Buy low, sell high – that’s the motto of life that follows every stockbroker, real estate agent, or car salesman.

Used car markets operate in the same manner. Therefore, it’s no surprise that there are countless opportunities to obtain cars as investment vehicles.

However, being a collector of high-end vehicles requires a considerable investment as well as not-insignificant carrying costs. Tons of deep general knowledge about cars is a must too.

The experts from the car history registry carVertical analyzed the automotive market and prepared a list of 10 cars you shouldn’t sell due to their significant growth in value. They also used their carVertical database, which contains thousands of car history reports, to explore some statistics about these specific models. Here’s the final list:

Alfa Romeo GTV (1993 – 2004)

Alfa Romeo’s design specialists, who have always favored bold and unusual solutions, reaffirmed their design approach with the Alfa Romeo GTV.

Like most coupés of the time, the Alfa Romeo GTV was available with a four or six-cylinder petrol engine. Although their four-cylinder engine model has been characterized for its agility, the most valuable version of the GTV has been that equipped with the magnificent Busso six-cylinder unit.

The engine, which has become an ace up Alfa Romeo’s sleeve, is a major contributor to the significantly rising price of the Alfa Romeo GTV. Although like most Italian cars, its value is not growing at the same rate as its German counterparts, well-maintained examples today are priced at more than €30,000.

According to carVertical’s vehicle history checks, 29% of these cars had various defects that could affect how the car operates.

Audi V8 (1988 – 1993)

The Audi A8 is now widely recognized as the brand’s technical and engineering pinnacle.

However, even before the Audi A8 saloon, the Audi V8 was briefly the company’s flagbearer.

The elegant saloon was only available with the V8 engine, which distinguished this type of automobile at the time. Some of the more powerful models had manual six-speed gearboxes too.

The Audi V8 is not as stunning as a BMW 7 Series or as prestigious as Mercedes-Benz S-Class, but it is significant for other reasons. The Audi V8 set the groundwork for today’s company, a high-end carmaker and direct rival to both BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Moreover, the Audi V8 is far rarer than other equivalents, so it’s no surprise that the value of the luxury saloon has begun to rise.

According to carVertical’s vehicle history reports, 9% of the models tested exhibited faults and 18% had forged mileage.

BMW 540i (1992 – 1996)

For decades, the 5 Series has been at the vanguard of the luxury saloon class. Still, the E34 generation manages to occupy a middle ground between the considerably older and more costly E28 and the E39, which still continue to experience a midlife crisis.

The eight-cylinder variant was only available for a few years. As a result, it is considerably rare and much more occasional in Europe and the United States than the BMW M5. Additionally, the power of the 540i is very similar to the BMW M5. 

The most pleasing aspect of this model is affordability; whilst the value of the BMW M5 has gone sky-high, the 540i is much cheaper but that will not last long.

Jaguar XK8 (1996 – 2006)

The Jaguar XK8, which debuted in the 1990s, came in as a coupe or a convertible. It offered a variety of engine capacities and comfort amenities to satisfy most XK owners.

Jaguar XK8 was one of the first truly modern Jaguars, which raised the bar in terms of quality, technology and residual values.

Prepare to spend at least €15,000 to €20,000 for a well-maintained, well-cared-for example.

Meanwhile, the Jaguar XK-R, which is much sought after by automotive enthusiasts, is even more costly.

However, according to vehicle history checks by carVertical, 29% of cars of this model had flaws, and 18% had fabricated mileage.

Land Rover Defender (Series I, Series II)

Land Rover has made no secret of the fact that the first generations of the Defender SUV were designed to be a multi-purpose practical purchase for those taking care of farms.

Its basic design and the ability to tackle any obstacle imaginable have earned the Land Rover Defender the status of being a very capable all-terrain off-roader.

Today, the value of Series I and Series II could surprise many. For example, SUVs that have seen good days and bad are worth between €10,000 and €15,000, while those that have been restored or have minimal wear and tear are often worth upwards of €30,000.

According to carVertical vehicle history checks, 15% had problems, while 2% had a falsified mileage.

Mercedes-Benz E300, E320, E420 (1992 – 1996)

Mercedes-Benz has put more than two million W124s on the road in a relatively long production run. Some ended their lives in the scrapyard but others are still showing signs of life. Carefully maintained models are worth a fortune.

Of course, the most valuable W124s were labeled 500E or E500 (depending on the year of manufacture). However, a few steps down the ladder, the E300, E320, and E420 have the potential to become money-makers that many collectors will battle over.

Analysis of carVertical car history checks showed that 14% of these cars had various defects, and 5% had counterfeit mileage.

Saab 9000 CS Aero (1993 – 1997)

Volvo’s Achille’s heel has always been Saab. Here, it has prioritized passenger safety while providing charm and power from exceptional turbocharged engines.

The Saab 9000 CS Aero is more than simply a mid-size saloon. It was introduced late in the manufacturing process and was considered the highlight of the Saab 9000 series in its final year of manufacture. It was like a full stop marking the end of a sentence or a story in this particular case.

The Saab 9000 CS Aero is, as one might assume, quite a rare car nowadays. Although Saab has not revealed how many were made, this particular model may be a solid investment.

Analysis of carVertical car history checks showed that 8% had major or minor defects.

Toyota Land Cruiser (J80, J100)

Toyota always let their cars and their owners do the talking, and, to this day, they are unanimous in saying that the Toyota Land Cruiser is one of the best SUVs in the world.

Although they share the same name, the two models have more technical and technological differences than you might think. The J80 managed to combine straightforward simplicity with everyday practicality. The J100 was considerably more luxurious, designed for longer journeys but with no less talent for digging out of a muddy ditch.

Bulletproof engineering and an extensive range of exciting features now allow owners of the J80 and J100 SUVs to enjoy an exceptionally high residual value. Even examples that have seen more of the world’s most rugged and remote corners can fetch as much as €40,000.

Analysis of carVertical car history checks showed that 36% had defects and 8% had counterfeit mileage.

Volkswagen Corrado VR6 (1991 – 1995)

Volkswagen has given people a slew of distinctive but not always praiseworthy vehicles over the previous few decades. The Volkswagen Corrado VR6 might be an exception.

An unusual look, an exceptional engine, and a commendable balanced suspension will only make you wonder why so few people bought this car in the early 1990s.

The Volkswagen Corrado was not as popular as the Opel Calibra back then but consider this an advantage today. The value of the six-cylinder version has begun to rise substantially in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue.

Analysis of carVertical car history checks showed that 14% of Volkswagen Corrados had defects and 5% had counterfeit mileage.

Volvo 740 Turbo (1986 – 1990)

Back in the 1980s, the Volvo 740 Turbo was proof that dad’s (or mum’s) yawn-inducing vehicle could be as fast as the Porsche 924.

The Volvo 740 Turbo’s flexibility and the ability to combine practicality with exciting performance make it an outstanding example of a car that is rising in value. This is projected to continue, especially in the coming years.

Analysis of carVertical car history checks showed that 33% of Volvo 740 Turbos had defects and 8% had counterfeit mileage.

Summary

Investing in vehicles is still a concept that not everyone understands. It may look too risky for some but, with the right car knowledge, it can provide decent returns in a relatively short time.

However, if you are considering purchasing a high-value car, given some of the carVertical stats above, a vehicle history check is worthwhile. This can be obtained easily via carVertical. With as little information as a VIN or registration number, buyers can determine whether the car is worth its money – or whether it should be avoided or negotiated.