14 Classic Cars You Can Find For Less Than $10,000
A friend once stumbled across a ’66 Volvo Amazon in a dusty garage, offered by an older couple for less than the price of a new iPhone.
He drove it home, still in disbelief, windows down and a goofy grin plastered across his face.
Not every classic car lives behind velvet ropes or auction blocks – some just need a little digging, a bit of luck, and maybe a forgiving view of rust.
Under ten grand, there’s still plenty of vintage charm waiting to be rescued.
1. Volvo 240
Boxy but beautiful, the Volvo 240 has transformed from mom’s grocery-getter to cult classic.
These Swedish tanks were overbuilt to survive nuclear winter, which explains why so many are still rolling around today.
Parts availability remains excellent, and their simple mechanical design makes them perfect for DIY mechanics.
The wagon variants command a premium, but sedan models can often be found under $5,000 in good condition.
2. Ford Mustang (Fox Body)
Forgotten middle child of Mustang lineage, the Fox Body (1979-1993) offers serious bang for your buck.
While its squared-off styling initially turned off purists, these lightweight ponies now enjoy rabid cult following.
Modifications are endless, with massive aftermarket support and simple, robust mechanicals.
Early examples or higher-mileage GT models regularly trade hands under our $10k ceiling, though prices have been climbing steadily.
3. Chevrolet S-10
Long before tiny trucks became hipster accessories, the Chevy S-10 was hauling everything from lumber to band equipment across America.
These compact pickups offer surprising capability in a manageable package that won’t guzzle gas like their full-size siblings.
First-generation models (1982-1993) have developed a strong following for their simple, square-jawed looks.
Extended cab 4×4 models might stretch our budget, but clean regular cab examples can be absolute steals.
4. Mercedes-Benz W123
Rolling proof that Mercedes once built cars like bank vaults, the W123 series (1976-1985) represents the pinnacle of old-school German engineering.
Million-mile examples aren’t rare – they’re expected!
Diesel models are particularly bulletproof, though they accelerate with all the urgency of continental drift. Interior quality embarrasses many modern luxury cars, with materials built to outlast civilizations.
Non-running project cars start around $2,000, while clean drivers hover near our $10k ceiling.
5. Volkswagen Beetle
Nothing turns heads quite like the unmistakable silhouette of a classic Bug. Volkswagen produced over 21 million of these air-cooled icons, ensuring plenty remain available at accessible prices.
Later Super Beetles (1971-1979) offer improved handling and more interior space than earlier models. Rust is the mortal enemy, so southwestern examples command premium prices.
Mechanical simplicity makes them perfect first classics, with robust owner communities offering support for newcomers.
6. BMW E30
Gateway drug to BMW addiction, the E30 3-Series (1982-1994) delivers that perfect balance of handling, quality, and style that made BMW’s reputation.
While M3 variants fetch astronomical prices, humble 318i and 325e models remain surprisingly affordable.
Four-door variants typically cost less than coupes but offer identical driving dynamics. Rust-free examples under $10,000 require patience but appear regularly.
Their analog driving experience and mechanical simplicity make them perfect entry points into classic European motoring.
7. Datsun 280ZX
Often overshadowed by its predecessor (the 240Z) and successor (the 300ZX), the 280ZX occupies that sweet spot of affordability in the Z-car lineage.
These grand tourers leaned more toward comfort than outright sportiness, making them perfect for weekend cruising.
T-top models command a premium but deliver that perfect 80s vibe. Their inline-six engines are legendarily robust, though rust can be problematic.
Patient shoppers can find solid examples between $8,000-10,000, with project cars available for significantly less.
8. Mazda RX-7 (FB)
Powered by Mazda’s unconventional rotary engine, first-generation RX-7s deliver exotic sports car thrills on a hamburger budget.
The lightweight FB model (1978-1985) offers balanced handling and distinctive styling that still turns heads today.
Maintenance requires understanding Wankel engine quirks – primarily their appetite for oil (by design).
Unmolested examples are increasingly rare, as many fell victim to misguided modification attempts. Patient shoppers can find clean survivors under $10,000, though prices have been steadily climbing.
9. Pontiac Fiero
Much maligned during its brief production run, the Fiero has transformed from punchline to legitimate collector car.
As America’s first mass-produced mid-engine sports car, it offers exotic car layout without exotic maintenance bills.
Later models (1988) resolved most early reliability issues and improved handling significantly. The GT variant with V6 power represents the sweet spot in the lineup.
Finding unmolested examples takes patience, as many were sacrificed for kit car conversions attempting to mimic Italian exotics.
10. Toyota MR2 (AW11)
Nicknamed the “poor man’s Ferrari,” the first-generation MR2 delivers mid-engine thrills in a reliable Toyota package.
These angular wedges weigh just 2,300 pounds and handle like go-karts on mountain roads.
Supercharged variants command premium prices but deliver surprising performance. Toyota’s bulletproof 4A-GE engine means many examples have survived with high mileage.
Rust can be problematic, particularly around sunroof drains, but clean examples still surface under our $10k ceiling.
11. Chevrolet Caprice Classic
Aircraft carrier dimensions meet velour-wrapped comfort in these full-size American cruisers.
The box-style Caprice (1977-1990) represents peak American sedan – massive, comfortable, and unapologetically excessive.
Their simple mechanicals make them easy DIY projects, with readily available parts. Fuel economy resembles that of an actual yacht, but the tradeoff is unmatched highway comfort.
Police package models command premium prices for their upgraded suspension and cooling systems, but standard models offer tremendous value.
12. Dodge Dart
Perpetually overshadowed by its Muscle Car siblings, the humble Dart offers classic Mopar ownership without the six-figure price tag.
These unassuming sedans and coupes can be found with straight-six or V8 power, the latter offering surprising performance potential.
Early 1970s models feature attractive coke-bottle styling with minimal chrome compared to earlier examples.
Rust-free bodies command premiums, but solid drivers regularly appear under $10,000. Their simple mechanicals make them perfect weekend projects for novice restorers.
13. Buick Regal
Before becoming synonymous with Florida retirees, the Regal – particularly in Grand National and T-Type forms – terrorized muscle cars throughout the 1980s.
While turbo models exceed our budget, standard Regals offer impressive comfort with unmistakable presence.
Their smooth-revving V6 engines deliver adequate power with surprising reliability. Interior quality surpasses most American contemporaries, with comfortable seats perfect for long cruises.
Clean examples hover around $8,000, with project cars available for significantly less.
14. Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera
Quintessentially 1980s, these square-jawed intermediates were once ubiquitous on American roads.
Now, clean examples turn heads precisely because they’ve become so rare – most were simply used up rather than preserved.
Higher-trim models offer surprising luxury touches like plush velour, power everything, and cushy suspension.
Mechanically bulletproof when maintained, these A-body GM products share parts with countless other models.
Exceptionally clean examples rarely exceed $5,000, making them perhaps the most affordable entry point into classic car ownership.