Which 2000s Cars Will Be Tomorrow’s Classics?

The 2000s might feel recent, but in car years, they are already stepping into modern classic territory. Enthusiasts who grew up with posters of rally-bred sedans, naturally aspirated V8s, and early paddle shift exotics are now in a position to buy the cars they once dreamed about. That is where the idea of 2000s car classics starts to get interesting.

Some 2000s models are already moving from used car status into the world of future classic cars. Limited production runs, iconic engines, and strong cultural memories are all pushing certain models up the lists of serious collectors. In this guide, we will look at what makes a modern classic, highlight key performance and luxury picks from the decade, and explore how to protect both their condition and your cash flow as values evolve.

Defining a Modern Classic

Not every car from the 2000s is destined to be collectible. The ones that stand out tend to share a handful of traits that match what collectors look for across eras.

Key Criteria: Rarity, Performance, Story

When people talk about future classic cars, three themes show up again and again:

• Rarity and production numbers
  Limited production models, special editions, and cars that were expensive or niche when new often end up in demand later.
  
• Performance and engineering
  A great engine, engaging chassis, or motorsport connection can elevate a car beyond simple transportation. The E46 BMW M3, for example, is widely called a future classic thanks to its high-revving straight six and balanced dynamics.
  
• Cultural significance
  Movie appearances, racing success, and strong presence in video games or tuner culture all help cars stand out in memory, which can translate into long-term demand.

Why Some Cars Appreciate Faster

Two similar cars from the same era can follow very different value curves. Factors that tend to separate winners from the rest include:

• High attrition rates due to modifications, accidents, or hard use
• A strong enthusiast community that keeps interest alive
• Clear differentiation within a model line, such as manual transmissions, track-focused variants, or rare colors

When you combine these ingredients with solid classic car preservation habits, you start to see which collectible cars 2000s buyers may be chasing ten or twenty years from now.

Performance Legends of the 2000s

The 2000s were a golden age for accessible performance. Many of the era’s heroes were relatively attainable when new, which means they are now within reach for enthusiasts who want something special without jumping straight into six-figure exotics.

Subaru WRX STI

The Subaru WRX STI became an icon by bringing rally-bred performance to the street. Turbocharged power, All Wheel Drive grip, and aggressive styling built a fan base that only grew with each generation. Clean, lightly modified examples from the 2000s are getting harder to find, as many cars were tuned, tracked, or simply used hard, which increases the appeal of well-preserved cars for collectors.

Nissan 350Z

The Nissan 350Z reintroduced a proper Rear Wheel Drive Z car to a new generation. With a strong V6, Rear Wheel Drive balance, and unmistakable styling, it offered genuine sports car character at a relatively accessible price. As time passes and the number of unmolested cars shrinks, enthusiasts are increasingly viewing clean 350Zs as potential modern 2000s car classics, especially in desirable trims and colors. 

BMW E46 M3

The BMW E46 M3 is already recognized by many as a benchmark modern classic. Its naturally aspirated straight six, high redline, and communicative chassis have made it a favorite among drivers and collectors alike. Publications and valuation guides routinely highlight the E46 M3 as a strong candidate for appreciation, particularly in rare colors or limited variants. 

For enthusiasts building a 2000s-themed garage, these performance legends often represent the sweet spot between usability, emotional appeal, and realistic ownership costs.

Luxury and Exotic Cars from the 2000s

At the top of the market, the 2000s produced a number of cars that are already moving firmly into collectible territory. For buyers who want a blend of GT comfort and supercar presence, this is fertile ground.

Lexus LFA

Built in very limited numbers, the Lexus LFA has quickly moved from curiosity to blue-chip collectible. Its hand-built, naturally aspirated V10, extensive use of carbon fiber, and meticulous engineering have made it unlike anything Lexus built before or since. Auction results in recent years show values climbing significantly, especially for low-mileage cars, and many analysts now consider it one of the standout future classic cars of the 2000s.

Ferrari 360 Modena

The Ferrari 360 Modena bridged the gap between analog and modern Ferrari experiences. With its 3.6-liter V8, relatively clean styling, and more usable packaging than its predecessors, it has become a popular entry point for collectors who want a modern era Ferrari that still feels mechanical and engaging. Long-term tests and buying guides frequently describe the 360 as a modern classic with strong enthusiast appeal. 

Aston Martin DB9

Few 2000s designs have aged as gracefully as the Aston Martin DB9. Its V12 power, elegant lines, and grand touring personality have led many observers to call it a future classic, particularly as values have remained relatively attainable compared with other V12 exotics. Well-cared-for DB9s are increasingly seen as a smart way to step into 2000s luxury GT ownership with a strong chance of long-term desirability. 

These cars sit closer to the top of the collectible cars 2000s spectrum, but they share the same core ingredients: memorable engines, strong design, and limited numbers.

Pop Culture and Nostalgia Factors

Even the best-engineered car can struggle to gain traction with collectors if it never captures the public imagination. This is where pop culture and nostalgia come into play.

Screen Time and Game Time

Cars that appear in blockbuster movies, hit TV shows, and popular racing games tend to stick in people’s minds. When those viewers grow up and have the means to buy a fun car, they often chase the machines they saw on screen or drove virtually. The 2000s were full of influential franchises that featured turbocharged imports, V8 coupes, and exotic GTs, giving those cars a long tail of interest that stretches into today’s market. 

The Nostalgia Cycle

Collectors often follow a familiar cycle. The cars that were desirable but out of reach in someone’s teens and twenties tend to become buying targets as that person reaches peak earning years. For many enthusiasts today, that timeframe aligns perfectly with the 2000s, which is one reason why so many 2000s car classics are starting to see increased attention at auctions, online marketplaces, and specialist dealers.

For buyers looking ahead, paying attention to which models dominate car meets, online communities, and social media today can offer clues about which 2000s cars might be most in demand ten years from now.

Preserving Tomorrow’s Classics Today

Knowing which cars to chase is only half the story. Preserving a 2000s car as a future classic is just as important as choosing the right model.

Condition, Mileage, and Originality

Collectors consistently reward cars that are:

• Low mileage, yet still exercised enough to stay mechanically healthy
• Largely original, with factory paint, interior, and driveline where possible
• Documented, with service records, ownership history, and any restoration notes

Sympathetic upgrades can make sense for safety and drivability, but keeping original parts, avoiding irreversible modifications, and maintaining factory specifications whenever possible all support long-term appeal.

Storage and Care

Good storage and basic lowrider maintenance tips style thinking apply here as well, even if the car is not a lowrider:

• Keep the car in a dry, secure garage, ideally with climate control in extreme climates
• Use a breathable cover rather than plastic
• Stay current on fluids, tires, and rubber components
• Start and drive the car periodically so seals, gaskets, and moving parts stay in good shape

Treating your 2000s performance car like the future classic it may become helps protect both your enjoyment today and potential value down the road. Nothing in this article is financial advice, but condition and care are almost always at the center of any appreciation story.

Finance Your Classic with Woodside Credit

Whether your dream garage includes an E46 M3, a Subaru WRX STI, or a V12 GT like the Aston Martin DB9, the right financial structure can make it easier to add a future classic to your collection without tying up all of your capital in one car.

Woodside Credit specializes in loans for classic and collector vehicles and offers flexible programs through its classic car finance options. Long terms and low monthly payments are designed to help preserve your cash flow so you can be ready for whatever opportunity comes next.

If your plans include building a broader collection of future classic cars, you can also explore Woodside’s collector car financing solutions, which support purchases from dealers, auctions, and private sellers. For a full overview of how these programs work across different vehicle types and price ranges, Woodside’s collector car loan programs page provides additional detail.

By pairing thoughtful model selection with careful preservation and an enthusiast-focused financing partner, you give yourself the best chance of enjoying 2000s cars today while positioning them as potential classics for tomorrow.

If you are ready to explore which 2000s cars could become your next classic, start by getting a no-obligation Quick Quote from Woodside Credit and begin planning your next addition to the garage.