Don’t Buy a Classic Car: The 3 Levels of Car Buyers Explained

Most people think buying a classic car is a guaranteed win.

In reality, most classic car buyers lose money — not because classics are bad, but because they buy them at the wrong level of understanding.

There are three levels of car guys when it comes to buying cars.
Only one of them consistently avoids depreciation.

Level 1: The Hype Buyer

Level 1 car guys buy based on on hype.

A perfect example is the Aston Martin DB5.

At the peak of hype in 2017, DB5 values climbed to around $1,000,000. Today, comparable examples can be bought for around $500,000.

Aston Martin DB5 Depreciation

• Peak value (2017): ~$1,000,000

• Value today: ~$500,000

• Loss: –$500,000 in 9 years

The problem isn’t the car — it’s the timing.

Why has this happened?

• Bought after demand peaks
  

• Shrinking buyer market
  

Level 2: The Used-Car Buyer

Level 2 car guys buy used cars that have already suffered most of their depreciation.

They choose cars they like, without thinking about future value.

Common examples include:

• Porsche 991 GT3

• Ferrari 488

• Lamborghini Huracán

These cars are fantastic to own — but they are not investments.

They may hold value short term, but long term:

• Production numbers are high

• Newer models dilute demand

• Buyer choice increases over time

Level 2 buyers minimise losses, but they rarely create upside.

Level 3: The Investor-Collector

Level 3 car guys buy good cars that don’t depreciate.

They focus on:

• Underappreciated models

• Last-of-their-kind engineering

• Growing buyer markets

• Long-term desirability

A perfect example is the BMW M3 E46 CSL.

BMW M3 E46 CSL Value Growth

• Value in 2015: ~$50,000

• Recent sales: $150,000+

That’s a 3× increase, driven not by hype, but by fundamentals.

Why cars like the E46 CSL work:

• Limited production

• Lightweight, analogue driving experience

• No modern replacement

• Increasing global demand

Why “Classic Car” Isn’t a Strategy

“Classic” doesn’t automatically mean “good investment”.

Cars that perform best financially are often:

• Modern classics

• Misunderstood at launch

• Bought before nostalgia peaks

Buying a car just because it’s old is how people lose money.

The Only Level That Avoids Depreciation

Level 3 buyers don’t chase hype.
They don’t guess.

They buy with:

• Timing

• Data

• Buyer psychology

• Long-term demand in mind

That’s why they enjoy great cars without paying for it later.

Want to Buy Cars That Don’t Depreciate?

I’ve helped 5,000+ car enthusiasts move from hype-driven buying to owning good cars that don’t lose money.

I’ve spent years building a non-generic list of the 100 best investment cars to buy, focusing on:

• Underappreciated models

• Last-of-their-kind drivetrains

• Growing buyer demand

• Cars early in their value cycle

👉 Click here to access the list

There are three levels.
Only one works long-term.