How to spot a potential classic without it costing the earth: The Noughties Edition.

Classic cars these days (especially from the 70’s and 80’s) cost an absolute fortune.

You want a Cosworth Sierra in decent condition? The worth of one of these has increased consistently since its introduction in 1985. One very much like the above sold for nearly £120,000. Not a bad price for a Ford that's reaching middle age.

Back in the day, the Ford Sierra was your standard sales rep saloon. Nice, but nothing special. But with only 5,500 Cosworth's built, that cult following of the beloved “Cossie” developed into a huge worldwide community.

Let’s be honest, if you could peer into the future and see which recently built cars would go up in value, you would, right?

Of course, we can’t, but we can speculate. So, here’s our list of cars from the 2000’s that we think might go up in value.

5: Honda Civic Type R (FN2) – 2006-2011

The Type-R badge has always been a famous one, but when the FN2 first came out, the community was generally disappointed.

The fanbase of the Type R are tough to please and were expecting great things from the FN2. However, when the specifications were released, the biggest grumble was that it had the same engine as the previous model, the EP3.

That spec sheet was nothing to sniff at, a 1998cc 2-litre K20 four-cylinder naturally aspirated VTEC engine, with 199 horses under the stubby bonnet. But people expected more from Honda at the time, especially with their biggest rivals (Looking at you, Volkswagen) adopting turbocharged engines in their hot hatches.

Not only that, but it had just 1 horsepower more than its predecessor, and it was more than 30kg’s heavier.

But, as it happens, the FN2 has aged quite nicely, as the styling was quite “out there” at the time and is still relatively cheap for a higher mileage model. They’re becoming much more popular because they are easier to get hold of right now.

In 2008/9 there were some mid-life improvements, including the introduction of a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), and it’s these models that could go up in value, as nowadays there are lower mileage options available to buyers.

The parts are cheap, so if you take your time, you should be fine.

4: Audi TT – 1998-2006

When the concept for the TT was released, the response was overwhelmingly positive. With the Bauhaus-esque styling and sleek rounded headlights, it was a classic in the making.

Interestingly, the TT was originally designed to be more of a cruiser than a track car/coupe, and the first models were actually recalled due to dangerous handling at higher speeds.

This was of course overcome, and it’s 237 bhp, punchy 6-speed engine provided a ton of fun for drivers. Later, a V6 247bhp version was released, lowering the 0-62 time from 6.6 seconds to 5.9 seconds.

It’s also important to note, there are loads of these available that have done 150,000 miles or more, which is a testament to the reliability of the engine.

3: Subaru Impreza WRX STi “Blobeye” - 2004-2005

You’d have to be mad not to expect this one on our list. The “Blobeye” facelift of the WRX STi is arguably the best looking of the 2000’s Impreza and is becoming more and more popular.

With the popularity of the modern-day Impreza being a shadow of its former self, people look at this era of the car as that last hurrah, before transitioning from angry, angular saloon with a huge, eye-catching spoiler, to a round, chunky hatchback.

The Impreza was also the last model to sport the 2.0 litre, 4-cylinder boxer engine, before Subaru switched to the torquier but less rev happy 2.5 litre. That means a lot less tax for a very similar performance; more than most will ever need, anyway. With a 0-62 in 4.6 seconds, 155mph speed limited engine, it’s easy enough to put a smile on anyone’s face.

They’re getting harder to find in perfect nick these days, so keep an eye out for a good one.

2: Suzuki Jimny (Third Gen) – 1998-2018

Surprised? You shouldn’t be. This version of the dinky SUV was in production largely unchanged for twenty solid years.

The Jimny has developed quite the cult status thanks to its fun, quirky and retro styling, but does tend to suffer with rust and age-related problems. Thus, finding one in good condition is a tough ask, however with some restoration, this fantastic little motor can be brought back to its former glory quite easily.

If you squint, you can almost picture a miniature Mercedes G63. With a similar body shape, driving position, and styling, the retro, chunky feel of the Jimny does make you want to smile.

It’s difficult to pin down its rivals, as all other 4x4s tend to take themselves very seriously. The Jimny is not a serious car, but it’s no joke, either.

The steering is vague, the tech is minimal, and it needs to be regularly checked for rust, but come the winter, you’ll be able to chuck on some winter tyres and handle some of the roughest terrain in the UK.

The Third Generation of the Jimny did undergo a slight front-end facelift in 2012, So keep an eye out for that if you decide to buy one.

1: Jaguar XK – 2006-2014

How better to round off than with a Jaguar.

Not just any Jaguar, either. This is the Jaguar XK. Styling by Ian Callum – the man responsible for styling the Aston Martin Vanquish - the XK was known not just for its beauty, but for being one of the best-driving Jaguars there had ever been.

Sporting a 5.0 litre V8 engine, generating a mind-blowing 380 bhp, the XK could easily compete with rivals in its class.

It got even better in 2007, when a supercharged variation of the V8 was released, and the XKR was born. It could ride like a luxury Jaguar should but attack the twisty roads like a Porsche 911.

 It wasn’t as good as a Porsche, but then the Porsche doesn’t feel like a Jaguar, either.

As for looks, well this is where the XK blew everything out of the water. The XK caused quite the stir when it was released, unlike its rivals.

The front grille reminiscent of the legendary E-Type, and similar body styling to the much more expensive Aston Martin Vantage, the XK can only be described as a proper sports car.

Image References

Ford Sierra Cosworth: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1986_Ford_Sierra_RS_Cosworth_2.0_(1).jpg

Honda Civic Type R: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ctr_fn2.jpg

Audi TT: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Audi_TT_registered_May_2005_1781cc.jpg

Subaru Impreza: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Blobeye_STI_06-15-2019_Queen_Street_Cruise.jpg

Suzuki Jimny: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Suzuki_Jimny.jpg

Jaguar XK8: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1st_Jaguar_XK8.jpg