Fancy a V8 engine? Well, it is a dying breed, with more and more beastly cars opting for a more powerful V6 or even dropping back down into a four-cylinder engine. Today there is a replacement for displacement, and it's more horsepower from a smaller engine, and better fuel economy as well, all of it leading to better cars for the environment.
But yes, the V8s do tend to have an unmistakable growl, and in case you still have to have a V8-powered monster as a weekend fun car, but at the same time don’t want to spend a lot at the used cars bazaar, we have got your back.
Here are ten cool V8-powered cars, SUVs, and pickups that can be yours for less than $15,000 and can suit all needs: from actual work to simple style, to family haulers. There is a V8 ride for every need and fancy here, so make sure you choose right.
10 The Gen-I Cadillac CTS-V
In 2003, Cadillac brought in the CTS-V, in response to popular customer demand for more performance along with the omnipresent luxury. So in went the LS6 V8 from the C5 Corvette, and it had enough power to take on the BMW M5s and the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMGs.
Later they also put in an LS2 engine, and it basically was ruffian under the hood, dressed up in a power suit. Think Clark Kent and Superman, bespectacled and geeky normally, but faster than a speeding bullet when needed, all yours for less than $15,000.
9 The All-Powerful Toyota Tundra
The Toyota Tundra is not a pickup for the faint-hearted, and it not only comes full-sized for a pickup, but it also came with a 5.7-liter i-Force V8 that made 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque from 2007 to 2011.
It’s a Toyota and comes reliable, even if tech-wise the Tundra was not the best. But it could outhaul and out-tow any pickup of its time, and these figures are very respectable till now. A great V8 addition for your garage, under $15,000.
8 Realize Your Dream With The Chevrolet Corvette (C5)
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Owning a Corvette is a dream for many, so a 2004 example for less than $15,000 is a wonderful step, especially since the C5 came bearing the iconic LS1 V8. This 5.7-liter mill made 345 horses with it being the fastest production Corvette for a while to come.
The car’s design was also upgraded to something a lot better than before, and most examples of this ‘Vette seem to be aging rather finely, much like a bottle of Riesling. The sports car of your dreams.
7 The Combinative But Perfect Chevrolet Avalanche
The Chevy Avalanche was a different beast. A V8 monster, sure, but pretty different. It came based on GM’s full-size pickup truck platform but what made it stand apart was that it was knit as a unibody, like an SUV.
So it was hardy and powerful and rode on a 320-horsepower 5.3-liter V8 that came with Active Fuel Management, which turned this SUV into a four-cylinder when cruising, coasting, and just taking in the sights. Or a V8 pickup truck when needed to haul. All for less than $15,000.
6 The Non-Goat Pontiac GTO
If you think getting the Goat for less than $15,000 is not possible, well it is, as long as you go for the 2000s one. So okay, you do need to look at one carefully, inside out, because only 40,000 or so sold in the US, but remember, it came powered by the very venerated Chevy LS1.
So it made 350 horsepower and came with dual exhaust, making for a rather unique V8 rumble that can still party all night, and there are plenty of thuds and pops to make you feel like the king of the road in a car that was both muscle, and sports. And came with a legacy.
5 The Classic Ford Mustang Coupe
You cannot talk about V8s and not put in a Ford Mustang, the car that kickstarted the horsepower wars and the V8 race. So all you need to get a classic Mustang is $15,000 or even less, and you can have a beautiful piece of automotive history, that runs on a V8.
There is so much legacy behind a Mustang, and so many of them sold, that finding the perfect one for you, classic or modern should not be a problem. And there are such a plethora of aftermarket parts for the Mustang that you are in good hands.
4 The Very Durable Dodge Durango
After years of the Durango, it was discontinued but reintroduced in 2011 where it came in a grand avatar, carrying a V8, in three increasingly awesome variants. First was a 5.7-liter Hemi V8, then came a 6.4-liter Hemi Apache V8, and finally, Dodge went all out and put in the 6.2-liter SRT Hellcat V8-S into the Durango.
So this is an SUV you can have for less than $15,000 and it will still go like a bat out of hell, never mind the size and the scale of the vehicle. The perfect performance SUV.
3 A Modern RAM 1500
A 2015 Ram 1500 for less than $15,000 sounds like a bit of a stretch but it is possible, and if you land one of these V8 monsters, hang on and never let go because the Ram is built tough and like a tank. It came with impressive tow and payload figures, and with a far smoother ride than the competition as well.
The interiors were comfy and the V8 purred its approval at every press of the pedal, making this an ideal pickup to do some serious work in and also take joy rides in, alone or with the pack.
2 The Early Years Of The Gen3 Ford Expedition
The third generation of the Ford Expedition lasted from 2007 all the way to 2017, but if you want the V8 versions, you need to look for models till 2014, post which the Expedition upgraded in power but downgraded in displacement to a V6.
It’s a bit of a stretch to find one of these SUVs that come related to the Ford F-series in parts and platform, for less than $15,000 but it's possible. They make for good and comfortable rides, and the perfect family hauler minus any fuss.
1 The Powerful Jeep Grand Cherokee
If you want the perfect crossover SUV, look no further than the Jeep Grand Cherokee, generation four, and yes, you can have it for less than $15,000 as well. Not only do you get good looks for this money, but you also get a powerful V8.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee comes bearing a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with a Multiple Displacement System that shuts down four cylinders when you do not need much power, thus making it a fuel-economical model. It’s a perfect city car for those looking for an adventure.
Sources: CarGurus, Hemmings, TrueCar