Take a look at our newest merchandise
Think about cruising down your neighborhood road in a Beetle or Mini Cooper that feels extra like a time machine than a commuter automobile—with out the guilt-inducing price ticket. We’ve rounded up 5 used rides—PT Cruiser, Toyota FJ Cruiser, Beetle, Mini Cooper, and Fiat 500—that deliver retro aptitude, dependable enjoyable, and surprisingly wallet-friendly possession.
Within the subsequent few scrolls, you gained’t discover arcane spec sheets or exhaustive engine teardowns. As an alternative, you’ll get a snapshot of every mannequin’s persona, a sensible sense of what you’ll pay, and easy ideas for scoring a well-kept instance. Contemplate this your insider cheat sheet: sufficient fashion cues to know which trip fits your vibe, plus sensible pointers so that you drive off the lot smiling and nonetheless have money left for road-trip snacks.
Volkswagen New Beetle
Consider the day you first noticed a Beetle’s spherical headlights peeking round a nook—that’s precisely the smile you’ll put on whenever you slide right into a New Beetle. Launched in 1998, it took the unique Sort 1’s pleasant face and wrapped it round a trusty Golf chassis. Which means dependable dealing with, predictable brakes, and all of the pop-and-lock styling you’re keen on.
For those who actually wish to really feel the thrill, search out a 1.8T mannequin. The turbocharged engine provides you full of life acceleration in metropolis site visitors, and there’s a complete aftermarket world on the market for tuning, so you may remodel this “cute chariot” right into a pocket rocket that also suits in your storage for underneath $5,000.
Fiat 500
Think about weaving by means of slim streets with a automobile so charming you half-expect street-side cafes to applaud. That’s the Fiat 500, reborn in 2007 (and stateside by 2012) to echo its 1957 ancestor. It’s sufficiently small to park virtually wherever, but it brims with character from its smiling grille to its pop-open sunroof.
For on a regular basis outings, the bottom fashions ship simple, breezy metropolis driving. However in the event you crave a wink of mischief, the Abarth model’s turbocharged punch helps you to deal with winding roads with a smile. It’s all of the Italian zest in a palm-sized package deal, and obtainable for lower than $6,000.
Mini Cooper
You don’t simply drive a contemporary Mini—you be part of a household. Since 2001, BMW’s tackle the Nineteen Sixties unique has provided go-kart-sharp steering, cheeky exterior thrives, and almost limitless methods to make it your individual. Whether or not it’s a splash of contrasting roof coloration or a efficiency tune, your Mini turns into a rolling extension of your persona.
Sure, early examples could be quirky, and also you would possibly have to study a number of tips from fellow homeowners. However that’s a part of the enjoyable: tapping right into a neighborhood stuffed with DIY ideas, spirited meetup,s and skilled recommendation. Earlier than lengthy, you’ll be guffawing by means of corners such as you had been born to drive one. Step into one for lower than $5,000.
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Image a sizzling rod from the Nineteen Thirties, however with sufficient room for groceries and a weekend’s value of tenting gear. That’s the PT Cruiser—on sale from 2001 to 2010—mixing retro cheekbones with a sensible wagon physique. Inside, these faux-wood panels and rounded roofline scream “basic attraction.”
Go for the V6 mannequin if you would like a bit pep in your step and don’t wish to pay greater than $5,000. The additional torque helps you merge onto highways confidently, and that nostalgic styling ensures you gained’t mix in on the grocery retailer—or the automobile meet.
Ford Mustang (2005–2014)
When Ford dropped the 2005 Mustang, it felt like slipping on a superbly tailor-made leather-based jacket: acquainted, iconic, and immediately cool. The design channels the Nineteen Sixties fastback traces, whereas providing trendy suspension and security options you may depend on.
Beneath the hood, select the V6 for on a regular basis affordability or step as much as the 4.6-liter V8 GT for that basic rumble and red-blooded acceleration. Both means, you’re cruising in a legend that’s as sensible as it’s highly effective. You may even get one for slightly below $7,000, like this one from CarGurus.
Chevrolet Camaro (2010–2015)
After sitting out for eight years, the Camaro got here again in 2010 wanting like a ’60s hero—and Hollywood agreed, casting it in Transformers. Its sculpted fenders and hidden headlamps make it unmistakable, whether or not parked or roaring down the street.
The V6 mannequin presents surprisingly easy each day driving, whereas the SS variations pack sufficient kick to rival trendy sports activities automobiles. Better of all, you get that retro muscle-car aura without having a millionaire’s price range, akin to this 2015 mannequin, for lower than $12,000.
Dodge Challenger
In order for you a contemporary muscle automobile that wears its heritage on its sleeve, the Challenger is your trip. From 2008 onward, it’s provided an unapologetically chunky stance, upright grille, and daring badging, proper right down to the throwback hood stripe.
Choose a V6 or Hemi-V8 for genuine American-muscle growl, or go full tilt with a Hellcat mannequin and really feel the bottom shake each time you lean on the throttle. You may even cruise away in a 2016 mannequin for underneath $15,000.
Warning: smiles are inevitable.
Toyota FJ Cruiser
When Toyota reimagined the FJ40 Land Cruiser in 2007, they packed the spirit of the unique into a contemporary 4×4: quick wheelbase, wraparound fenders, triple wipers, and “TOYOTA” spelled throughout the grille in block letters. It’s retro by design, succesful by nature.
Hop inside, crank up the highly effective V6, and deal with trails with confidence. The suspension soaks up bumps, making this FJ Cruiser a weekend-warrior favourite for anybody who loves a little bit of mud underneath their tires. We discovered this 2007 mannequin obtainable for underneath $10k.
Ford Bronco (2021–Current)
The Broncos’ return in 2021 felt like a reunion with an outdated buddy. Its boxy silhouette, detachable roof panels, and spherical headlights pay loving homage to Nineteen Sixties fashions, whereas trendy 4×4 tech — trail-turning diff locks, selectable drive modes — helps you to discover past pavement.
It isn’t the most cost effective SUV you’ll discover (used fashions on Autotrader begin round $35,000), however in the event you dream of beach-blanket cruising and canyon-crossing adventures in a design that nods to the previous, this Bronco is value each penny.
Jeep Wrangler (All Generations)
Few autos seize freedom like a Wrangler. Launched within the U.S. in 1987, its detachable doorways, fold-down windshield, and box-fresh styling have stayed remarkably constant—as a result of whenever you get it proper, why mess with perfection?
Whether or not you seize a TJ, JK, or JL, you’re becoming a member of a passionate neighborhood that swears by aftermarket carry kits, winches, and LED mild bars. Each Wrangler turns into a singular expression of its proprietor’s spirit — prepared for backroads, seashores, or yard BBQs. Get able to trip the paths with used choices beginning round $7,000.
Suzuki Jimny
Tiny however mighty, the Jimny by no means formally made it to North America, however word-of-mouth turned it right into a cult icon worldwide. That boxy metal physique and rugged ladder-frame chassis do greater than look powerful—they deal with powerful trails with shocking agility.
On-line fan golf equipment overflow with construct guides, so you may customise your Jimny into an overlanding explorer or a canyon-carving nook carver. For off-roaders who love a clean canvas, this little 4×4 is a dream. This JDM is out there wherever from $2,500 to $20,000.
Plymouth Prowler
Chrysler threw the rulebook out with the Prowler’s late-’90s launch: uncovered entrance wheels, flared fenders, and prow-nose entrance finish made it seem like a sizzling rod idea come to life. Beneath, a V6 and computerized gearbox raised eyebrows—but the Prowler’s fashion nonetheless steals each present.
Due to restricted manufacturing, Prowler costs stayed surprisingly regular, and you will get one for round $25,000. Which means you may park this dialog starter in your driveway with out concern—and benefit from the double-take each time you roll by.
Cruise Into the Sundown
Your subsequent set of wheels doesn’t should seem like each different commuter on the street. With these 13 retro-styled gems, you may chase the romance of motoring’s golden ages—chrome, rumble, and all—whereas nonetheless having fun with trendy reliability and affordability. Whether or not you covet an Italian metropolis sprite, an American muscle revival, or an off-road homage, there’s a throwback trip right here to spark your coronary heart and tame your price range. Now go forward: choose one, fireplace up that engine, and write your individual chapter of retro road-trip magic.
