If you’ve always dreamed of owning that fun, iconic car, there’s a compelling way to justify the purchase—to yourself or a skeptical partner—by framing it as an investment. While most cars typically depreciate in value, certain vehicles, when well-maintained, can appreciate over time.
To help simplify your search, we’ve compiled a guide to the top 10 used cars worth buying in 2025. Whether you’re in the market for a nimble city car or a spacious family SUV, these vehicles have made the list for their impressive durability, dependable performance, and practical features.
Hunting for the ideal used car can sometimes feel daunting, given the vast array of options available today. When choosing a vehicle, the most important factors to consider are reliability, performance, and overall value. But with so many models on the market, how do you know which ones are the best fit for your needs?
Rare and exotic models can fetch millions for their owners, but even more modestly priced cars have the potential to increase in value—or at least offset ownership costs. However, before you dip into your savings, it’s important to remember that no car comes with a guaranteed return, and the market can be unpredictable. With that in mind, here are 10 relatively affordable vehicles that experts believe are likely to appreciate in value.
The 10 best investment cars for 2025 are:
- Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
- BMW Z1
- R50 Mini Cooper S
- R230 Mercedes SL
- Range Rover L322
- Renaultsport Clio 182
- Audi A2
- Honda S2000
- Aston Martin DB9
- Fiat Seicento Schumacher
1. Vauxhall VX220 Turbo
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol
Power: 200hp
0-60mph: 4.7 seconds
Top Speed: 151mph
If you’ve been eyeing an early Lotus Elise, here’s some bad news—it’s already surged in value. Fortunately, there’s an excellent alternative that some experts quietly admit might even be better: the Vauxhall VX220. Launched in 2000 to elevate Vauxhall’s image, this car was engineered and manufactured by Lotus.
While it’s only slightly less sporty than the Elise, it offers more predictable handling along with modern safety features like an airbag and ABS, making it more appealing for many drivers. Thanks to badge snobbery, the VX220 remains significantly cheaper than its Lotus counterpart, with sound, original examples still available for under five figures. But act fast—prices are expected to rise.
2. BMW Z1
Engine: 2.5-litre six-cylinder petrol
Power: 168hp
0-60mph: 8.1 seconds
Top Speed: 140mph
The BMW Z1 isn’t a “cheap” car, but experts agree it remains undervalued for a rare, two-seater sports car from such a prestigious brand. While the Z8 has seen dramatic price increases, the Z1’s climb has been more gradual.
One of its standout features is its innovative doors, which slide down into the car’s sills instead of opening outward or upward. While this design might pose a challenge for less agile drivers, it allows you to drive with the doors down—offering a unique open-air experience.
Built on the humble underpinnings of the BMW 3 Series, the Z1 combines wedge-shaped styling with relatively straightforward maintenance. Its left-hand-drive-only design may deter some buyers, but that also opens opportunities to import models from Germany, where most of the 8,000 units were sold.
3. Mini Cooper S (R50)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 170hp
0-60mph: 7.2 seconds
Top Speed: 135mph
While it’s easy to find early Minis in the classifieds for a few hundred pounds, the well-maintained examples with low mileage and complete histories are rapidly gaining value. Among them, the R50 Mini Cooper S—especially the rare John Cooper Works or GP versions—stands out as the most collectible.
The Cooper S features a supercharged engine, delivering not only extra power but also a distinctive whine under acceleration. Combined with sharp handling, robust BMW build quality, and endless customization options, it’s clear why these Minis are becoming investment-worthy.
4. Mercedes SL (R230, 2001–2011)
Engine: 3.7-litre six-cylinder petrol
Power: 270hp
0-60mph: 6.4 seconds
Top Speed: 155mph
The R230 Mercedes SL may not be the most valuable iteration of this iconic model, but it arguably holds the greatest potential for value growth. Its rounded styling has aged gracefully, and the folding hardtop enhances its practicality as an everyday car.
While the SL generally avoids the quality issues plaguing some other Mercedes models of the era, experts recommend the simpler SL350 model. With solid performance and fewer complex systems, it’s a less risky—and more affordable—choice than its V8-powered siblings.
5. Range Rover L322
Engine: 4.4-litre eight-cylinder petrol
Power: 313hp
0-60mph: 7.8 seconds
Top Speed: 131mph
Though the idea of a Range Rover as an investment may seem laughable to some, the 2002–2012 L322 generation is becoming increasingly sought after. Canny buyers are snapping up well-maintained examples, particularly those with under 100,000 miles, to restore and resell to enthusiasts.
Later V8 diesel models offer the best balance of power, economy, and reliability. For the ultimate in collectability, seek out the final Westminster editions—but be prepared for hefty road tax bills on post-2006 models.
6. Renaultsport Clio 182
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 182hp
0-60mph: 7.1 seconds
Top Speed: 139mph
Among hot hatchbacks of the 2000s, the Renaultsport Clio 182 is a standout. While the mid-engined V6 version may steal the spotlight, the 182 offers a more accessible—and arguably more practical—performance package.
Well-maintained, low-mileage examples with full service histories are the most desirable, particularly those sold by specialists catering to Renaultsport enthusiasts.
7. Audi A2
Engine: 1.4-litre three-cylinder diesel
Power: 75hp
0-60mph: 12.3 seconds
Top Speed: 107mph
Initially an expensive oddity, the Audi A2 has since gained recognition as a future classic. Its lightweight aluminium construction ensures impressive fuel efficiency, with diesel models often achieving over 60mpg.
Collectors are already seeking out low-mileage examples, with pristine cars now fetching up to £10,000. However, be cautious of potential issues like faulty sunroofs or oversized wheels that compromise ride quality.
8. Honda S2000
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 240hp
0-60mph: 6.2 seconds
Top Speed: 150mph
Honda’s rear-wheel-drive, open-top, two-seater delivers all the excitement of a Mazda MX-5 but with added exclusivity and significantly more power. Its high-revving engine, with a redline at 9,000 rpm, offers a truly unique driving experience. Unlike modern turbocharged cars that deliver power at low revs, the S2000 demands drivers to push each gear to higher RPMs to unlock its full potential.
The Honda S2000 has long been a hidden treasure among enthusiasts who appreciate its exceptional engineering and driving dynamics. However, as time passes, these models are becoming increasingly rare, making them more valuable. For 2025, a well-maintained, low-mileage example in original condition, free from accident history, ranks among our top recommendations for vehicles likely to appreciate in value.
9. Aston Martin DB9
Engine: 5.9-litre 12-cylinder petrol
Power: 456hp
0-60mph: 4.9 seconds
Top Speed: 186mph
As a luxurious and practical supercar, the DB9 is a prime candidate for collectability. While manual models and Volante convertibles hold particular appeal, prioritizing a low-mileage example with a comprehensive service history is key.
Despite its 510bhp engine, the Aston Martin DB9 isn’t blisteringly fast by modern standards. With a 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds, its acceleration is comparable to that of an entry-level automatic Porsche 911, which originally cost about half the price of the DB9. However, when it comes to the experience of that performance, the Aston offers something truly extraordinary.
Nothing quite compares to the symphony of a naturally aspirated, large-capacity V12 engine at full throttle. While the DB9 may not deliver sheer brute force, it more than compensates with an unmatched sense of occasion and pure automotive drama.
10. Fiat Seicento Schumacher
Engine: 1.1-litre four-cylinder petrol
Power: 54hp
0-60mph: 13.1 seconds
Top Speed: 93mph
For a budget-friendly investment, the Fiat Seicento Schumacher edition is an intriguing option. With only 5,000 units produced, this special edition—complete with Abarth styling and Michael Schumacher’s signature decals—is already gaining traction among collectors. This mini petrol power car can produce 54hp and gain speed of 60 in 13.1 seconds. It is a rare collectable car that have the potential to give profit on your investment.
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