Background Lifestyle & Fun

Stocks or cars?

The stock market is somewhat unsettled at the moment for many reasons. Lockdowns in China, labor shortages in many sectors, massive inflation, commodity shortages and a host of other woes creates a lot of uncertainty. Putting your hard-earned money into crypto is always a risk, so some people decide to buy physical items, such as watches, branded bags and cars, with the hope that it will become worth more.

10 cars going up in value

Especially for these people, the American insurance company Hagerty annually publishes a top 10 list of cars that they believe will increase in value in the coming year: the Hagerty Bull Market List. According to Hagerty, those who want to expand their piggy bank do not have to completely empty it first. In fact, on a Ford Fiesta, you can grab a nice profit within a short time, according to the insurer. Here we highlight three affordable models from the top 10 for you:

Ford Fiesta Mk1 (1977-1983)

Where it all began for the Fiesta: the Fiesta Mk1. Why it will go up in value according to Hagerty? Simple: Ford has announced that it is discontinuing the Fiesta. The last one will roll off the assembly line in 2023. So the Ford icon disappears, which will increase the value of the model. Of course, you should not choose a 2009 Fiesta with two tons on the odometer, but one from the first or second generation. There are fewer and fewer of those driving around, which is good for value.

Lotus Elise S2 (2000-2010)

A favorite on the AutoRAI editorial staff: the second-generation Lotus Elise. It looks less like a kit car than the first-generation Elise and is more pronounced than the third generation. Most examples in the Netherlands come with a Rover K Series engine, which – as long as you let it warm up gently – are reasonably reliable. If you regularly give the engine its thunder right away, you should keep a stack of fresh head gaskets at home. An Elise with Toyota’s four-cylinder (from the Celica and Corolla) are the most sought after, but pricey. According to Hagarty, the Elise will appreciate in value for the same reason as the Fiesta: it will no longer be made. Lotus builds only one more gasoline-powered car – the Emira – and then it switches to electric cars.

Saab 99 Turbo (1978-1980)

Saab went bankrupt a decade ago, but still has a large, loyal fan base. Not surprising, as the brand has brought some great models to the world. One is the Saab 99 Turbo: the first mass-produced car with a turbocharger. The two-door 99 Turbo appeared in 1979 as a homologation model for rally racing, and later came a five-door model. According to Hagerty, the value of the model has increased 20 percent in the past 24 months alone.

Further in the top 10 are:

Audi TT Quattro Sport Mk1 (2005-2006)

Citroen BX (1982-1994)

Triumph Spitfire (1962-1980)

Bentley Turbo R (1985-1997)

Mercedes-Benz SL500 R129 (1989-2001)

Austin Seven (1923-1939)

Lamborghini Diablo (1990-2001)