Performance cars are at the heart of every automotive enthusiast's basic desires, whether for the straight-line speed from the massive American V8s or a road course special that can tear through corners. Having a fast car is a point of pride, but more importantly, a point of excitement and enjoyment. With that said, fast cars come with much heftier price tags than their less exciting, slower counterparts. This can often present an obstacle to someone looking for cheap thrills who does not have all the money in the world. Luckily, time heals all wounds, and the years have allowed once unobtainable cars to become quite obtainable.

UPDATE: 2023/10/13 15:48 EST BY MARTIN PETER

Every year, fast cars become accessible to the average consumer, thanks to the effects of depreciation. With this, an average Joe can find great deals on a fast car. We've updated this list highlighting some of the fastest and most powerful cars obtainable for under $10,000, including sports cars, sports sedans, muscle cars, and even wagons.

So, if you are considering the fastest cars for under five figures, read on. These cars range from modern contemporaries to aspiring classics, but they all have one thing in common: they are fast and can be had for less than $10,000.

We used well-respected websites like Hagerty, TrueCar, and Kelley Blue Book to find affordable cars with great performance.

18 2000 Jaguar XKR

Starting Used Price: $8,900

Jaguar is the master at producing luxury performance cars; however, secondhand models are a real bargain because of reliability issues and high running and maintenance costs. The XKR is no different here, and those with $9,000 burning a hole in their pocket can snatch up a genuine British sports car with a supercharged 4.2-liter V8 that delivers 390 hp and 399 lb-ft of torque. The engine pairs with a six-speed automatic transmission that delivers smooth shifts, allowing the XKR to sprint to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds and top out at 155 mph.

The handling is also remarkable. The XKR's stiff body and taut suspension combine with its accurate steering, massive Brembo brakes, and performance tires to create awesome thrills. Being more of a grand tourer than an outright sports car, it's plush and comfortable inside. It also has a generous trunk capacity that will fit many soft-sided bags for a weekend trip.

Specifications

17 2006 BMW Z4

Starting Used Price: $8,246

A quintessential luxury roadster of the early 2000s, the Z4 did a great job balancing style and performance for a relatively affordable price. The engines range from a 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder developing a meager 148 hp to a respectable 3.2-liter V6 found in the Z4M coupe. However, there were plenty of engine options available between those two extremes. The Z4's remarkable acceleration, braking, and handling combine with an equally impressive interior with numerous niceties, including bolstered sports seats, and a tilt-telescoping steering wheel to deliver a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience behind the wheel.

Outside, the 2006 Z4 offers 17-inch alloy wheels, heated side mirrors, rain-sensing wipers with heated wiper jets, and keyless entry functionality. Those seeking even better amenities should consider the Z4 3.0si, which has leather seats (the 3.0i offers vinyl upholstery), aluminum interior trim, automatic climate control, a premium audio system, a center armrest, a trip computer, and 18-inch alloy wheels. That said, finding a decent six-cylinder Z4 for under $10,000 should be no problem. And since all these models had an electronically limited speed of 155 mph, why bother with the more expensive ones, anyway?

Specifications

16 2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe

Starting Used Price: $5,138

The Infiniti G35 is a somewhat underappreciated and underrated luxury coupe from the mid-2000s, with a more than respectable performance courtesy of its 300-horsepower V6 engine (in G35 models with the six-speed manual transmission; versions with the five-speed automatic transmission generate 280 horsepower).

Its design may not suit everyone, but it's comfortable and quick, with a top speed of 151 mph. But most importantly, it's one of the cheapest grand tourers you can buy used, with models in decent condition going for around $6,000! For the price, you get a power driver seat, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, 17-inch wheels, and high-intensity discharge (HID) headlights. The G35 Coupe not only offers a great amount of desirable features, but also has a spacious cabin with ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room in both rows.

Specifications

15 2004 Nissan 350Z

Starting Used Price: $7,000

Universally beloved by the automotive community, the 350Z has been around for over a decade. In that time, it has accumulated a reputation as a fantastic platform to build on, whether as a weekend track weapon or a fun drift car.

Despite being over a decade old, it is still a solid performer right out of the box and a safe purchase. Its naturally aspirated V6 produces just under 300 horsepower. These cars have significantly decreased in value, making this the ultimate project car for anyone looking to get one of the biggest Japanese sports car icons.

Specifications

14 2005 Dodge Neon SRT-4

Starting Used Price: $4,793

The Dodge Neon is typically one of the most forgettable cars in the automotive world. When Dodge finally gave it the SRT treatment, it became anything but forgettable. Thus, the SRT-4 was ushered in, changing the landscape of the mid-2000s forever. Well, maybe that is going too far, but this car made a splash.

Boasting a turbocharged four-cylinder with 230 horsepower, the 2005 Neon SRT was a car that was bound to surprise. Besides weighing under 3,000 lbs, the Neon SRT-4 had a great power-to-weight ratio and an elegant boy-racer exterior. If you have an interest in a cheap American tuner, this car is for you. You will not have to break the bank, either. Clean Dodge Neon SRT-4 models with moderate to high mileage are around a paltry $6,000.

Specifications

13 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX

Starting Used Price: $7,500

The Subaru WRX is every car enthusiast's dream and has been for quite a while now. Paired with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine with plenty of potential thanks to a massive aftermarket, this presents an affordable option for someone looking for something quick and pretty.

If you wonder how much it will cost to drive off with one of these bad boys, you can find good-condition examples for as little as $7,000. In the car world, this is a major steal.

Specifications

12 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS

Starting Used Price: $4,550

Much like the Neon SRT-4, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS took a tried and tested formula: take a standard, boring car, add a turbocharger, and oodles more power to create a fast and affordable streetcar.

The 2008 Cobalt SS was a step above the SRT-4, thanks to a 260-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It also boasted 260 lb-ft of torque and a decent fuel economy. You could scoop a 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS for a very reasonable price of around $5,000 according to KBB.

Specifications

11 2000 Lexus SC400

Starting Used Price: $6,948

Lexus has a long history of making fast and magnificent cars, and the SC300 and the SC400 serve as testaments to this heritage. Specifically, the SC400 stands out as an example of a sports car done right by Lexus. It was in production for several years in the '90s and came with an attractive spec sheet and the Lexus reputation for reliability. This coupe came with a 4.0-liter V8, producing a healthy 290 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque.

There is also something about this car's looks. Despite the subjectivity associated with beauty, the SC400 has withstood the test of time. Pick one of these up today for a reasonable price of $7,000.

Specifications

10 2006 Ford Mustang GT

Starting Used Price: $8,825

Enthusiasts certainly love the newest generation Mustangs for their more refined handling and power, but their older siblings can still bring their share of enjoyment to those with a need for speed.

The 2006 Mustang GT is one of those eager-to-please cars that are now at a price where almost anyone in the market can access it. The car's 4.6-liter V8 makes 300 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque – modest but still stout numbers. That power finds its way to the rear wheels via either a five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic unit. Best of all, the Mustang may have the largest selection of aftermarket parts in the automotive world, so there are endless possibilities with what you can do to this car.

Specifications

9 1997 Porsche Boxster 986

Starting Used Price: $7,000

Everyone knows the Porsche Boxster is a great, well-balanced, mid-engine sports car. Despite this, the car has garnered somewhat of a reputation as a hairdresser's car – a wholly unwarranted reputation.

The Boxster is a successful formula for an engaging and fun driving experience, especially when equipped with Porsche's fantastic six-speed manual. What you get is a top-down, mid-engine riot on four wheels that will leave those V8 snobs in the dust through corners. The aftermarket potential for this roadster is also insane, evident if you have ever been to a track day with one of these.

Specifications

8 2005 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

Starting Used Price: $8,494

If you are a car enthusiast, you are likely an AMG fan. Unfortunately, if you buy new, the AMG badge comes with a heavy premium. If you are not buying new, however, you definitely have options if you are trying to keep the price under $10,000.

The E55 AMG is your solution to the lack of German horsepower in your life. This car comes with a massive supercharged V8, generating a ridiculous 469 horsepower and an even more absurd 516 lb-ft of torque. That power can be yours for a small fraction of this car's original MSRP. With some models selling for between $7,000 and $9,000, the E55 AMG is one of the most insane horsepower-to-dollar vehicles on this list.

Specifications

7 1994 Chevrolet Corvette C4

Starting Used Price: $9,600

The Chevrolet Corvette is the pinnacle of American sports cars. Supercars like the Ford GT aside, the Corvette is the relatively affordable go-to for anyone looking for sleek styling paired with a rumbling V8. Not to mention the cool factor of having the partial top-down feature most Corvettes have.

Therefore, the Corvette C4 presents the perfect value proposition for car enthusiasts on a budget. Weighing less than 3,300 lbs and equipped with the same 5.7-liter V8 found in that era's Z28, this car also made 300 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque. According to Hagerty, a 1994 C4 Corvette in good condition should cost around $9,600.

Specifications

6 2004 Pontiac GTO

Starting Used Price: $10,000

General Motors has a storied history of great American V8s, going back to the original muscle car era of the late 1960s. Since then, GM has kept that tradition alive with a continual stream of affordable, big-power muscle cars like the 2004 Pontiac GTO.

The GTO came with a massive 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 that made a cool 400 horsepower. This car was an ode to the original 1960s-era GTO and definitely lived up to the name. Nowadays, the GTO has reached a price point where many enthusiasts can easily get their hands on a cheap V8. Clean examples of the GTO frequently sell for about $10,000.

Specifications

5 1994 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

Starting Used Price: $10,100

The Z28 has long been one of the most coveted among the diverse range of Camaros. So, the 2000 Camaro Z28 is a fantastic option for those who want a piece of GM heritage. Some enthusiasts further build this car up like Lego, making it a great track car or a drag strip special.

The car weighs less than 3,500 lbs while getting power from a massive 5.7-liter V8. This gigantic engine provides the car with over 300 horsepower and 335 lb-ft of torque. Those are pretty good numbers for a vehicle that is nearly 20 years old now. Nowadays, you can find a model in good condition going for around $10,000.

Specifications

4 2008 Dodge Charger SRT-8

Starting Used Price: $9,561

More Mopar! SRT has garnered a good reputation for fun, fast, high-horsepower cars, and their rendition of the Dodge Charger is no different. Boasting a classic, big-block American V8, this Charger is a definite contender for the fastest car under $10,000.

The SRT-8 sends power exclusively to the rear wheels, and a lot of it. This car's massive 6.1-liter V8 makes 425 horsepower and 420 lb of torque. Fuel economy may be an issue, but luckily with the car's price tag, you can pass those savings to your gas bill. Nowadays, you can find a used Charger for not much under $10,000. Not the cheapest car on the list, but definitely one of the most powerful.

Specifications

3 1997 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4

Starting Used Price: $9,500

Mitsubishi has fallen off over the last two decades or so, going from one of the most exciting Japanese performance car manufacturers to a boring SUV manufacturer. Mitsubishi's greatest era was the '90s as it gave us gems like the legendary Lancer Evolution, Pajero Evolution, Eclipse, and our pick for this article - the 3000GT.

The 3000GT - also sold as the Dodge Stealth in the US as a captive import - is a superb sports car that Mitsubishi sold in the' '90s across three brief generations. The 3000GT received a lot of praise for its design, affordability, and power, particularly the top-of-the-range VR4 trim. Thanks to a twin-turbo V6 making up to 320 hp in US versions, the 3000GT VR4 was super quick.

Specifications

2 2011 Ford Taurus SHO

Starting Used Price: $9,500

Looks can be deceiving, and the fourth-generation Ford Taurus SHO shows that perfectly. From the outside, the fourth-gen Taurus SHO looks like just another large sedan weighing well over 4,000 lbs.

You wouldn't expect this car to be fast until you pop the hood open and see what it's hiding - a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 dishing out 365 ponies and 350 lb-ft of torque. Definitely one of the coolest American sleeper cars.

Specifications

1 2005 Volvo V70 R

Starting Used Price: $5,000

Volvo has a long-running reputation for making boring family cars. Though it's no longer in production, the V70 showed that perfectly. Take the second-generation V70, for example. This large boxy wagon was easily among the ugliest cars of the 2000s.

This is why everyone was puzzled when Volvo built a high-performance version - the V70 R. Though the V70 R kept the base models unsightly design, it had several improvements that made it one of the most fun-to-drive wagons of the day, including a 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine making up to 300 hp, a Haldex based all-wheel-drive system, high-performance Brembo brakes, and the option of a six-speed manual transmission.

Specifications