Man explains why you should drop everything and buy a 1990s classic car right away

Published on Jan 09, 2026 at 2:12 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid

Last updated on Jan 09, 2026 at 9:37 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by Kate Bain

A car expert reckons that if you’re after a cheap classic car, then a car from the 1990s is your best bet, and he makes some very interesting points.

Buying an older car can be a bit of a gamble. 

You could end up with a stunning vintage addition to your collection, or an absolute money pit. 

However, car expert Paul from the Cowland Car Collection says if you’re looking for a classic that’s reliable, usable, and daily drivable, then you need to snap up a 1990s model.

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Why cars from the 1990s fall into a sweet spot

The car expert warned against buying a classic car as an investment, but insisted that if you want something that is dependable and will get a lot of use, then a 1990s car is something you should ‘buy sooner rather than later’. 

So what is it that makes cars from this era so desirable?

Well, Paul pointed out that a lot of 1990s cars hit a sweet spot, combining good looks, solid safety features, relatively easy repairs, and affordability

The price is a particularly big draw.

In the US, you can get your hands on some real gems at great prices, like a vintage Lexus LS400 for less than $5,000

Buying an older car can also work out a lot cheaper than leasing a newer model. 

Paul explained that you can get your hands on a BMW Z3 Roadster for around $4,400, less than you’d fork out for a year of lease payments on a newer car, and you own the BMW outright. 

But it’s not just the cost that makes 1990s cars a good buy

The YouTuber said that 1990s cars came in a more interesting variety of designs and styles than we see today. 

“Manufacturers were having a lot more fun and the colors were better,” he said. 

Inside, cars from the 1990s may be a bit more basic – touchscreen infotainment systems weren’t even a dream at this point – but the expert said that was a good thing, because it meant there were fewer problems down the line. 

And when problems do crop up, Paul said they were often DIY fixable with some pretty basic tools, and that aftermarket parts were still easy enough to buy. 

Unlike some older vintage models, cars from the 1990s often come with more modern safety features, including ABS, airbags, and traction control.

He issued a warning about what to look out for

While Paul was full of praise for 1990s cars, he did also have a couple of negatives to highlight. 

Firstly, the years may have taken their toll on older models, particularly ones you can buy for cheap. 

Things like worn trims and aging materials might need replacing and restoring, and some older parts could be difficult to get hold of. 

Alongside that, if the classic car is your primary vehicle, you might find that insurance is costly.

But overall, Paul still reckons 1990s cars have a lot to offer and shouldn’t be overlooked if you’re after a classic.

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Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.