When you close your eyes and picture a classic car, what pops into your head? Perhaps a sleek, speedy Ferrari comes to mind. Or maybe a vintage Porsche, gleaming under the sun. Even some really old Ford models just spark genuine excitement. But here’s the thing. The Subaru Ascent, a much newer three-row SUV, it just doesn’t fit that vision. It’s truly a different kind of vehicle, isn’t it? Honestly, it makes me wonder. Why do some cars become legendary, almost overnight? We need to explore why the Ascent likely won’t ever be a collector’s dream. We’ll also peek into whether its unique versions hold any real investment hope.
The Nature of the Subaru Ascent: A Practical SUV
First off, let’s talk about the Subaru Ascent itself. Subaru first launched this vehicle back in 2018. It’s their biggest SUV ever made. This car really targets families. They want lots of space. Good safety features are also important. Dependable service matters too. The base model starts around $32,000. Higher trims can reach nearly $45,000. You can always check Subaru’s website for current pricing. This car serves a very clear purpose. It’s about being useful, not exciting. Think about it. Collectors usually want cars with a rich story. Or maybe a thrilling racing history. The Ascent just doesn’t offer that. It’s simply built for daily life.
To be honest, practical cars rarely become classics. True car fans crave deep emotions. They desire that raw passion. Imagine the roaring engine of a classic muscle car. Or the incredibly smooth lines of an old sports car. Those cars simply capture your heart. The Ascent, on the other hand, just moves you safely. It gets your family where they need to go. It won’t grab attention. It won’t make anyone envious. Frankly, it’s not meant to. Can you picture car lovers bragging about their Ascent? Probably not. It simply wasn’t designed for that spotlight. Its true purpose is very different. It’s about reliable family transport. This seems clear enough.
Production Numbers and Rarity: A Collector’s Perspective
Now, let’s consider how many cars are actually made. Rarity is a huge deal for collectors. It makes a car truly special. Look at the Ford GT, for example. Only 19,000 original units were built. That rarity makes it super unique. But Subaru makes a lot of Ascents. They’ve sold tons. Over 30,000 units went out in the first year alone. GoodCarBadCar has the exact numbers. That’s a massive amount of cars. This high production hurts its chance at being unique. Exclusivity truly drives collector demand. It’s a basic rule of the market.
The Ascent will likely be made for many years. Maybe even a decade or more. This just makes it less rare over time. When cars are easy to find, their value often stays flat. Or it just goes down. They usually don’t gain value at all. It’s simply how the market works. Collectors often want something truly scarce. Something that feels like a hidden treasure. The Ascent just doesn’t offer that thrill of the chase. It’s too common for that. Imagine trying to hunt down a rare coin when millions are minted. It’s just not the same thrill.
Performance and Enthusiast Appeal
Car collectors care a lot about performance. They want thrilling drives. Vehicles offering excitement truly grab them. The Subaru Ascent has a 2.4-liter engine. It’s a turbocharged flat-four. It puts out 260 horsepower. That’s fine for family trips. But it doesn’t spark excitement. It’s not a performance machine. Think about a Subaru WRX STI. That car has 310 horsepower. It comes from a 2.5-liter turbo engine. The STI also has rally racing in its blood. That gets car fans excited. It just has that special something. It has a real history.
Collectors often look for race history. They want cars with motorsport success. The Ascent just doesn’t have that past. But look at the WRX or BRZ. Those models gained huge fan bases. Their strong performance did that. Their racing past helped too. I believe this difference in power matters. It impacts the Ascent’s standing. Collectors likely won’t be interested. It simply doesn’t fit their passion for speed. It’s a shame, but it’s true. This isn’t just about speed. It’s about a feeling.
Depreciation Trends: The Financial Aspect
Thinking about a car’s investment value? Then depreciation is key. It’s how much value a car loses over time. Kelley Blue Book says most new cars drop. They lose about 20% in year one. They might lose 60% after five years. The Subaru Ascent follows this trend closely. It drops around 50% over five years. That’s a big loss for owners. Financially, it’s not a smart investment. Definitely not what collectors want. They want cars that appreciate. They want something that grows in value.
Let’s put some numbers to it. Say you buy an Ascent for $40,000. Five years from now, it might be worth $20,000. That’s a huge drop for any owner. For a collector, it’s truly worrying. Classic cars usually gain value. Limited editions often do too. Think of a 1990s Porsche 911. A nice one can sell for over $50,000 today. Its condition and mileage affect this, of course. That’s the kind of value collectors chase. They want assets that grow, not shrink. They want something with lasting appeal.
Special Trims and Their Investment Potential
Okay, let’s talk about special trims now. Could these Ascents be different? Special editions often have unique looks. Or they offer unique features. These might catch a collector’s eye. Take the Ascent Onyx Edition, for instance. It has sharp black accents. It also includes extra technology. People wanting something distinct might like it. It offers a fresh aesthetic. It looks quite sleek.
Limited editions sometimes sell better later. Edmunds did a study on this. Cars made in small numbers keep their value. The Ascent Onyx Edition looks different. Maybe it could gain value. But many things still work against it. The odds are just stacked up. The overall SUV market is bursting. So many brands offer similar vehicles. It’s a tough crowd, honestly.
First, the SUV market is totally packed. So many companies make similar cars. The Ascent’s special trims might not truly stand out. They might not gain much value. What if Subaru makes more similar trims? That would reduce the value even more. It’s a real risk. This kind of dilution often happens. It’s a common strategy.
Also, think about Subaru buyers. They are a loyal bunch. But they buy practical family cars. They aren’t car collectors. They care about reliability most. Cost-effectiveness is also key for them. Prestige or collector status isn’t their focus. Frankly, it’s tough to imagine. I can’t see these special Ascents gaining much value. It just goes against their core buyer. They want dependable transport. They prioritize utility.
The Future of the Subaru Ascent: Trends and Predictions
Looking ahead, the Ascent’s collector future looks grim. Electric vehicles are becoming popular quickly. Buyer tastes are changing rapidly. Many old-style SUVs might become irrelevant. Car companies are making electric cars. So the Ascent might not become a classic. It’s a real challenge for gas-powered cars. The whole industry is shifting fast. Really fast.
McKinsey reports something interesting. By 2030, electric cars could be everywhere. They might make up 30% of all sales. The car world is changing quickly. Cars like the Ascent use gasoline. They might lose their charm. Imagine selling a big gas SUV. What if everyone only wants electric? Eco-friendliness is becoming so vital. This really makes you think about the future.
Buyer preferences also keep changing. Young buyers may want new tech. They might value sustainability more. Performance could be key for them. Practicality might not matter as much. Subaru is investing in hybrids. They are building electric cars too. The Ascent might just get forgotten. It might not be a popular choice then. Its traditional appeal might fade. It’s a possibility we should consider.
Counterarguments and Criticisms
Of course, some folks disagree with this idea. They might say any car can be collectible. It just needs a cool story. Or a really big fan base. Think about the old Volkswagen Bus. It became super popular. That happened years after they stopped making it. But these are truly rare cases. They’re definitely not the norm. Those vehicles have a unique charm. They have a certain vibe.
The Ascent could attract outdoor fans. Families might also love its tough nature. Its roomy interior is great too. Old SUVs are getting popular now. That trend might help the Ascent. But let’s be real for a moment. This market is super competitive. The Ascent needs a special spot. It needs to truly stand out. That’s a huge challenge. It needs a special kind of magic. It’s a tough road to collectibility.
FAQs and Myths about the Subaru Ascent and Collectibility
Let’s clear up some common questions. We often hear these. People wonder about the Ascent’s future value. Here are some quick answers. They might surprise you.
**Can the Subaru Ascent ever be a collector’s car?**
Honestly, anything *can* happen. But right now, market signs point to no. The Ascent just doesn’t have collector traits.
**Are any special Ascent trims a good investment?**
Special trims might hold value a bit better. But they still lose money like regular models. Don’t expect huge returns.
**What truly makes a car collectible?**
It’s usually about being rare. Strong performance helps too. A rich history is often key. And a big emotional pull.
**Will my Ascent’s value go up later?**
No, it probably won’t. Current depreciation trends are very clear. It’s not likely to gain much value.
**Do practical family cars become collectible?**
It happens very rarely. Most practical cars are made in huge numbers. They simply don’t become special enough.
**Are all Subaru models non-collectible then?**
Not at all, actually. Models like the WRX STI are highly sought after. Their rally heritage makes them different.
**How does a car’s mileage affect its collector value?**
Low mileage is always better for collectors. It shows less wear. It suggests a car was truly preserved.
**Do limited edition cars always become valuable?**
Not automatically, no. Many limited editions are not truly rare. The market must still genuinely want them.
**What about the shift to electric vehicles?**
It’s a big deal. Gas cars might lose appeal quickly. The EV trend could truly change the market landscape.
**Are SUVs ever considered collector items?**
Yes, some are. Classic Land Rovers or early SUVs can be. They often have unique rugged appeal. But that’s a niche market.
**Should I buy a Subaru Ascent as an investment?**
No, please don’t. Buy it for its utility instead. It’s a great family car, but not an investment vehicle.
**What if I just love my Ascent deeply?**
That’s truly what matters most. Enjoy your car for what it is. Its value to you is personal. That’s special enough.
**Could a cult following emerge for the Ascent?**
It’s possible, but unlikely for a family SUV. Cult cars often have extreme performance. Or they are very quirky.
**Is there a specific Ascent model year that collectors will seek?**
Not likely at all. No particular year stands out now. Its practicality remains its main feature.
**What’s the absolute most important thing for a collector car?**
It often comes down to scarcity. And how much emotion it sparks. It needs to make people truly want it.
Actionable Tips for Potential Subaru Ascent Buyers
So, you’re thinking about buying an Ascent? It’s a solid choice for many families. But keep a few things in mind. These tips can help you decide wisely. I am happy to share them with you.
**Research the market carefully.**
Understand current prices. See what similar cars sell for. Know what you’re really getting into.
**Think about special editions.**
If resale value matters to you, these might hold more. They could have better resale later. Just remember limits still apply.
**Maintain your Ascent well.**
Keep it in great shape always. This helps its resale value. Even if it doesn’t go up, it holds better.
**Stay informed about market changes.**
Watch for electric vehicle trends. Your Ascent might lose value faster if EVs dominate. Be aware of the major shift.
**Expand your car options.**
If collecting is truly your goal, look elsewhere. Other brands offer better collector potential. Don’t limit your choices.
To wrap things up, the Ascent isn’t a future collector’s item. Its practical nature limits it. High production numbers don’t help either. It simply lacks that performance spark. Special trims might hold a bit more value. But honestly, it’s very limited potential. If you want a dependable family SUV, the Ascent is fantastic. It handles daily life really well. Just don’t buy it hoping for a future classic. I’m excited about how it serves families so wonderfully. But it won’t join the collector ranks. So, what are your thoughts now? Are you still set on the Ascent? Or are you looking for other cars entirely?
