Car Value Speculation

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by onewhippedpuppy

No offense to the Z guys, I personally like the cars. I think the only V6 that makes better noises than the Nissan VQ is made by Alfa-Romeo. My point was that there wasn't anything about them that made them stand out as special, especially in a historical context. They are a good car in an established segment, offering competitive performance at a competitive price. 40 years from now, what will make them stand out?

Contrast that with the original Z, one of the first mainstream Japanese sports cars that offered Porsche performance at significantly cheaper prices. It was considered the common man's 911, and a pretty big deal at the time. It was a much more significant car than the modern 350Z, yet can still be had for a very reasonable price today. That doesn't bode well for 350Z collector appeal.

I really wonder how many of our modern cars will be collector's items. Not only because they made so many of them, but also because of their running cost in 40 years. The thought of maintaining a car with 10+ ECUs and miles of wiring after 40 years is scary. My Mustang sat for about 7 years, after rebuilding the rear brakes, carburetor, replacing the ignition switch, a leaky coolant hose, and the tires it should be road worthy. All simple mechanical stuff.

Considering that these are RWD manual sports cars, there is a place for them in the future. Those attributes alone are becoming rarer and rarer daily, soon you likely will NOT have a true manual available anymore- every year, one model somewhere loses true manual in trade for paddle shifting.

The people who will buy them are the ones who lusted for 'em but couldn't afford them as kids and frankly, as for the technology like with all things people will find a way to maintain, modify or eliminate electronics as time goes on. Back in the 80's a Chevy TBI was rare and confusing, now anyone can hack it.

Highly doubtful they will become obsolete cars- they may not become RSR values, but they will be desirable. That in itself makes it worthwhile to keep around.

Think of the AE86 Corolla, 240Z, all of 'em are worth something and don't deserve to be scrapped.

rjp

[Josh D]

I'd be curious as to what the insurance rates would be for a new driver in a performance sports car. Another thing to think about.

[RANDY P]

I don't know about the rest of you guys, but modern sports cars are quickly becoming- weird.

Really, BMW has simulated engine noises (soundtrack) and artificial steering? Do you want to pay for that? The 350Z is a real sports car, and it's capable too- it's not a POS.

Judging by what's happening now, with increased fuel standards and safety standards these older cars are going to be legendary.

rjp

[aschen]

I suspect some recent era japanese sports cars will be moderately collectable in 30 years or so. Though I don't the 350z will ever be worth tons, just way too many of them around.

I think an unmolested early wrxsti or EVO 8 or 9 could be worth something in the future. Hell you cant find a good one now really.

[scottmandue]

IMHO you guys are being way too practical and analytical in presuming future car values.
Just because there is "classic car mania" right now is no indicator of what the current crop of cars will be worth 20, 30, 40, years from now.
Again just IMHO.

Also consider the economy... people are dropping six figures on the cars they lusted after in their youth... spending money they made in economic boom times... sad to say but I don't think future generations will be... ahem... I mean... have the "disposable income." that some folks in my gyration are now flaunting.

[onewhippedpuppy]

Originally Posted by aschen

I suspect some recent era japanese sports cars will be moderately collectable in 30 years or so. Though I don't the 350z will ever be worth tons, just way too many of them around.

I think an unmolested early wrxsti or EVO 8 or 9 could be worth something in the future. Hell you cant find a good one now really.

This I agree with. They were made legendary by Fast & Furious and Gran Turismo. They are relatively low production. LOTS of them have either been crashed or modified by morons.