Back in the day, Canadian dealerships would overflow with beautiful, reliable rides that did not burn holes in people’s pockets. Today, some of these same vehicles have become more expensive, experiencing rocketing values that testify to their enduring popularity and cultural relevance. These are 20 cars that used to be affordable in Canada but are now way overpriced:
Honda Civic Si (2006)
The 2006 Honda Civic Si was the go-to car for speed enthusiasts on a budget, costing about $20,000. Its 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine produced 197 horsepower and could go from 0 to 60 mph in about 6.7 seconds. The interior of the Civic Si had a space-age cockpit-style dash with a digital speedometer, red-trimmed sports seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. It used to be a deal for young drivers, but now a clean Civic Si brings prices up to par with new compact sedans at about $29,000.
Toyota Supra Mk4 (1993)
The 1993 Toyota Supra Mk4 was once an affordable sports car at about $40,000. It had a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six engine, delivered 320 horsepower, and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.6 seconds. The interior of the Supra came with leather-trimmed sports seats, a driver-focused dashboard, and advanced climate control for ultimate comfort. Once affordable at the price of a mid-level sedan, showroom-fresh models now fetch prices of about $60,000, much due to its pop culture and “Fast & Furious” franchise appearances.
Mazda RX-7 (1993)
The third-generation Mazda RX-7 was introduced in 1993 at about $31,000. It was a light and powerful sports car with a 1.3-liter twin-rotor Wankel motor that generated 276 horsepower and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds. The interior was minimalist, with leather bucket seats, a plain but tasteful instrument panel, and a three-spoke steering wheel. Once a bargain for performance buffs, the RX-7’s scarcity, cult following, and highly sought-after feature among JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) enthusiasts have pushed prices into the stratosphere at about $70,000 for the 1993 model.
Nissan 300ZX (1990)
Toshio Yamashita designed the Nissan 300ZX, which was introduced in 1990 and became a legendary sports car for the average driver. It had a 3.0-liter V6 engine with twin turbos, generating 300 horsepower and reaching 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds. Its interior had bolster leather seats, a digital climate control system, and a sophisticated Bose audio system. Originally, a low-cost sports car cost about $25,000; today, used models cost around $30,000.
Acura Integra Type R (1997)
The Acura Integra Type R was introduced in 1997 and became a legend in front-wheel-drive performance vehicles. It had a 1.8-liter VTEC powerplant that generated 195 horsepower and could run 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds. The interior of the Type R included Recaro sport seats, a titanium shift handle, and minimal sound deadening to maximize the driving experience. What was a bargain for young enthusiasts, at about $21,000, nowadays retails for over luxury sedans, going over $40,000, because it is rare and carries a performance legacy.
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 (1985)
The 1985 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 set the standard for the hot hatch category. It was equipped with a 1.8-liter inline-four rated at 137 horsepower, which got it from 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds. Inside was tartan cloth upholstery, a three-spoke sports steering wheel, and analog gauges that prioritized simplicity. A modern, mint-condition Mk2 GTI now fetches premiums comparable to newer performance hatchbacks. Its retro appeal has led to a high jump in its price point from about $3,500 to $25,000 or more.
BMW E30 M3 (1986)
Launched in 1986, the BMW E30 M3 was created by Claus Luthe and soon became a standard for performance sedans. Its 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generated 192 horsepower, accelerating the car from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. The interior had supportive leather or cloth Recaro seats, a driver-oriented dashboard, and high-quality materials. It was initially priced for enthusiasts on a tight budget, but the E30 M3 now commands astronomical prices, ranging between $33,000 and $100,000.
Ford Mustang GT (1987)
The 1987 Ford Mustang GT, belonging to the legendary Fox-body generation, came with a 5.0-liter V8 producing 225 horsepower, 0 to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds. The interior featured supportive cloth sport seats, an unusual center console with auxiliary gauges, and a traditional three-spoke steering wheel. The appeal of this vintage pony car lies in its unbridled, unapologetic muscle and retro looks that have turned it from an affordable muscle car into an expensive collector item. It cost about $15,000 when released, but prices have risen to about $45,000 today.
Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (1998)
The 1998 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 offered affordable V8 power at about $20,000. Its 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine produced 305 horsepower and could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The interior included leather or cloth seats, a driver-focused dash, and Monsoon audio. Initially a cheap car, the growing demand for vintage American muscle has driven prices to between $9,000 and $67,000, depending on the condition.
Subaru WRX STI (2004)
The Subaru WRX STI became an all-wheel-drive icon. Its 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer engine produced 300 horsepower, hitting 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The STI’s interior included blue Alcantara seats, a prominent tachometer, and a signature STI short-throw shifter. Initially priced within the reach of performance fans, today’s clean examples command luxury car prices, which can be nearly $20,000 more than their original costs. Its rally-bred performance and aggressive styling have made it a legend among enthusiasts.
Porsche 944 (1983)
The 1983 Porsche 944, with a 2.5-liter inline-four engine, generated 143 horsepower and accelerated 0-60 mph in 8.3 seconds. It had leather trim, a driver-focused cockpit, and an unusual oval-shaped instrument cluster. Pricing for the 944 has reached stratospheric levels, ranging between $20,000 and $90,000, as collector car buyers try to own vintage Porsches without the sticker shock of an expensive 911.
Datsun 240Z (1970)
The 1970 Datsun 240Z was a budget-friendly sports car, at about $4,000. It was driven by a 2.4-liter inline-six that produced 151 horsepower, 0 to 60 mph in 8.0 seconds. The spartan interior had vinyl bucket seats, a wood-rimmed steering wheel, and basic analog gauges. Once an economy classic, the 240Z now sells for premium collector prices of about $40,000 because of its retro charm, aggressive styling, and solid performance.
Honda S2000 (1999)
The 1999 Honda S2000 was an affordable open-top roadster priced at about $30,000. It had a 2.0-liter VTEC engine generating 240 horsepower and went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. The cabin had leather sports seats, a digital instrument panel, and a driver-centric design. When production of the S2000 ceased, demand skyrocketed, turning the once-affordable roadster into an expensive collectible that costs nearly $45,000, as car enthusiasts were drawn to its high-revving engine and razor-sharp handling.
Mazda MX-5 Miata (1990)
The Mazda MX-5 Miata debuted in 1990 at about $14,000. It brought back the lightweight roadster experience and was equipped with a 1.6-liter engine that generated 116 horsepower and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds. The spartan interior boasted plain cloth seats, a small dash, and manual everything. The once-everyman’s roadster now commands eye-watering sums that can go as high as $42,000. This cult classic is still the top-selling two-seat convertible sports car.
Toyota Land Cruiser (1990)
The 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser was a no-nonsense off-roader that once represented unparalleled value at about $18,000. Equipped with a 4.0-liter inline-six engine generating 155 horsepower, it wasn’t the quickest, but it took about 12.5 seconds to accelerate from 0-60 mph. It was made to outlast civilization itself. The inside was all about functionality, with rugged cloth seats, plain gauges, and a utilitarian layout intended to endure the toughest conditions. Once an affordable option for outdoor enthusiasts, classic Land Cruisers now fetch luxury-level prices of about $60,000 because of their legendary reliability and off-road capability.
Chevrolet Corvette C4 (1984)
The Chevrolet Corvette C4 was introduced in 1984. It boasted a 5.7-liter V8 motor that delivered 205 horsepower and reached 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds. Inside, it had digital instrumentation, leather bucket seats, and a wraparound high-tech dashboard. The C4 Corvette is now coveted by collectors who value its retro-futuristic design, brutal performance, wedge-shaped look, and pop-up headlights. It is an 80s poster car with a price difference of about $15,000 from when it was first released to today.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII (2003)
The 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII took rally performance on ordinary roads. Its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine cranked out 276 horsepower, allowing it to reach 0 to 60 mph in just 5.0 seconds. The interior had Recaro bucket seats, a Momo steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. It was once a relatively affordable rally legend, but the Evo VIII’s rarity and cult following have driven prices through the roof. The car’s original price was about $28,000, but today prices can go up to $45,000.
Ford Bronco (1992)
The 1992 Ford Bronco was a low-cost but versatile SUV that became a favorite among off-roaders and cost about $21,000. It had a 5.8-liter V8 engine that provided 200 horsepower and could go from 0-60 mph in 9.3 seconds. The Bronco’s interior was utilitarian but roomy, featuring cloth upholstery, a simple dashboard, and an optional rear seat for additional passengers. The Bronco’s comeback has driven classic model prices skyward. The new models of the car can range between $40,000 to $78,000.
Pontiac Firebird Trans Am (1994)
The 1994 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am was a muscle car valued in its prime. Its 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine produced 275 horsepower and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The Trans Am’s interior featured leather or cloth bucket seats, a T-top roof option, and a cockpit-oriented driver area. It was an affordable part of muscle car history at about $16,000 but has become a sought-after collector’s car with prices steadily increasing and can now cost over $35,000.
Jeep Cherokee XJ (1996)
The 1996 Jeep Cherokee XJ was the ultimate budget-friendly SUV for adventurers, priced at about $18,000. It came with a 4.0-liter inline-six that produced 190 horsepower, and although not a speedster with a 0-60 mph time of approximately 9.5 seconds, it was excellent at off-road driving. It had tough cloth seats, a spartan dashboard, and plenty of room for gear in the back. Once a bargain off-road legend, clean versions of the XJ now command shockingly high prices because they’re so durable and have nostalgic value. Modern models cost up to $65,000.
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