the Sonnet III in a series of fun colors, including purple, orange, golf yellow, and lime green. A set of “soccer ball” alloy wheels add to the visual appeal, as do the mechanically-operated pop-up headlights.

With just 65 horsepower, the Sonnett III may not be the fastest sports car from the era, but its design and lightweight construction give it decent performance. Be careful when shopping to make sure the metal framework has not been destroyed by rust, and that the car’s floorpans are intact. However, a strong fanbase means that repair and restoration help is only a mouse click away.

Finding a Saab Sonnett III on Carfax’s used vehicle listings may be tough, but Carfax has a selection of other used Saab vehicles to browse.

3. Mid-’60s Dodge Dart

1965 Dodge Dart / Credit: Wikimedia

Years Produced: 1963-1966
Average Price: $7,000-$20,000
Horsepower: 101-235

Jumping into the Mopar (short for Chrysler Motor Parts) waters can be expensive, with some top models commanding six figures. Fortunately, there are exciting 1960s Dodge vehicles that remain affordable. One of our favorite picks is the mid-’60s Dodge Dart: Its unique styling and great performance make it a solid pick for someone who wants to make a budget statement. Earlier models are powered by a slant-6 engine, while 1966 models got an available V8.

A few things to keep in mind: the 1963 model is the most difficult to find parts for. On the other hand, the 1966 model used a more common engine and transmission, which has helped keep costs down over the long run. We would also recommend looking for as complete a car as possible, since trim work can be expensive to replace.

While you may not find a mid-60s Dart in Carfax used car listings, a late model Dodge Charger is a great spiritual successor.

4. Porsche 924

1986 Porsche 924S / Credit: Wikimedia

Years Produced: 1976-1988
Average Price: $7,000-$11,000
Horsepower: 95-145

For many years Porsche sports cars were synonymous with air-cooled, rear-mounted engines. By the 1970s Porsche had decided that the original formula could use a bit of a shakeup. The car company planned to replace the 911’s iconic formula with a pair of water-cooled, front-engine cars: the 924 and the 928. The 928 remains inexpensive to buy, but it’s not on this list because its repair and maintenance costs can be quite expensive. The 924, on the other hand, is arguably the most affordable way to join the Porsche faithful.

Early cars are powered by a 95-horsepower 2.0-liter engine. Much like many of these affordable classics, its performance is decent, but not exactly exciting. Porsche added a turbo in 1980, which brought the car up to a more-noteworthy 145 horsepower. A long production period means that there are plenty of 924s to be had, but we would recommend the later models with the more powerful turbo motor, namely the 1987 and 1988 versions.

Not too many Porsche 924s are likely to pop up in used car listings, but Porsche’s 718 Cayman is an incredible sports car for the price, much like the 924 was in 1976. Search Carfax Porsche 718 Cayman listings to see what’s available today.

5. Buick Electra 225

1975 Buick Electra 225 / Credit: Buick

Years Produced: 1971-1976
Average Price: $10,000-$20,000
Horsepower: 205-250

Few cars command more attention than the larger-than-life 1970s Buick Electra 225. A bold grille, commanding front, and a seemingly endless cabin and rear deck make the ‘70s Buick an affordable standout. Top-trim models were priced closer to Cadillacs of the era than any Buick to date. Early Electra’s were powered by a 315-horsepower V8. That number would drop to 225 in 1972, when Buick began reporting net figures instead.

On the road, the Buick Electra 225 is comfortable and spacious. Unlike many of the vehicles on this list, a well-maintained car could easily work as a daily driver for a large family. Earlier models with the more powerful engines are the most sought after. Convertibles do add a premium, but they’re also quite affordable.

6. Opel GT

Opel GT Opel GT Opel GT / Credit: Wikimedia

Years Produced: 1968-1973
Average Price: $10,000-$20,000
Horsepower: 67-102

If you’re looking for a classic that will turn heads at the local Cars & Coffee, the 1968-1973 Opel is a great way to go. It’s hard not to see at least a little bit of the third-generation Corvette in the model’s design. That won’t come as a surprise to those familiar with the Opel GT’s designer, Clare MacKichan, who had a hand in designing the first- and second-generation Corvettes for GM.

Most U.S. cars are powered by the optional 1.9-liter “high-cam” 4-cylinder engine – the standard 1.1-liter engine was quite rare in the U.S. Power is decent, and driving the little Opel is almost as fun as looking at it. Make sure to purchase a car that is mostly complete, as new parts can be hard to come by.

You’ll need more than a little luck finding a nice Opel GT on a used car listing site, but the Chevrolet Corvette (one of the Opel GT’s inspirations) remains available today.

7. Datsun/Nissan 280ZX

1980 Nissan 280ZX / Credit: Nissan

Years Produced: 1979-1983
Average Price: $12,000-$20,000
Horsepower: 140-180

Not that many years ago, we would have listed the 1970s Datsun 240Z on this list, but with average sale prices in the mid-$20k range, and Concours vehicles closer to $100K, the purest form of Datsun’s iconic Z car is beyond the price range of this article. However, Datsun reimagined the original Z formula for the 1979 model year with the still-affordable and highly collectible 280ZX.

The 280ZX was a bigger and more luxurious take on the Z. Earlier models adopted the 1978 240Z’s 2.8-liter inline-6 engine, which produced 140 horsepower. Performance suffered, although the ride was more comfortable. Datsun helped correct the power-to-weight ratio by turbocharging the 280ZX in 1981. The extra power, accompanied by better brakes and a better suspension in 1982, made the final two years of production the best-driving and most desirable of the run.

Finding a used 280ZX on our used vehicle listings may be difficult, but the late-model Nissan 370Z is a nice, modern-day equivalent, and one of the few modern sports cars that remains close to the basic sports car formula. You can search for a Nissan Z in our used vehicle listings.

8. 1965–71 Dodge D/W Series Pickups

Dodge D100 / Photo Credit: Wikimedia

Years Produced: 1965-1971
Average Price: $12,000-$20,000
Horsepower: 140-258

The Dodge D series pickup trucks provide good looks, decent power, and many affordable options thanks to its long run. Launched in 1961, the first generation represented a modern take on the pickup. Contemporary “Sweptline” styling was complemented by a selection of new drivetrain components, including the revolutionary “Slant 6” engine, and the optional V8. Dodge even introduced a high-performance model, the Custom Sports Special, that could be considered the great-grandfather to the 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 TRX.

Second-generation trucks built from 1965-1971 stay fairly close to the original’s formula but feature an updated body style and a few new options, including all-wheel drive (AWD) and an upgraded engine. Dodge offered the second-gen D series in standard-size D100 and heavy-duty D200 and D300 models. Second-generation D series pickups offer an affordable entry price for hopeful D series collectors. So why do we like the Second Generation? When configured properly, the second-gen trucks can be more usable as a daily driver than the earlier D series.

You won’t find a late-60s or early-70s D series on our used car listing site, but the Dodge Ram offers incredible utility, performance, and styling. Search for a used Dodge Ram in Carfax’s vehicle listings for some excellent options.

9. 5th Generation Chevrolet El Camino

1979 Chevrolet El Camino / Credit: Wikimedia

Years Produced: 1978-1987
Average Price: $12,000-$20,000
Horsepower: 360

The fifth-generation Chevrolet El Camino is an entirely practical affordable collector vehicle. Part car, part pickup, the El Camino is a genre stretcher. The nostalgia surrounding the unique vehicle also makes Chevy’s collectible a favorite at local cruise nights. The V6 base engine, even in its best version, is limited to 115 horsepower. Chevy’s 350-cubic-inch V8 gives the El Camino a much-needed boost, producing 170 horsepower. While neither will assure victory at the drag strip, the 800 lbs of payload earns the car/truck respect.

Because the generation lasted for almost 10 years, there are plenty of examples to be found. Our recommendation would be to look for the performance-themed 1984-87 SS, with its NASCAR-inspired aerodynamic front end.

It’s possible to find a used El Camino on Carfax, but they are few and far between. Chevrolet’s Colorado pickup truck offers excellent performance, utility, and affordability. Search for a used Chevrolet Colorado in Carfax’s vehicle listings.

10. Original Jeep Cherokee

1977 Jeep Cherokee Chief 1 1977 Jeep Cherokee Chief / Credit: Jeep

Years Produced: 1974-1983
Average Price: $15,000-$20,000
Horsepower: 110-235

Another collector vehicle pick that is entirely practical, this version of the Cherokee proves that getting into the hobby doesn’t have to mean leaving the family at home on cruise night. Launched in 1974, the Cherokee was basically the return of the 2-door Jeep Wagoneer. A sporty off-road option, the base model was powered by a relatively fuel-efficient inline-6, a smart option given the fuel embargo of the era.

In 1977, Jeep would offer a 4-door model. By the 1980s, a high-end, near-luxury Laredo trim was available. Strong sales and the rugged nature of the Cherokee mean that there are still affordable examples available.

Vintage Cherokees are available in Carfax’s used car listings, and Jeep continues to build the Cherokee in various trim levels. Take a peek at our used Jeep Cherokee listings.