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HERE ARE OUR TOP 10 USED CARS IN AUSTRALIA THAT SEEM TO HAVE AVOIDED THE COVID TAX – FOR NOW. IS THIS LOT THE NEXT BATCH OF BOLTERS?

- BYRON MATHIOUDAKIS

NOBODY CAN PREDICT the future, but never fear, folks, because that doesn’t stop speculators wondering which model to put their hard-earned in, especially as the classic Aussie family car of the ’60s and ’70s is fast becoming a pipedream. Here are 10 affordable classics currently snoozing in the classifieds that might just take off. Fair warning first, though. Ensure specialist servicing and care has been consistently undertaken before taking the plunge. The prices we’re quoting here are for registered and road-worthy examples rather than restoration projects or online scams. And – as the whole point of this exercise – please keep in mind these prices won’t last. That’s if we’re correct, of course!

1. Mercedes W124

1986-1996 FROM: $5000

Considered one of the final ‘over-engineered’ Mercedes models before the accountants took control in Stuttgart, the W124 midsizer came to define its era with elegant, futuristic lines, clothing a spacious and solid grand tourer of sumptuous dynamic capability.

Most want the 300E’s muscular 3.0-litre inline six, of course, but the under-stressed 230E’s four-cylinder petrol engine is a smooth slogger, its longevity and reliability making up for somewhat sluggish acceleration. If you desire economy, it’s the deathly-slow but unburstable 300D for you.

There are no duds in the range; the sedan is all class; the S124 wagon possesses 5+2-seater practicality to match a uniquely Teutonic beauty; the suave C124 coupe combines pillarless hardtop elegance with space for four while the Cabriolet version still looks like a million dollars. Note today’s ‘E-Class’ nomenclature was introduced from ’93.