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We love vehicles you may really use. The sort you may modify, drive laborious, rack up miles on, and never lose sleep over if a cone at a neighborhood autocross leaves a scuff. We’re right here for the vehicles that allow you to wring out each gear, bomb backroads, and perhaps even be taught one thing behind the wheel with out feeling such as you’re violating a museum piece.
The market doesn’t at all times love these vehicles, however we do. A few of them offered nicely, some didn’t. Both manner, the resale gods haven’t been form. They’re low-cost not as a result of they’re nugatory, however as a result of they don’t match neatly into the collector narrative. And that makes them good.
We’re not the type of people that go away toys within the packaging. We have been the children launching Sizzling Wheels off home made ramps, not lining them up for show. If we need to admire a automobile’s magnificence, we’ll hold a poster within the storage or purchase a diecast. However in terms of the true factor, we’d fairly be on the market driving—laborious, quick, sideways, and smiling.
These are the vehicles that permit us do precisely that.
Pontiac Firebird
Again within the day, particularly with the smooth, aggressive fourth-gen design with these iconic pop-up headlights, the Firebird had an plain edge. It was flashy, loud, and supplied pure American muscle on a blue-collar price range. Youngsters had posters of the System and Trans Am LT1/LS1 variants, and anybody cruising in a single received seen (for higher or worse). Quick ahead to right now, and also you’ll discover these vehicles going for lower than an honest using garden mower.
Regardless of packing the identical legendary LS1 V8 (305-325 hp) because the modern C5 Corvette from ’98-’02, their plastic-heavy interiors, susceptibility to T-top leaks, and infrequently finicky energy window motors haven’t helped their case. The resale market has handled these vehicles like an previous pair of acid-wash denims: as soon as in vogue, now largely forgotten, destined for a lifetime of uncared for glory.
Usually listed between: $3,500 – $15,000 (for non-mint V8 fashions)
Chevrolet Camaro
The sibling to the Firebird, driving a fourth-gen Camaro (particularly an LT1 or LS1 Z28/SS) as soon as meant you’d “arrived” in the highschool pecking order. It was daring, had perspective, and regarded completely at house underneath the neon glow of any drive-in. Whereas its LS1 engine shared DNA with the Firebird (and Corvette), the early 2000s fashions, notably the ever-present V6 variations, haven’t precisely aged like wonderful wine within the eyes of discerning collectors.
Now you can choose one up for lower than 5 grand, generally even cheaper when you’re not specific in regards to the peeling paint (a standard GM challenge from that period) or whether or not the delicate 4L60E computerized transmission has already began slipping. They supplied stable efficiency for the cash, however their low-cost interiors and chronic minor electrical gremlins imply they continue to be a price range purchase, not a blue-chip funding.
Usually listed between: $4,995 – $17,000 (for first rate V8s)
Ford Probe
Ford actually wished this front-wheel-drive, Mazda-derived sports activities coupe to be the way forward for the Mustang. It was smooth, futuristic-looking, and, for a scorching minute, really caught on, particularly the second-gen Probe GT with its Mazda 2.5L KL-DE V6 (164 hp). It dealt with surprisingly nicely due to its Mazda MX-6 underpinnings. The Probe’s aggressively ’90s “jellybean” styling didn’t age with grace, and its FWD structure and comparatively modest energy by no means fairly delivered the uncooked thrills its identify promised.
The questionable identify selection additionally didn’t assist. In reality, it made every thing quite a bit worse for this in any other case fairly cool automobile. However that didn’t imply the automobile itself wasn’t fairly cool.
Usually listed between: $2,995 – $9,995 (if yow will discover GT)
Dodge Stealth
The Stealth had all the suitable curves, loads of perspective, and a reputation straight out of a GI Joe cartoon. It was the Chrysler-badged, barely much less tech-laden twin to the legendary Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4. The Stealth R/T Twin Turbo (300-320 hp, AWD, 4WS) was an absolute beast, hitting 60 miles per hour within the low 5-second vary, trying prefer it belonged in a “Quick & Livid” film earlier than the primary script was even drafted (seemingly by a six-year-old).
Regardless of its cutting-edge tech and hanging seems to be, it by no means fairly reached the icon standing of its Japanese counterpart and was rapidly overshadowed by extra targeted opponents. Now, it’s typically a forgotten relic of ’90s ambition, steadily promoting for a fraction of its unique value. Whereas the top-tier R/T Twin Turbo fashions preserve some worth as a consequence of rarity and efficiency, lesser V6 FWD fashions are sometimes discovered for a pair thousand bucks at greatest, dealing with the identical complicated upkeep and elements availability points as its Mitsubishi sibling.
Usually listed between: $4,995 – $12,000 (considerably extra for clear R/T Twin Turbos)
Chevy Cobalt SS
When it emerged, the Chevy Cobalt SS aimed to inject some real sportiness into GM’s bland compact lineup, and for some time, it surprisingly succeeded. With each supercharged (205 hp) and turbocharged (260 hp) 2.0L Ecotec engines, it had critical road cred amongst youthful drivers and was shockingly zippy, particularly the later turbo fashions that would really sustain with a Focus ST.
However the underlying Cobalt’s rental-car bland styling, notoriously low-cost inside supplies, and affiliation with GM’s mid-2000s struggles meant it by no means really transcended its area of interest. Regardless of its efficiency potential, reliability points like fragile energy steering and ignition swap remembers (keep in mind the large GM scandal?) have stored values within the basement. Today, they’re low-cost and straightforward to seek out, largely as a result of critical collectors aren’t placing them on pedestals.
Usually listed between: $3,800 – $9,000
Pontiac G6 GTP Coupe
It tried so laborious to be one thing particular. With smooth strains, Pontiac’s signature twin grille, and that “GTP” badge making an attempt to evoke efficiency heritage, the G6 Coupe aimed for sporty. Sadly, the Pontiac G6 platform, shared with the Malibu, by no means really shed its rental automobile roots. Even in its sportiest iteration, the GTP Coupe (that includes a 3.6L V6 with 252 hp), it was typically extra present than real go, with notoriously imprecise electrical energy steering and a normal lack of driver engagement.
Like many late-stage Pontiacs, it suffered from GM’s elements bin syndrome and a confused model id. Whereas it wasn’t a nasty automobile — some would say it was really fairly cool — the general public finally didn’t know what to make of it. Now, it’s largely simply low-cost, and that’s about the very best factor going for it. If you would like a snug two-door for minimal money, it really works, however don’t count on it to understand or spark any passionate conversations.
Usually listed between: $3,500 – $9,000
Mitsubishi Eclipse (Third Gen)
The second era of the Eclipse was a tuner darling, an absolute legend immortalized within the unique “Quick & Livid.” However by the third era, Mitsubishi, in a baffling transfer, made the Eclipse softer, heavier, and chunkier. The aggressive, curvaceous seems to be of the GT mannequin (with its 210 hp 3.0L V6) couldn’t put it aside from declining gross sales and significant scorn from the very fanatic base it as soon as dominated. It shed its AWD choice, turned FWD solely, and misplaced a lot of its sporting edge.
Widespread points embrace sunroof mechanism failures, guide transmission shifting difficulties, and normal growing older electrical issues. These days, you may scoop one up for lower than the price of a weekend journey to Vegas, typically with peeling clear coat and a lingering scent of remorse.
Usually listed between: $2,900 – $6,995
Saturn Sky
This little roadster genuinely turned heads when it debuted. With its hanging European-inspired design and a platform shared with the fascinating Pontiac Solstice, the Saturn Sky, particularly the Redline mannequin (2.0L turbocharged, 260 hp), supplied the seems to be of a premium convertible at a fraction of the value. It was a correct RWD sports activities automobile, enjoyable to drive, and distinctive. However then Basic Motors, in its infinite knowledge, shuttered the Saturn model totally.
With no model to again it, no legacy to inherit, and no seller community to assist it long-term, the Sky rapidly pale into obscurity. Whereas the Redline gives a potent, tunable engine, discovering elements particular to the Saturn branding generally is a problem. It’s nonetheless a enjoyable, inexpensive convertible, however good luck discovering somebody who remembers what it’s, not to mention its significance.
Usually listed between: $9,000 – $13,000 (increased for Redline fashions)
Chrysler Crossfire
You both beloved its polarizing seems to be otherwise you completely loathed them. The Chrysler Crossfire had a dramatic, Bauhaus-inspired form and was a curious try to mix American boldness with confirmed German engineering (it was 80% Mercedes-Benz R170 SLK beneath, together with the engine, transmission, and chassis). The SRT-6 mannequin, packing a supercharged 3.2L V6 with 330 hp, was genuinely quick. However its awkward styling, two-seater-only configuration, and odd timing available in the market meant consumers didn’t fairly chunk. It turned extra of a curiosity than a bona fide traditional.
At this time, yow will discover surprisingly low-mileage examples going for shockingly little, typically lingering unsold on tons. Whereas the Mercedes underpinnings imply higher mechanical reliability than most Chryslers of the period, the restricted elements availability for particular Crossfire physique elements and its polarizing aesthetics guarantee it stays a bargain-bin oddity.
Usually listed between: $4,500 – $10,000 (considerably extra for SRT-6)
Dodge Caliber SRT4
This was Dodge’s really wild try to mix outright efficiency with hatchback practicality, following the footsteps of the beloved Neon SRT4. The Caliber SRT4 crammed a 2.4L turbocharged I4 with 285 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque right into a crossover-esque physique, giving it some critical guts underneath the hood and a imply stance.
However the underlying Caliber’s inherently awkward, lifted-hatchback form and notoriously low-cost, rental-car-grade inside turned off far too many potential consumers. Even the “SRT4” badge, which as soon as commanded respect, couldn’t put it aside from changing into a forgotten footnote.
It was basically a scorching rod wrapped in an financial system automobile’s bland shell. Now it’s largely remembered as “that bizarre Dodge hatchback,” and sadly, it sells like one too. Anticipate a uneven trip and loads of inside rattles, but additionally shocking straight-line velocity for the cash.
Usually listed between: $5,000 – $10,000
Mercury Cougar
Reviving the storied “Cougar” nameplate for 1999 appeared like a stable plan on paper. What arrived, nevertheless, was a sporty-looking, front-wheel-drive coupe primarily based on the Ford Contour/Mondeo platform, that by no means fairly knew what it wished to be. It regarded considerably enjoyable with its “New Edge” styling, however the 2.5L Duratec V6 (170 hp) didn’t provide a lot in the best way of thrills, and its dealing with was competent however unremarkable.
It aimed for youth and sportiness however ended up in an odd center floor. Today, they’re way more frequent at scrapyards than automobile reveals, having suffered from typical Ford problems with the period (subframe rust, computerized transmission issues) and an entire lack of fanatic curiosity. The value, predictably, displays that unlucky actuality. Truthfully, it’s a reasonably fashionable automobile for the value.
Usually listed between: $2,000 – $5,000
Buick Reatta
The Buick Reatta was an audacious experiment: an opulent, two-seater private coupe designed to convey European aptitude and status to a conservative model. It featured an early touchscreen CRT management system (the “Digital Management Middle”) that was mind-blowing for 1988 however aged horribly.
Powered by Buick’s venerable 3.8L V6 (165-170 hp), it aimed for the nation membership crowd, however its odd, elongated design and comparatively excessive value at launch ($26,000 in ’88, over $65k in 2025 {dollars}!) stored consumers away. It disappeared quietly after a mere 4 years.
Now, it’s low-cost, genuinely uncommon, and largely remembered by automotive trivia buffs and really affected person eBay buyers searching for an obscure piece of GM historical past. Whereas mechanically strong (that 3.8L V6 is bulletproof), its distinctive digital methods are a nightmare to restore, cementing its standing as an fascinating, however forgotten, oddity.
Usually listed between: $3,000 – $8,000
Get ‘Em Whereas They’re Not Sizzling
These vehicles have character. They’re fast sufficient to be enjoyable, quirky sufficient to face out, and low-cost sufficient to really drive with out guilt. Whether or not you’re bombing backroads, wrenching within the driveway, or dodging cones on a Sunday, they present up able to play.
The market may not have a good time them, however they’re precisely what makes automobile possession thrilling—inexpensive, approachable, and nonetheless filled with surprises. They’re dialog starters, ability builders, and excellent platforms for anybody who prefers seat time over present trophies.
When you’re after real-world enjoyable with out the collector price ticket, that is the place the great things lives.
