Bit Rich!

Right now the used car market is absolutely loaded with bargains. A couple of grand is all you need to step into a fuel injected ‘80s turbo flier and, if you can afford about ten grand, you can find yourself a turbo AWD. Oh, and then there are the bargain 15 year old Japanese imports...

One thing is for sure - sophisticated performance cars have never been so accessible.

On the other hand, you are not guaranteed to pick up a bargain. There are quite a few cars that – despite a reputation for value – simply don’t stack up. In this article we lift the lid on some of these overpriced machines...

Nissan 180SX SR20DET 5 speed

At the time of writing, the Japanese SR20DET-powered S13 180SX is fetching absolutely crazy money.

There was a time when S13s were a cheaper alternative to the locally-delivered S14 - it made sense to consider a Japanese import if you couldn’t afford a newer 200SX. Today, however, the majority of SR20DET manual 180SXs hover at around AUD$15,000 – the same as you’ll pay for an early S14!

Why on earth would anyone opt for the 180SX?!

Consider the local S14’s more up-to-date design, VCT engine, local parts back-up and easier insurance and it doesn’t make much sense to spend the same on a grey market import. Oh, and then there’s the question of service history – can you really be certain that the import has been properly serviced while in Japan?

To make matters worse, early S13s (with the CA-series engine) are now eligible to be imported to Australia under the 15 year old regulations - at a fraction of their current local price. Don’t be shocked to find your AUD$15,000 180SX is worth maybe half of that in barely a couple of years.

If you absolutely must own a Nissan 180SX, be prepared to take a sizeable financial hit.

Holden Commodore VN SS

At the time of release (March ‘91), the VN-series SS Commodore was an absolute firecracker. With Ford late to arrive with its 5.0 litre XR8, Holden had already established a terrific reputation thanks to its thoroughly revised multi-point injected 5.0 V8. With strong torque and 165kW, the VN SS could muscle its way to 100 km/h in less than 8.0 seconds. FEII suspension, sports trim, a subtle body kit and a tough selection of colours meant the VN SS was hot property.

More than ten years on and a current bog-stock Aussie six with a manual gearox is almost as fast – yet the VN SS is still regarded as some kind of weapon...

Holden fans will happily hand over anywhere from AUD$8,000 to AUD$14,000 for a slice of VN SS action. This is strange when you consider a luxury 5.0 litre Statesman generally pulls less... Even stranger is that the much improved VP SS – with a wider front track and the availability of IRS – fetches barely any more than the VN...

So why is the VN SS worth so much? Well, the only logical reason is the wide availability of aftermarket hot-up gear. Still, why would you bother spending so much on a tuning ‘platform’?

Nissan Pulsar SSS (N14 series)

Here’s a popular one with buyers that can’t get ‘turbo’ insurance.

The 1991 – 1995 (N14 series) Nissan Pulsar SSS is widely viewed as a quick hatch that’s a good alternative to a turbocharged car. Granted, the N14 SSS employs the wonderful SR20DE between its front strut towers but, sorry, it’s not the speed machine that everyone seems to think. Not with 105kW shifting about 1200kg - 9.0 second 0 – 100 km/h acceleration is the stuff everyday six-pot family cars are made of. Sure, you can quicken things up slightly with an exhaust, intake and ECU mods, but on a regular occasion you’ll still be mincemeat.

It’s about now you’ll wish you had a turbo!

The N14 SSS is a good all-rounder but don’t be sucked into thinking it’s anything more than that. At current prices – anywhere up to AUD$14,000 for one with a couple of bolt-ons – it seems people have false impressions...

BMW 325i (E30 series)

Small BMWs hold their value exceptionally well - small BMWs with large engines in particular.

The E30 3-series Beemer debuted in Australia during 1988 and held the fort until the larger E36 3-series took over the reign. Not long before the E30 arrived, BMW had been much maligned for its engines (remember the low revving ‘eta’ series?) but there were still plenty of buyers prepared to pay big money for small car prestige.

Today, the E30 325i remains a top choice amongst people who kinda fancy themselves as execs. With 2.5 litres of straight-six under the bonnet, the E30 325i is decently quick – not surprising when you look at the power-to-weight equation. With 125kW and 222Nm, the 1260kg 3-series can jump to 100 km/h in low 8s. The nicely balanced rear-wheel-drive chassis also provides some excitement for tackling the twisties.

But don’t get excited when you see the price.

Despite now being around 15 years old, the little E30 325 typically fetches between AUD$8000 – $15,000! The vehicles priced at the top of that range are generally 2-door 5 speed manual versions with low kilometres and service history.

But $15k? You gotta be kidding...

Ford TX3/Mazda 323 Turbo (KE/BF series)

The Ford KE TX3 Turbo/Mazda BF-series cousins are undeniably fun machines. With more than 100kW, the availability of AWD and a chuckable chassis, they are one of the greatest all-round hot hatches available.

But be careful how much you pay for one - it seems prices have recently had a resurgence.

At present, the cheapest KE TX3 Turbo on the market will set you back AUD$5500 – and most owners ask closer to AUD$6500. That might seem decent value at first, but there are many newer, faster and more capable machines available for only a small amount extra.

And don’t forget the Telstar TX5/Mazda 626/MX6 Turbos as an alternative to the little turbo hatches. These are much better appointed and are selling at a similar price – sometimes less!