It’s sometimes hard to believe that just over a decade ago, spending $100,000 offered significant buying power for many brand-new luxury cars and high-performance sports cars. But in the post-pandemic era and with Trump’s recent tariffs impacting car imports, the market outlook for new cars remains volatile and uncertain. While $100,000 can still get you into some impressive brand-new luxury or high-performance rides today, the range of options, particularly for top-tier models, may be more limited than in the past. For some context, even an entry-level (992.2) Porsche 911 Carrera now costs around $128k. This is before markups, options, and even longer waiting times.
But if you don’t mind going down the used car route, a $100k remains a sweet spot, and you can get your hands on some highly desirable automobiles. Technological advancements, complex hybrid systems, driver aids, and the sheer number of screens in modern vehicles may sometimes feel like they’re diluting the onboard experience. This is even more true when it comes to enthusiast and performance models, but the same can’t be said about cars from the 1990s and 2000s. These analog cars were legends in their own time, offering up experiences that are becoming increasingly rare to find.
Most of these pre-owned gems have already taken their biggest depreciation hit, and many models, especially manual transmission variants or limited edition cars, are bottoming out and in some cases even starting to appreciate. So buy wisely and maintain it properly, and you might just find that your $100,000 automotive indulgence holds its value far better than anything rolling off the production line today. You stand to gain from the thrill, the pedigree, and potentially, a sound investment.
After closely looking at the mileage, production numbers, and specs, here’s our list of some of the Best Used Cars For $100,000 on duPont REGISTRY. While a few entries might nudge slightly over that figure, the sheer variety is impressive, and there are seven used cars under $100k. Whether your dream ride is a flagship V12-powered luxury sedan that originally cost three times as much, a rotary-powered JDM icon, V8 coupes, a V10 sedan with a stick, or even a highly under-appreciated V12-powered grand tourer, there’s something for everyone here. We’ve even managed to find some mid-engined used exotics for under $100k.
Best Used Cars For $100000:
2007 Porsche 911 Turbo (997)
$90,362
- Last 911 Turbo gen with manual
- 200 mph top speed, practical, AWD usability
- Limited production numbers (~800 U.S.A.)
2010 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 (C6)
$93,777
- 200 mph RWD Manual
- Supercharged 6.2-liter V8
- ZR1 lineage makes it
2004 Ferrari 360 Spider
$94,900
- Frank Stephenson / Pininfarina Design
- Final production year
- Classic combo / Rosso Corsa with Beige leather cabin
2010 BMW M5
$95,888
- RWD Manual (1,000 units only)
- 5.0-liter V10 Engine with fantastic sound
- 200 mph Practical 4-door sedan with M-lineage
2005 Rolls-Royce Phantom VII
$99,000
- Stately limo, hand-crafted luxury, unrivalled comfort
- 6.75-liter V12-power
- Should hold value better than Maybach 57, $86k AVG
2005 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
$99,995
- Overlooked Practical 2+2 Grand Tourer
- 5.7-liter V12 from Enzo, F1-tech
- 200 MPH Top Speed
2008 Gallardo Spyder
$99,998
- 5.0-liter V10 Power
- AWD Manual Transmission (Only 200 units)
- Only a few hundred, delivered to the U.S.
2002 Dodge Viper
$104,950
- Super low miles (381)
- Future modern-classic
- Massive 8.0-liter V-10 Engine
2002 Mazda RX-7 (FD)
$109,999
- Rare Wankel Rotary engine
- RWD manual transmission
- Popular with JDM, arcade racing, and Fast & Furious fans
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series
$109,995
- Limited-run 500 made (Only 349 U.S.)
- AMG Black Series Lineage
- 6.2-liter V8 – 500 hp
FAQs
1. What cars appreciate in value the most?
A. Factors like mileage, spec, and production numbers significantly affect the value of cars. Well-spec’d low-mileage models from prestige and luxury brands have the potential to go up in value over time.
2. Is collecting cars a good investment?
A. Collector cars can be a good investment, especially model with historical significance. However, factors like condition, mileage, authenticicy and market trends impact returns. Other aspects to keep in mind include maintenance, storage and insurance.
3. What is the best way to sell collector cars?
A. A highly-reputed luxury automotive marketplace like the duPont REGISTRY is one of the best ways to sell collector cars.