Buy These 5 Cool “Boring” 90s Cars Before its Too Late
It’s always a trip to see what cars the market decides are “cool” next, and honestly, a lot of the genuinely great cars from the ’90s get totally overlooked. We’re talking about those hidden gems, the unassuming machines that weren’t flashy in their day but are now poised to become serious investment pieces, especially if you can snag a clean, original example before everyone else wakes up to their potential.
In a hurry? Here are the takeaways:
- Understated classics from the 90s are ripe for value appreciation.
- Look for clean, original examples with solid maintenance records.
- Lexus LS400 offers incredible luxury and bulletproof reliability at a low entry point.
- Volvo 850 R/T5-R brings turbocharged performance and unique character.
- BMW E34 540i (manual) is a sleeper with a fantastic V8 and driving dynamics.
The Unkillable Luxury Barge: Lexus LS400 (UCF10/UCF20)
Alright, so let’s kick this off with a car that defined “understated” for a whole generation: the Lexus LS400. You probably remember these rolling around, looking all professional and, well, boring. But man, you were wrong. The UCF10 (1990-1994) and especially the UCF20 (1995-2000) are absolute engineering marvels. Toyota basically told their best engineers, “Build the best luxury car, period. Budget? What budget?” And they delivered.
These things are still unbelievably quiet and smooth, even by modern standards. My daily F31 BMW is great, don’t get me wrong, but a well-maintained LS400? It’s like floating on a cloud made of unicorn tears.
Power comes from the legendary 1UZ-FE V8 engine, a 4.0-liter, all-aluminum unit that’s basically bulletproof. We’re talking about engines that regularly hit 300,000 miles or more with just basic maintenance.
The build quality, the fit and finish—it’s just on another level. I mean, you can find a decent UCF20 for anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 right now, but I’m telling you, when people realize what kind of luxury and reliability they’re getting for that money, these prices are gonna go through the roof. Look for examples with full service history and minimal rust.
Check the power steering pump and starter motor, as those are often the main culprits for issues, but they’re not deal-breakers.
The Brick with a Turbo Heart: Volvo 850 R / T5-R
Next up, a car that really put Volvo on the performance map: the 850. Specifically, we’re talking about the 850 T5-R (1995) and its successor, the 850 R (1996-1997). These weren’t just fast for a Volvo; they were genuinely fast, period. And in wagon form? That’s just too much awesomeness in one package. You could haul the kids, the dog, and a week’s worth of groceries while still embarrassing sports cars at the stoplight. It’s sad that Volvo may discontinue the wagons in the near future.
The T5-R was the limited-edition, screaming yellow (or black, or dark green) beast that kicked it all off. It had a tuned 2.3-liter, 5-cylinder turbocharged engine making 240 hp for the manual (225 hp for the auto). The 850 R upped the ante a bit, with up to 250 hp in manual form. These cars sound absolutely glorious, that unique 5-cylinder thrum is just pure joy. Oh and did I mention that they are fast? They can get even faster especially with a few minor tweaks.
The problem, however, is that finding a clean manual T5-R wagon is like finding a unicorn wearing a gold chain; it’s RARE. Prices for pristine examples are already climbing, with some on auction sites hitting $15,000 to $25,000 or more for the best ones. Regular 850 Rs are a bit more accessible, often in the $8,000 to $15,000 range.
Keep an eye out for transmission health (especially on automatics), PCV system issues, and tired suspension components. But man, the sheer character of these things? UNMATCHED. That’s if you like square boxes of course (who doesnt though?)
The Underappreciated Autobahn Stormer: BMW E34 540i (Manual)
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. A BMW on a “boring” cars from the 1990s list? But hear me out.
No, BMWs aren’t boring of course I know that, even an entry level model is fun to drive. The thing here to keep in mind is that we’re focusing on 90s cars that are a bit… more subdued to say the least.
Everyone focuses on the E30 M3, E36 M3, or the mighty E39 M5. The E34 5 Series often gets forgotten, especially the non-M versions.
But if you know, you know the E34 540i with the 6-speed manual gearbox (produced from 1993-1995) is an absolute sleeper. This is a car that blends classic BMW looks, fantastic build quality, and a seriously potent engine.
The M60B40 4.0-liter V8 engine churns out 282 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and when paired with that Getrag 6-speed, it’s a fantastic driving experience (In theory, I haven’t drove one, but seeing others praise it, I’m sure it’s good… I mean, a V8 paired with a manual, what more can you ask for?)
It’s got that classic BMW feel: heavy steering, and just enough luxury to make long drives comfortable. These were really well-built cars, often considered the last of the “over-engineered” BMWs before they started getting overly complex.
But a clean, low-mileage 540i/6 is incredibly hard to find.
You might see decent automatics for $7,000 to $12,000, but a truly excellent manual can easily command $15,000 to $25,000 or more, and those prices are only going one way.
Check for common M60 issues like valley pan gaskets and cooling system components. Also, the infamous “Nikasil” issue mostly affected early engines outside the US; most US models got Alusil from the start.
The Everyday Sport Compact Hero: Acura Integra GS-R (DC2)
Alright, shifting gears a bit to something a little smaller, a little lighter, but no less significant: the Acura Integra GS-R (specifically the DC2 generation, 1994-2001).
Everyone drools over the Type R, and for good reason, but the GS-R is the unsung hero that’s still an absolute joy to drive and is far more accessible. It’s not “boring” in the traditional sense, but it was often overshadowed.
Under the hood is the legendary B18C1 VTEC engine, a 1.8-liter, naturally aspirated four-cylinder that revs to the moon. We’re talking 170 horsepower and a redline that pushes towards 8,000 RPM. This engine sounds INCREDIBLE when VTEC kicks in, just a pure, unadulterated wail.
The chassis is nimble, the manual gearbox is one of the best ever made, and it’s just pure, unadulterated driving fun. Finding an unmolested, clean GS-R is getting tougher by the day, as many fell victim to the tuner scene.
Good ones are starting to fetch anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000, with exceptional examples climbing higher. Common issues include rust around the rear fenders, worn suspension bushings, and the usual wear-and-tear items for high-revving engines.
But for a light, engaging FWD sport compact, it’s REALLY hard to beat.
The Practical, Unmatched German Wagon: Mercedes-Benz W124 E320 Wagon
Finally, let’s talk about a car that epitomizes “boring” to many, but is actually one of the greatest vehicles ever made: the Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class, particularly the E320 Wagon (1993-1995 for the facelift, but the whole W124 run from ’86-’95 is gold). These cars were built to last forever, and many still are, quietly accumulating miles across the globe.
The E320 featured the M104 inline-six engine, a smooth, powerful, and remarkably reliable powerplant producing 217 horsepower. In wagon form, you got that legendary Mercedes build quality, that vault-like solidity, and incredible practicality. They handle surprisingly well for their size, and the ride comfort is sublime.
Oh, and if you are in Europ,e you can find one of these with a diesel engine, those pretty much last for millions of kilometers. Some are even retrofitted to run on sunflower seed oil, I kid you not, lol.
I mean, I’m a BMW fanboy through and through, but there’s just something about the W124 that feels so… timeless. These aren’t flashy, but their longevity and sheer quality are undeniable.
Clean examples are already starting to rise, with good wagons often trading for $10,000 to $20,000, and exceptionally low-mileage or meticulously maintained cars going for even more.
Look out for rust, especially around the rear subframe mounts (a known thing, not quite the “subframe thing” of the E46, but still), and make sure the wiring harness has been updated if it’s an early M104. Honestly, finding a truly unmolested W124 wagon is a smart play right now.
FAQ
Why are these “boring” cars suddenly increasing in value?
As flashier, more complicated cars age, people are appreciating the simplicity, reliability, and robust engineering of these understated 90s vehicles, especially for clean, original examples.
What should I look for when buying one of these cars as an investment?
Prioritize original condition, complete service records, minimal rust, and cars that have been well-maintained rather than heavily modified.
Are these cars expensive to maintain?
While parts for older German and Japanese luxury cars can be pricier than economy cars, many of these models are known for their mechanical robustness, meaning major failures are less common if maintained properly.
Where’s the best place to find these hidden gems?
Online auction sites like Bring a Trailer and Cars & Bids, enthusiast forums, and specialized classic car dealerships are good starting points for well-documented examples.
Will all 90s cars become valuable?
No, only specific models that offer a unique combination of reliability, build quality, performance, and a growing enthusiast following are likely to see significant value appreciation. Check marketplaces and classified ads to see how the market fluctuates on some of these models.
