Curated list

Top 50 collectible cars under €30,000

You don't need six figures to own a car people will stop and look at. These 50 are all rated collectible in our data, and a good example still costs under €30,000 by our estimate. Some are 1980s icons already on €56 vintage tax; others are modern hot hatches that look set to become classics.

They're ranked by how special they are, not by price. Most were sold new in Ireland; a few landmark Japanese cars that came in as imports are marked.

01 · The benchmark

Peugeot 205 Phase 2 GTI 1.9 1987–1994

Every hot hatch since has been measured against the 205 GTI. The 1.9 has the extra torque, the delicate steering and the famous willingness to lift a rear wheel. Original, unmodified cars are getting scarce, and prices show it.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €710 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,905 cc, 130 bhp, 0–62 7.8 s
Guide price: €10,000–€30,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rear axle bearings, rust, crash damage, clones built from lesser 205s.

Compare every 205 in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

02 · The everyday icon

Volkswagen Golf Mk2 GTI 16v 1986–1992

Solidly built, easy to fix and quick enough for modern roads, the 16-valve Mk2 GTI is the classic you can actually use every day. Parts and know-how are everywhere.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €636 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,781 cc, 139 bhp, 0–62 8.3 s
Guide price: €9,000–€25,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust, KR head cracks and cam wear, originality (big bumper and wheels), accident damage.

Motor tax by year and full specs → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

03 · The M3 look for less

BMW 3 Series E30 325i Sport 1987–1991

A smooth straight-six, rear-wheel drive and, on the Sport, the M-Technic body kit. The 325i gives you most of the E30 M3 experience for a fraction of its price.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €1,080 a year (engine size)
Engine: 2,494 cc, 170 bhp, 0–62 8.2 s
Guide price: €12,000–€30,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Cambelt history, head gasket and cracked heads, rust in sills, rear arches and spare wheel well.

Motor tax by year and full specs → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

04 · Still the original

Rover Mini Cooper 1.3i 1991–1996

Rover brought back the Cooper name in 1990, and the fuel-injected 1.3 kept the classic Mini alive into the 1990s. It handles like a go-kart, and later cars have fewer of the old rust problems.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €358 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,275 cc, 63 bhp, 0–62 12.2 s
Guide price: €10,000–€22,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust in subframes, sills, floors and scuttle; SPi sensors and ECU faults; gearbox whine.

Compare every Classic Mini in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

05 · Pure roadster

Mazda MX-5 NA 1.6 1990–1994

Pop-up headlights, a rev-happy 1.6 and one of the best gearchanges ever made. The first MX-5 is cheap to run, reliable, and always fun. Buy on the condition of the sills and arches, not the mileage.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €514 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,597 cc, 114 bhp, 0–62 8.8 s
Guide price: €6,000–€15,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Sills and rear arches rust badly, blocked hood drains, crank pulley wobble on early 1.6s.

Compare every MX-5 in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

06 · Featherweight turbo

Renault 5 GT Turbo 1987–1991

Well under a tonne, with a turbocharged 1.4 and a kick when the boost arrives. Many were modified or crashed, so a straight, original GT Turbo is worth paying for.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €385 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,397 cc, 120 bhp, 0–62 7.5 s
Guide price: €9,000–€25,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust, turbo and cooling (water-cooled turbo), crash damage, modified cars, fragile interior trim.

Compare every 5 in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

07 · The quattro's heir

Audi Coupe B3 S2 1990–1996

The S2 coupé carried on where the original quattro left off: a 2.2-litre five-cylinder turbo, four-wheel drive and a low-key look. It's one of the best-value fast Audis there is.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €994 a year (engine size)
Engine: 2,226 cc, 230 bhp, 0–62 5.9 s
Guide price: €12,000–€30,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Turbo/boost hoses, gearbox, electrics, clocked mileage.

Compare every Coupe in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

08 · The VR6 coupé

Volkswagen Corrado Mk1 VR6 1992–1995

A narrow-angle VR6, a rear spoiler that rises at speed and a chassis that was praised as one of the best front-drive set-ups of its day. The Corrado has always had a loyal following, and VR6s are the ones to have.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €1,443 a year (engine size)
Engine: 2,861 cc, 190 bhp, 0–62 6.9 s
Guide price: €9,000–€25,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Timing chain, cooling fans and coolant pipes, rust, clocked mileage.

Compare every Corrado in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

09 · A rally champion's name

Toyota Celica GT-Four Carlos Sainz Edition 1992–1993

A special edition named after Carlos Sainz, who won the World Rally Championship in a Celica GT-Four. It has a 2.0 turbo and permanent four-wheel drive, and it's rarer than the standard car.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €710 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,998 cc, 204 bhp, 0–62 7.9 s
Guide price: €12,000–€28,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust, turbo and head gasket, missing unique parts.

Compare every Celica in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

10 · The McRae era

Subaru Impreza Turbo 2000 1994–2000

The car that put Subaru on every bedroom wall: a boxer turbo with four-wheel drive, from the years when Colin McRae and the Impreza were winning in the World Rally Championship. Unmodified cars are now rare.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage (cars built up to 1996)
Standard tax: €710 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,994 cc, 208 bhp, 0–62 5.8 s
Guide price: €10,000–€25,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust in rear arches and sills, ringland and big-end failure, clutch and gearbox wear, crash damage, heavy modification.

Compare every Impreza in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

11 · The first VTEC

Honda CRX Mk2 1.6i-VT 1989–1991

The CRX VTi brought Honda's VTEC engine to Europe, giving a 1.6 that revs past 7,000 rpm in a small, light coupé. It's sharp, reliable and full of character.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €514 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,595 cc, 148 bhp, 0–62 7.9 s
Guide price: €8,000–€18,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust, clapped VTEC engines, modified cars, missing trim.

Compare every CRX in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

12 · The 1980s fast Ford

Ford Escort Mk4 RS Turbo Series 2 1986–1990

A turbocharged CVH engine in an Escort body kit. The RS Turbo was the fast Ford of the late 1980s, and clean, original ones have become serious collector's items.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €514 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,597 cc, 132 bhp, 0–62 8.2 s
Guide price: €12,000–€30,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Check for rebuilt/stolen history, turbo condition, rust and genuine RS parts.

Compare every Escort in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

13 · Integrale DNA

Lancia Delta HF Turbo i.e. 1986–1992

The HF Turbo shares its shape and much of its spirit with the rally-winning Integrale, but costs a fraction of the price. Rust is the big worry, so buy the best body you can find.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €514 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,585 cc, 140 bhp
Guide price: €6,000–€15,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust, turbo, head gasket, rare parts.

Compare every Delta in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

14 · Homologation hero

Nissan Sunny N14 GTI-R 2.0 Turbo 4x4 1991–1994

Built so Nissan could go rallying, the GTI-R put a 2.0 turbo and four-wheel drive in a small hatchback, with a big intercooler scoop on the bonnet. It's one of the most extreme hot hatches of the 1990s.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €710 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,998 cc, 217 bhp
Guide price: €12,000–€28,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Heat soak from top-mount intercooler, weak gearbox synchros, rust, abused examples.

Compare every Sunny in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

15 · The stripped-out special

Peugeot 306 Mk1 Rallye 1998–1999

The Rallye took the 306 GTI-6's engine and dropped weight and equipment to make a sharper, purer car. It was sold for a short time only, and enthusiasts know it.

Motor tax now: €710 a year (engine size)
Vintage tax from: 2028 (€56 a year)
Engine: 1,998 cc, 165 bhp, 0–62 7.6 s
Guide price: €6,000–€15,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rear axle bearings, cambelt, rust, crash history.

Compare every 306 in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

16 · The limited-run Clio

Renault Clio Mk2 Renaultsport 182 Trophy 2005–2005

A limited-run 182 with race-style Sachs dampers and Capsicum Red paint. Many rate it the best-handling Clio Renaultsport, and values have risen steadily.

Motor tax now: €710 a year (engine size)
Vintage tax from: 2035 (€56 a year)
Engine: 1,998 cc, 180 bhp, 0–62 6.9 s
Guide price: €12,000–€25,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Cambelt, rare damper servicing, verify authenticity.

Compare every Clio in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

17 · Built to last

Mercedes-Benz E-Class C124 300CE-24 1989–1993

A pillarless coupé with a 24-valve straight-six, built when Mercedes engineered everything to last. The 300CE-24 is elegant, comfortable and still undervalued.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €1,494 a year (engine size)
Engine: 2,960 cc, 220 bhp, 0–62 7.8 s
Guide price: €10,000–€25,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust, head gasket, wiring loom on later cars, window mechanisms.

Compare every E-Class in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

18 · The last real Alfa saloon

Alfa Romeo 75 162B 3.0 V6 1985–1992

Rear-wheel drive, a gearbox mounted at the back for balance, and the glorious Busso V6. The 75 was the last rear-drive Alfa saloon for decades. It needs care, but rewards it.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €1,494 a year (engine size)
Engine: 2,959 cc, 188 bhp, 0–62 7.4 s
Guide price: €12,000–€28,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust, V6 cambelt and tensioners, gearbox, prop donuts.

Compare every 75 in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

19 · The supercharged Polo

Volkswagen Polo Mk2F G40 1990–1994

Volkswagen fitted the little Polo with its G-Lader supercharger and made a giant-killer. The G40 is rare and quirky, and a good one is now a genuine collector's car.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €358 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,272 cc, 113 bhp, 0–62 8.1 s
Guide price: €8,000–€20,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: G-Lader supercharger wear/rebuild, rust, many modified or stolen-recovered.

Compare every Polo in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

20 · The turbo Fiesta

Ford Fiesta Mk3 RS Turbo 1990–1992

The RS Turbo put a turbocharged 1.6 in the Mk3 Fiesta. It's quick, raw and a reminder of how much fun small fast Fords used to be.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €514 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,597 cc, 133 bhp, 0–62 7.9 s
Guide price: €8,000–€20,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Many stolen/modified or fakes; check turbo oil leaks, head gasket, rear arches and sills.

Compare every Fiesta in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

21 · Pure charm

Citroën 2CV6 Dolly / Charleston 1988–1990

The last 2CVs were built in Portugal before production ended in 1990. Slow, simple and full of character, the 2CV is a car people smile at. The two-tone Charleston is the one most people want.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €199 a year (engine size)
Engine: 602 cc, 29 bhp
Guide price: €7,000–€18,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Chassis rust (galvanised replacement chassis common), Portuguese cars' poorer rustproofing, bulkhead and floors.

Compare every 2CV in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

22 · The 16-valve classic

Vauxhall Astra GTE 16v / Opel Kadett GSi 16v 1988–1991

The 2.0 16-valve engine that also went racing and rallying, in Opel's sleek Kadett/Astra body with its digital dashboard. It's a strong, tuneable hot hatch that's now rare in original form.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €710 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,998 cc, 156 bhp, 0–62 8 s
Guide price: €8,000–€20,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust in sills and arches, C20XE head gasket and cam cover leaks, thefts and modified cars.

Compare every Astra in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

23 · The affordable rotary

Mazda RX-7 FC Turbo II 1989–1992

The second-generation RX-7 Turbo II is the cheaper way into rotary ownership: a turbocharged rotary engine, rear-wheel drive and great balance. Look for proof of careful maintenance.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €385 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,308 cc, 197 bhp, 0–62 6.7 s
Guide price: €10,000–€22,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Apex seals and compression, rust, turbo, overheating.

Compare every RX-7 in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

24 · The drift favourite

Nissan 200SX S13 1.8 Turbo 1989–1994

A turbo engine and rear-wheel drive made the S13 a favourite with drifters, which is exactly why unmodified ones are now so hard to find.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €673 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,809 cc, 169 bhp, 0–62 7.5 s
Guide price: €8,000–€18,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust in sills and chassis rails, drift abuse, CA18DET timing belt, modified cars.

Compare every 200SX in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

25 · The fast family estate

Volvo 850 Mk1 T-5R Estate 1995–1995

A limited-production 850 turbo estate from the era when Volvo raced the 850 estate in the British Touring Car Championship. Quick, practical and very cool.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €1,034 a year (engine size)
Engine: 2,319 cc, 240 bhp, 0–62 6.9 s
Guide price: €8,000–€18,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Originality, auto gearbox, turbo and interior trim condition.

Compare every 850 in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

26 · The everyday quattro

Audi 80 B4 S2 Avant 1993–1995

The S2 Avant pairs the 2.2-litre five-cylinder turbo with quattro and a practical estate body. It's closely related to the rarer, Porsche-assisted RS2.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €994 a year (engine size)
Engine: 2,226 cc, 230 bhp, 0–62 6.1 s
Guide price: €12,000–€28,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Turbo, 6-speed gearbox, boost leaks, modified cars.

Compare every 80 in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

27 · The first Mercedes-AMG

Mercedes-Benz C-Class W202 C36 AMG 1994–1997

The C36 was the first car developed jointly by Mercedes-Benz and AMG, with a 3.6 straight-six in an understated saloon. It's rare, quick and quietly important.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage (cars built up to 1996)
Standard tax: €1,809 a year (engine size)
Engine: 3,606 cc, 280 bhp, 0–62 6.7 s
Guide price: €12,000–€25,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust, M104 head gasket and wiring, engine-specific parts, auto gearbox.

Compare every C-Class in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

28 · Hydropneumatic hot hatch

Citroën BX Series 2 16 Valve 1987–1992

Citroën's self-levelling hydropneumatic suspension with a 16-valve engine and a wedge-shaped body. The BX 16v is quick, comfortable and unlike anything else.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €710 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,905 cc, 158 bhp, 0–62 8.2 s
Guide price: €4,000–€12,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Hydraulics, rear arm bearings, rust, rare specific trim.

Compare every BX in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

29 · Small but mighty

Daihatsu Charade G100 1.0 GTti 1987–1993

A turbocharged, twin-cam 1.0 three-cylinder with around 100 PS, in a small hatchback. The Charade GTti was years ahead of its time and is now a real cult car.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €199 a year (engine size)
Engine: 993 cc, 99 bhp, 0–62 8.2 s
Guide price: €4,000–€10,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Turbo oil seals and wear, head gasket, rust in sills and rear arches, gearbox synchros, rare trim.

Compare every Charade in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

30 · Less is more

Peugeot 106 Mk1 Rallye 1.3 1994–1996

Stripped of extras to save weight, the 106 Rallye is light, eager and great fun on a back road. Few survived unmodified.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €358 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,294 cc, 100 bhp, 0–62 9.6 s
Guide price: €4,000–€11,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rear axle bearings, rust, fake Rallyes, thrashed engines.

Compare every 106 in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

31 · The 1990s favourite

Citroën Saxo Mk1 VTS 1.6 16v 1997–2003

The Saxo VTS was the hot hatch of choice for a generation of young drivers: light, quick and agile. That's also why clean, original ones are rare.

Motor tax now: €514 a year (engine size)
Vintage tax from: 2027 (€56 a year)
Engine: 1,587 cc, 118 bhp, 0–62 8.0 s
Guide price: €3,000–€9,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rear axle bearings, cambelt, rust, crash damage and theft history.

Compare every Saxo in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

32 · The sleeper Type R

Honda Accord Type R 1999–2002

A 2.2 VTEC with over 200 PS, a limited-slip differential and Recaro seats, all in a plain-looking saloon. The Accord Type R is one of the most underrated Hondas.

Motor tax now: €951 a year (engine size)
Vintage tax from: 2029 (€56 a year)
Engine: 2,157 cc, 209 bhp, 0–62 7.2 s
Guide price: €6,000–€14,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rear arch and sill rust, oil consumption, synchro wear, theft history.

Compare every Accord in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

33 · The original hybrid

Honda Insight Mk1 1.0 IMA 2000–2006

An aluminium two-seater with a 1.0 three-cylinder and an electric motor, designed for record-breaking economy. The first Insight is a landmark car, and it still looks futuristic.

Motor tax now: €199 a year (engine size)
Vintage tax from: 2030 (€56 a year)
Engine: 995 cc, 72 bhp, 0–62 11.0 s
Guide price: €6,000–€14,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: IMA battery and module replacement, rear wheel spats damage.

Compare every Insight in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

34 · The first Golf R

Volkswagen Golf Mk4 R32 2002–2004

A 3.2 VR6 with 241 PS, four-wheel drive and a soundtrack no four-cylinder can match. The Mk4 R32 started the Golf R line.

Motor tax now: €1,809 a year (engine size)
Vintage tax from: 2032 (€56 a year)
Engine: 3,189 cc, 241 bhp, 0–62 6.6 s
Guide price: €9,000–€20,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Haldex, timing chain guides, dual-mass flywheel, seat bolster wear.

Motor tax by year and full specs → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

35 · V6 saloon

Alfa Romeo 156 932 GTA 2002–2005

The 3.2 'Busso' V6 in Alfa's handsome 156 saloon or Sportwagon. The GTA is fast and sounds glorious. Find one with a service history.

Motor tax now: €1,809 a year (engine size)
Vintage tax from: 2032 (€56 a year)
Engine: 3,179 cc, 250 bhp, 0–62 6.3 s
Guide price: €10,000–€22,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Cambelt, front wishbones, torque steer, Selespeed, wheel arch rust.

Compare every 156 in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

36 · The last GTV

Alfa Romeo GTV 916 3.2 V6 24v 2003–2005

The Pininfarina-designed GTV with the most powerful version of the V6. It's a striking coupé that's still cheap compared with how good it looks.

Motor tax now: €1,809 a year (engine size)
Vintage tax from: 2033 (€56 a year)
Engine: 3,179 cc, 240 bhp, 0–62 6.3 s
Guide price: €10,000–€20,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Cambelt, front suspension, electrics.

Compare every GTV in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

37 · The British muscle saloon

MG ZT 260 V8 2003–2005

MG Rover converted the front-drive ZT to rear-wheel drive and fitted a Ford Mustang 4.6 V8. It was built in small numbers just before the company collapsed, and it's one of the great oddities of the 2000s.

Motor tax now: €1,809 a year (engine size)
Vintage tax from: 2033 (€56 a year)
Engine: 4,601 cc, 256 bhp, 0–62 6.2 s
Guide price: €10,000–€25,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Unique rear subframe and diff parts; clutch/manual gearbox; check it's a genuine factory car.

Compare every ZT in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

38 · The supercar estate

Audi A6 C5 RS6 Avant 2002–2004

A 4.2 twin-turbo V8 with 450 PS in a family estate. The first RS6 is shockingly fast. It's also complicated, so budget for maintenance.

Motor tax now: €1,809 a year (engine size)
Vintage tax from: 2032 (€56 a year)
Engine: 4,172 cc, 450 bhp, 0–62 4.9 s
Guide price: €10,000–€25,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: DRC shock leaks, auto gearbox, turbos, huge bills.

Compare every A6 in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

39 · The hand-built V8

Mercedes-Benz E-Class W210 E55 AMG 1997–2002

A 5.4 V8 hand-built by AMG in an executive saloon. The W210 E55 was one of the fastest saloons of its day and costs a fraction of its new price. Rust on the W210 is the thing to check.

Motor tax now: €1,809 a year (engine size)
Vintage tax from: 2027 (€56 a year)
Engine: 5,439 cc, 354 bhp, 0–62 5.7 s
Guide price: €8,000–€20,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Severe rust, harmonic balancer, auto gearbox, suspension.

Compare every E-Class in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

40 · Only 2,000 built

Mini Hatch R50/R53 John Cooper Works GP 2006–2006

The first Mini GP had the rear seats removed, adjustable suspension and the most powerful version of the supercharged 1.6. Only 2,000 were built, and they're already collector's items.

Motor tax now: €514 a year (engine size)
Vintage tax from: 2036 (€56 a year)
Engine: 1,598 cc, 218 bhp, 0–62 6.5 s
Guide price: €12,000–€22,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Supercharger condition, unique GP body parts, track use history.

Compare every Hatch in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

41 · The last high-revving Clio

Renault Clio Mk3 Renaultsport 200 2009–2012

The Clio 200 was the last Clio Renaultsport with a naturally aspirated 2.0 that loves to rev, before Renault switched to turbos. The Cup chassis is the one to find.

Motor tax now: €1,250 a year (estimate)
Vintage tax from: 2039 (€56 a year)
Engine: 1,998 cc, 197 bhp, 0–62 6.9 s
Guide price: €6,000–€14,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Cambelt, clutch, engine mounts, track use.

Compare every Clio in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

42 · The modern quattro rally car

Audi A1 8X S1 quattro 2014–2018

A 2.0 turbo, quattro four-wheel drive and a manual gearbox only, in a tiny body. The S1 quattro sold in small numbers and is already treated as a future classic.

Motor tax now: €600 a year (estimate)
Vintage tax from: 2044 (€56 a year)
Engine: 1,984 cc, 231 bhp, 0–62 5.8 s
Guide price: €15,000–€26,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Clutch, DSG not offered; check for hard use.

Compare every A1 in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

43 · The second GP

Mini Hatch R56 John Cooper Works GP 2012–2013

Mini repeated the GP formula on the second-generation car: limited numbers, no rear seats, and adjustable coilover suspension. It's sharper than the standard JCW in every way.

Motor tax now: €600 a year (estimate)
Vintage tax from: 2042 (€56 a year)
Engine: 1,598 cc, 218 bhp, 0–62 6.3 s
Guide price: €16,000–€28,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Timing chain, track use history, unique body parts.

Compare every Hatch in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

44 · The best Fiesta ST

Ford Fiesta Mk7 ST200 2016–2017

The ST200 was a limited-run version of the Fiesta ST with more power and a shorter final drive. Many think it's the best small hot hatch of the 2010s.

Motor tax now: €280 a year (estimate)
Vintage tax from: 2046 (€56 a year)
Engine: 1,596 cc, 200 bhp, 0–62 6.7 s
Guide price: €12,000–€20,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Check originality, clutch and service history.

Compare every Fiesta in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

45 · Hyundai's surprise

Hyundai i30 N PD 2.0 T-GDi Performance 2017–2024

Hyundai's first N car was developed under a former BMW M engineer and took the hot hatch establishment by surprise. The Performance pack adds power and a limited-slip differential.

Motor tax now: Not known (no CO2 figure yet)
Vintage tax from: 2047 (€56 a year)
Engine: 1,998 cc, 271 bhp, 0–62 6.1 s
Guide price: €16,000–€28,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Clutch and DMF on hard-driven cars, turbo intercooler hose, rev-match software.

Compare every i30 N in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

46 · The modern icon

Suzuki Jimny JB74 1.5 AllGrip 2018–2020

Boxy, tough and brilliant off-road, the current Jimny became an instant cult car. It was withdrawn as a passenger car in Europe after 2020 because of emissions rules, which has helped keep values strong.

Motor tax now: €600 a year (estimate)
Vintage tax from: 2048 (€56 a year)
Engine: 1,462 cc, 101 bhp
Guide price: €18,000–€30,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust underneath, noisy on motorways, commercial conversions.

Compare every Jimny in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

47 · Unbreakable

Toyota Land Cruiser J80 (VX) 4.2 TD 1992–1998

The J80 Land Cruiser has a reputation for running forever, with a big 4.2 diesel straight-six and a seriously tough chassis. Good ones are wanted around the world.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage (cars built up to 1996)
Standard tax: €1,809 a year (engine size)
Engine: 4,164 cc, 165 bhp, 0–62 13.5 s
Guide price: €12,000–€30,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Chassis and rear body rust, diff lock actuators, rust in rear wheel arches.

Compare every Land Cruiser in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

48 · The front-drive Lotus

Lotus Elan M100 S2 SE Turbo 1994–1995

Lotus's only front-wheel-drive car, with an Isuzu-sourced turbo engine and handling that won over the critics. The S2 was a short final run, and it's a rare, interesting classic.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €514 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,588 cc, 155 bhp, 0–62 6.7 s
Guide price: €16,000–€28,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: As SE Turbo; check it's a genuine S2.

Compare every Elan in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

49 · Skyline without the GT-R price

Nissan Skyline R32 GTS-t Type M Import1989–1994

Not a GT-R, but a rear-drive turbo Skyline with the RB20 straight-six and the classic R32 shape. Imported to Ireland and now 30+ years old, it qualifies for €200 VRT and €56 tax.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage
Standard tax: €710 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,998 cc, 212 bhp, 0–62 6.5 s
Guide price: €12,000–€25,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust, drift abuse, clapped turbos.

Compare every Skyline in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

50 · The mid-engined turbo

Toyota MR2 Mk2 Turbo Import1990–1999

The second-generation MR2 Turbo is a mid-engined coupé with a 2.0 turbo, often called a baby Ferrari for its looks. Japanese imports are the most common in Ireland.

Motor tax now: €56 vintage (cars built up to 1996)
Standard tax: €710 a year (engine size)
Engine: 1,998 cc, 242 bhp, 0–62 6.1 s
Guide price: €10,000–€22,000 (our estimate)

Watch for: Rust, head gasket, abused turbo and gearbox.

Compare every MR2 in the filter → For sale on DoneDeal ↗

How we picked

Every car here is rated 4 or 5 out of 5 for collectability in our data, and the guide price for a good example tops out under €30,000 by our estimate. We took one version per model and generation so the list doesn't fill up with near-identical cars, and we ranked them by how special they are rather than by price. Prices move quickly in the classic market, so treat them as a rough guide.

Running a classic in Ireland

Once a car is 30 years old you can tax it in the vintage class for €56 a year, and the NCT drops to every two years if it's not used commercially. Classic insurance usually needs the car to be 20 or 25 years old, with limited mileage and a separate everyday car. A car imported when it's more than 30 years old pays a flat €200 VRT.

Guide prices and 'watch for' notes are our own estimates and haven't been independently checked. Motor tax figures are worked out from Department of Transport rates; check the exact figure for a specific car at motortax.ie.

More lists

Motor tax rates: Department of Transport schedule (unchanged in Budgets 2025 and 2026), checked 2026-09. CO2: official UK type-approval figures from the Vehicle Certification Agency; Irish-market versions can differ slightly. Your car's exact CO2 and band are on its registration certificate, and motortax.ie shows the rate for a given registration. Pre-July 2008 cars are taxed on engine size; July 2008–2020 on NEDC CO2; 2021 on, on WLTP CO2.