Even though the majority of supercars aren't budget-friendly for most of us, they have been around for so long that you can find them available to purchase used. The turn of the millennium marked the democratization of supercars. Just like other vehicles, supercars suffer from depreciation, making them accessible to normal folks.
It's been interesting to watch the automobile market over the last decades, as we're seeing depreciation curves shifting in different segments. Even if you're on a strict budget, you can still drive one of the most impressive supercars. It goes without saying that the more complex the car is, the more expensive its repairs get. That's why you should buy with caution. These are 15 supercars you can get under $50,000.
15 Dodge Viper: $40,000
The Viper is one of the best V10 supercars you can buy. It has a styling straight out of a Batman movie. You can find Viper convertibles for $40,000, or up the budget to $50,000 and get a hardtop GTS. Be sure to invest in a performance driving school to enjoy the car in safety.
14 Porsche 911 Turbo 996: $45,000
The Porsche 911 Turbo 996 is the one people forget about. Its rear end looks a bit saggy, but problems with the looks can't make it less powerful. With 414-hp engine under the hood and all-wheel drive, this is one of the most powerful production Porsches ever made. It's also a great budget supercar.
13 Porsche 997 Turbo: $44,000
The Porsche 997 Turbo was the last analogue supercar before the brand went full on digital and made the automatic transmission your only option. The engine packs lots of power with a 0-60 time of under four seconds and a top speed of 200 mph. It can compete with modern Lamborghinis and Ferraris.
12 Acura NSX: $48,000
The Acura NSX is an extremely good drive even if you don't buy it brand new. For just under $50K, you can get behind the wheel of one of the best '90s supercars with less than 100,000 miles on the odometer. It's a great investment considering that it has a design inspired by fighter jets.
11 Lotus Elise: $20,000
The Elise isn't your average supercar. It's a little machine that concentrates on handling and driver comfort. Still, it's quick and maneuverable. It performs better in curves rather than in a straight line, and Toyota's engines are reliable and cheap. Elises continue to drop in price, with some models landing in the $20K range.
10 Aston Martin V8 Vantage: $36,000
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage has one of the best looks in the supercar world. It pays homage to the supercars of the 90s but features a much more powerful engine. It is a 4.3L unit paired with a six-speed manual. This setup delivers 380 horsepower. Now you can get one for $36,000.
9 Audi R8 V8: $40,000
The Audi R8 V8 features brilliant German engineering and offers excellent performance. It has a big 4.2L V8 engine that lives in the middle of the car. The first model, the R8 V8, isn't as expensive as other Audis. You can pick it up from $40K upwards. The build quality is fantastic.
8 Aston Martin DB9: $26,000
The Aston Martin DB9 is the legendary DB4's younger brother. It's a part of the renowned car series, and that makes it one of the most desirable supercars, at least when it comes to a $50K price ceiling. You can find year models somewhere in the mid-2000s, as newer DB9s are still quite expensive.
7 Maserati GranTurismo: $25,000
Sharing parts with Ferraris, the Maserati GranTurismo is one of the best-looking GT supercars. The cheapest models are valued at $25,000, which makes it even more attractive. The car is made for comfort and everyday driving, but its 4.2L V8 is powerful enough to have lots of fun on the track.
6 DeTomaso Pantera: $44,000
DeTomaso was a short-lived manufacturer of race and supercars that produced unique vehicles during the 70s. Their most beloved model is the Pantera. It can't compete with Ferraris and Lamborghinis, but it isn't far off. The GTS versions are rated at 350 hp and have a top speed of 174 mph.
5 Corvette C4 ZR-1: $30,000
In attempts to create a serious supercar GM produced the Corvette C4 ZR-1. It's an affordable model that uses a Lotus-designed 32-valve V8 engine that pushes the car to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. It also has a Lotus-made suspension that's ready for the track. Nowadays, these vehicles are bargains at $30K.
4 Nissan GT-R: $33,000
This list won't be complete without the Nissan GT-R. Prices start at $33,000, and many models have been modified to deliver 500 bhp. Even though it has a V6 under the hood, it offers amazing performance through corners and in straight lines. It's not as flashy as a Ferrari, but it's just as powerful.
3 Consulier GTP: $45,000
This exotic supercar, produced by American Walter Mosler, has a body made from carbon fiber and Kevlar and a mid-mounted turbocharged 2.2L four-cylinder engine. It proved to be successful in IMSA racing before being banned. Less than 100 units were built, and you can find one for just under $50,000.
2 Ferrari 308: $20,000
The Ferrari 308 is a "starter" car. Even though it's not the most powerful on the list, it's still a Ferrari that you can find for under $25,000. There is a wide variety of options and engines – including the GTS Targa, GT4 and GTBi. It's an impressive model you can find on a budget.
1 Fisker Karma EcoSport: $38,000
Introduced in 2012, the Fisker Karma EcoSport is an impressive car with 403 horsepower. It gets even more impressive when you realize it has an electric powertrain. The car wasn't well-received 8 years ago, which is good news for everyone looking for a budget supercar.