Most cars are classified as a depreciating asset. In some cases, the depreciation can be quite steep, but not all cars are created equal, and not all depreciate at the same rate. In some cases, a car’s value may even go up. Unless you are talking about limited-edition multi-million-dollar exotics like Bugattis, it is extremely rare for a brand-new model to do this. But there are many used cars out there that have defied their depreciation curve and started appreciating.

Finding a car that is on this upward trajectory can make a significant difference in running costs, but only if you can sell it for more than you bought it for in a few years. We simplified the search for you by listing some of our favorite depreciation-proof rides right here. Cars that you should be able to sell for more than their current price in two years.

Now, before we get to our list, it’s worth bearing in mind that while values can go up, servicing and maintenance costs for older cars can still outweigh the higher sale price. Either way, whether you are after a sporty BMW, or a practical Toyota, knowing that you can drive something fun and unique and then sell it at a profit certainly has its appeal.

Audi R8

The Audi R8 lasted two generations and ended on a high with a Lambo-derived V10 that produced up to 562 hp in its most potent trim. There were plenty of special models and lots of desirable options, but the original V8 with a manual transmission is the one that has fans drooling the most.

Audi

It may not have the outright face-squashing pace of the V10 models, but it sounds even better, and the manual shifter gives it an analog feel while still feeling sharp and modern to drive. These early R8s have proven to be largely reliable, and should be reasonable to maintain. An update in 2012 refreshed the overall design, and the 4.2-liter motor got a nominal 14-hp power boost. It doesn’t matter which model year you pick, as any well-maintained V8 with decent mileage should be on your shopping list.

BMW E90 M3

BMW

The only V8 M3 ever made was also the last naturally aspirated one. It has become a modern legend thanks to its superb high-revving engine and great dynamics. These cars have been going up in value for years, but the versions we think are set to rise even further are the four-door manual models.

BMW

These were the rarest of the lot and offered an additional level of practicality over the coupe and convertible models. Aside from a few essential preventative maintenance measures (rod bearings and Vanos solenoids), they are reliable and should keep going up in value. Lowish mileages (under 100,000 miles) and solid service histories are essential here.

Corvette C5

Chevrolet 

The Corvette C5 was a big step up in terms of power and sophistication compared to the C4, but it still offered a knockout power-to-price ratio compared to most rivals. The interior quality wasn’t great, but that’s not really the point here, and the rest of the car looked like a million bucks.

Chevrolet

A six-speed manual was standard, as was an LS 5.7-liter V8 engine. Z06 models cranked out 400 hp and could dip well below 5.0 seconds in the 0-60 mph sprint. Any C5 is great value, but only pristine examples with well-documented histories will go up in value. There are plenty out there, so take your time to find a well-documented unmodified example.

Honda S2000

Honda

The Honda S2000 marked the end of an era when it went out of production in 2009, and it has always been a go-to for analog car fans who need a high-revving naturally aspirated sports car in their lives that can still double as a daily driver. Like pie, any S2000 is a good S2000, but later models did get several updates that make them less snappy at the limit.

Honda

AP2 models (2003-2009) in the US also got a torquier 2.2-liter engine that traded a manic 9,000 rpm redline for more usable mid-range power. Club Racer (CR) versions are very rare, with just 699 made, and are always in demand, but even a base S2000 in good condition should see its value go up in the coming years.

Nissan 350Z

Nissan

The Nissan 350Z was a popular entry-level sports car in the early 2000s, and became the car of choice for modders thanks to its strong internals and solid chassis. Few cars remained untouched, and the trick to finding one that is still in stock condition. A manual coupe, especially one with the updated VQ35DE from 2006 on (or the VQ35HR from 2007), is a superb modern classic.

Nissan

Automatic convertibles and heavily modified cars tend to be a lot cheaper, but you won’t get your money back, and the base 350Z is a great old-school sports car that is perfect just the way it is. It’s also less likely to have issues if it hasn’t been modified.

Porsche 911 997.2

Porsche

All 997-generation Porsche 911s are great to drive, but we are going to get really specific about which one to get if you want to see values rise in the coming years. GT3s, Turbos, and GT2s are all obvious choices, but they are out of reach for most mortals already. The regular Carreras, however, are far more affordable, and there are plenty to choose from.

Porsche

Pre-facelift 997.1 models (2004-2008) are well-priced, but more prone to mechanical maladies than the later 997.2 cars (2009-2013). That’s why we suggest considering a base 3.6-liter Carrera 997.2, preferably a coupe with a manual transmission. It’s more than quick enough thanks to its updated 345-hp direct-injection engine, and while values peaked during Covid, good examples are once again starting to rise in value. With more and more people appreciating the charms of these entry-level cars, thanks to their perfect mix of analog feel and modern usability, this looks like a good time to buy.

Toyota Corolla 8th Generation

Toyota

That’s right, you are looking at a 25-year-old Toyota Corolla. Claims of bullet-proof reliability and low running costs have been proven many times over with these models, and while they have zero street cred for most people, they are cool in their own quirky way. If you can’t or won’t spend $50K+ on an appreciating sports car, then the eighth-generation Corolla is ready to step in.

Toyota

For not much more than $2,000, you can have a zippy little runaround that sips fuel and is cheap to run. Forget about mileages and body condition, just make sure that your potential purchase has had an annual oil change, and you’re good to go. In two years, there will be someone else ready to take ownership, and with prices one notch above scrap value, you won’t be out of pocket when you sell. Give it a wash and a polish, and you may even turn a profit.

Toyota

Sources: Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Honda, Porsche, Toyota, AutoTempest, Hagerty, Classic