Latest news with #AustinAllegro
Scottish Sun
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Ten family car favourites from 70s to 90s and their value today – from iconic Ford worth THOUSANDS to budget Vauxhall
Read on to see if you have had one of these motors HIT THE ROAD Ten family car favourites from 70s to 90s and their value today – from iconic Ford worth THOUSANDS to budget Vauxhall Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SEVERAL iconic family favourite vehicles from the last three decades have a new worth today. From the Ford to Vauxhall, these cars that were once common among British families in the 1970s, '80s and '90s still have value in 2025. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 9 The Austin Allegro was a popular family motor in the 1970s and early '80s 9 British families also favoured a generation of the Ford Escort, like this blue Mk2 model 9 The Reliant Scimitar GTE came as a two door coupe classic motor car for the 70s Credit: Alamy Austin Allegro (1973-1982) Value today: £1,200 (Allegro 1.0 saloon) to £7,600 (Allegro Equipe, concours condition) The Allegro was one of the popular vehicle choices for car buyers with families, as well as being company vehicles for employers. In typical shades of Russet brown and Applejack green of the seventies, the Allegro brings a nostalgia. This is despite its known maladies as a vehicle in the contemporary world, and even back in the day. They have been justified to be a worthy classic car and collector item, due not only to the Austin brand, but also its unique Hydragas suspension and style. Editor of the UK Hagerty Price Guide, John Mayhead, has witnessed the steady rise in value of all Austin Allegro variants over the past decade whilst monitoring the value of classic cars in auction prices and policyholder quotes. He said: "Last year, only 7 per cent of all models in the Hagerty Price Guide rose in value." Ford Escort Mk2 - Mk4 (1974 - 1990) Value today: £600 (Mk 4 Escort L) to £93,600 (Escort Mk 2 RS1800, concours) From the late 1960s up to the 2000s, families in Britain were likely to have one of the five generations of Ford Escorts. Children could enjoy riding in the back of these vehicles, whether in the lower trimmed Mk2 or more spacious and utilitarian third and fourth generations. Classic car graveyard found in field where a 1960s classic with rare feature worth up to $150K has been left to rot The Mk3 and Mk4 had a transverse engine layout, with a hatchback style rather than saloon. Models ranged from three and five-door hatches, as well as cabrio or sport versions with the XR3, XR3i, and RS1600i variants. To this day, there's still a lot to admire about the Escort, particularly with the Fast Ford racing and performance versions. They are highly collectable with a thriving club scene, and base models can still be found for cheap at around £3,000. Reliant Scimitar (1975 - 1986) Value today: £3,300 to £9,000 (GTE SE5a) The Reliant Scimitar GTE was an attractive choice of vehicle for those wanting something more exciting than a saloon or estate, but also looking for practicality. It became a performance motor offering a four-seat layout to appear as a family car too. In addition to the layout, the GTE provides a glass hatchback and proper boot, fibreglass body more durable against rust and well-proven Ford mechanics. Cost around £2,300 in 1973, the GTE became a viable cheaper alternative to something like an Audi 100 or 3.0-litre Granada GXL. Since last year, the Scimitar GTE has seen a slight dip in value, but remained relatively stagnant since 2016. John adds that some have been restored to a very high standard: "Lots of very cheap restoration cases available, but not for the faint-hearted." Austin Montego (1984 - 1995) Value today: £800 (Montego 1.3 saloon) to £11,000 (MG Montego Turbo, concours) Montegos have been considered the "most ordinary" of vehicles, but were certainly among the most popular of its time. A solid family car by Austin that had built its reputation for decades, Specifically, as a blue saloon built in 1989, they could regularly be seen parked in driveways or out on roads. Whilst they where just about everywhere in the 1980s, they became almost extinct by the 1990s. The Montego has increased in value as a vehicle model in 2025, following a flat period. 9 2.3 million Citroen BXs were built during its 12-year history between 1982 and 1994 Credit: Getty 9 Renault Espace Mk1 was an MPV perfect for large families in the '90s Credit: Renault 9 The Volkswagen Golf Mk 2 has been a classic German car in Britain Credit: Alamy Citroen BX (1982 - 1994) Value today: £900 (S1 1.4 hatchback) to £10,100 (BX Sport, concours) This French saloon spanned the years of 1982 to 1994, with a styling that became a major success. The BX's lineup of XUD four-cylinders were among the best frugal diesels of the '80s. Whilst demand for the Citroen BX was not exceptionally high in the UK, the model reached great heights in France. A well-preserved 1992 BX 16S even sold for over €47,000 in 2021. Renault Espace Mk1 (1984 - 1991) Value today: £1,100 to £12,400 (Turbo D) Despite famously being a flop when first released for sale in 1984, the Espace soon became a European favourite as parents recognised its value. With several back seats, it was one of the easiest cars for loading kids in the back, who were able to thereby see through the vehicle's large glass windows. Families warmed up to this Renault's bold box shape, following 12 months of struggle for sales of this multi-purpose vehicle. John suggested: "Early versions of this groundbreaking vehicle are beginning to become very collectable. "Now rare in any configuration, they are not expensive cars and if you can find one, a fair runner could be under £2,000." Best used cars for family holidays £5,000 to £9,999 - Suzuki S-Cross (2013 to 2020) £10,000 to £14,999 - Toyota RAV4 (2012 to 2018) £15,000 to £19,999 - Kia XCeed (2019 to present) £20,000 to £24,999 - Hyundai Tucson (2021 to present) £25,000 to £29,999 - Citroen C5 Aircross (2018 to present) £30,000 to £34,999 - BMW X1 (2022 to present) £35,000 and upwards - Skoda Kodiaq (2024 to present) Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 (1983 - 1992) Value today: £900 (Driver) to £23,800 (GTI 16v) The VW Golf GTI Mk2 was an exciting release for car-loving families, coming with five doors and more space for practical and better riding. It was a reliable car too with its Volkswagen reputation, better fuel economy and improved comfort. It was also capable of reaching more than 130mph. John said: "For a long time, Mk 2 Golf values lagged far behind their Mk 1 predecessors, especially in the iconic GTI configuration, but in the last couple of years, they have gained ground. "There's a lot of love for this model, and although prices are down a little from their 2023 high, the general trend has been growth for the past 12 years." Ford Mondeo Mk1 (1993 - 2000) Value today: £800 (first-generation 1.6) to £8,500 (ST220) After their release in 1993, Mondeos became a common sight on roads through the mid-90s. They served as private motors, company vehicles, police cars, trade workhorses, and even appeared in the British Touring Car Championship. "Excluding motorsport variants, the Mondeo is a very affordable classic with even performance versions being available for under £5,000," John said. They are likely to become increasingly collectable as first generation cars that are more of a rarity. Rover 75 (1999 - 2005) Value today: £900 (2.0 CDTi) to £16,100 (MG ZT, concours) The Rover 75 featured a retro design both internally and externally, providing class and comfort, more than image or rock-hard suspension. Popular particularly among the older enthusiasts, the 75 has not seen a major decline in customers since first releasing in 1999. It is a car that is greatly designed for the pothole-riddled roads of Britain, known for its toughness and rarity. The model has therefore not seen much of a change to its value, holding their price as many other classics are dropping. Vauxhall Zafira A (1999 - 2005) Value today: £550 (1.6 Base) to £7000 (1.8 Elegance, concours) Sales of this smaller MPV skyrocketed after being put on the market. As a seven-seater hatchback, it was a clever car with fine driving characteristics, and based on the Astra G platform. Today, they are rare to find in good condition. 9 Austin Montegos where almost everywhere in the '80s Credit: Getty 9 The Rover 75 model took a top award as Car of the Year for 1999 Credit: PA:Press Association
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Ten family car favourites from 70s to 90s and their value today – from iconic Ford worth THOUSANDS to budget Vauxhall
SEVERAL iconic family favourite vehicles from the last three decades have a new worth today. From the Ford to Vauxhall, these cars that were once common among 9 The Austin Allegro was a popular family motor in the 1970s and early '80s 9 British families also favoured a generation of the Ford Escort, like this blue Mk2 model 9 The Reliant Scimitar GTE came as a two door coupe classic motor car for the 70s Credit: Alamy Austin Allegro (1973-1982) Value today: £1,200 (Allegro 1.0 saloon) to £7,600 (Allegro Equipe, concours condition) The In This is despite its known maladies as a vehicle in the contemporary world, and even back in the day. Read More Motors News They have been justified to be a worthy classic car and collector item, due not only to the Austin brand, but also its unique Hydragas suspension and style. Editor of the UK Hagerty Price Guide, John Mayhead, has witnessed the steady rise in value of all Austin Allegro variants over the past decade whilst monitoring the value of He said: "Last year, only 7 per cent of all models in the Hagerty Price Guide rose in value." Ford Escort Mk2 - Mk4 (1974 - 1990) Value today: £600 (Mk 4 Escort L) to £93,600 (Escort Mk 2 RS1800, concours) Most read in Motors From the late 1960s up to the 2000s, families in Britain were likely to have one of the five generations of Children could enjoy riding in the back of these vehicles, whether in the lower trimmed Classic car graveyard found in field where a 1960s classic with rare feature worth up to $150K has been left to rot The Mk3 and Mk4 had a transverse engine layout, with a hatchback style rather than saloon. Models ranged from three and five-door hatches, as well as cabrio or sport versions with the XR3, XR3i, and RS1600i variants. To this day, there's still a lot to admire about the Escort, particularly with the Fast Ford racing and performance versions. They are highly collectable with a thriving club scene, and base models can still be found for cheap at around £3,000. Reliant Scimitar (1975 - 1986) Value today: £3,300 to £9,000 (GTE SE5a) The It became a performance motor offering a four-seat layout to appear as a family car too. In addition to the layout, the GTE provides a glass hatchback and proper boot, fibreglass body more durable against rust and well-proven Ford mechanics. Cost around £2,300 in 1973, the GTE became a viable cheaper alternative to something like an Audi 100 or Since last year, the Scimitar GTE has seen a slight dip in value, but remained relatively stagnant since 2016. John adds that some have been restored to a very high standard: "Lots of very cheap restoration cases available, but not for the faint-hearted." Austin Montego (1984 - 1995) Value today: £800 (Montego 1.3 saloon) to £11,000 (MG Montego Turbo, concours) Montegos have been considered the "most ordinary" of vehicles, but were certainly among the most popular of its time. A solid family car by Austin that had built its reputation for decades, Specifically, as a blue saloon built in 1989, they could regularly be seen parked in driveways or out on roads. Whilst they where just about everywhere in the 1980s, they became almost extinct by the 1990s. 9 2.3 million Citroen BXs were built during its 12-year history between 1982 and 1994 Credit: Getty 9 Renault Espace Mk1 was an MPV perfect for large families in the '90s Credit: Renault 9 The Volkswagen Golf Mk 2 has been a classic German car in Britain Credit: Alamy Citroen BX (1982 - 1994) Value today: £900 (S1 1.4 hatchback) to £10,100 (BX Sport, concours) This The BX's lineup of XUD four-cylinders were among the best frugal diesels of the '80s. Whilst demand for the Citroen BX was not exceptionally high in the UK, the model reached great heights in France. A well-preserved 1992 BX 16S even sold for over €47,000 in 2021. Renault Espace Mk1 (1984 - 1991) Value today: £1,100 to £12,400 (Turbo D) Despite famously being a flop when first released for sale in 1984, the With several back seats, it was one of the easiest cars for loading kids in the back, who were able to thereby see through the vehicle's large glass windows. Families warmed up to this Renault's bold box shape, following 12 months of struggle for sales of this multi-purpose vehicle. John suggested: "Early versions of this groundbreaking vehicle are beginning to become very collectable. "Now rare in any configuration, they are not expensive cars and if you can find one, a fair runner could be under £2,000." Best used cars for family holidays £5,000 to £9,999 - Suzuki S-Cross (2013 to 2020) £10,000 to £14,999 - Toyota RAV4 (2012 to 2018) £15,000 to £19,999 - Kia XCeed (2019 to present) £20,000 to £24,999 - Hyundai Tucson (2021 to present) £25,000 to £29,999 - Citroen C5 Aircross (2018 to present) £30,000 to £34,999 - BMW X1 (2022 to present) £35,000 and upwards - Skoda Kodiaq (2024 to present) Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 (1983 - 1992) Value today: £900 (Driver) to £23,800 (GTI 16v) The It was a reliable car too with its Volkswagen reputation, better fuel economy and improved comfort. It was also capable of reaching more than 130mph. John said: "For a long time, Mk 2 Golf values lagged far behind their Mk 1 predecessors, especially in the iconic GTI configuration, but in the last couple of years, they have gained ground. "There's a lot of love for this model, and although prices are down a little from their 2023 high, the general trend has been growth for the past 12 years." Ford Mondeo Mk1 (1993 - 2000) Value today: £800 (first-generation 1.6) to £8,500 (ST220) After their release in 1993, They served as private motors, company vehicles, police cars, trade workhorses, and even appeared in the "Excluding motorsport variants, the Mondeo is a very affordable classic with even performance versions being available for under £5,000," John said. They are likely to become increasingly collectable as first generation cars that are more of a rarity. Rover 75 (1999 - 2005) Value today: £900 (2.0 CDTi) to £16,100 (MG ZT, concours) The Popular particularly among the older enthusiasts, the 75 has not seen a major decline in customers since first releasing in 1999. It is a car that is greatly designed for the pothole-riddled roads of Britain, known for its toughness and rarity. The model has therefore not seen much of a change to its value, holding their price as many other classics are dropping. Vauxhall Zafira A (1999 - 2005) Value today: £550 (1.6 Base) to £7000 (1.8 Elegance, concours) Sales of this smaller MPV skyrocketed after being put on the market. As a seven-seater hatchback, it was a clever car with fine driving characteristics, and based on the Today, they are rare to find in good condition. 9 Austin Montegos where almost everywhere in the '80s Credit: Getty 9 The Rover 75 model took a top award as Car of the Year for 1999 Credit: PA:Press Association 9 The Vauxhall Zafira was nothing exciting but fiercely popular Credit: Alamy
The Sun
8 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Ten family car favourites from 70s to 90s and their value today – from iconic Ford worth THOUSANDS to budget Vauxhall
SEVERAL iconic family favourite vehicles from the last three decades have a new worth today. From the Ford to Vauxhall, these cars that were once common among British families in the 1970s, '80s and '90s still have value in 2025. 9 9 9 Austin Allegro (1973-1982) Value today: £1,200 (Allegro 1.0 saloon) to £7,600 (Allegro Equipe, concours condition) The Allegro was one of the popular vehicle choices for car buyers with families, as well as being company vehicles for employers. In typical shades of Russet brown and Applejack green of the seventies, the Allegro brings a nostalgia. This is despite its known maladies as a vehicle in the contemporary world, and even back in the day. They have been justified to be a worthy classic car and collector item, due not only to the Austin brand, but also its unique Hydragas suspension and style. Editor of the UK Hagerty Price Guide, John Mayhead, has witnessed the steady rise in value of all Austin Allegro variants over the past decade whilst monitoring the value of classic cars in auction prices and policyholder quotes. He said: "Last year, only 7 per cent of all models in the Hagerty Price Guide rose in value." From the late 1960s up to the 2000s, families in Britain were likely to have one of the five generations of Ford Escorts. Children could enjoy riding in the back of these vehicles, whether in the lower trimmed Mk2 or more spacious and utilitarian third and fourth generations. Classic car graveyard found in field where a 1960s classic with rare feature worth up to $150K has been left to rot The Mk3 and Mk4 had a transverse engine layout, with a hatchback style rather than saloon. Models ranged from three and five-door hatches, as well as cabrio or sport versions with the XR3, XR3i, and RS1600i variants. To this day, there's still a lot to admire about the Escort, particularly with the Fast Ford racing and performance versions. They are highly collectable with a thriving club scene, and base models can still be found for cheap at around £3,000. Reliant Scimitar (1975 - 1986) Value today: £3,300 to £9,000 (GTE SE5a) The Reliant Scimitar GTE was an attractive choice of vehicle for those wanting something more exciting than a saloon or estate, but also looking for practicality. It became a performance motor offering a four-seat layout to appear as a family car too. In addition to the layout, the GTE provides a glass hatchback and proper boot, fibreglass body more durable against rust and well-proven Ford mechanics. Cost around £2,300 in 1973, the GTE became a viable cheaper alternative to something like an Audi 100 or 3.0-litre Granada GXL. Since last year, the Scimitar GTE has seen a slight dip in value, but remained relatively stagnant since 2016. John adds that some have been restored to a very high standard: "Lots of very cheap restoration cases available, but not for the faint-hearted." Austin Montego (1984 - 1995) Value today: £800 (Montego 1.3 saloon) to £11,000 (MG Montego Turbo, concours) Montegos have been considered the "most ordinary" of vehicles, but were certainly among the most popular of its time. A solid family car by Austin that had built its reputation for decades, Specifically, as a blue saloon built in 1989, they could regularly be seen parked in driveways or out on roads. Whilst they where just about everywhere in the 1980s, they became almost extinct by the 1990s. The Montego has increased in value as a vehicle model in 2025, following a flat period. 9 9 9 Citroen BX (1982 - 1994) Value today: £900 (S1 1.4 hatchback) to £10,100 (BX Sport, concours) This French saloon spanned the years of 1982 to 1994, with a styling that became a major success. The BX's lineup of XUD four-cylinders were among the best frugal diesels of the '80s. Whilst demand for the Citroen BX was not exceptionally high in the UK, the model reached great heights in France. A well-preserved 1992 BX 16S even sold for over €47,000 in 2021. Renault Espace Mk1 (1984 - 1991) Value today: £1,100 to £12,400 (Turbo D) Despite famously being a flop when first released for sale in 1984, the Espace soon became a European favourite as parents recognised its value. With several back seats, it was one of the easiest cars for loading kids in the back, who were able to thereby see through the vehicle's large glass windows. Families warmed up to this Renault's bold box shape, following 12 months of struggle for sales of this multi-purpose vehicle. John suggested: "Early versions of this groundbreaking vehicle are beginning to become very collectable. "Now rare in any configuration, they are not expensive cars and if you can find one, a fair runner could be under £2,000." Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 (1983 - 1992) Value today: £900 (Driver) to £23,800 (GTI 16v) The VW Golf GTI Mk2 was an exciting release for car-loving families, coming with five doors and more space for practical and better riding. It was a reliable car too with its Volkswagen reputation, better fuel economy and improved comfort. It was also capable of reaching more than 130mph. John said: "For a long time, Mk 2 Golf values lagged far behind their Mk 1 predecessors, especially in the iconic GTI configuration, but in the last couple of years, they have gained ground. "There's a lot of love for this model, and although prices are down a little from their 2023 high, the general trend has been growth for the past 12 years." Ford Mondeo Mk1 (1993 - 2000) Value today: £800 (first-generation 1.6) to £8,500 (ST220) After their release in 1993, Mondeos became a common sight on roads through the mid-90s. They served as private motors, company vehicles, police cars, trade workhorses, and even appeared in the British Touring Car Championship. "Excluding motorsport variants, the Mondeo is a very affordable classic with even performance versions being available for under £5,000," John said. They are likely to become increasingly collectable as first generation cars that are more of a rarity. Rover 75 (1999 - 2005) Value today: £900 (2.0 CDTi) to £16,100 (MG ZT, concours) The Rover 75 featured a retro design both internally and externally, providing class and comfort, more than image or rock-hard suspension. Popular particularly among the older enthusiasts, the 75 has not seen a major decline in customers since first releasing in 1999. It is a car that is greatly designed for the pothole-riddled roads of Britain, known for its toughness and rarity. The model has therefore not seen much of a change to its value, holding their price as many other classics are dropping. Vauxhall Zafira A (1999 - 2005) Value today: £550 (1.6 Base) to £7000 (1.8 Elegance, concours) Sales of this smaller MPV skyrocketed after being put on the market. As a seven-seater hatchback, it was a clever car with fine driving characteristics, and based on the Astra G platform. Today, they are rare to find in good condition. 9 9
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Is this what your dad drove? Ten family car favourites from the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s to celebrate Father's Day
Everyone remembers the cars their parents had when they were kids. Many still recall the numberplate characters, so ingrained in the memory are the motors from their childhood. So, as men around the country celebrate Father's Day today, what better way to mark the occasion than to celebrate what dads in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s commonly drove. Even some of the most mundane models from these eras felt like something special and the appearance of a new one on the driveway – or even better, a trip out to the local dealership for a poke around – was something to be savoured. This is Money has teamed up with classic car insurer Hagerty to cover some of the archetypal 'dad's cars' spanning three decades that anyone roughly between the ages of 30 and 50 will recall riding in the back of as toddlers and teens. Of course, not all dads are the same and some cooler parents drove something a little different from the norm, be it a sports car, hot hatch or a hulking MPV. Be sure to let us know in the comments if you have memories of any of these 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s motors – and let us know what your own dad drove back in the day if it wasn't one of these family wagons. Austin Allegro (1973-1982) Value in 2025: £1,200 (Allegro 1.0 saloon) to £7,600 (Allegro Equipe, concours condition) The Allegro's contemporary maladies are today well-known, but back in the day this was a popular choice among family car buyers and those benefitting from a company vehicle through employers - though anyone lumbered with an Allegro as the latter had likely upset their boss at one time or another to end up with this on the drive. Survivors are now being cherished by nostalgic types desperate to keep its infamous name among the ranks of the classic car world. But there's plenty to argue that they're worthwhile collector's items, not least to celebrate the Austin brand, the car's oddball styling and its unique Hydragas suspension. Of course, it's not a proper Allegro unless it was finished in a typically seventies shades of Russet Brown and Applejack Green. John Mayhead, editor of the Hagerty Price Guide in the UK, who painstaking monitors the value of classic cars via policyholder values and auction prices, says time has been kind to this model and values of all variants have been steadily rising over the past ten years. 'That's quite a feat,' John tells us. 'Last year, only 7 per cent of all models in the Hagerty Price Guide rose in value.' Ford Escort Mk2 - Mk4 (1974 - 1990) Most people motoring into their 40s now will likely have ridden in the rear bench of the - away from convention - front-wheel-drive Mk3 Escort that debuted in 1980 The Escort was the default British family car throughout its 1968 to 2002 run, and more than a few MailOnline and This is Money readers likely rode in the back of Ford's best-seller over those years and beyond. For children born in the 1980s, your dad most likely had one of three generations: an old Mk2 hanging on from the previous decade, the fresh new front-driver Mk3 of 1980, or the tidily-styled fourth-generation Escort launched in 1986. The Mk2 would've still been riding high on rallying kudos even in its lower trim levels, while generations three and four maximised passenger space and utility, thanks to the transverse engine layout, and the hatchback rather than saloon design. That, and Ford really expanded the Mk3 and Mk4's model variants, from three and five-door hatches and estates, to a cabrio – plus the sporty XR3, later XR3i, and RS1600i versions. If your dad didn't drive one, your best friend's dad probably did. Fast forward to 2025 and there's a huge amount of affection for the Escort – though predominantly the Fast Ford racing/performance versions are highly collectable. Later, base model cars are still extremely cheap and even XR3 models are available from around £3,000, plus there's a thriving club scene. Reliant Scimitar (1975 - 1986) Value in 2025: £3,300 (fair) to £9,000 (concours), GTE SE5a Not everyone's dad drove a regular saloon or estate; some managed to wangle their way into something a lot more exciting to spice up his commute. With practicality a necessary factor, a Reliant Scimitar GTE was a tempting option. Think of it as the motivation for Aston Martin to produce the Rapide and Porsche its Panamera - performance motors offering four-seat layouts so that wives around the country could be tricked into thinking they are genuine family cars. The GTE's actually a model of the late 1960s, but spiritually it resides in the 1970s. As sports cars go, it's admirably practical, from that 2+2 layout to its glass hatchback and proper boot, well-proven Ford mechanicals, and a fibreglass body that you'd not be treating for rust in two or three years. At around £2,300 in 1973, it was a viable alternative, price-wise, to an upscale saloon like an Audi 100 or 3.0-litre Granada GXL, too. Today, Scimitar GTE values have taken something of a slight dip, but until 12 months ago had remained relative flat since 2016, John tells us. Despite this, some have been restored to a very high standard and have been advertised for prices above Hagerty's top value. 'Lots of very cheap restoration cases available, but not for the faint hearted,' he says. Austin Montego (1984 - 1995) Value in 2025: £800 (Montego 1.3 saloon) to £11,000 (MG Montego Turbo, concours) When you think of bland, boring family motors of a forgotten era, the Montego should top the list of anyone who is reminded of its existance. Hagerty recently claimed it to be the 'most ordinary' vehicle of all time – specifically, a saloon, in blue, built in 1989 which, if you can think back to your youth, would have been parked on your driveway or a neighbour's. This is because Montegos were seemingly everywhere in the '80s, albeit just about extinct by the 1990s. They weren't fast, fun, exciting, or pretty (though the MG version were genuine 'warm' performance cars) but they were the kind of solid family choice that Austin had built its reputation on for decades - and it sold well as a result. 'The Montego is another model that has increased in value in 2025 following a period when prices remained flat,' John says. That said, £800 will buy you a half-decent base-spec car today. Citroen BX (1982 - 1994) Value in 2025: £900 (S1 1.4 hatchback) to £10,100 (BX Sport, concours) Plenty of kids of the 1980s and '90s would have ridden in the back of a dad's Citroen BX. And that means they were blessed/traumatised by its floaty hydropneumatic ride. Let us know if this is you and whether your recall it as enjoyable or vomit-inducing on long journeys. But that's not the only highlights of the French saloon that spanned 1982 to 1994. Marcello Gandini's fantastic geometric styling was a major success, with the kudos by association that comes with his name's association with the Lamborghini Countach, among other far more exciting models. And if your dad was particularly light footed, then there weren't many frugal diesels in the eighties better than the BX's lineup of XUD four-cylinders. UK demand for exceptional quality examples of the Citroen BX today haven't quite reached the heights seen in France, where a well-preserved 1992 BX 16S sold for over €47,000 in 2021. That said, good-quality, later cars, especially Sport models, have been rising in value here, too, Hagerty's valuations guru explains. Renault Espace Mk1 (1984 - 1991) Value in 2025: £1,100 to £12,400 (Turbo D) If you were a sprog of the 1990s then you may very well have spent some of your formative years in one of the (several) back seats of Renault's seminal people-mover. The Espace famously flopped in its first year on sale in 1984, but Europe's parents quickly realised its value, making it easier than almost any car that had come before to load kids into the back. It also gave those kids a nearly unmatched view out through the enormous glasshouse rather than forcing them to peer at the sky. The early Espace has become a bit of a cult classic and is a design classic thanks to its bold box-shaped styling. It's still more car-like to drive than you'd credit too – MPVs might have gained a reputation for being beasts of burden, a vehicle for those with overactive loins, but the average Espace driver wasn't losing out much to their counterparts in a more conventional Renault 21 of the era. 'Early versions of this groundbreaking vehicle are beginning to become very collectable,' John told us. 'Now rare in any configuration, they are not expensive cars and if you can find one, a fair runner could be under £2,000.' Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 (1983 - 1992) Value in 2025: £900 (Driver) to £23,800 (GTI 16v) If dad was a bit of a petrolhead then the Golf GTI would've been high up on his shopping list (or, if he was lucky, the company car list). For kids of the 1980s and '90s, this was most likely the second-generation VW hot hatch. Unlike its Mk1 Golf GTI predecessor, the Mk2 was available as a five door, making it a much more viable practical car, while Volkswagen's reliability reputation made it an easy sell too to mums asking if the family really needed a motor capable of more than 130mph. While it might have lost some of the original's hooligan edge, there was no question that the Mk2 was a more grown-up car with improved comfort, better fuel economy and more space – yet still quick enough to embarrass a few sports cars on the school run. If you were thinking one might make a good investment today, you might have already missed the boat. 'For a long time, Mk 2 Golf values lagged far behind their Mk 1 predecessors, especially in the iconic GTI configuration, but in the last couple of years, they have gained ground,' John says. 'There's a lot of love for this model, and although prices are down a little from their 2023 high, the general trend has been growth for the past 12 years.' Ford Mondeo Mk1 (1993 - 2000) Value in 2025: £800 (first-generation 1.6) to £8,500 (ST220) After debuting in 1993, Mondeos were absolutely everywhere. It became such a common sight on mid-nineties roads with owners so characteristic of a certain demographic that appealing to 'Mondeo Man' became a key tenet of Labour's 1997 election strategy. Mondeos served as private motors, company vehicles, police cars, trade workhorses, and even traded blows in the British Touring Car Championship. What made it such a success both on and off the track was the humble Mondeo's composed ride and handling, fuzzy velour seating, and the fitment of a standard driver's airbag. Their road-furniture status in the '90s and 2000s means that Mondeo nostalgia will surely hit hard in the near future. 'Excluding motorsport variants, the Mondeo is a very affordable classic with even performance versions being available for under £5,000,' says John. 'First generation cars are becoming very rare, especially in base spec, and will undoubtedly become increasingly collectable.' Rover 75 (1999 - 2005) Value in 2025: £900 (2.0 CDTi) to £16,100 (MG ZT, concours) Debuted in 1999, the Rover 75 had retro design inside and out, and majored on class and comfort rather than a flash image and sporty suspension. Dads who didn't want a Mondeo or Vectra were tempted in the late 1990s and early 2000s If your dad wanted something different to the default choice Vectra and Mondeo in the late '90s, and a flash European BMW 3 Series or Alfa 156 was considered too exotic, then Rover had just the car to tick the 'best of British' checkbox he was looking for. Debuted in 1999, the 75 had retro design inside and out, and majored on class and comfort rather than a thrusting image or rock-hard suspension. The styling managed to attract more granddads than dads, and it didn't see a dramatic footfall of customers desperate to put down a deposit. In fact, BMW sold more E46 3 Series cabriolets than Rover did 75s in total. Rover's tie-up with MG to produce the 'hot' ZT did bring some life to the party, but it was still rather niche. Fat forwards to today and Britain's pothole-riddled roads, and the 75 is a car that makes sense with its cushiony ride that won't rattle a single Werther's Original out of place in its packet. John says trying to find a good one today is very tough, though, with examples a rarity. However, those that have survived are holding their value at a time when many other classics are dropping in price. Vauxhall Zafira A (1999 - 2005) Value in 2025: £550 (1.6 Base) to £7000 (1.8 Elegance, concours) Vauxhall wasn't first to the party with a shrunken MPV, nor was the Zafira the most interesting mini-MPV of the late 1990s - step forward the oddball Fiat Multipla to take that crown. But despite being about as exciting as a crossword puzzle on a Friday night, it sold like hot cakes - and you'd have struggled to walk down a single residential street at the turn of the millennium without spotting one. Fitting seven seats (even if the rear pair were very small) into a hatchback footprint was very clever, and being based on the Astra G platform was also smart given the Vauxhall hatch's fine driving characteristics. Many fathers, sons and daughters will still fondly remember the Zafira from its 'Little Dads' advert, and that seems to be helping maintain values, John reckons. However, he warns they're very rare to find in good condition today.
