Car value going up over time vs. inflation of american dollar

[streetstang67]

I was looking at inflation rates and the value of a dollar today vs. 10 years ago, etc.

In 1967my mustang would have cost about $2567.
In 2004, that is equivalent to $14,340.

I went to nada to check the value of my car and guess what, the (high) value is $14,250. I went back to some print-outs I had from 2-3 years ago of the value of my car and I get the same kind of results....The car's value isn't really going up over time, the dollar amount is going up simply b/c of inflation. So basically, from an investment point of view, keeping this car for another 5 years to simply let the value go up is wrong, it will only go up with inflation. I dont get it. Somebody help or tell me whats goin on...??!!?

 

[skywalker]

You're looking at this the wrong way. The car isn't worth what NADA says it is. It iis worth what someone will pay for it. However, I will say that anyone who is looking at a car as an investment, you need to check your figures, because you're GOING to lose money on it. (Unless you frequently win prize money at shows with it.)

 

[DarkBuddha]

I don't particularly care about my car's value either way (other than for insurance purposes), but either way, our cars still seem to be good investments. For example, you find that your car has maintained its "new" purchase value when including inflation in the calculation. Consider: how many other cars are you aware of that will do the same thing??? A new Camry or Miata? Or maybe a new Mustang GT? Not likely really. Yeah, I can just see it... 20 years from now... "Classic Mustang for sale. 2004 Ford Mustang GT. Last of the SN95s, 4.6 SOHC v8, 5 speed, Sonic Blue with black leather interior. Needs some TLC. Below NADA: $125,000 obo."