6 Once-Valuable Vintage Cars You Should Avoid
Written by
Rebecca Neubauer
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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In the world of vintage cars, rarity and desirability often go hand-in-hand… but not always.
There are numerous vintage cars that have failed to capture the hearts (or wallets) of car enthusiasts. Low demand means that dedicated fans can buy these models without breaking the bank.
Here is a list of six vehicles that are best avoided if you’re collecting vintage cars in the hopes they will appreciate in value.
1976 to 1987 Chevrolet Chevette
The Chevrolet Chevette was designed to compete with imported vehicles, and sold well during its production run. However, its basic design and lack of features mean it holds little appeal for collectors.
The stripped-down Scooter variant could actually be purchased without a back seat. While it may evoke nostalgia for some, it doesn’t command high prices in the collector market.
According to Driving.ca’s estimates, this vehicle is only worth $500 to $2,000.
1982 to 1988 Cadillac Cimarron
The Cadillac Cimarron was an attempt by General Motors to downsize and compete with small European luxury cars from Audi and BMW.
Unfortunately, it was essentially a rebadged Chevrolet Cavalier, and buyers saw through the facade. Despite its initial sales success, the Cimarron never lived up to the Cadillac name.
Its four-cylinder engine and lackluster performance make it one of the least desirable Cadillacs for collectors, and they are valued around $1,200 to $2,000 today.
1981 to 1989 Plymouth Reliant and Dodge Aries
These “K-Cars” essentially saved Chrysler from financial ruin, thanks to their front-wheel-drive platform and spacious interiors.
Despite the fact that they made up almost half of the company’s sales in 1982, there’s little collector interest in these models today.
The station wagons and the Dodge 400 convertible fare slightly better, but the Reliant and Aires sell for just $500 to $5,000.
1978 to 1983 AMC Concord
AMC’s Concord was an upscale replacement for the Hornet, available in various body styles and even offering a V8 engine. Despite its initial sales success, the Concord never gained a strong following.
Its main claim to fame is that it served as the basis for the AMC Eagle, considered the first crossover vehicle to hit the market.
Overshadowed by its more famous successor, the Concord itself remains a forgotten model worth only $1,500 to $7,000.
1971 to 1977 Chevrolet Vega
The Chevrolet Vega was designed to compete with smaller, lower-priced cars like the Volkswagen Beetle. However, it was plagued by rust issues, with some cars reportedly rusting on the showroom floor.
The Vega’s engine also had problems with overheating and oil consumption. While General Motors fixed many of these issues in later models, and went on to sell over two million Vegas, they are not a collector favorite today.
The 1975 to 1976 Cosworth Vega, a lightweight version with a 110-horsepower engine, is the exception, but the other Vega models from this time period sell for just $2,000 to $10,000.
1971 to 1980 Ford Pinto
The Ford Pinto is infamous for its safety issues, particularly its poorly designed fuel tank that could ignite in rear-end collisions. Despite modifications and retrofits by Ford, the Pinto’s reputation was irreparably damaged.
Approximately three million units were produced, but many have since succumbed to rust. If the Pinto holds appeal for you, you can snap one up for $5,000 to $10,000.
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