Which classic car should you buy? Models for different budgets

This overview is not a list of "cars that will make money". It is a set of popular classics in three price brackets, with what they cost according to Hagerty and what to check before buying. Whether classics hold their value at all is covered separately in Are classic cars a good investment.

How do you choose the right classic for you?

Start with how you will use it and your total budget, and only then with a list of models. Three questions narrow the choice the most:

1. How will you drive it? Weekend outings, longer trips for two, or regular use — this decides whether a two-seat roadster is enough or whether you need a 2+2 coupé and a boot.
2. How much can you spend in total? In Poland, add 2% PCC tax when buying from a private seller, plus registration, insurance and a reserve for first repairs. I cover the details in the article on the costs and risks of owning a classic.
3. Who will service the car? A model with good parts availability and workshops in your country or nearby is cheaper to keep than a rare model whose parts take weeks to arrive.

If this is your first classic, also read Your first classic car in six steps.

How should you read the prices in this overview?

All prices come from Hagerty publications of 2025–2026 and are in US dollars. Hagerty values cars on a four-point scale: #1 — concours, #2 — excellent, #3 — good driver, #4 — needs work. Prices in Poland and Europe may differ, but the relationships between models are similar — so these figures are used here for comparison, not to value a particular car.

Which classics can you buy for up to about US$20,000?

This bracket holds cars built in large numbers, where a good #3 driver costs less than US$20,000 according to Hagerty.

Mazda MX-5 (NA and NB)

According to Hagerty, a second-generation MX-5 (NB, 1999–2005) was worth US$9,400 in #3 condition and US$16,600 in #2 condition in December 2025. The first generation (NA, 1990–1997) is currently worth more. The NB has a 1.8 with a new cylinder head, 12 hp stronger than the NA's 1.8, and the 2001–2005 cars (NB2) gained variable valve timing and an optional six-speed gearbox, among other things. Hagerty points out that the MX-5 is the most-raced car of all time — so many examples are modified or tired, and it pays to look for an original car.

I cover what drives the price of this model in more detail in Mazda MX-5 NA and NB prices, and the MB Classics archive includes a 2000 Mazda MX-5.

Porsche 944 2.5

According to Hagerty's September 2026 guide, a later-dash 944 2.5 costs US$10,000–16,000 in #3 condition. It is the cheapest way into a Porsche with the engine at the front and the gearbox at the rear axle, with excellent handling. The key things when buying: a documented change of the timing and balance shaft belts at least every four years, and the condition of the sills. I cover all versions and weak points in the Porsche 944 buying guide.

Mercedes-Benz SL (R129)

According to Hagerty (November 2025), the R129 (model years 1990–2002) is the most reasonably priced of all the classic SLs: an excellent non-AMG car with up to 50,000 miles costs about US$15,000, and a clean car with the AMG package about US$25,000. The choice runs from six-cylinder versions through the V8 (500 SL / SL500) to the V12 (600 SL / SL600). Hagerty notes that the 1996 and 1999 facelifts brought some cost-cutting in the interior trim.

The MB Classics showroom currently has a 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL500, and the archive includes a 1994 Mercedes 500SL.

Porsche 911 Carrera (996) Cabriolet with automatic

According to Hagerty's 996 buyer's guide from June 2026, the cheapest 911 of this generation is a Tiptronic Cabriolet in a common colour — with around 100,000 miles it can still be found for under US$20,000. The condition: check the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing. Its failure means an engine overhaul of US$20,000–30,000, while replacing it with an improved bearing together with the clutch costs about US$3,000. According to Hagerty, the 1999–2000 double-row bearing had the lowest failure rate and the 2001–2004 single-row bearing the highest.

Which classics should you consider for US$20,000–60,000?

This bracket holds faster and rarer versions of popular models, as well as older classics from the 1960s and 1970s.

Porsche 911 Carrera (996) manual coupé

According to Hagerty, a manual coupé in #3 condition usually costs in the mid to high US$20,000s. Cars with the factory aero kit are at least US$10,000 dearer. The MB Classics archive includes a 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera, whose photo opens this article.

Porsche 944 S2 and 944 Turbo

According to Hagerty, a 944 S2 coupé costs US$24,000–37,000 in #3 condition, and an early 944 Turbo US$40,000–55,000 in #2 condition. The S2 has a 211 PS 3.0, the Turbo 220 PS, and 250 PS from 1989.

Mercedes-Benz SL (R107)

According to Hagerty (November 2025), early 350 SL / 450 SL cars cost in the mid-teens in #3 condition and under US$40,000 in #2 condition. The cheapest is the 380 SL (#2 well under US$30,000), while the final 560 SL costs in the low US$20,000s in #3 condition and over US$50,000 in #2 condition.

Alfa Romeo GTV (105 series)

According to Hagerty, a 1969–1972 GTV is worth US$48,800 in #3 condition and US$105,000 in #2 condition (December 2025). Hagerty notes that the later, larger 2000 GTVs have dipped in value in recent years, while the higher-revving 1750 has pulled ahead.

The MB Classics showroom currently has a 1974 Alfa Romeo 2000 GTV.

Which classics cost more than US$60,000?

Above this line are the best examples of newer collector cars and older, established classics.

BMW M3 (E46)

According to Hagerty (June 2026), an E46 M3 in #2 condition is worth over US$80,000. Hagerty writes that the E46 is praised by buyers of all generations, while cheaper non-M E46s are often worth only four figures — so the gap between an ordinary E46 and the M3 is huge. The MB Classics showroom currently has a 2003 BMW M3 E46 Convertible.

Mercedes-Benz SL "Pagoda" (W113)

According to Hagerty, a 230 SL costs US$55,000 in #3 condition and US$87,800 in #2 condition, and a 280 SL about US$80,000 in #3 condition and about US$150,000 in #2 condition. Hagerty notes that the strengths of the SL generations are similar and the choice comes down mainly to price, looks, safety and performance: a presentable 190 SL or Pagoda rarely costs less than US$50,000, while an R107 or R129 can be close to US$10,000.

Jaguar E-Type

The E-Type is part of Hagerty's British car index, which fell to a five-year low in April 2026. In July 2026 the E-Type's own value rose 7% within that index. With a car this expensive, documentation and an assessment by a marque specialist matter even more than with cheaper models. The MB Classics archive includes a 1969 Jaguar E-Type.

What should you watch out for, whatever the model?

The biggest risk is not choosing the wrong model but the wrong car. A few rules that apply to every car in this overview:

• Buy the best example you can afford. Putting a neglected car right almost always costs more than the price difference.
• Learn the model's typical faults — belts on the 944, the IMS bearing on the 996 — and check the paperwork to see whether they have been dealt with.
• Check originality and numbers — especially on rare versions.
• Get an independent inspection before you pay.

I describe the whole process — from searching for a car through inspection to the contract and registration in Poland — in How to buy a classic car. The cars I currently have for sale are in the showroom, and sold cars in the archive. More buying guides are in the Buying and inspection category.