’90s Rides Worth Your Time (And Investment)

When people think collector cars it’s probably a slideshow of the usual suspects.

Corvettes, Mustangs, 911s, E-Types, Challengers.

Basically, anything classic, exotic, or muscle from the 1970s on back. Numerous garages, aftermarket manufacturers, TV networks, and publications have built their reputation and fanbase servicing this very market. And while these vehicles and their contemporaries of the time will always have a loyal and devoted following, times change.

Sure, Baby Boomers still make up 22% of the US population – but Gen X and Millennials combined account for a whopping 42%. And while a number of them can appreciate classic cars from the ‘60s and ‘70s, they didn’t grow up pining over them like their parents.

In fact, by many definitions, a classic car is anything over 25 years.

And where does that put us?

The 1990s.

For a millennial like myself, it’s hard to hear words like vintage, throwback, and classic used to describe the decade I became a teenager. Although, I understand having these thoughts is a common symptom and precursor to many a mid-life crisis—no matter what your generation.

But instead of going out and buying that new R8 or GT-R, why not take a look at some of those vehicles you grew up covering your bedroom walls and lockers with?

Ok, ok, many of us Millennials and Gen X’ers may not have deep enough pockets to go after the grails of that time period—the 3rd/4th gen Supra, RX-7, and 300ZX. This is mostly because they’ve soared in price in the recent years and let’s face it, we’ve also had to contend with a few crises that have left many of us with only a few moth balls in our bank account.

But that doesn’t mean we’re not allowed to finally enjoy some of the cars we grew up with.

So, let’s take a look at some great budget ‘90s vehicles that you’d be wise to invest in.

Jeep Cherokee XJ

Most of us old enough to remember, would probably mark the ‘90s Ford Explorer as the lynchpin of America’s SUV boom. But while some may be hunting a few early examples, very few are musing desirably and clamoring to own older Explorers.

Introduced in the mid-80s, the Jeep Cherokee XJ should be recognized as the true pioneer of modern-day SUVs. And judging by their continued popularity 20+ years after they last rolled off the line, many people must agree.

From 1984 to 2001 the XJ’s capability and squared-off, kid’s-drawing-of-what-they-think-a-car-looks-like design wooed buyers to the tune of 2.5 million. Whether it was AMC, Chrysler, or Daimler-Chrysler at the helm, the Cherokee XJ showed up new on dealer lots every year of the 1990s—mostly unchanged.

To its credit, the design was timeless.

With a slew of trims, paint colors, body panel colors, exterior options, and special editions, it’s hard to find two XJs alike these days. And that’s part of the fun of collecting them!

While the Wrangler is as popular as ever (for hardcore off-roaders and pavement queens alike), those with a long-lived appreciation and fondness of the brand agree that Jeep’s recent non-Wrangler SUV offerings have been uninspiring.

The days of the Cherokee XJ, marked by spartan, simply appointed interiors and features, have been replaced by plush comforts and complicated electronics. As a result, the XJ’s basic, no-frills beauty is a hot commodity for those looking to harken back to the infancy of the SUV — a long way from the current oversaturated, underwhelming market of today.

Act soon though, as prices are beginning to climb. It’s tough to find a good example of a 1990s XJ under $10K, so be prepared to dish out $12-15K. And in another decade, we think that price may double.

Saab 900/900 Turbo

“Research has shown that Saab drivers are the best educated people on the roads”

If you have even the faintest soft spot for anything Saab, please do yourself a favor and watch the British Top Gear tribute to the brand. Jeremy Clarkson states the above quote and argues that while lawyers, doctors, and finance workers drive BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes-Benzes—architects drive Saabs.

The Saab 900 has long been an underappreciated performance/luxury hybrid. Even when the brand was in production, interested shoppers would often end up choosing a German or Japanese rival instead.

While the second generation 900 (1994-1998) and its predecessor the first-gen 9-3 (1999-2003), may be more familiar to younger generations, it’s the first generation 900 (1978-1993) and its Turbo models that are the most sought after for collectors and Saab fans.

The 900 was and still is a quirky, competent, and charming hatch that went toe-to-toe with its more popular competitors. In a sea of cookie-cutter styling, the 900 stood out back then and even more so now. While the 900 is growing scarce—doubly so for the Turbo—parts are still available and can be much more economical to maintain than similar German offerings.

While the 900 has steadily risen in value since Saab left the car market, good examples can still be had for a reasonable price—whether it be a base model, turbo, convertible, or other special editions. The models built after GM fully acquired Saab in 2000 still have a bit of character and might see a noticeable rise in interest down the line, but it’s that first gen 900 that’s by far the most desirable.

Non-turbos can be had for well under $5K, while turbo and convertible variants can range anywhere from under $5K to $20K for a low-mileage, well-kept example.

Mitsubishi 3000GT

In the high-performance ‘90s tuner scene, the 3000GT is an oft-forgotten gem. It was overshadowed by the legendary Supra, RX-7, and even its baby bro, the Eclipse—as apparent when it was only seen for a quick cup of coffee during The Fast and the Furious. (Even worse, it wasn’t even a 3000GT, but its brother the Dodge Stealth.)

Despite the Skyline not coming to the U.S., it still adorned more Trapper Keepers than the 3000GT. We get it, but damn if the Mitsu wasn’t a gorgeous car. The exotic front end, sculpted side profile, and wing made for a car that still looks fresh 25 years later.

Many will disagree, but that wing combined with a taillight strip spanning the width of the car creates a rear-end that is just as identifiable as a Supra.

And the performance VR-4 package? Crème de la crème. If you can find one, the VR-4 will not only turn heads for its looks and sound, but also still hold up performance-wise today. While the 1999 VR-4 has the most identifiable silhouette, the earlier VR-4’s had some impressive suspension and aerodynamic tech late models didn’t—so keep that in mind when shopping.

In my humble opinion, the current trajectory of the 3000GT and even early Eclipse models, means prices might be too much to stomach in just a few more years. The brand itself is in deep financial trouble. And, as much as it pains me to say it as a former Mitsubishi owner, they might not be long for the American market – which could push prices even higher.

Base models of the 3000GT are bumping up rapidly—so expect to pay in the low to mid-teens. The VR-4 is reaching furrowed-brow inducing territory at $25-35K, with super low mileage examples fetching over $50K.

Suzuki Samurai

As we mentioned with the XJ Cherokee, off-roading is on fire right now. And while the new Bronco, Defender, and many small-truck trims are infusing the Wrangler-dominated space with new options, some people want old not new.

4Runners and Land Cruisers from the ‘90s are great bets, but the market for those has been just too rich for several years now. And if you want a smaller ‘90s “off-roader,” your options are limited outside of a TJ Wrangler. Geo Trackers have spunk and personality, but need to be built up a bit for off-road duty. And one of my favorite overlooked character-oozing monsters of the time, the Isuzu VehiCross is just so dang rare.

So how about the much-maligned Suzuki Samurai? A car that’s absolutely perfect for folks who even back in the ‘90s thought the TJ just wasn’t a proper Wrangler anymore.

It’s small, underpowered, and supremely unsafe. So unsafe that Consumer Reports demanded it be recalled for its propensity to roll over, even at lower speeds. But you’re looking for cool, right…not safe?

Well, the Samurai certainly is cool. Better yet, aftermarket and spare part support for these is still pretty strong for a vehicle that left America 27 years ago. Since the Samurai is lightweight and small, mechanics—whether pro or amateur—find them easy to work on.

And since you can find yourself a nice example between $10K-20K, it could be a great fun or project car for those looking to splash the cash on something unique. We just recommend not to pass it down as your kid’s first set of wheels.

Speaking of wheels, if you’re looking to freshen up a dull, scratched, or dented set of wheels, but don’t want to dish out the money for an all-new set—CCI has your solution!

Meet CCI

CCI’s Imposter Wheel Skins fit on your existing wheels with just a simple pop. Just line up with the valve stem and add pressure, and you’ve got a fresh set of OEM-looking wheels at just a fraction of the cost.

Constructed from durable auto-grade ABS, CCI’s Imposter Skins aren’t cheap and ill-fitting covers that look out of place. For a fraction of the price of a new wheel, the Imposter Skins transform your vehicle back to a factory look—no one will know they’re Imposters!

In addition to wheel skins, CCI is an industry leader in restyling accessories for your vehicle. Just like the skins, CCI products are designed to overlay the OEM part, giving it the look and feel of coming straight from the factory floor. These include mirror covers, door handles, grilles, fender trim and more! With over 700 unique part numbers, they’re sure to have something to work with your vehicle.

To learn more about CCI’s Imposter Series Wheel Skins, as well as the brand’s other restyling accessories, visit: https://www.coast2coastinternational.com/