4 Affordable Four-Door Cars To Buy Before They Become Classics

Editor’s Note: We love scouring the internet for reasons to spend money we don’t have on cars we daydream about owning, and these are our picks this week. All prices listed are bid amounts at the time of publishing.

This week, Ford announced it would stop investment in its sedans and small hatchbacks in the US in favor of crossovers, SUVs and Trucks. So it stands to reason that the practical four-doors of our era might become sought after in years to come. VW has recently made a similar declaration, and it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to think other automakers will follow similar paths in the name of turning a better profit. We’re on the cusp of a new age in the American automotive landscape; so, while these four-door cars may not seem much now, give them a few years. People will be clamoring for them in a desperate attempt to escape the dull, lifeless army of oddly sized compact SUVs roaming the earth.

2008 Dodge Charger SRT8 Super Bee

Mileage: 49,437
Location: Frisco, Texas

What we like: As American sedan population dwindles, we’ll look back on cars like this Charger and wonder what became of our automotive sense of humor. Granted, it was only special edition paint, accents and graphics that made the Super Bee ‘special,’ but there’s also a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 up front.
From the seller: “This SRT limited edition Super Bee was purchased new in Plano, TX, [as] a one-owner American muscle car in flawless condition. A lot of these cars end up in the hands of drivers who abuse them or heavily modify them, often making the car barely road-worthy. This is not that car. ”
What to look out for: Owners of 2008 Dodge Chargers have reported rough shifting. It can be easily fixed with a software update, but it’s recommended you get it inspected before getting the PCU flashed — it’s also possible the trouble could be mechanical on higher mileage models.

2006 Mitsubishi Evolution IX

Mileage: 45,000
Location: Brooklyn, New York

What we like: It used to be that for a car to hold its value as a classic, it had to be bone stock. But, based on how modified Porsche 911s and BMW M3s now sell for well over what you’d expect, that way of thinking seems to have changed. This Lancer is heavily modified by a legitimate tuning shop — I get the feeling that won’t matter down the line. Plus, now that Mitsubishi has completely bastardized the Lancer nameplate by slapping it on a crossover, it’s almost guaranteed the older Lancer Evos will become more precious than they already are.
From the seller: “Car is fully built and has no issues whatsoever. It is a turnkey car and go. Comes with Viper Alarm GPS Tracking security system. The car is 100 percent daily-able and reliable.”
What to look out for: The owners of average Evo IXs have reported problems with engine cooling, but with the number of modifications under the hood of this IX, including the upgraded intercooler, that shouldn’t be a problem.

2007 Audi RS4

Mileage: 73,430
Location: Portland, Oregon

What we like: 2007 was the first year the US saw the RS4 despite the V8 sports sedan being in its second generation globally. Since fewer than 2,500 RS4s were sold in the States, this is a rare find. Not only does it have relatively low miles on the clock, it’s also completely bone stock.
From the seller: “This 2007 Audi RS4 is one of fewer than 2,500 B7 examples sold in North America over two model years and features a naturally-aspirated 4.2-liter V8, six-speed manual gearbox, and all-wheel drive with Torsen differentials. Finished in Daytona Grey Pearl over black leather, this example shows just over 70k miles”
What to look out for: Because of the architecture of the direct injection engine, carbon build-up is a problem. The intake manifold gets the worst of it and needs to be removed for cleaning, otherwise the car will suffer from power loss and a rough idle if the build-up gets bad enough.

2010 BMW 328i xDrive M-Sport Wagon

Mileage: 101,179
Location: Wayland, Massachusetts

What we like: Vintage BMW wagons always seem to go for higher prices on eBay Motors and sites like Bring a Trailer. That’s probably because vintage BMWs are fantastic cars anyhow, but adding the wagon factor only makes them more desirable. This particular example is only one of three in this color combo in the US. An E92 wagon might not sound like much now, but if buying trends surrounding its older relatives are anything to go by, enthusiasts will throw money at a car like this in 20 years or so. I’m not saying you can make a massive profit off of this car as an investment, but I am confident it won’t depreciate all that much as time goes on.
From the seller: “Finished in Alpine White over Saddle Brown Dakota Leather, this wagon is equipped with the M-Sport package and is reported to be one of three examples delivered to the US market from 2009-2012 in this combination.”
What to look out for: There are a few recalls to keep an eye out for so check to see if the previous owner has remedied them or not, but one of the most common problems is a leaky valve cover gasket. Inspect the lower engine area for any rogue oil.

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