Automotive auction platform and enthusiast community Bring a Trailer (BaT) today shares details on an emerging trend in the collector car market – the rising popularity and collectability of 1990s-era vehicles. The trend has driven a significant climb in value, with the average sale price of ‘90s automobiles on Bring a Trailer increasing 82%, from $24,941 to $45,302, between the first quarter of 2020 and the first quarter of 2022. The volume of ‘90s vehicles sold on Bring a Trailer has also increased by 128% in the same period.
The shift in the market is attributed to aging Generation Xers and millennials, who are accruing wealth and spending their disposable income on the cars, trucks, SUVs, vans and wagons of their youth. Just as baby boomers practically invented the classic car market in the ‘80s by buying and preserving cars from the ‘50s, Gen Xers and millennials are now doing the same with ‘90s vehicles.
“Collector automobiles go through a cycle where they are forgotten for a decade or two before nostalgia drives their now financially stable fans to buy them up. Right now, what we’re seeing is the ‘90s becoming the new ‘50s when it comes to the cars collectors and enthusiasts are seeking out,” said Bring a Trailer Co-Founder and CEO Randy Nonnenberg. “Vehicles once considered mundane, utilitarian and even ‘econobox’ are the new cool and being given a fresh look.”
The boom in popularity of ‘90s vehicles is not limited to the era’s more desirable or higher-end cars. Rather, the full spectrum of ‘90s autos is gaining collector attention, from family sedans and wagons to trucks, SUVs and vans. A review of eight popular models across vehicle categories shows a combined increase in value of 71%. Further, with the average price of a new vehicle at $46,404 and an average markup of 9.9% in 2022, ’90s vehicles that have long since reached the bottom of their depreciation curve may be seen as an alternative option and, in some cases, an investment.
Some notable examples of recent sales on Bring a Trailer where the sale price exceeded the car’s original MSRP (not adjusted for inflation) include:
- $33,500 – 1992 Nissan Sentra SE-R
- $11,671 – 1993 Geo Metro LSi Convertible
- $43,500 – 1999 Volkswagen Eurovan
- $26,250 – 1992 Chevrolet G20 Van
- $32,000 – 1990 GMC Jimmy
- $33,500 – 1991 Toyota Celica
- $56,500 – 1997 Ford F-250
- $41,069 – 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe
- $57,000 – 1991 Saab 900 SPG
- $19,250 – 1993 Jeep Cherokee
- $23,000 – 1994 Toyota Pickup
Just as the fashion and music of the ‘90s are looked back at with nostalgia by those that grew up in the era, so now are the cars. The ‘90s are back and cooler than ever.
Bring a Trailer Co-Founder Randy Nonnenberg is available to discuss market trends. Please reach out to arrange any interview opportunities.
