A Volvo 850 T5 Estate, a BMW 5-series Touring, or a classic Mercedes-Benz wagon, well, it’s not surprising that those are increasing in value. But even a Renault 21 Nevada seems to be worth more almost forty years after you saw it as a packhorse. We have listed the ten fastest-growing classic station wagons.
Treat yourself to this pleasure: next time you see a Volvo 850, stand behind the car and listen to the sound. A five-cylinder, that’s obvious. It sounds better than with Audi and the car offers the loading space of a truck, so to speak. On our little journey through the history of pack animals, we are making a stop in the 80s and 90s today. And we promise you: the journey doesn’t have to go any further, because the models from the 90s will definitely make you happy. Perhaps not exactly in terms of price, which is currently falling, as confirmed by the experts at the German market analysis agency Classic Data. The vintage car experts have studied their tables and compiled a top 10 of the most value-retaining cars from these decades. Let’s start with the most important thing: even though the Volvo 850 T5 and the BMW 530i Touring of the E34 type are becoming more and more expensive, they are very fun to drive, partly because of their sound, their reliability and their solidity. They are still convincing luggage experts today. The fact that the 90s were a highlight in automotive history certainly contributes to this.
1. Volvo 850 T5
1993-1996, 2,319 cc, 226 hp
It doesn’t necessarily have to be a T5R (photo) with 241 hp for the 850. The T5 with 226 hp five-cylinder turbo engine is also sufficient, because it has been getting more expensive for years. Six years ago this version was still for sale at a bargain price, nowadays you already pay three times as much for it. Even with less than 200 hp, the angular Swedish station wagon has a lot of potential when it comes to value development. This is partly due to the sound: it always has a five-cylinder, even in the case of the diesel engine from Audi.
2. BMW 530i Touring (E34)
1992-1996, 2,997 cc, 218 hp
The starting point for a lucrative value development with a 5-series is clear: a six in a row. In this case, there is even a V8 under the hood, the three-liter with 218 hp. The second condition is a correct maintenance history and good equipment. If both are in order, it does not matter whether it is a sedan or a Touring: the value rises and rises.
3. Volkswagen Passat Variant (Typ B2)
1985-1988, 1,994 cc, 115 hp
Even a workhorse like a Volkswagen Passat Variant, if you are patient, becomes a sought-after classic. The Passat of the B2 generation is becoming more and more expensive as a station wagon. You now easily pay more than €15,000 for a copy in good condition.
4. Volvo 940 GL Estate
1990-1996, 2,316 cc, 131 hp
Robust engines, solid bodywork and simple, but durable technology. Another Volvo that seems to be built for eternity. There was a choice of four-cylinder petrol engines (and six-cylinders in the 960) and a Volkswagen diesel engine with six cylinders.
5. Peugeot 505 Break
1985-1986, 1,971 cc, 98 hp
A long car, with a long production period. The French built the rear-wheel drive 505 from 1979 to 1995. As a station wagon, with a length of 4.90 meters, it had the ideal dimensions for lovers of moving and do-it-yourselfers.
6. Audi 80 Avant 2.0 E (Typ B2)
1992-1995, 1,984 cc, 115 hp
‘Schöne Kombis heißen Avant’ used to be a German advertising slogan. The 80 Avant is certainly beautiful, but at a length of 4.48 meters, the luggage space has a volume of only 375 liters. With an average price of 4,300 euros, the four-cylinder version is still sharply priced, but this no longer applies to the five and six-cylinders.
7. Opel Omega A Caravan
1986-1990, 1,998 cc, 115 hp
It was praised for its low drag coefficient of 0.28 and its generous loading space with a volume of 540 to 1,850 liters. The 4.77 meter long Caravan also has a 1.98 meter long lying area in the back. All you have to do is fold down the back seat. A true space wonder.
8. Mercedes-Benz 230 TE (S124)
1989-1992, 2,298 cc, 132 hp
Are you looking for an indestructible Benz? Say one, two, four! The 124 was available as a sedan, coupé, convertible and T-model, and almost 2.6 million copies were built from 1984. Such an M102 four-cylinder lasts forever, just like the rest of the 124.
9. Renault 21 Nevada
1986-1994, 1,721 cc, 94 hp
Hey, are they still there? Let’s put it this way: yes, but you have to look carefully, because good copies are very scarce. We found one in France on Lebencoin.fr. Renaults 21 are now as rare as good macarons and tartlets.
10. Mercedes-Benz 230 TE (S123)
1980-1985, 2,299 cc, 136 hp
Almost 2.7 million 123s were built from 1975 to 1986, but here too: the better, the more expensive. Specimens in good condition with a station wagon rear are already approaching €20,000. With such a T-model and the M102 engine you always make a good choice.