Of all the engines used in the automotive industry, the V8 has arguably become the most iconic of them all. Even today, when smaller, four and six-cylinder engines featuring forced induction and hybrid powertrains have largely taken over, the V8 is still the engine of choice for many manufacturers and car enthusiasts.

Some may think only American cars come with V8 engines, but carmakers from the rest of the world also appreciate them, usually giving them a home in only their most exclusive performance cars. Whether it's used in a workhorse truck, a luxurious sports car, or in a muscle car where it transforms tires into smoke, the V8 is a versatile and impressive engine layout.

However, purchasing a vehicle with a roaring V8 under its hood is often not a cheap affair. These days, even work trucks and base-model muscle cars can be rather expensive. We'll have to check the used car market to get our hands on cheap cars with powerful V8 engines. It isn't easy to find anything with a V8 engine for less than $30,000 if we're looking at new vehicles. However, it is relatively easy to find a used model with similar power for less than a third of the price. Let's check out some incredible V8-powered cars available for less than $10,000.

UPDATE: 2024/04/04 19:50 EST BY MONDAY GOMA

We updated this list with several additional cars as well as updated all the prices and information with 2024 used car pricing in mind.

How we made our model selection: HotCars analyzed the V8-powered used cars currently up for grabs. We wanted to find out which models packed the most power and had the best prices. We set the price cap at $10,000 and sourced all prices using "save purchase prices" on KBB and 5-year average used prices from Classic.com. All the cars on this list have been ranked from most to least expensive.

15 1992 Chevrolet Corvette: $9,888

Specs

(Average used price courtesy of KBB)

The Chevrolet Corvette is an all-American icon. This fiberglass-bodied beauty packs a powerful small-block V8 under its long hood. With used prices hovering below the $15,000 mark, the C4 is definitely a bargain these days and one of the best Corvettes ever made.

You can easily find the C4 for well under $10,000. The 1992 model, for example, costs around $9,888 on average, according to KBB estimates. That being said, an LS swap is always an option for those who want to save money upfront and build something that's truly their own.

14 1998 Lincoln LSC Mark VIII: $9,875

1998 Lincoln LSC Mark VIII Specs

(Average used price courtesy of Classic.com)

One of the biggest hurdles American luxury car companies have to overcome is appealing to younger audiences. Their large, inefficient, uncompetitive land yachts were far more attractive to older people than their grandchildren.

The most outdated type of vehicle these companies pushed out was the personal luxury, two-door coupe designed to be as large, comfortable, and ostentatious as possible. As the popularity of this segment decreased, Lincoln tried to inject some performance into its Continental Mark series. The Lincoln Mark VIII may not look like much, but it hides some serious muscle under the hood.

While one may expect the Mark VIII to use any old smooth engine, it instead had a modular dual overhead cam, 32-valve V8. The power plant was also available in the impressive Mustang SVT Cobra R. Because of this, there's a wide selection of aftermarket parts, so long as they fit in the Lincoln’s packed engine bay. The versions to search for are late-model LSC trim cars, which produce 290 horsepower and feature body-color trim rather than the ugly chrome that came standard. Regardless of year or trim, some Mark VIIIs cost less than $7,000.

13 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe: $9,315

2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe Specs

(Average used price courtesy of KBB)

Except for the Ford Mustang, the longest-running muscle car is the Camaro, produced uninterruptedly from 1969 before its short hiatus after 2002. The model returned in 2010 sporting a cool retro look.

However, these newer examples have yet to depreciate into the affordable territory, and the classic models can get quite expensive. The fourth-generation model is perfect if anyone still wants a Camaro for under $10,000.

This version entered production in 1993, but the one to look out for is the 1998 to 2002 model. The 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Coupe, for instance, has a 5.7-liter V8 that makes 310 horsepower and 340 lb-ft of torque, with that power finding its way to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. For $9,315, the 2002 Camaro Z28 is definitely one of the cheapest used cars under 10,000.

12 2002 Jaguar XK8: $8,641

2002 Jaguar XK8 Specs

(Average used price courtesy of KBB)

European carmakers tend to build the most exclusive and expensive vehicles on the road, especially their two-seater, luxury sports cars. With attractive styling, supple interiors, and powerful motors, these cars often cost over six figures. One of the best examples from the ‘90s and 2000s was the Jaguar XK. Its slippery shape and Aston Martin-related underpinnings make it quite an appealing piece of machinery.

Under the bulging hood was initially a 4.0-liter V8 that makes 290 horses underhood the 2002 XK8. There aren’t too many of these attractive Jags cruising around, and they will attract more eyes than any Corvette or Porsche. Incredibly, anyone can buy a high-end sports car built by a prestigious British company for under $10,000. Remember that this is an aging English luxury car, and such vehicles aren’t known for their longevity or affordable maintenance.

11 2005 Ford Mustang GT Premium: $8,929

2005 Ford Mustang GT Premium Specs

(Average used price courtesy of KBB)

The Ford Mustang is another American icon, and it has been in continuous production since its introduction in 1964. As a result, there are many Mustangs that you can get for well under $10,000.

That kind of money can buy a Fox-Body Mustang with the iconic 5.0-liter V8, a newer SN95 Mustang or even a mid-2000s retro-styled 'Stang. Whatever option you choose, Mustangs are some of the cheapest sports cars to maintain, with parts readily available and shared with more affordable Ford models.

10 2008 Infiniti M45: $7,496

2008 Infiniti M45 Specs

(Average used price courtesy of KBB)

Much like Toyota, Nissan entered the luxury game in the late ‘80s with its new and frequently misspelled brand, Infiniti. Unlike Lexus, which quickly became a global brand, Nissan’s premium company would only service the North American market, selling models that didn’t take off quite as well as the highly desirable Lexus LS 400.

When it came time to make a new M series car for 2003, a new Infiniti emerged featuring all-new styling that was as attractive as it was recognizable. Nissan’s designers used strong, simple lines to give the car a strong presence. Passengers will only realize how small it is once they sit inside and see that the interior isn’t quite as roomy as expected, but at least the materials are pretty nice.

Completing the M45 package is its 4.5-liter V8, which conjured up 325 horsepower, surprisingly potent for a fairly small displacement motor. This model is both more affordable and more attractive than its newer counterparts.

9 2010 Dodge Charger R/T Sedan: $7,292

2010 Dodge Charger R/T Sedan Specs

(Average used price courtesy of KBB)

If you're looking for a muscle car that not only looks tough but also packs a serious punch under the hood, you can't go wrong with a Dodge Charger R/T Sedan. The 2010 iteration features a 5.7-liter V8 that generates a whopping 368 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque. While that's relatively modest compared to your Hellcats, it's seriously impressive for a car under $10,000.

Weighing around 5,300 lbs, the Charger is more of a smooth cruiser and highway machine rather than a canyon carver. For those who want even more power, the SRT8 model sends 425 horsepower to the rear wheels and sports stiffer suspension and bigger brakes. That said, it will require around $12,448 to acquire, which is above our budget.

8 2011 Ford Crown Victoria: $6,746

2011 Ford Crown Victoria Specs

(Average used price courtesy of KBB)

Used American police cars are often a good bang for your buck, which is unsurprising given that many of these vehicles have a V8, are rear-wheel-drive, and have little else. America’s most famous police car over the last decade was the Ford Crown Victoria, the last old-school American sedan.

Regarding chassis design, the Crown Vic utilizes a ladder frame, which is standard on pickups and full-size SUVs. Even though such a layout certainly doesn’t help the model’s driving characteristics, it’s part of why these cars won’t die. This giant dinosaur packs a V8 under the hood that makes 239 horsepower. While that’s hardly a huge number, it’ll undoubtedly get this big car down the road easily.

In its Police Interceptor form, nobody can tell between a decommissioned model and an active unit, meaning nobody will pass you. However, civilian models are also relatively cheap for those who want a vehicle that can float over the bumps at the cost of performance.

7 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP: $5,577

2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP Specs

(Average used price courtesy of KBB)

It’s not hard to find people who miss the Pontiac brand, mostly due to the company’s past models, such as the powerful and sleek Firebird Trans Am, and the muscular GTO, which made it GM’s performance company. Towards the end of Pontiac’s existence, too many cars became rebadged Chevys, and the brand's few memorable performance models got imported from GM’s Australian Holden division.

However, this Pontiac has classic American muscle under the hood. The late-model Grand Prix was generally not much to speak of. In the past, the hottest Grand Prix was a supercharged V6 GTP model. In 2005, the brand introduced a new GXP trim featuring 5.3 liters of LS horsepower.

While it is rather unfortunate that the Grand Prix was a front-wheel-drive car, and 303 horsepower is a lot for the front wheels to handle, Pontiac used high-performance shocks and special, wider front tires to mitigate unfortunate handling effects caused by the layout. However, these cars can suffer from transmission problems, so prospective buyers should get theirs inspected.

6 2006 Mercedes-Benz E 500: $5,046

2006 Mercedes-Benz E 500 Specs

(Average used price courtesy of KBB)

The early 2000s may have been a bad time for the three-pointed star brand, but the E-Class models from the time are still impressive machines, especially when powered by a 5.0-liter V8. The only hang-up is the potential cost of ownership, as it may be expensive to keep up with an almost two-decades-old German car.

AMG variants were also available, packing a 469-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8 under the hood. However, those are more expensive, with the E55 AMG Wagon averaging around $11,552, per KBB. This leaves the $9,418 55 AMG Sedan as the best alternative for consumers who want used cars under $10,000.

5 1999 Lexus LS400: $4,739

1999 Lexus LS400 Specs

(Average used price courtesy of KBB)

Despite generally catering to an older audience, the Lexus brand is surprisingly young as far as car companies go. Toyota started its luxury brand 32 years ago, and Lexus has a reputation for building luxurious and long-lasting vehicles. Lexus started with the LS400 in 1989, which was, on the surface, a large luxury car with nondescript styling.

However, it resonated with audiences, and the LS lineup has been an essential part of Lexus’s offerings ever since. Until the latest generation, the model packed a V8 under the hood to make the vehicle powerful enough to haul around its extra equipment.

The Lexus LS400 is extremely reliable, it is easy to find clean examples of the LS on the used market even today. It’s also not hard to find one within the budget, with early models being shockingly cheap. A used 1999 LS 400 can be had for an average price of around $4,739, making it a good option for those seeking cheap V8 cars.

4 1999 Jaguar XJ8: $3,454

1999 Jaguar XJ8 Specs

(Average used price courtesy of KBB)

Granted, no one purchases a Jaguar like this for its speed and reliability; people buy these cars for their irresistible style, comfort, and luxury. However, they come with a rather incredible 290-hp 4.0-liter V8 under the hood.

Those not into working on their cars might need a mechanic on speed dial, but despite that, paying around $3,454 for a used XJ8 sounds like a genuine bargain!

3 2011 BMW 550i Sedan: $8,228

2011 BMW 550i Sedan Specs

(Average used price courtesy of KBB)

If there’s one thing that BMW is well known for, it’s for producing high-quality sports cars that are surprisingly practical. Perhaps the company’s best combination of performance and practicality is the 5 Series, which has provided owners with a driver-oriented experience with the practicality and comfort of a luxury sedan for years, with the M5 being the quickest option.

Unfortunately, M-power is not within our budget, but plenty of V8-powered 5 Series are still available for under $10,000, as long as the model is more than a decade old.

The standard 2011 BMW 550i Sedan, for instance, can be had for around $8,228 according to KBB. However, that model is rear-wheel drive. This means those seeking all-wheel drive cars under 10 grand can only look toward the 550i xDrive Sedan, which costs slightly more at $9,598.

2 2000 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro: $3,390

2000 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro Specs

(Average used price courtesy of KBB)

Those looking for European luxury but unsatisfied with the Jaguar can always opt for a mid-2000s Audi A6 4.2 Quattro. This understated luxury car is a reasonably reliable German sedan packing a powerful V8.

Price-wise, a 2000 A6 4.2 sedan will set you back around $3,389 on average, according to KBB, making this one of the cheapest V8 cars under $10,000. We'd go for one that's had all its routine maintenance and servicing done.

1 1995 Chevrolet Caprice Sedan: $1,896

1995 Chevrolet Caprice Sedan Specs

(Average used price courtesy of KBB)

For many years, the Crown Victoria reigned supreme over the police, taxi, and traditional full-size sedan markets. However, that doesn’t mean that the Crown Vic was always the only choice for interested buyers. In fact, during the ‘90s, Chevrolet's Caprice was generally the preferred choice over the similarly geriatric Ford.

On the surface, the Caprice is nearly identical to the Ford, as it was a giant car based on an ancient platform with a corporate V8 under the hood. However, the motor makes the Chevy more intriguing than the Crown Vic.

While the last generation Caprice started with a reliable but feeble Chevrolet small block engine, the model received a Corvette-derived LT1 V8 for the 1994 model year. Even though this motor got detuned to produce a comparatively low 260 horsepower, that was enough to make this big boat surprisingly quick despite its size. Given the age of these vehicles, it’s not hard to find these used cars for under $10,000.

Sources: Classic.com, KBB, Carbuzz.