Exploring Smarter Car Ownership for Brokers and Entrepreneurs
Although the average transaction price for a new car in the U.S. peaked at $49,740 in December 2024, it hasn’t dropped far in 2025—settling at approximately $48,641, according to data from Cox Automotive. So, is buying new a good deal?
Hardly.
Consider this: the moment you drive a brand-new car off the lot, it typically loses 10% to 15% of its value instantly. Within the first year, that figure climbs to 20% to 30%. Add to that the average monthly car payment of $742, and you begin to see the long-term financial burden. If you suddenly face a job loss, medical emergency, or any other unexpected crisis, those payments won’t go away.
Is Buying Used the Smarter Option?
For many, the logical solution is to purchase a low-mileage used car. And it’s true—many vehicles lose 50% to 60% of their value within the first five years. A car with an original MSRP of $40,000 can often be found for $16,000 to $20,000 after that period. Luxury brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar often depreciate even faster.
But here’s the catch: most of these vehicles are out of warranty. That means you’re on your own when it comes to expensive repairs. One buyer of a used Nissan Rogue, for example, faced a repair bill between $6,000 and $8,000 just to replace the CVT transmission.
A Better Option: Invest in a Collectible
Here’s where a savvy alternative comes in—buying a collectible car. Unlike new cars that depreciate rapidly, a well-chosen collectible car can actually increase in value over time. Not only do you avoid losing thousands in depreciation, but you also sidestep expensive high-tech repairs.
Most vintage vehicles have minimal electronics, meaning fewer failures and more manageable repair costs. And if you stick with classic U.S.-made models, you’ll find:
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Highly dependable gasoline engines
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Widely available replacement parts
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Affordable repairs by almost any local mechanic
In short, owning a collectible is not just nostalgic—it can be smart financial strategy.
Where to Find Your Future Classic
If you’re ready to explore this alternative, here are three of the best platforms for finding vehicles that are already collectible—or soon will be:
1. Bring a Trailer
The gold standard for enthusiast and unique vehicles
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Active community with deep knowledge
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Excellent listings, photos, and comments
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A go-to for ’80s–2000s Japanese, European, and American gems
2. Hemmings
A legacy site for vintage and muscle car lovers
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Great resource for buying, selling, and valuing classics
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Articles, guides, and a loyal collector following
3. Classic.com
Market tracking and vehicle discovery in one place
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Aggregates data from multiple auction and sales sites
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Perfect for spotting under-the-radar investment vehicles
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Helpful filters: “low mileage,” “investment grade,” “manual transmission”
The Networking Perks of Collectible Ownership
For factoring brokers, the benefits go beyond the financial. Owning a collectible opens doors to new networking opportunities:
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Car clubs and local gatherings are excellent places to meet fellow enthusiasts—many of whom are business owners and professionals.
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Car shows provide exposure and foot traffic, giving you a perfect excuse to talk about your business in a casual, friendly setting.
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You immediately become a memorable figure—the broker with the cool car—a great conversation starter and personal brand enhancer.
Use Factoring Fees to Fund Your Collectible
As a reader of Commercial Finance Consultants Magazine, you understand the importance of having multiple streams of income. As a factoring agent or broker, you’re building residual income with every client you refer to an industry lender. With each client, you earn a portion of the monthly factoring fees for as long as they continue to use the service.
That can mean 3, 5, even 7 years or more of monthly income from a single referral.
With those funds, investing in a collectible car isn’t just feasible—it’s practical. You’re putting your commission dollars into an asset that may appreciate, rather than one that will almost certainly depreciate.
Drive Smarter, Network Better, and Stand Out
In today’s economic climate, your car shouldn’t just be a way to get from A to B—it should work for you. Whether through strategic networking or smart investing, owning a collectible can pay dividends far beyond the thrill of the drive.
So next time you’re tempted by the latest showroom model, ask yourself:
Wouldn’t it be smarter to drive something that pays you back?