Taking a stab at which car may become a future classic is always good fun. Taking into account looks, power, desirability and popularity you can often place your bets right on the money.
Top 5: Future Classics Under £1k
However, you can also habitually omit regular runabouts that often take a bashing during their time – but then become cult landmarks.
Back in 1983, would you really have ranked the Allegro or the Princess as a future classic? They aren’t to everyone’s taste – but they sure have a cult following now.
In 1995, would you have categorised the Peugeot 605, Triumph Acclaim or Metro as a sought-after rarity? Highly unlikely. How about the Rover 25 in 2004?
Pick your choices now, for you never know which one dates to provide the real retro appeal. We have taken a crack at what we think are 5 future classics, all for under or around £1k. Go get ‘em while you can.
5. Citroen XM
Recommending any elderly French car can often be a risky task, as the person receiving the recommendation may think you are trying to kill them. However, there are many under-rated French saloons out there from the 1990s’ that wallow in an unfair reputation.
Practical, spacious and comfortable, the Citroen XM is but one example.
Although dating to look properly cool, you will encounter problems as electronics continue to age. Find a good one and your bank balance won’t sweat it badly.
It’s a brilliant car, looking swish and gradually obtaining retro status, but with potential issues abound, sadly, we can’t place this any higher up the list. You should still buy one though, as they are great fun to drive. This one is on the £1k limit – but should provide effortless, cheap motoring.
How about this one?
4. MGF
As far as driving experiences go, the MX-5 still king. However, as a chuckable soft-top sports car, the MGF is had to beat. There are loads of them about, and like the forbearing MGB and MGA; this is set for serious cult-status.
You can spend as little or as much as you like on an MGF – but the quality will vary depending on mileage and service history. Be wary and this will be the best soft-top buy of your car history.
Don’t panic about the inclusion on the K-series engine, it powers the MGF forward at a quick pace, and if the cylinder head has been seen to then you have thousands of miles at your call. Owners can attest to serious fun on every drive, so don’t let the bandwagon bashers put you off.
This needs a new home. And you know you want it…
3. BMW 3-Series 316l
Cheap German saloons are currently plentiful, but as numbers thin and nostalgia takes over, they are becoming seriously hunted for. There are loads of 3-Series around under the £1000 mark, an estate is a seriously cool option but the sportier the better.
You must choose a mature BMW wisely though – avoid ones with no service history and try to steer clear of those run on a shoestring and thrashed half to death, for obvious reasons. Unless you have to repent for your sins, walk away from rust buckets or ‘yobbish’ tuned examples.
This seems to be a nice one…
2. Mercedes-Benz E-Class W124
Thanks to a rather long lifespan pushing well over a decade, the W124 is still around in abundant numbers. It’s also a tough old cookie.
Long before everything went to pot in the world of Mercedes-Benz reliability, this is back from the Mercedes catalogue designed for high mileage at high speed. These have hit their trough in price-woes and can now be found appreciating – quite rightfully so.
Practical, quick in the right form and so utterly, utterly comfortable you won’t find more car for such little money.Especially this one. The only exception is the beast prowling around our number 1 spot.
1. Jaguar XJ
This is the daddy of the low-end, soon to be classic scale. All Jag saloons pre-2000 have a dedicated following, the only reason you can get one at a low price is due to fear of complex mechanics and the concept they were mass-produced. Prices and condition may vary spectacularly; just prepare yourself for MPG of teens or single figures.
Yet, for the money you are paying, you will seriously struggle to find a better bargain. The amount of car for such a little amount of money is insane. Keep it safely locked away from Mother Nature and you have the perfect appreciating, but useable, future classic. Especially in V12 or V8 form.
This one is a V8, it may be a non-runner but it won’t take much to get her right again.