What Car Manufacturers and Models Could be Reliable Investments?

Have you considered investing in a car – or cars – if you have a spare bankroll? There are a lot of different ways you can go about it. A flip job is the most common: buy a car, clean it up, do some minor replacements and maintenance and sell it. Or you can rent it out. A lot of people are looking for iconic cars for weddings, events, music videos, and lots of other reasons, making for regular income.

But what should you be looking for when you are browsing cars to invest in? Take a look at our suggestions for the most reliable cars for a reliable investment.

What makes a car a good investment?

A good car investment starts with the same principles you would want in a car you’re buying for your own use. You want it to last, so you want a reliable manufacturer with a reputation for cars that last, you want it to be easy and affordable to maintain, and, let’s face it, you want it to have an iconic look.

When it comes to buying a car as an investment, there is the added value of historical relevance. Examples like the Mini Cooper, the VW Beetle, and the Aston Martin DB5 have cultural relevance and have definitely left their mark on history. Car buffs don’t need their car to star in their own movie to be relevant, but it helps. There are other names that simply evoke an image even if you’ve never seen one in reality. That’s ironic. And then there are others that pushed the boat technologically and so can celebrity associations. Look for something that was the first, or was owned or driven by names like Steve McQueen, James Garner or Paul Newman. Think about how rare it is, or if it’s had a cultural impact, and you’re on your way to a winner.

How much you spend to maintain this car investment also depends on how much insurance you need, how much maintenance costs, and what you can do yourself. Of course, there is risk in investing in anything – even cars, but we’ve got a list of suggestions for the most reliable buys when looking for a car to invest in.

BMW M3 E92

A BMW car is always a good and safe bet when it comes to buying a car. They’re known for their high quality, high performance, and sleek style. But the best of the list of BMW models is undoubtedly the M3 E92. It’s the perfect mix of speed, power, comfort, and style. The coveted V8 engine gives 420 horsepower and was the only V8 to be fitted into an M3 model, so there’s a lot to love under the hood too.

Mini Cooper R50/R53

The Mini Cooper is an obvious example. Due somewhat to keeping the iconic look over time, the Mini Cooper has never really gone out of style. Its distinctly retro vibe has always withstood the test of time, appearing simultaneously 60’s and fresh.

Despite only being sold in the US since 2002, the Mini Cooper has put its mark on the car industry. And it has gained itself a reputation on the European market as a very reliable car. You’re paying for style and substance with a Mini Cooper, which means it will last for decades without constant breakdowns. In turn, that means a car that you can buy straight out of the 60s if you fancy it.

Aston Martin V8 Vantage

The term “Aston Martin” immediately brings up an image of a little two-seater sports car with a driver in a tux with a shaken, not stirred, dry martini at the wheel. But unlike the Mini Cooper, the distinctly British London Calling style it was sporting in the days of Sean Connery has been updated to fit the times. Nothing says this more than the “baby Aston” as it’s nicknamed. It’s slick and sleek, getting rid of the knobbly rounded look of previous models for something that is more akin to a silver bullet on wheels.

Chevrolet Corvette C4

There’s nothing more distinctly 80s than the Chevrolet Corvette C4. A Corvette is always fun for a ride and is considered the affordable way to get behind the wheel of a classic American sports car.

But there’s no hiding the somewhat Back to Future look of the Corvette. It’s a stylish car that is a product of its time. It’s something that any car collector will want to add to their portfolio.

Land Rover Discovery Series 1

Off-road car fans are car fans too, and there is no more iconic than the Land Rover. Ask all the millions of Americans whose trucks are their pride and joy.

The Defender Series 1 is extremely versatile. It can be a family car, a road car, an off-road car, or glammed up for a party vehicle. Its retro look doesn’t really limit it to one place in time and you know it’ll last because it’s designed to handle a lot tougher than LA traffic.