25 Classic Cars to Drive Before You Die

 Jaguar E-Type

Once called "the most beautiful car ever made" by Enzo Ferrari, the 1960s Jaguar E-Type is a classic sports car mainstay. "If you only choose one car from this list to drive, this is the one," says McKeel Hagerty, CEO of Hagerty, the world's largest provider of collector vehicle insurance. This staple of British motoring history still has verve–it can perform up to 150 m.p.h. and brakes better than most cars from its era. Visit the Jaguar Heritage Driving Experience program in Kenilworth, U.K., where you can pay for a day of driving the marque's classics.

Chevrolet Corvette

The emblem of Big Three muscle cars, the Chevy Corvette is the most collected vehicle in America. The second generation, which spanned 1963 to 1967, is "the most iconic American car ever made," says Keith Martin, publisher of Sports Car Market. "It's still breathtaking and fresh today." Early generation Corvettes remain plentiful in the U.S., so you can scour auctions, collector car dealers, and websites like classiccars.com for deals.

Lamborghini Miura

Considered by some to be the sexiest car ever built, the Miura debuted in 1966 as a sleek mid-engine speedster designed to challenge Ferrari. "Piloting the Miura transcends driving experience to become a life experience," Hagerty says. "If the sound of six carburetors feeding a thirsty, vibrating V-12 moored right behind your head isn't enough, it's also arguably the most beautiful car ever produced." To buy one, contact the Lamborghini Club America or an auction house like RM Sotheby's or Gooding & Co. They're usually in the know about the cars before they reach the general market.

Porsche 911

The Porsche 911 represents vintage driving at its best—particularly during the golden era before the car's 1974 redesign. "There's magic in the early 911," Hagerty says. "It's an amazingly well-built machine that delivers one of the most honest driving experiences of any sports car ever built." Even by today's standards, first-generation 911s still have plenty of horsepower and can hold their own on the track. You can find one, even in mint condition, on eBay.

Rolls-Royce Dawn Drophead

Based on the first full-size car Rolls-Royce made after the war, the original Silver Dawn drophead launched in 1949 and retired in 1954. The name was intended to mark the dawn of a new era for the world and Rolls-Royce's place in it. Slightly smaller than pre-war cars, the Dawn helped the British bespoke carmaker reintroduce motoring craftsmanship while bringing the company into the modern age. They're extremely rare: only three of the original 28 dropheads remain in the U.S., and those are owned by private collectors. Happily, the carmaker is introducing a successor model after a 60-year hiatus.

Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing

Among the first sports cars of the post-war era, the Mercedes SL 300 Gullwing was the fastest production car of its time when it was introduced in 1954. As the first direct fuel injection series production car, the SL 300 could travel at an eye-popping 160 miles per hour. "Nobody expected something like that from Mercedes," says Constantin von Kageneck, a specialist in classic car marketing at the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Irvine, CA. Though about three-quarters of the original SL 300's survive today, many still belong to their original owners. To see one, visit the Classic Center or an automotive museum like the Petersen in Los Angeles.

Ferrari 250 GTO

Ferrari made just 39 of these elegant race cars between 1962 and 1964, so they are extremely rare. "The 250 GTO is probably the holy grail in terms of value and recognition, but the reality is only a handful of people in the world will ever have the chance to legitimately drive one," Hagerty says. An early model fetched $38 million at Bonhams' Quail Lodge auction at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance two years ago. If that's too pricey, know that any 1960s Prancing Horse with a V12 engine is worthy of making the list.

Aston Martin DB4

The precursor to James Bond's getaway car, the Aston Martin DB4 is an iconic workhorse. "The DB4 is a thoroughbred that never gets flustered," Hagerty says. "I wouldn't hesitate to drive one across the country. It's no wonder that James Bond favored the derivative DB5." They're in short supply, so if you want to drive one, your best bet may be to befriend a collector.

BMW 3.0 CSL

If any part of you harbors a race-track fantasy, this is the car to track down. When BMW came to America in 1975, it brought a quartet of models with it, including the 3.0 CSL coupe. Driven by racing legends Brian Redman, Sam Posey, and Hans Stuck, the car claimed victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring race that year and won Daytona the following year. The pair of triumphs established BMW's performance chops stateside. In addition to its engineering and performance legacy, the 3.0 CSL pioneered a host of technologies found in later BMW models, from its first-ever four-valve six-cylinder engine to its early anti-lock braking system. BMW offers a turn at the wheel as part of its BMW Classic Center in Munich.

Acura NSX

Acura's halo car from 1990 to 2005, the NSX is young but mighty. "While it's not as sexy as its European rivals, the Acura NSX showed the rest of the world that supercar specs and daily-driver manners could co-exist," Hagerty says. "It inspires confidence and begs you to keep pushing, braking later, and turning harder. It may be the most underrated car on this list." Its successor, the new Acura NSX, reaches customers this year and is likely to inspire renewed interest in the original. Fortunately, Acura made 9,000 first-generation NSX cars so finding one online is easy.

Shelby GT350

Also known as the Cobra, this high-performance descendant of the Ford Mustang was a darling of the late 1960s. With Ford's V8 engine, the Shelby GT350 was a legitimate racecar for the street. "When you get into it and turn the key, the car doesn't only rumble audibly, it also actually shimmies side-to-side and up-and-down, just a bit," Hagerty says. "And that's while it's still parked. When you get on the gas it leaps and roars." You will quickly see why designer Carroll Shelby is lauded as a 20th-century motoring genius. To drive a vintage Cobra, visit a high-end classic car auction house, dealer, or specialized broker.

Ford Model T

Produced from 1908 to 1927, this is the car that birthed the American automotive industry. Affordable by mass market standards, the Model T begat car culture and road trips. "Everyone needs to know where they came from," Hagerty says. "When it comes to American motoring, that starting place is the Model T." With a volatile hand-crank engine and two-speed transmission (not including the reverse gear), the Model T isn't easy to drive, even if you can get your hands on one. But rest assured–27 mph will never feel so thrilling.

VW Beetle

A counter-culture classic, the vintage VW Beetle represents simplicity and fun–in other words, motoring at its best. "Besides the easy driving experience, the Beetle's friendly exterior attracts people no matter where you're driving, and it seems everyone has their own Beetle story to share," Hagerty says. "This is not the car to buy if you're shy." If you'd like to get behind the wheel, old Beetles can easily be sourced from eBay and classified ads.

Volvo P1800

The quirky Volvo P1800 was stylish enough for Roger Moore to drive one in the spy thriller TV series The Saint. This two-seater sports car is durable: one surviving model has clocked more than three million miles. Its brethren belong to private owners, but check with the Volvo Owners Clubs if you'd like to find one for sale or make an owner an offer.

Dodge Viper GTS

The V10 Dodge Viper GTS of the 1990s couldn't be built today. At 450 horsepower, it's every bit as raw as its predecessor, the Shelby Cobra, without anti-lock brakes or traction control to correct driver error. "It's the automotive equivalent of whiskey, neat–no pretense, just one hell of an experience," Hagerty says. You can find one online or through a collector vehicle auction house such as Auctions America or Mecum.

DeTomaso Pantera

With Italian styling and a reliable Ford V8 engine, the DeTomaso Pantera represents the best of both worlds and is a worthy alternative to similar Lamborghinis and Ferraris from the same era. "You'd expect an early '70s Italian car to be garish, loud, and hard to drive," Hagerty says. "While it is garish and loud, the Italian-bodied and American-powered Pantera is actually rather easy to drive." Procure one at a high-end classic car auction house, such as Barrett-Jackson or Bonhams.

McLaren F1

The McLaren F1 announced the British supercar maker's foray into modern racing when it was unveiled in 1992. Six years later, it set the record for the world's fastest production car, at 242 mph. "The McLaren F1 was Formula One legend Gordon Murray's high-tech supercar answer to Porsche and Ferrari," Hagerty says. "And it didn't just exceed the standards they established, it obliterated them. Driving an F1 is a sublime ballet of shocking power, braking, and control." McLaren only built 64 of these, but fortunately, it just put up for sale chassis #69, the 60th model built. If you have eight figures to spend, you can contact specialoperations@mclaren.com.

Cizeta-Moroder V16T

Built from 1991 to 1995, this Italian-made V16 supercar was originally designed as the Lamborghini Diablo. But when Chrysler purchased a stake in Lamborghini and the Diablo's designers modified the plan, mastermind Marcelo Gandini took his original blueprints to automotive engineer Claudio Zampolli, who built it as a Cizeta. Cizeta built only a handful during the car's initial production run, but they occasionally resurface on the market.

Porsche 356

Porsche's first production car, the rear-engine, rear-wheel drive Porsche 356, survived four high-flying generations before it was laid to rest in the mid-1960s. Considered the most highly developed of the four-cylinder Porsches, the 356 is also regarded by vintage car experts as the most fun to drive. Procuring one isn't difficult: about half of the 76,000 cars originally produced survive.

Datsun 240Z

The Datsun 240Z started the Japanese sports car craze when it arrived in America in the early 1970's. Offering lots of power and a pleasant interior for not much money, the Datsun paved the way for Toyota, Honda and Nissan to gain acceptance with U.S. consumers in the following decades. Classified ads from Hemmings and AutoTrader Classics have many Datsun 240Zs listed for sale.

Ferrari 308 GTS

If you watched television in the 1980s, you will likely remember Thomas Magnum, played by Tom Selleck, tooling around Hawaii in one of these targa tops on Magnum, P.I. Produced from 1975 to 1985, the two-seater V8 Ferrari 308 GTS represented elegance and adventure. The originals used on set were auctioned when the series ended, but you might find one on display at attractions such as the Cars of the Stars Motor Museum in Cumbria, England, or Universal Studios Hollywood.

Chevrolet Camaro

The original Camaro served as Chevrolet's answer to the Mustang–but with more style and power. General Motors introduced the Camaro in 1967, setting off an eight-cylinder pony war of American muscle power that persists today. First-generation Camaros abound online. If you'd like to buy one, search sites like eBay or AutoTrader Classics.

Fiat 124 Spider

The Pininfarina-designed Fiat 124 Spider debuted in the U.S. in 1968 to an eager audience. With ample trunk space and enough room in the cabin for two people not to touch shoulders, the roadster quickly became a road trip classic. "It doesn't have much power, but it's cute," Martin says. "It's a great summertime car." If you can't find an original model online, know that Fiat is introducing an updated 124 Spider for 2017.

Austin-Healey 3000

Introduced in 1959, the bulbous British roadster became the last of the "big Healeys" when it ended production in 1967. Curvaceous and brass, the Austin-Healey 3000 was an automotive icon of the Swinging Sixties. "This was the final version of the 'Big Healey,' with its powerful six-cylinder engine and overdrive," Martin says. "It will cruise easily at 75 mph on today's freeways." You can occasionally find a late-model Austin-Healey 3000 through Hemmings and other classic car-buying websites.

Vintage Jeep

Jeep rose to prominence as a GP, or "general purpose" vehicle driven by the U.S. military during World War II. In 1945, the 4x4 was sold commercially as the Civilian Jeep, considered by some to be the first mass-produced SUV. "It's neither quick nor comfortable, but it's the automotive embodiment of democracy," Hagerty says. "And if you're planning on going off-road, you could do far worse than the Jeep's simplicity and ruggedness." An integral part of American history, the Jeep can be found in equal parts in museums and online classified ads.

 

5 Great Beginner Pet Lizards

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Lizards can be fascinating pets for all ages, but they can also be tricky to care for properly. Choosing a lizard that is suitable for beginners is essential for a happy, healthy pet and a positive experience owning your very first lizard.

What Makes a Lizard Good for Beginners?

There are many different lizard species that make popular pets, but not all of them are suitable for novice lizard-keepers. Just like any type of pet, there is great variety of lifespan, dietary requirements, temperament, habitat needs, susceptibility to diseases and other traits among different lizards. The best pet lizards will be…

• Popular and Familiar – The more widespread a lizard is in captivity, the better understood it will be and the easier it will be to learn more about the pet and get help when needed.
  
  
• Smaller Sizes – A smaller lizard will require a smaller habitat and generally less expensive care. Beginner lizards should not be so small that they are too delicate to handle, however.
  
  
• Hardy and Healthy – Lizards that are less prone to injuries and illnesses are best for amateurs to keep as pets, as the lizards will be more tolerant to withstand inexpert care.
  
  
• Easy to Handle – It is always necessary to handle a lizard occasionally, such as when a tank needs cleaning. Good beginner lizards won't mind regular handling and won't typically bite.
  
  
• Full of Personality – A good pet will be fun to own, entertaining to watch and a pleasure to interact with. Several types of lizards have all these traits and are ideal for beginners.

Top 5 Pet Lizards for Beginners

With the best beginner traits in mind, there are several lizards that can be perfect pets for anyone new to the joys of owning a lizard. The most suitable pet lizards are…

1. Bearded Dragon
   Despite their fearsome appearance, these exotic-looking lizards are generally friendly and gentle. They are found wild in Australia but are widespread worldwide because of their popularity as pets. They grow to a medium size and are not too delicate for regular handling, making "beardies" a good pet choice to show off all the best characteristics of lizards.
   
   
2. Leopard Gecko
   Slower than typical geckos and lacking the sticky pads that can make escapes easy, leopard geckos come in different colorations and marking patterns. These are relatively low-maintenance lizards, and become more docile with age rather than getting aggressive as they reach sexual maturity. They have easy dietary requirements and are easy to clean up after.
   
   
3. Blue-Tongued Skink
   These are somewhat larger lizards but their distinctive tongues make them a favorite pet. They are native to Australia and Indonesia, and are generally sluggish and very easy to handle. They do require a varied diet, however, and because they love to dig and burrow, a larger, deeper tank will be necessary to provide the best possible habitat.
   
   
4. Crested Gecko
   Originally from New Caledonia, these lizards, with their spiky eyebrows, are a slower gecko variety but they do climb and will need plenty of vertical space in their tanks. They are low maintenance and need no special lighting, and they thrive at room temperature. They tolerate handling quite well and are a fun choice for any gecko lover.
   
   
5. Uromastyx
   There are several species of uromastyx, or spiny-tailed lizards, that make good beginner pets. These lizards are native to Africa, the Middle East, and India, and they enjoy handling. Their almost exclusively vegetarian diets make them easier to feed, and because they are active during the day, "spinytails" make great beginner pets.

While these lizards are best for beginners, it is also important to note that every lizard, even an "easy" species, has special requirements and needs proper care to live a long, healthy life. Before choosing a pet lizard, it is essential to research the exact needs of that species to be sure you can provide it a safe, comfortable home, nutritious diet, and good veterinary care. When you're prepared for a new pet, any of these lizards can make a great addition to your menagerie.

10 Mega Pet Lizards

 

Bearded Dragon

The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is one of the giants of the industry and has been a firm favorite for many years. The bearded dragons are from the arid and semiarid areas of Australia. They are commonly a light brown ans beige colour but can be bred to become more red, yellow or white. They are widely available, have a great temperament and grow to a manageable size. In captivity we expect them to live longer than a decade and they generally grow to around 2ft over the course of 12-18 months. They have been a great pet lizard for many years now mainly due to their generally calm temperament which makes them a great choice for beginners and children.

Moroccan Uromastyx (Spiny-tailed Lizard)

Often known as the spiny tailed lizard or Bell’s Dabb lizard this little lizard is a great pet reptile. The Moroccan uromastyx (Uromastyx acanthinura ) come from the desert regions of morocco and are great pet reptiles due to their longevity, size and intelligence. The Moroccan uromastyx naturally inhabit desert regions with sparse vegetation and limited rainfall and will extract all of the moisture they need from their diet. This makes them one of the only reptiles that does not require a water source. This coupled with their behavior which suggest a higher intelligence than some other reptiles makes the uromastyx an interesting and responsive pet.

Leopard Gecko

Leopard Geckos (Eublepharis Macalarius) are small soft lizards from areas in Pakistan, Afghanistan and north India. They are small burrowing terrestrial lizards that generally live in the dry rocky and grassy areas on the outskirts of desserts. They are crepuscular by nature meaning that they will be active during dusk and dawn. They have become popular as they are very easy to care for, all they require is water and an insect diet (brown crickets) dusted with calcium. They can be kept in a 3ft enclosure with minimal lighting and a heatmat for warmth. They are generally quite calm when handling but can become quite fast if scared or threatened. They come in a range of colours from brown/orange to white, pale purple and even electric yellow and blue.

Veiled Chameleon

Veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo calyptratus) often known as Yemen chameleons are a species of chameleon from the Arabian Peninsula in Yemen and Saudi Arabia. They occupy a number of different environments from plateaus to mountainous regions and valleys. They are arboreal lizards and spend the majority of their time climbing in trees and other large plants. They eat mainly insects but have been known to eat plants though mainly as a source of hydration. This species is the most common in the pet trade due to their trademark green colouration and availability. Males are generally a bright green colour with bands of yellow and white, females tend to stay green or brown depending on their mood.

Green Basilisk

The green basilisk (Basiliscus plumifrons) is also know as the plumed basilisk or the Jesus Christ lizard. They come from areas including Eastern Honduras, Nicaragua and Western Panama living on the floor near rivers and lakes. They are a good sized lizard growing from 2-3ft and are generally a bright green colour with specs of blue. Males can be identified by their crests, they have 3 in total and they are found on the head, back and tail whereas females will only have the one crest found on their head.. They tend to live near rivers and other bodies of water, this is mainly due to the abundance of food and their special escape method. When the green basilisk is threatened it can rear up and run across water which is where is got it’s nickname the Jesus Christ lizard.

Spiny-tailed Monitor

The spiny tailed monitor (Varanus acanthurus) sometimes also known as the ridge-tailed monitor or Ackies dwarf monitor are a fairly small monitor lizard maxing out at 2-2.5ft the majority of which is tail length. They come from the rocky areas of Western and Northern Australia. They can mainly be found basking on rocks or hiding in crevices and will be most active during the day. They usually have a dark colouration mainly comprised of a dark brown coat with specs of yellow, light brown and cream. They are mainly insectivores but will also eat small lizards, spiders and snails when they are available. They can be skittish as juveniles but are generally quite handleable as adults making them a great pet for first time keepers.

Mountain Horned Dragon

The mountain horned dragon (Acanthosaura) is an arboreal lizard from South East Asia. They can be found in high areas with dense vegetation. They grow to around 10-15 inches and are insectivores meaning their diet is mainly comprised of crickets and locust. They are great pets for hobbyist and experienced keepers and are very good looking animals to keep. Unfortunately they can be a bit skittish and very fast so they are not really an animal you can handle regularly. Their colouration is usually a mixture of browns and greys and they have a row of spikes running from their head to their tail.

Blue-tongued Skink

The blue tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides) can be found in arid regions of Australia. They can grow to around 2ft and have a very distinctive blue tongue. In the wild this blue tongue is used to ward off predators as in nature the colourful creatures are usually the poisonous ones you realy do not want to eat. In captivity they can be expected to live over 20 years with the proper care. They tend to be quite slow and very well mannered and can be handled very easily making them a great pet for beginners and children. The standard colouration consists of bands of grey and grey brown horizontally down it’s back though different localities can have different patterns or colours.

Panther Chameleon

Panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) are an arboreal lizard found in the Eastern and Northern parts of Madagascar. They mainly live in the canopies of tropical forests and spend almost all of their time off of the ground. These chameleons have become very popular in the pet trade as the males have very vibrant and contrasting colours. They include greens, blues, reds, yellows, white and sometimes brown and each male has a slightly different colouration. They will grow to be roughly 1.5-2ft long with the females being on the shorter side. They tend to have a very calm temperament and can be handled with relative ease, though it’s best not to have your chameleon out all the time as this may stress the animal. They like a warm and humid environment so require a quick spray down each morning. They are complete insectivores and will only each dusted insects like locust or crickets.

Crested Gecko

The Crested Gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) sometimes referred to as the eyelash gecko are an arboreal species native to New Caledonia. They inhabit the canopies of rainforests and can be found jumping from branch to branch at night. They are a great pet to keep in captivity and can be expected to live for 15-20 years with proper care. They tend to have a passive temperament but can be very quick when they are young. Their best feature is the fact that they can accurately jump from place to place. It is not uncommon to have crested geckos who have learnt to jump on to their owner when the enclosure is opened. They are quite small staying around 8 inches in length making them a great choice for owners with little space. There are a number of proven colour and pattern morphs with more coming out all the time. A standard crested gecko will be a yellowy brown colour.

Top 20 Best Pet Lizards For Beginners

Green Basilisk

The Green Basilisk is famously known as the lizard that can run over water; earning their nickname “Jesus Christ Lizard”.

Commonly found in the tropical rainforests of Central America. They have an omnivorous diet, eating invertebrates and mice as well as an occasional fruit.

These lizards are beginner friendly due to their size. Usually growing up to 3 feet long, they aren’t very stocky and are very light for their length.

They require higher-than-normal temperatures and humidity with a large enclosure. They don’t always adapt well to handling, but make an entertaining pet lizard for those looking to admire from afar.

This species is best kept by beginners who are ready to accommodate their specific husbandry requirements and lack of human interaction. They live 8-12 years and cost $25-$65 USD.

Caiman Lizard

The Caiman is great for first-time keepers looking for a unique color pattern. This species has heavy scales with all the colors of the rainbow.

They are also great climbers and swimmers which makes them active in their vivarium.

Caiman Lizards are very big, one of the biggest on this list! They can reach 2-5 feet long and will need an enclosure that is big and strong enough to house them properly. Because they love to swim, they will also need a very big pool of water to submerge in.

These reptiles also prefer it very hot in their enclosure (with a high humidity too).

They mostly eat a carnivorous diet, eating invertebrates found in marshy areas, including insects, snails, crawfish, and clams.

Caiman Lizards are smart and are not naturally aggressive, but they don’t always adapt to being handled well. They make a great beginner lizard for someone willing to house and care for them from a distance, enjoying their beautiful rainbow appearance.

They live up to 10 years and are a bit expensive with prices reaching $350-$900 USD.

Gidgee Skink

Gidgee Skinks are unique because they are often found in groups rather than living alone.

These Australian natives are between 7-10 inches in size and need a tank size of around 40 gallons. They require much higher temperatures than is usually required for reptiles, with a basking area of up to 120℉!

They are omnivores and eat a variety of insects and vegetables. They are relatively fast-moving in and outside of their tank, so they don’t always do well with handling.

Gidgee Skinks make a good pet Lizard for beginners who want a group of unique-looking reptiles who are active in their tank.

They can live for more than 20 years, and are very expensive reaching $550-$2000.

Green Iguana

Iguanas are very popular beginner Lizards because of their beautiful appearance and herbivore diet. They eat leaves, fruits, and flowers, and so they make great first-time reptiles for anyone who doesn’t enjoy feeding live food.

They are native to Central and South America and they grow to 5-6 feet. Because they get very big they will need a large enclosure with a pool of water large enough to soak in.

Iguanas can be shy. If you plan on getting an Iguana, make sure they adjust to being in your home before you handle them.

Once they seem more comfortable, you need to start handling your Iguana as often and gently as possible to tame them.

They also have sharp claws, so just be aware of where their feet are.

Iguanas live 10-15 years and cost $20 to $50 as babies or juveniles.

They make a great choice for beginners with plenty of space, patience, and dedication.

African Fire Skink

Unsurprisingly, as their name suggests, the African Fire Skink is found in Africa and are known for their bright red colors!

They are not large lizards, reaching only 14-15 inches in length, and have very basic husbandry requirements. They don’t require any specific heating or lighting but do need a substrate that they can dig into. They eat mostly insects but can occasionally have a pinky mouse.

African Fire Skinks are usually very shy, but they have great personalities and activity levels when admired from far-away.

Overall, this is a hardy lizard who lives for 15-20 years with few health problems. What makes them uncommon is their availability; they aren’t easy to find at local pet stores. They cost $25-$70.

They make great beginner reptiles because they live easily with few problems and are full of energy and personality.

Gargoyle Gecko

Gargoyle Geckos are closely related to the extremely popular Crested Gecko and also come from New Caledonia.

They resemble the Crested Gecko with their large, slitted-eyes, but lack the spiny eyelashes which Crested Geckos are so well-known for.

With similar care and husbandry requirements as the Crested Gecko (e.g. basic tank, heating and lighting), they are only less popular due to their timid and shy temperament. They will likely try to escape when being handled.

While they have very easy care requirements, first time owners should adopt this lizard if they enjoy their appearance but aren’t looking to handle them frequently.

They are of similar size to Crested Geckos, reaching a maximum of 8 inches, will live for 10-15 years and generally cost $50-$100.

Despite a Gargoyle’s shy nature, they are easy to care for and make a good choice for beginners who don’t want the more popular Crested or Leopard Geckos!

Savannah Monitor

The first Monitor on our list, the Savannah is a less popular choice when it comes to monitors, as they are a bit bigger and can be less docile than the Ackies Monitor (#11 on our list). This does not mean, however, that they do not make a good beginner lizard.

These African savannah natives are large pets, but like the Ackies, are still smaller than other monitors, reaching 2.5-3 feet long.

They require housing large enough to accommodate their large size. Being both strong and smart, their enclosure needs to be well built to keep them from escaping. These reptiles also like to dig, so they will need a substrate that allows for this.

Savannah Monitors eat mice, insects and other invertebrates.

Like the Ackies Monitor, the Savannah is one of the more easily tamable monitors, and they can become very docile with regular, gentle handling. They tend to live 15-20 years and cost $30-$40.

Their docility makes them a great pet for a beginner who wants a larger lizard.

Long-Tailed Lizard

The Long-Tailed Lizard, also known as the Asian Grass Lizard, has a tail that is 3 times the length of its body.

This Asian lizard, despite its tail’s length, is very small. They have a slender, small body and only grow to 8 inches in size from snout to vent.

They may not be very big, but they should have a 20-gallon tank to accommodate their tail length, fast movements, and high energy levels. They need lots of leaves and branches in their enclosure, as their habitat in the wild is most commonly trees and forgery!

Naturally gentle and easy-going, they are the perfect pet lizard for beginners looking to keep a small species in a well-decorated tank.

Long-Tailed Lizards only live 5-6 years in captivity, but they are also pretty inexpensive ($5-$15).

Chameleon

Even if you aren’t a herpetologist, you may still recognize the Chameleon for a variety of reasons:

• Their famous color-changing abilities.
• Their telescopic eyes.
• Their claws and slow movements.

Though popular as pets, they do not always have the best time adjusting to life in captivity. These pets require lots of special care to help them feel safe in captivity.

Many beginners take on the responsibility of housing Chameleons, but they must understand the responsibility of caring for an easily stressed species.

Chameleons make beautiful and entertaining display reptiles for beginners.

They are native to Africa, but like many species, are rapidly disappearing with deforestation. Many in the pet trade are wild-caught, and so should be avoided by beginners.

Chameleons are not aggressive to their owners, but are extremely shy and have little in the ways of defending themselves. Any handling stresses them.

They vary widely in their size, depending on the species, ranging from 1 inch. to 27 inches. They only live for 2 years in captivity and can cost $30-$300.

For some beginner hobbyists, they can make a good first pet because of their docile nature. However, they are much harder to care for than other reptiles on this list.

Ackies Monitor

The Ackies Monitor is naturally found in Australia and looks like a small Komodo Dragon.

They are known for their spines on their tail which they use to protect themselves from predators. They have a carnivorous diet that includes mostly insects and the occasional pinky mouse.

Ackies Monitors are very tame for first-time reptile keepers.

However, some potential owners are concerned by their large size. They are larger than most reptiles on this list, ranging from 24-30 inches long. But, they are smaller than most other monitors.

They are known to like their basking spots very hot, but their lighting and humidity requirements are relatively simple.

Monitors typically aren’t recommended for beginners, but the Ackies is tame and smaller than most. They do best with a room dedicated to just them and generally live 15-20 years, costing $250-$400.

Gold-Dust Day Gecko

The Gold-Dust Day Gecko is a native to Madagascar but has recently been introduced to some Pacific Islands, including Hawaii.

Mostly green in color, they earn their name from the gold specks that develop on their dorsal side.

They are a small lizard, averaging about 5 to 6 inches, but they should still have a 20-gallon tank with lots of logs and branches to hide in. This will accommodate their shy nature. These branches will also allow them to enjoy their love of climbing.

What keeps some beginner reptile keepers from adopting this species is that they stress very easily and their skin tears easily. These lizards do best as a display pets with limited handling.

They are suited to beginners who wish to learn about caring for a lizard without interacting with them very much. Gold-Dust Day Geckos live about 10 years and cost $40-$250.

Chinese Water Dragon

There are several species of water dragons; the most common for beginners are the Chinese and Australian water dragons. Chinese Water Dragons are typically more popular than Australians.

Water Dragons require large enclosures, closely regulated temperatures and a mostly insectivore diet, with some leafy vegetables. One thing that is more difficult about caring for a water dragon is that they require very high humidity.

Chinese variants are mostly green. Their care requirements can be more advanced:

• They need large tanks (e.g. 4 to 6 feet long) because they reach up to 3 feet in size.
• They enjoy swimming, so will need a large-sized pool of water within their enclosure to swim in.

Smaller than most water dragons, they must be socialized from an early age to become accustomed to handling. Once socialized, they are typically very friendly and enjoy handling.

They have an average lifespan of 15-20 years and cost $20-$80. If you are looking for an Australian Water Dragon, they are $200 to $300.

While they may have specific care and husbandry requirements, a beginner with the room and dedication can certainly care for a Chinese Water Dragon.

African Fat-Tailed Gecko

African Fat-Tailed Geckos are very similar to Leopard Geckos (who rank #2 on our list) and have very similar care requirements.

As their name suggests, these lizards are African natives and their tails are nearly as thick as their bodies.

Like Leopard Geckos, they are very easy for beginners to care for. They have very easy husbandry and feeding requirements. They are generally friendly and docile.

They live anywhere between 10 and 25 years and generally cost anywhere between $150 and $600. What puts them much lower on this list than their leopard cousin is their popularity, and thereby, their greater lack of availability.

Uromastyx

The Uromastyx is in the same family of lizards (“genus family”) that has Bearded Dragons. Native to the Middle East, they are solid yellow-gray in color and ground dwellers.

Uromastyx aren’t overly large in size, reaching 14-16 inches, but they are bulky and heavy.

They have simple husbandry requirements, but because they are diggers, they need a substrate that they can burrow into.

Known as Spiny-Tailed Lizards, they are nearly entirely herbivorous. They eat mostly vegetables, including leafy greens and grocery store vegetables, and they only eat insects every once a week.

When it comes to a beginner’s handling, Uromastyx are very docile and friendly.

Their overall temperament and ease of care make them a good beginner pet. They can live 15-30 years and generally cost $75-$300 depending on the species.

Argentine Black and White Tegu

The Argentine Black and White Tegu is native to South America, but have recently been introduced to the wilderness of Florida. They are a burrowing species and like to hide in burrows to avoid extreme heat.

This is a larger species, reaching up to 4 feet in length, but beginners who can manage their size should have no trouble caring for them.

Despite their large size, Black and White Tegus tend to be more docile than most reptiles.

They can be handled readily and are very intelligent. They are another reptile species that eat mice, so this may not be the best option for you if you would rather feed fruit or insects!

This tegu lives for 15-20 years and generally costs $140-$400.

Green Anole

They are known by reptile hobbyists for extending their bright red dewlaps under their chin, as this greatly contrasts their bright green body.

Green Anoles are small lizards with long tails, so their housing does not need to take up a great amount of room in your house. A 20-gallon enclosure is more than big enough for them be comfortable. Anoles require the basic light, temperature, and humidity that many other pet lizards need.

These lizards are great for first-time owners because of their small size and relative ease of care. They do, however, require some live plants in their terrarium for hiding and licking dewdrops.

One disadvantage to this species as a first-time pet is that they prefer not to be handled consistently.

They have a very shy nature but may be willing to be handled if they are handled gently from a very young age.

Green Anoles are small, about 5-8 inches long, and have a shorter lifespan of three to six years. They tend to be very inexpensive, costing $10 or less.

In summary, this is a great reptile for beginners who want to learn how to care for a lizard but do not want to handle them much.

Blue-Tongue Skink

The Blue-Tongue Skink is best known for its bright blue tongue!

These Australia natives are omnivorous, eating mostly fruits with some meat. Although they need a fruit and vegetable diet, meat should also be provided, consisting of big worms or mice.

They are a bit heavier than previously listed reptiles, but they do not get very long for their weight (about 20 inches).

Blue-Tongue Skinks are generally very docile, quiet, and easily tamed. If they feel threatened, they do have a strong bite, so while it is ok for children to handle them, they should always be supervised.

This skink lives up to 20 years and generally cost $150-$250, but rarer morphs can cost thousands.

Overall, their ease of care and docility make them good beginner reptiles.

Crested Gecko

The Crested Gecko is native to New Caledonia (a group of islands near Australia). These geckos are well-known for having “eyelashes.” These eyelashes are actually spines that travel from their eyes down to their tail.

Crested Geckos, like most geckos, have webbed feet and love to climb, so they will need a tall tank. They also need a warm environment and a very high humidity.

Because they are nocturnal, they do not require any special lighting, but giving them two to four hours of light each day is best for their natural circadian rhythm.

Like the Bearded Dragon, Crested Geckos are are very docile reptiles and are not likely to bite, making them easy to handle for those who are gentle with them.

Crested Geckos are small, growing up to 8 inches in length, and live for about 10 or more years. Their price varies depending on a variety of factors, but they typically fall between $30-$300.

Leopard Gecko

Leopard Geckos are very popular and are widely known for being a great pet for beginner herpetologists.

They are coated with a pattern of dark brown spots, much like the animal they are named after. They are entirely insectivorous and require calcium supplements. They are also nocturnal.

Leopard Geckos are generally very docile, not likely to bite, and their ease of care makes them suitable for beginners.

They like to vocalize, especially if they’re hungry, so they may not be the one if you don’t want a noisy pet.

Luckily, unlike other geckos, this species doesn’t have sticky toes and doesn’t climb, so they will not need a tall tank.

They are smaller than the Bearded Dragon, growing to a foot at most, and live about 10 years. They generally cost $20-$40, but rarer morphs can be more expensive.

Bearded Dragon

The Bearded Dragon is an all-round popular, outgoing, and easy-to-care-for lizard. They are one of the best reptile pets you can have.

Beardies are native to Australia, and are known for the way they communicate with each other. They have folds of skin under their chin that puff out in a “beard”.

Bearded Dragons are active during the day, and they are omnivorous, consuming a variety of fruits and insects. They eat a couple times a week and should also have a calcium supplement.

These dragons are as sociable as lizards get. Most of the time, they tend to enjoy interactions with their owners. Many owners have claimed that each dragon has its own little personality.

The Bearded Dragon’s overall ease of husbandry and friendly temperament make it a great beginner lizard. They grow 1-2 feet in length, live 10-15 years, and generally cost $30-$60 depending on their size.