Older collectors don’t want to hear about these hot hatches or rambunctious rally machines—but the younger crowd can’t get enough of ’em
Once upon a time, it was called the “poster on the wall” effect: as enthusiasts (especially Boomers) reached adulthood and finally had a little disposable income available, they were more likely to prioritize collecting the cars they fantasized about as kids. While nostalgia continues to play a strong role in the autos haunting the garages of Millennials, economic reality has shifted that lusty gaze towards less exotic fare.
Instead of idolizing halo cars whose prices have skyrocketed via online auction sites, according to John Wiley, the director of valuation analytics at Hagerty, one of the world’s leading classic-car insurers, it turns out that models of more modest means have taken over the real politick of what Millennials are actually buying.
Don’t get us wrong. We’re not saying these vehicles are any less worthy of love than those wearing brightly-polished badges. In fact, it’s refreshing to see a fresh focus on cars that are newer, more available, and in most cases reasonably affordable making up the majority of insurance quotes sought out by Millennials over the past year or so, per Hagerty data.
What exactly is tickling the (slightly less) fancy of younger collectors? Here’s a look at the 9 most popular classics that are lusted after by Millennials but rank near the bottom of Boomers’ to-buy lists.
9. 2003-2009 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG W211
It might be surprising to see an older AMG model on a list that’s primarily aimed at buyers whose budgets don’t stretch into the stratosphere. Not because of the purchase price—you can snag a good quality E55 driver for between $25,000 and $30,000—but rather the cost of maintenance, which is typically more dear for any European young-timer (and high performance models in particular).
Still, if you can stomach the pain of paying for things like faulty hydraulic suspension system repairs, there’s a lot to like about the E55 AMG. Its stealthy styling conceals a 469-horsepower V8 and a rear-wheel-drive setup that makes roasting rubber a cinch when you’re not enjoying its coddling capabilities on a long distance road trip. The E55 AMG is a do-everything car for those who need their classic to double as a daily.
8. 1992-2000 Subaru Impreza
7. 2004-2009 Volkswagen Golf Mk5
With just over 240 horsepower along with standard all-wheel-drive, the R32 has a small cult following, but it’s the GTI that sold in volume and that’s the one that’s more likely to be found as an affordable second or third car for budget-conscious enthusiasts. You can snag one all day for well under $10,000, especially if you’re willing to overlook an extra couple of doors.
6. 1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse
How many Boomers can quote every line of the first film in the Fast and Furious franchise? Multiply that number by a thousand and you’ve got your answer as to why Wiley’s data shows that Millennials are so enthralled with Brian Earl Spilner’s ride, while Boomers ain’t.
5. 1984-1987 Toyota Corolla
To be fair, there are multiple Corolla models that fall within this era, and the coupe version of the AE86 is also garnering increased attention due to the scarcity of clean hatchbacks left on the market. Still, this is an Initial D-driven purchase decision, and one that’s utterly baffling to anyone above a certain age.
4. 2002-2004 Volkswagen Golf R32
3. 2008-2014 Subaru Impreza
2. 2002-2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo
How wronged was Canada by Mitsubishi when it elected to keep the Lancer Evolution out of our market until the Evo X appeared in 2007? The popularity of nearly every edition of this super-sedan makes it quite clear that the company would have sold every single example it imported.
1. 1994-2001 Acura Integra
The immediate impulse when looking at this particular stretch of Acura Integra production is to focus on the Type R, which has skyrocketed in value among sport compact performance cars of that period (clocking in at around $40,000, if you can find one relatively unmolested by the Ghosts of Street Racing Past).
Broaden your scope a little and you’ll discover what many Millennials already have. The Integra is so much more than just Type R hype, whether you’re considering a high-revving GSR or simply taking advantage of the massive aftermarket that links these Acuras to their Honda Civic cousins and opens up the Lego-like potential of their drivetrain swaps and suspension upgrades. The Type R drives collectors, but the Integra as a whole is what’s collecting drivers. Unless, of course, they’re Boomers.
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