FINE wine, modern art, property… Crypto?
There’s certainly a range of things we can buy today as investments, hoping to sell them in the future for a profit.
But what about modern-day motors?
Cars are known for decreasing in value quite rapidly – in some cases by as much as 60% in their first three years.
However, buying certain vehicles and keeping them over a number of years before selling them can be profitable – if you know which cars to buy.
A recent post on Reddit delved into exactly this, as a user asked the question: Which new cars on sale today, priced at less than £50k, will be worth the most in 20 years’ time?
Some of the answers from the CarTalkUK subreddit might just surprise you.
There’s nothing quite like the Jimny – Suzuki’s adorable mini SUV that’s been around since 1970 and is currently in its fourth generation.
Set to be discontinued in Europe after 2025 to comply with the EU’s strict emission regulations, the Jimny could become something of a rarity in years to come.
In many ways, it’s already a rarity today, with few other cars quite like it on the roads and even fewer manufacturers looking keen to fill the niche when it’s gone.
Boasting a charming, retro aesthetic, the Jimny has developed a strong community of enthusiasts who appreciate its simplicity and off-road capabilities – and it could be hot property in the future.
The less said about Alpine’s results in the 2024 Formula 1 season, the better; but the Renault-owned brand’s lightweight, nimble little A110 sports car is one for the ages.
Originally released to take on the Porsche Cayman, the A110 is widely heralded for being a great driver’s car that’s also suitable for everyday use.
Nicknamed ‘le Turbot’, the stunning motor’s design is inspired by the legendary Berlinette, with its central ridge and hollowed-out sides, and it has won a string of awards for everything from its style to its practicality – including the 2022 Grand Prix Auto Moto’s ‘Iconic Car’ award and the 2024 What Car? Car of the Year Award for Best Value Sports Car.
The only downside is that the £50k budget might be stretched a little, with the cheapest example just south of that at around £45k.
The general consensus with the GR Yaris is that Toyota wanted a pretty sizable wedge for the little souped-up hot hatchback.
However, the feeling on Reddit is that, while they started out at a high price and then dipped aggressively, they’re starting to climb again – especially with the updated example retailing upwards of £44k.
In years to come, it wouldn’t be surprising if the car is considered a modern classic thanks to its high performance (a top speed of 144 mph), design, and rally heritage.
Certainly a leftfield pick is the extraordinary Ariel Atom 4 – the little road-going single-seat racer.
Dubbed ‘Britain’s Best Driver’s Car’ by Autocar in 2020, the Atom is perhaps best remembered for its appearance on Top Gear, when Jeremy Clarkson took the open-top motor for a spin around a test track.
In the 2005 episode, Jezza said: “If you can change gear fast enough, it’ll do 0 to 60 in 2.9 seconds.
“The Atom is fast on an entirely new level, I have never, ever driven anything that accelerates so fast.”
As if to prove the point, Jezza says it’s “so quick, it can destroy your entire face” – as the presenter’s face is visibly pulled back by the sheer might of the motor’s acceleration.
Honda’s Civic FK2 Type R represents a return to form for the Type R badge, offering a thrilling driving experience with a high-revving naturally aspirated engine.
Of course, there’s the typical Type R aggressive styling and the strong focus on track performance.
It’s already a favourite among enthusiasts wanting a raw driving experience, and it’s a true hot hatch.
What’s more, only very limited numbers were produced for two years – already making it much sought after.
Much like the GR Yaris, the Hyundai i30N is a white-knuckle hot hatch with a strong background in the World Rally Championship – having taken Thierry Neuville to the championship title in 2024.
But for road users, the i30N offers plenty of performance, thrills and a variety of features.
Better yet, it’s very good value for money – especially compared to its rivals such as the GR Yaris and the Civic Type R.
The i30N has also entered scarcity territory, with Hyundai discontinuing the range in favour of a replacement EV earlier this year.
Jaguar is not in everyone’s good books at the moment, with their rebrand and controversial Type-00 tease apparently not resonating with long-time fans of the great carmaker.
So it might be a case of remembering the good times with the F-Type, discontinued this year alongside Jag’s other cars in its range.
The gorgeous sports car offers a blend of modern looks and timelessness, reminding drivers of their performance heritage with motors such as the E-Type.
For thrill-seekers, the F-Type is fast, with a top speed of 186 mph, while it’s also won a plethora of global awards over the years, including the World Car Design of the Year Award.
