HOW 90S SEDANS ARE BECOMING THE BEST BARGAINS IN THE USED CAR MARKET
The 1990s were a great time for sedans, not just because Americans actually liked them back then, but mainly because they offered a unique blend of practicality and reliability. Sedans in the 90s had a rawness to them that you can't find today. These cars lacked the safety features, the fancy tech and audio, and even the power amenities, like door locks and windows, that we have become so accustomed to.
Sure, these cars were bland and boring compared to the sedans in the market nowadays, but they were also built differently, as is evident with the numerous 90s sedans still driving around today with well over 200,000 miles on their odometer. Despite their age and astronomical mileage, these 90s sedans are quickly becoming the best bargains on the used car market, and there are a few reasons why.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturers and other authoritative sources, including Repair Pal and Edmunds.
How Lexus Redefined Luxury With Its 90s Sedan Lineup
In the 90s Lexus could almost do no wrong and the secret to its success was style, refinement, features, great engines, and of course, luxury.
Sedans From the 1990s Have Proven Reliability
The era of the 90s and early 2000s was considered the “sweet spot” generation in automotive history. This time period was a moment in time when automakers were producing mechanically simplistic machines that were easy to use and sophisticated enough to get you from point A to B without so much as a hiccup. Of course, some of these cars, particularly of the American variety, were hit-and-miss, but for the most part, the Japanese automakers were hitting the nail on the head.
Affordability Meets Durability
The average price of a new car in the 1990s was between $15,000 and $17,000, which is far more affordable than the average cost of $48,000 today. In addition to the lower cost of entry for these vehicles, automakers had the budget back then to make their vehicles more refined, reliable, and fun. As such, these sedans from the 90s make for great choices for budget-conscious buyers today due to their inherent durability and current affordability.
New Cars Are More Complicated
Sedans from the 90s are not only cheaper than newer cars in the market today, but they are far more simple to repair and diagnose than their newer counterparts. Newer cars have more moving parts and technology, which can be expensive to repair or replace, which makes 90s sedans attractive to buyers with low budgets.
Hidden Gems: 1990s Sedans That Outpaced SUVs In Reliability
These sedans from the 1990s deliver nostalgia and dependability, with some also being certified used bargains.
90s Sedans Are Very Affordable In Today's Market
In addition to being more durable, sedans from the 90s are super affordable in today's market. For example, we have seen 1990 to 1999 Honda Accords and Toyota Camrys selling for anywhere between $2,000 and $5,000, depending on their condition and mileage. Of course, since they are around 30 years old, these cars aren't likely to be in the best mechanical and cosmetic shape, but they can get the job done as far as transportation goes.
Cheap to Maintain, Easy to Repair
Maintenance is also very inexpensive for these older cars. For example, RepairPal estimates that it can cost around $400 per year on average to maintain a 1995 Honda Accord and around the same amount for a Toyota Camry. Fortunately, for any backyard mechanics, these costs can be significantly reduced if the repairs are done at home, since parts are cheap and can be found at most automotive parts stores.
Potential Downsides
While 1990s sedans are cheap to purchase and maintain, there are some downsides to owning them:
- The car may require frequent repairs
- Large repairs like timing belts could be needed
- Lower safety standards compared to new cars
- Difficult to find replacement parts for some makes and models
- Potentially unreliable electronics
The 1990s Sports Car That Could Keep Up With Ferraris For A Fraction Of The Price
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Older Sedans Have Timeless Designs and Comfort
They may look bland compared to some of the aggressive-looking sedans produced today, but some would argue that sedans from the 90s looked better. Sedans like the 1995 BMW M5, the 1997 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, and the 1998 Lexus GS 400. Yes, those are all luxury sedans, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and we're sure the Ford Contour is also attractive to some buyers. Case in point, many sedans from the 90s are attractive and have a timeless look that will carry on for many more decades.
Sedans With Power
In addition to having a timeless look, some sedans from the 90s had the power to back it up. Standouts that come to mind are the Mitsubishi Galant VR4, Volvo S60R, and the Audi S4. These sporty sedans made use of turbochargers for more power and were able to send over 200 horsepower to the wheels during a time when turbocharging and advanced fuel mapping were just getting popular. However, some cars, like the BMW M5, still utilized displacement over forced induction. That car, in particular, was able to push over 300 horsepower to the rear wheels without the aid of a turbocharger, making it quite the sleeper.
Sporty Sedans are Quite the Bargain
These aforementioned sports sedans, like the BMW M3 and M5, the Lexus GS 400, and the Mercedes-Benz C63 are all relatively affordable. For example, we found plenty of Lexus GS400 models selling for around $4,000, while the BMW M3 is on the higher end of the spectrum, selling for around $30,000. Let's not forget that some of these sports sedans are collectibles now, so a higher price is to be expected. However, they are still cheaper than their newer counterparts, and their nostalgia and power make the price worth it for some buyers.
10 American Cars From The 1990s That Are Modern Classics
Cars are added each year to the list of new classics, look away now if you were born in the '90s - these 1990s American cars are now modern classics.
Top Sedan Choices From the 90s
Considering sedans from the 1990s are still available in the market today, it's important to know which ones to look out for if you're in the market. For example, if you're in the market for a simple commuter, then some of the following cars could work for you:
- 1996 Toyota Camry
- 1994 Honda Civic
- 1998 Honda Accord
- 1996 Ford Taurus
Popular Luxury Cars
In addition to the commuter cars, there are some luxury cars from the 90s that are worth keeping an eye out for. Here are a few suggestions:
- BMW 750iL
- Lincoln Mark VIII
- BMW E39 M5
- 1994 Audi S4
Sedans From the 1990s Are Hard to Beat
Ultimately, while the 1990s are long gone, they are not forgotten, at least in the automotive world. Sedans made in the 1990s were a different breed than the ones made today. Back then, automakers were constantly evolving their designs and strategies to move their products into the future, which culminated in building cars that were infinitely reliable and timeless when it came to their design. Fortunately for buyers today, sedans from the 90s are cheap to buy and come with affordable ownership costs, making them hard to beat when it comes to simple transportation.
2025-02-08T13:13:12Z