In the collector market, a lot of attention is paid to rare and flashy sports cars, because who doesn't like low-slung coupes or convertibles? Keep in mind, however, that our appraisal specialists are also interested in trucks and SUVs, which are subject to the same fluctuations as the rest of the collector vehicle market. Prices rise and fall as personal preferences coalesce around trends and change the appeal of specific models, powertrains and even trim levels. Here are five other adventure rides that have shown some of the biggest drops in value since we last checked this summer. If you're looking to add something to your stable that helps you think outside the box, perhaps one of the following models is in your future.
Volkswagen Vanagon 1980-1991
The VW Vanagons don't have quite the same charm as their rounded T2 predecessors, but they make up for it with more power and practicality. We have included them in our Bull Market List 2021 because there were already signs that efficiently packaged carriers would gain value, and they did. Over the previous five years through July 2024, the median #2 (Excellent) value for VW's compact vans increased by just over 40%. This quarter, prices are down about 10 percent across all models and trims. The base, L, and GL models can be had for around $12,000 in #3 (good) condition, but camper models will bring double. Four-wheel-drive Synchro models will also add a significant premium.
1955-1983 Jeep CJ-5
Before the Wrangler and its immediate predecessor, the CJ-7, opted for a 90-inch wheelbase as a good compromise for a two-door off-roader, the CJ-5 was the mass-market civilian Jeep. Based on the M38A1 that replaced the beloved flat-wing Jeep in military service, the CJ-5 rode on an 81-inch wheelbase and was not designed to offer many creature comforts. Its small footprint and open-top design (it wasn't supposed to have a hardtop and solid doors) made it a simple runabout that served well for generations. Before side-by-sides, it was the compact all-terrain vehicle that carried hunters into the woods and patrolled pastures while mending fences. While there are many options, including four, six, or eight-cylinder engines, they are all down this quarter, with the #2 (Excellent) values being hit the hardest, down about 14%. This puts the the majority of variants are between 19,000 and 20,000 dollars while the most desirable Silver anniversary and Golden Eagle versions cost over $30,000.
1968-1974 Toyota FJ40
Toyota's trusty off-roader was one of the first 4x4s to become a popular collector's item and fetched impressive prices for a model that was quite utilitarian when new. Its classic lines are still beautiful and it is a popular canvas for restomod. We saw the #2 (excellent) median value peak in 2015 at $65,900. Since then there have been many fluctuations, but the latest revision of the price guide saw previous models powered by the 3.9-litre straight-six fall by 15 per cent. Current values #2 hover around $40,000with values n°3 (good) slightly less than half. Later models powered by the 4.2-liter six-cylinder command higher prices. They're up about 5% since this summer, with their #3 value just over $26,000.
1981-1986 Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler
The short-lived Jeep CJ-8 has been sought after for years thanks to its extra wheelbase and extended body that provides the flexibility to be used as a compact pickup truck or as a closed SUV with additional cargo space. Its 103.5-inch wheelbase was almost exactly the same as that of the TJ Wrangler Unlimited, which would pave the way for the four-door Wrangler that makes up the bulk of Wrangler sales today. In pickup form, it was also a precursor to today's Jeep Gladiator. Whichever variation you choose, there is much to enjoy in this stretched CJ. Its #2 (Excellent) median values peaked last year at $40,500. They are down 11 percent from today, while #3 (Good) examples are down almost seven percentwith average values of $28,500. This recent decline may only be a slight correction, as these stocks are still worth double what they were 10 years ago.
Ford Bronco 1980-1986 and 1992-1996
While first-generation Broncos are among the most collectible 4x4s on the market, newer full-size Broncos feature more modern amenities and offer a better ride. They still make great weekend vehicles for camping getaways and are maneuverable enough to be enjoyed in city traffic. All of this is to say that we don't need to make excuses to justify owning a full-size, two-door SUV. We recently noticed that the late-production full-size Bronco was seeing an uptick in value in the lower trim levels and catching up with the higher-end trims. This trend has continued, but this time it's the higher versions that fall to match. Comparing No. 2 median values from five years ago, the 1992-96 Broncos are up 74 percent, but Eddie Bauer's comfortable version suffered a 12 percent decline over the last year, which brings their value to the $35,000 rangea little less than their counterparts in the Custom trim level. Likewise, the median value of the No. 2 Broncos (Excellent) from 1980 to 1986 has increased 89 percent over the past five years, but a recent decline has taken away just over 4 percent. Values also dropped for examples #3 (good) and #4 (fair), with reductions of 10 percent and 23 percent, respectively.
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