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For the most part, sports cars are terrible investments. But for retirees looking for a sports car that is a good investment, there are a few options on the table. You can choose a future classic that will hold its value if you can keep from racking up the miles. Or you can choose a cult enthusiast car that will always have a buyer if the car is in good condition. Here we have two examples of each that will deliver the fun you want without ruining your retirement budget.

Porsche 911

2023 Porsche 911 Cabriolet Gray
2023 Porsche 911 Cabriolet | Porsche A.G.

The Porsche 911 is a classic, and truthfully, you could choose almost any generation for a good investment in a sports car. For brand-new models, the Porsche 911 has the lowest depreciation of any sports car in the first five years. iSeeCars data shows just a 14.6% loss in value in that five-year span.

However, opting for unique colors, a higher-than-base model, or a special edition Porsche 911 can be an even better buy. In many cases, unique 911 builds will gain value over time, as collectors look for unique versions. And with low miles, it’s likely you’ll be able to sell it with little to no loss when you’re ready to move on.

C8 Corvette

A Chevrolet Corvette Stingray C8 hits the track.
C8 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray | General Motors

Similarly to the Porsche 911, the C8 Corvette has a unique audience that is clamoring for Chevy’s mid-engined sports car. Base C8 Corvette models have the type of depreciation you’d expect, but models like the Z06 aren’t likely to see the same levels of depreciation.

Kelley Blue Book predicts that 2023 C8 Corvette models will retain, on average, up to 70 percent of their original value. And like the Porsche, a unique factory color combination or upmarket trim level will likely see even lower depreciation rates. For a retiree looking at a sports car that isn’t a money pit, the Corvette is always a good choice.

Original BMW M3

An E30 M3 is a great sports car for retirees as it makes a good investment

Turning our attention to the cult classics, the original BMW M3 is all but a sure thing. These days, clean E30 M3s go for between $30,000 and $50,000, though some low-mileage examples have sold for well into six figures.

So why is this a good sports car for retirees? Because it’s a great investment. The market for these cars has held firm for years, and is currently on the upswing. Getting into an E30 now won’t see you losing much money at all, if any, so long as the car is well-kept.

MKV Volkswagen R32

A hot hatch is an odd choice for a retiree hunting for a sports car, but hear me out. The Volkswagen R32 is an easy car to drive, but it’s a heck of a lot of fun. At 247 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, it chucks out plenty of fun from its 3.2-liter VR6 engine. And because it’s a hatchback, there’s plenty of room for golf clubs, luggage, or whatever else you might want to bring along.

Furthermore, the R32 is a good investment sports car, as the market for these has remained level for the past two years. And as the kids that grew up admiring VW’s hottest hatch get older, the demand for these cars will only increase.

As a retiree, an enjoyable sports car can be a good investment

Sure, there are a lot of ways to lose money when buying sports cars. And despite the fact that most sports cars aren’t good investments, these four buck the trend. That makes them a great set of options for a retiree looking at a sports car to spice up your newfound free time, and you don’t have to worry about flushing your nest egg down the drain in the process.

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