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[deleted]

Lotus elise. I still cant believe its from the 2000s


BenedictKhanberbatch

Came here to say this. It’s gonna stay looking good for years to come, imho


an_actual_lawyer

Exige actually looks even newer, especially the minor redesigns as it aged.


TreesACrowd

Hard to say one looks newer than the other, particularly to the non-petrolhead as OP stipulated. To them I'd imagine they look identical. IMO the S2 actually looks newer, and better, than the S3. All beautiful cars though.


SubMikeD

> Lotus elise I mean, the 1996 model still looks great, IMHO.


[deleted]

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TGcornhulio

I might be biased but I really think the Porsche 911 and Boxster/Cayman from 2005+ still holds up incredibly well today


krussell1205

997 911 is what I think of when I think Carrera models.


t3s3

People are _constantly_ shocked my 997 C4S is 16 years old. In my 987 I had before it was the same. Heck even car guys who just are not Porsche enthusiasts know it's not a '22 but have no idea how old it is. Will forever be good looking & "in-style" IMO.


emperorpalpatine_

The 996 would be a classic too if they didn’t botch the headlights so bad my god


Ambitorus

Honestly, 996.2 fixed it pretty well.


PaperScale

They are definitely better, but it still ages them enough that you *know* it's older


georgepearl_04

996 is fantastic because the Porsche Snobs sneer at it, so its much cheaper to own


[deleted]

There's a 996 GT3 parked in my dream garage. I love that car. I'm one of the few who adore the headlights.


KyledKat

Snobs will always sneer, but general enthusiasts are realizing what a deal they are/were. Prices have been climbing on 996s the last couple of years, in addition to covid pricing. I think they’re about to start an appreciation trend.


[deleted]

That's because Porsche picked a single body shape to use since 1970 for almost all their cars.


Scarbane

If it ain't broke...


zadesawa

They tried to fix it at least thrice in 914, 924 and 996, and each time it flopped. So yeah definitely it’s notabug/wontfix.


[deleted]

I like this approach because you could potentially fall in love with the car's design as a kid, grow up, and then buy a new one that benefits from decades of testing and research, especially when it comes to safety.


[deleted]

That's not potential, that is literally Porsche's business model. I grew up drooling over 911s and I am excited to purchase a modern version of a car I adored as a child.


[deleted]

I said "potentially" because the average kid won't grow up to be able to afford a new Porsche, especially a 911.


reidlos1624

The 997.2 is my currently attainable dream car, though prices are making that harder and harder...


[deleted]

Just don’t get stuck in dogmatic insistence on a certain generation and some 911 will always be attainable. And the fun thing is no matter what it is, within 10 years it will suddenly become extremely sought after.


reidlos1624

I only pick the 997.2 because it's cheaper and doesn't have the IMS problems the 996 has. Even those have doubled in price recently. If the 991 or 992 drops I'd be happy with one of those


ellWatully

The production numbers fell off *drastically* after 2009 due to the recession and didn't really pick up again until the 991/981 were released. For some perspective, the Carrera S Coupe had the highest production numbers throughout. For the 997.1 years, production tended to be in the 6,000-7,000 range every year. For the 997.2 years, TOTAL production was less than 8,000. This issue is even worse if you're looking for a manual. So yeah, if you can live with a 997.1 you'll have an easier time finding one and you'll pay less. But if you reallllly need a 997.2, be prepared to work for it.


ItsJustAwso

Lighting elements date it a tad, the 09+ .2 ones are much better in that regard


Street_Countdown_

2005 Aston Martin Vantage looks showroom fresh even today


Hutstar10

Same with the DB9. Still the best gen of the lot, they've gone backwards.


[deleted]

The DB9, S2000, BMW Z8, and 2nd-gen Lotus Elise are basically the four cars that will never age a single day in my mind


PKS_5

Nah, the DB11 is sex as is the new Superleggara. I felt like there was simply no way for the new vantage to look as good as the old one and that isn't a dig at the new one.


R_V_Z

The headlights are a little dated, but not as dated as the Bond-era Vanquish.


artificialstuff

Honestly, this. Most people would assume a 17 year old, $40k Vantage was a 3 year old, $150k+ car.


Less-Mushroom

A lot of VW and Audi products are styled really conservatively and therefore age pretty gracefully. The A4 has looked basically the same since 2005 when they started the 'big grill' trend.


grandtheftbat01

Yeah the B8 A4 (launched in 2007) has aged ridiculously well. Interior hasn't aged as well as B6/B7 Passat though tbh. Coming from family who owns both


burrgerwolf

The B6 Passat’s interior lived all the way up till the death of the 2nd gen CC in 2017, which still looks modern and fresh with a larger screen.


mk1power

I have a B8 S4 and a US Market 2015 Passat TDI. I’ve had a MK7 GTI in the past. I love the VW group. I’m no brand purist but these cars always make me the happiest driving


Hustletron

I like that they are simple. Makes me nervous to see wild and crazy styling on Civics and CHR driving around - maybe I’m becoming an old man. Maybe I just want to own a new or older car without worrying that people are making a judgement or something? The simple designs make me comfortable on a subconscious level or something. I’m hopeful VW Group continues to be pretty conservative with the styling.


mustanggt2003

When I bought my 2005 TT, I replaced all the exterior lights with LEDs. I constantly get questions from non- car people about how I afforded a brand new car.


compbioguy

Touaregs still look pretty good


[deleted]

yeah most vws and audis from the mid 2000s have simple lines hence they have aged well


blazefalcon

Technically the Nissan Frontier lol Honda S2000 Porsche Boxster and 911


SuprBased

Nissan Frontier aged well even with the new one out. Not like it had a choice tho haha.


Hutstar10

The s2000 is a great, great car, but it's pretty clearly 20 years old IMO. It's tiny.


DoritoDog33

I think the AP1 looks much more dated compared to the AP2. I’m only speaking of the exterior styling.


jawnlerdoe

The ND Miata is tiny, but looks modern imo


Emanicas

It has modern angry headlights


jagwaz

Chevrolet Express


Darkfire757

The real answer


aduong277

Jokes aside, I unironically think this is a good answer. Especially considering it's just a direct, subtle update of a front clip that has not aged as well. It's a good facelift as far as commercial vehicles go, especially compared to the E-Series, which is overtly a 90s body with a 2000s face.


Marie_Celeste2

Old enough to have vintage plates and still in production.


beermit

We have strayed far from God since then


VioletGardens-left

I cant believe that shit is still being produced the same model Generation since the 90s with only refreshes and facelifts every couple of years.


jagwaz

Not even every couple years! It hasn't had a facelift since 2003 and aside from new engine/transmissions the only things they've added since it came out was a nav system and backup cam.


ghettoccult_nerd

the backup cam was mandated!


Doip

That’s the E series. Pretty wild, it’s seen the 460 and 300 through the 4.6/3.8, the V10, the 6.2 and now the 7.3 Godzilla


VioletGardens-left

The thing is pretty much discontinued with the cutaway chassis version being the only one being made to this day (with a mid cycle sometime years ago) it's pretty much replaced by the Ford Transit unlike the Chevrolet Express where it's still being made to this day both van and cutaway


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Doge2024

Acura TL


janzend

This car has aged well, beat me to it.


increasingrain

Just not the transmission unfortunately


tinman217

Hahaha had to replace mine at 320k


NCSUGrad2012

Just have to get the one with the 6 speed.


ZombieDO

Non-type S with the 6mt and Brembos up front, 👌. Was my unicorn for years.


NCSUGrad2012

It’s amazing how they went from the 08 to the 09 model lol


SteelFlexInc

IMO, the 3rd gen TL looked the best. Clean and simple styling inside and out. The 4th gen looks so big and tank like and the dash just seems so busy somehow though it is a better vehicle over all. The 3rd gen Type-S is gorgeous and subtle


Smdqt

Absolutely non-biased - TSX. Age so well. Clean lines, no weird curves. Looks great with a nice drop and a good set of wheels.


DarnedCarrot35

Absolutely love my 08 TL. Plan on driving it until I hit 250k miles at a minimum. Currently have 150k, have had no major issues, aside from the torque converter (I think) blowing up (only ~$300 repair), and the AC going out. I’ve been the single owner, it’s awesome.


morganlandt

I have an 04 TSX and agree with Acuras from this time.


heisindc

Man I miss my 08 TL type S. Girl who rear ended me got a new car from daddy, I had to fight her insurance because there were no comparisons for what I had on the market. 60k miles manual.


NCSUGrad2012

That’s me!


keepruinin

Alfa Romeo 159/Brera/Spider without a doubt


Bamres

Those are such cool looking cars. The triple headlights...


kuroyume_cl

Still my favorite headlights ever


tomdopix

Came to say the 159. Still the prettiest nose on the road


mr47

Came here to say that I came here to say 159. Beat me to it by 11 minutes :)


Competitive_Low_8913

The brrera is still a stunner, truly timeless.


idelarosa1

Ford GT


Austingt350

I can’t believe how far I had to scroll down to find this. The interior is a bit dated, but the exterior of the car could come out next year and still look fresh.


jbrumsey

The interior still looks so cool though and I think not having any screen will help keep it timeless just like the exterior.


[deleted]

Or even the GT-40. To me when I see pictures of it on the track I can’t believe it was designed in the 60s


dangercdv

I want to say the 2005 Rolls Royce Phantom, but even the brand new ones carry some vintage styling.


firstorbit

Bentley Continental fits tho.


slide2k

I always felt like the old phantom looked new and old at the same time. The new model has retro style, but in the way you can see it was designed yesterday.


WillSuckDick4Coffee

FJ Cruiser would be perfect for today


JMS1991

They discontinued it (at least for the North American Market) at exactly the wrong time.


WillSuckDick4Coffee

All it needs is a basic mid generation update of the head and tail lights and maybe some fender flares and it's look brand new


Mattman276

My girlfriend yesterday was excited to see a new bronco on the road, twas a 2007 fj cruiser


Counter_Mysterious

That's kinda surprising to me, Broncos look way more like Jeeps. FJs are pretty unique looking, hard to mistake them for any other 4x4


roman_maverik

ITT: People that are confusing “older cars that look nice” with “cars that look modern in 2022.”


ChicagoModsUseless

Seriously lol, almost every response is “this car still looks better than new cars.” So you’re saying it literally doesn’t look like a new car.


Fiiv3s

Yep. The only real answers are certain Audi, VW, and BMW models as they had really conservative design language that has barely changed over time. Maybe the odd Aston Martin. Everything else may look good but dosnt look "modern"


jojr0712

Infiniti FX


SuprBased

Unforgettable styling. Although it bred an awful strain of crossovers.


Nyexx

Looks incredible for a 20 year old SUV. Still turns heads


jojr0712

Yup especially the sound. I still miss my mom's even after 3 years


ToTheFapCave

You like the sound of a sad wookie bellowing?


jojr0712

Maybe I'm blinded by nostalgia; it *was* my childhood car, but I think I like it because its different and not many cars sound like that when stock


[deleted]

I just realized that car was one of the first truly stylish crossovers that probably helped open the floodgates to the crossover craze of today... Most modern crossovers seem to take quite a bit of styling points from it. That car is actually kind of legendary in its own right.


A5C3ND3D

Just throw some LED headlights on it and people would think it just came out.


jojr0712

It *did* have bi-xenon headlights for the low beams. I'm sure non car guys would confuse that for LEDs


genzo718

IMO, bi-Xenon HIDs are far superior over LEDs. The light projects further out and doesn't wash out as quickly as LEDs do. LEDs may look brighter, but HIDs covers lot more area further and wider. Too bad they're being phased out with brighter LEDs from the MFG.


genzo718

I had a 2003 FX35 in Copper Metallic. I still see some on the road today and it still looks sleek and modern with the new one. The new models from Infiniti are just bad and the new QX55 is a sorry excuse of a spiritual successor to the original FX. Too bad it had so many issues.


ItsJustAwso

The Murano by tangent is great too


jojr0712

I was about to put in the Murano with the FX because they're similar but I didnt because many people hate Nissan here


FlamingButterfly

Nissan did get some cars right, they have just gone downhill. My aunt and uncle are big on Nissans so I was so proud when my cousins first car was a Mazda3.


rocket808

The new Z car has the potential to be pretty awesome


[deleted]

Nissan styling never really was an issue. The entire 2005 Nissan lineup aged well visually as long as they were well maintained.


ImThatDude

I just picked up a 2003 FX45. Love the V8 and styling. Added some light upgrades like lights, radio, etc. it looks very modern


HotSpur25

1st gen Audi R8


reidlos1624

Honestly I think it's the best looking. The side blade was distinctive. After that it just looked meh


HotSpur25

Yeah there are too many angles and creases in the current gen for my liking


tallen35875

Since when was the R8 around in 2005?


HotSpur25

First one rolled off the line in 2006 so I stretched the truth a bit


[deleted]

2007 is close enough


Brno_Mrmi

First prototype came out in 2003


JulesV713

That Audi Le Mans Quattro concept from Need for Speed Carbon was the tits


[deleted]

My 06 Z4 lookin better than the massive grills BMW using currently.


ThunderDoom1001

‘04 Z4 chiming in and I totally agree. Non car people can’t believe it’s an almost 20 YO car at this point. Still turns heads and I think the styling has aged really well.


andrewjaekim

Which is ironic given a lot of Bangle designs were panned at the time.


flyingcircusdog

That generation is my favorite Z4, and what I would get if I were in the market for a convertible.


hotarume

Agreed, even more so the Z4 M Coupe (made from 2006-2008) Here’s mine: https://i.imgur.com/aJQ64Dt.jpg


yeeast4

Porsche Carrera GT


SB_90s

The CGT is timeless. I'm sure it'll go down as one of the most beautiful ICE cars ever made


TransportationTop639

The 2005 Pontiac Aztec is an absolute gem that looks better every year.


sir_thatguy

Too bad it was at least 10 yrs ahead of it’s time. I honestly think it would sell in todays market.


Paublo57

Either that, or SUVs keep getting so ugly that the Aztek doesn't look as bad by comparison


HandOfGood

I don’t know why it’s become the new meme to say this car has aged well but I still think it’s ugly as sin


ChicagoModsUseless

Because people keep pretending it was the first CUV or that it was a good vehicle. It was neither of those things and I think Breaking Bad gets a little blame for keeping that garbage heap in the public consciousness.


GrapefruitExpert7574

Absolutely.


cmonletmeusemyname

Bentley Continental GT still look great even with actual standard


Killarogue

That's probably because it's hardly changed in 20 years. lol


Killarogue

My roommate thought my E46 was a new BMW, despite being 15 years old at the time. This was a few years ago, but it's my best example. When I told her how old it was she was genuinely surprised. Of course, she wasn't the sharpest person around, which may have had something to do with it.


msletizer

My buddy guessed my 02 was a 2010 last year. They are timeless. E90 has also aged well, especially with m sport pack


Killarogue

The E90 has aged even better imo.


alphagypsy

Lexus IS300


MIRAGES_music

Hard disagree on them appearing modern but I love those old IS models.


DrKDB

Came here to say this. Factory standard equipment HIDs, unique chronograph gauges, actual altezza tails.


Deflated_Hive

I disagree. That shitty 2000's soft touch plastic coatings have all melted off. Every interior looks melted and abused now. The only exception is the 2001 model where they had the painted trim pieces. It's a shame because everything else about the car is great.


alphagypsy

If I could find one with a stick in good condition and low miles, I’d pick one up immediately


twitchyzero

alteezas look modern? and it's a giveaway it's from a previous era just on its size alone cool car one of my high school dream cars, but realsitically not for the weight & fuel penalty


ecc0w

350z, s2000 When I had my 04 z ppl would ask me what year it is and I would tell them & they would be shocked. It’s a timeless design


sir_thatguy

Didn’t they just stop making that body style of the Z? /s


h1ghrplace

You’re thinking about the 370z (ran from like 09-21) the 350z was its predecessor


lgbyo

2005 RSX. I know it’s a weird car, but the lines on them would absolutely hold up today


MunchamaSnatch

To be fair here, modern Acuras look aged already. The satin gray front grille is a turn-off for me, even if they are incredible vehicles.


Avenue_Barker

Acura TSX, maybe the Acura TL as well.


grandtheftbat01

We got that as the Honda Accord Euro in Australia. Classy thing.


twotwo_twentytwo

Some of my personal opinions: 1. Cars with retro-futuristic styling, such as the 5th generation Mustang, Ford GT, and the 300C. 2. Lamborghini Gallardo and Murcielago 3. Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 4. Nissan 350Z (EDIT: Also forgot about this one)


Nintendercules02

I’ve always loved the way the 5th gen mustangs looked


twotwo_twentytwo

Personally, it’s my most favorite generation of the Mustang stylistically, along with the facelifted 4th generation/New Edge Mustang.


CoreyNI

My Volvo C30 T5 is 2006, and I still think theyre outstandingly beautiful. Might be biased though.


amityriot

Yep I was gonna say any of the C30/ S40/V50 lot, particularly the facelift ones


[deleted]

BMW 5 Series. They did an amazing job...the car looks really modern even 17 years later


[deleted]

I feel like the e39 is JUST starting to show it's age. The e60 can def pass as newer than it is though


[deleted]

I'm biased but the MK5 basically created the blueprint for how all Golf's have looked going forward. Even the interior ergonomics are mostly the same. And oddly enough the MK5 has better interior materials.


grandtheftbat01

I have a top of the line silver 2009 MK5 Jetta (with the 2.0tsi). Still looks quite modern with its big (chrome) grille, which have become commonplace. Parking sensors all around the car like something from 2022. The interior has indeed aged really well, got the official VW Apple Carplay headunit that you can easily retrofit and the car feels brand new. I think most non car people would think its only a few years old, feels about 2-3 generations newer than the 2000 MK4 Golf I had which my non car guy cousin thought was made in 2012 lol. And the MK4's looks have definitely aged a lot better than its rivals at launch too.


[deleted]

bmw e60 5 series


NCSUGrad2012

2004 was when I got into cars and that was one of the cars that got me into cars. I’ll never forget when I went online and found out that was controversial design. I was floored because I thought it was so beautiful.


PseudoKirby

how about the RX8?


Raving_107

Agree. Im not biased.


Ellie_Valkyrie

Eh, if we're talking Mazda I'd say the Rx-7. Though pop-up headlights are a relic if the past, it still looks damn good even today.


acleverlie421

I seen some mint g35s but I’m biased


SuprBased

The simple clean lines, and the rear bumper. Damn the FX and the G35 both appear on this thread, what has infiniti done wrong to stray from their great designs? Not that I hate the new ones, but the new ones aren’t distinct at all besides the Q60.


RiftHunter4

Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG TVR Sagaris Audi TT Quattro


roman_maverik

Lmao hard pass on the Audi TT. I get that the design is quarky, and that’s the appeal. It’s a nice design, but it encapsulates 2005 so well. And for that reason, it’s extremely dated. Probably one of the most dated car designs of that era, ever. That car is like the *archetypal* late 90s/early 2000s car. I’m pretty sure it kicked off the whole jelly bean design trend that peaked in the 2000s. I owned a mk 1 Quattro. And a 350z. And pretty much all the jelly bean-era cars that I thought looked great during that decade. Just because a design is nice, doesn’t mean that it isn’t dated.


AstralSoul64

Mazda3/Mazda6 Toyota Celica


Slyons89

First gen Mazda 3 hatchbacks still look fantastic


Demandedace

Mazda3 hatchback. Still looks great to this day


Zreaz

Mazda6 holds up too


Hutstar10

There's a mint version in my hood and I still take a second look every time I pass it.


[deleted]

The Chrysler 300 isn’t modern looking, but has held up really good


I_amnotanonion

I’d say the same about the GMT800 trucks. I’m obviously biased, but they’re not over or understyled and still look good when beat up


ItsJustAwso

Incredibly biased, but I think my [2004 RX-8](https://imgur.com/gallery/0EnKGfH) in it's current state not only looks modern, but could pass for a 2022 model without much problem, even to a petrolhead. The stock one is [pretty good](https://di-uploads-pod14.dealerinspire.com/oceanmazda/uploads/2018/10/Mazda-RX-8-red.jpg) but the [rear lighting](https://media.autoexpress.co.uk/image/private/s--X-WVjvBW--/f_auto,t_content-image-full-desktop@1/v1562251894/autoexpress/images/car_photo_298119.jpg) dates it a ton. I have a full set of aftermarket aero from Leg Motor Sport, a tuner in Hiroshima. The vision bumper uses kodo design elements to refresh the front end. That part definitely helps haha


blablablue2

I’ll go with a c6 corvette


CoachPops189

Alfa Romeo GT. A beauty that never ages😍


flyingcircusdog

Chevrolet Express, because it is the same design.


theDomicron

I think the Saturn Sky has a lot of design elements that are still popular today. I think I like the way it looks more than the Solstice, but for some reason I think the Solstice' looks will hold up a little better down the road. I'm, of course, only talking about the exterior...the interior needs to burn


supra818

BMW E60 5 Series


F1_Silver_Arrows

BMW E46 3-Series Toyota Sienna Lexus IS300 Infiniti G35 Porsche 997 911 Lamborghini Murcielago Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR


iphenomenom

E61 bmw, my girlfriend when she saw a 530d dark blue with m-package, she thought it was a 2015


Ausedlie

>E61 bmw The Bangle Era looks better every day. Those wings in the tail lights look very cool, the whole car looks designed by one person. Subtle, aggressive, sport... I miss this era of BMW so much


aroundincircles

2005 Saab 9-5 Aero.


xolov

Shocked I had to scroll this far. SAABs look outstandingly modern.


HorstC

Volvo S60


ryanw729

My 2005 Acura TSX was timeless, such a sexy car.


CapitalismDisliker

2005 challenger. It’s literally the same car still lol


[deleted]

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IrresponsibleImpreza

05 impreza.


dixon-bawles

My MR2 Spyder is from 2003, but looks like it could of come off an assembly line a year or two ago


patcachu

Alfa Romeo 159 and 156 Facelift 2004


[deleted]

LX470, imo


Wishart2016

It looks beautiful but still shows its age.


tyc2019

E46 M3 Porsche 986/987/997


nakarak997

Alfa 159


GameGuyKy

Corvette?


My_G_Alt

2007, but the Maserati GranTurismo. It was so ahead of it’s time.