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 might think only American cars come with V8 power plants, but carmakers from the rest of the world also appreciate it, usually giving it a home in only their most exclusive 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.

Updated January 2023: V8 engines are synonymous with great power and acceleration. That's why most performance and sports cars prefer to use V8 engines. While some remain naturally aspirated, some manufacturers opt to get more power through supercharging or turbocharging. Below is an updated list highlighting the best V8 cars under $10,000.

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, but 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 $10k.

15 Lincoln LSC Mark VIII

1998 Lincoln Mark VIII
Via Wikimedia Commons

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 The most outdated type of vehicle these companies pushed out was the personal luxury, two-door coupe designed to be as large, comfortable, and ostentatious as possible.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 impressive muscle under the hood.

While one may expect the Mark VIII to use any old smooth engine, it instead had a dual overhead cam, 32-valve V8. The power plant was also available in the Mustang 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 $5k.

14 Infiniti M45

Red 2006 Infiniti M45 on the road
Via Infiniti

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 LS400.

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 340 horsepower, surprisingly potent for a fairly small displacement motor. This model is both more affordable and more attractive than its newer counterparts.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why Driving Enthusiasts Should Consider Buying The V8 Jaguar F-Type

13 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP

Pontiac-G8_GXP-2009 front 3/4 view
Via GM

It’s not hard to find people who miss the Pontiac brand, mostly due to the company’s past models, 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, the last real performance 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.

12 2000 Audi A6 Quattro

2000 Audi A6 Quattro
Via Audi World

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

Price-wise, a 2000 A6 Quattro sedan that packs a 4.2-liter V8 producing 300 horsepower will set you back somewhere between $5,000 and $10,000, depending on various factors. We'd go for one that's had all its routine maintenance and servicing done.

11 Ford Crown Victoria

Front shot of Black 2011 Ford Crown Victoria
Mecum Auctions

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 up to 250 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.

10 Chevrolet Caprice

Chevrolet Caprice
Via Wikimedia

For many years, 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 them for well under $10k or even $5k.

Related: Everything You Need To Know About The Chevrolet Caprice Corvette Chaser

9 1999 Jaguar XJ8

1999 Jaguar XJ8
Via Honest John Classics

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, we think the $5,000 you'll pay for a used XJ8 is a genuine bargain!

8 Lexus LS400

1990 Lexus LS400
Via Lexus

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. Given the model’s penchant for comfort and reliability, it is easy to find clean examples of the LS. It’s also not hard to find one within the budget, with early models being shockingly cheap.

Related: This Is What Makes The Lexus LS One Of The Finest Luxury Cars On The Market

7 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Via Wikimedia

Mercedes has spent a long time building its image with plush interiors and its past reliability. Perhaps the car that helped build the company’s reputation the most is the full-size S-Class, used to ferry around rich people. For those who want something smaller, more affordable, and more driver-oriented, Mercedes offers the E-Class. While it was once a small car, it has grown considerably over the years. Given its current size, it’s no surprise that modern examples come with a V8 motor.

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 a 15-year-old German car. AMG variants were also available, packing a supercharged 5.5-liter V8 under the hood. However, those are less likely to fall under the $10k barrier and are even pricier to maintain.

6 BMW 5 Series

Grey 2008 BMW 5 Series
BMW

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 $10k, as long as the model is more than a decade old.

Buyers can choose between a 4.0-liter, 4.4-liter, or 4.8-liter eight-cylinder option for the E60 generation, with power ranging from 302 horsepower to 362 horsepower. It’s worth remembering that this is a premium German luxury sedan and that repairs may be quite expensive should they come up.

5 Chevrolet Camaro

2000 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 Front
Chevrolet

Except for the Ford Mustang, the longest-running muscle car is the Camaro, produced uninterruptedly from 1969 to 2002. The model returned in 2010, now sporting a 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 $10k.

This version entered production in 1993, but the one to look out for is the 1998 to 2002 model. In 1998, Chevy decided to throw in its new LS1 V8, which was more powerful with 335 horsepower and capable of achieving decent highway fuel economy with its efficient, computer-controlled motor and slippery body design. While the four-speed automatic can deliver powerful acceleration, the six-speed manual will really unlock this car’s performance.

4 Dodge Charger R/T

Black 2009 Dodge Charger R/T
Via Mecum Auctions

Today, many companies are focusing on crossovers and SUVs. However, Dodge is still selling its 12-year-old Charger to demonstrate how good sedans can be. Compared to today's 700+ hp Hellcat Charger, the 2006 Charger R/T made a relatively small 340 horsepower from its 5.7-liter Hemi. However, it’s still a powerful and practical performance option that remains quick compared to its contemporaries.

Weighing around 4,000 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, only high-mileage SRT8 cars will clear our tight budget. If you need more practicality, Dodge also sold the Magnum, which was basically the wagon variation.

Related: Here's Why Gearheads Should Consider Buying The 2022 Dodge Charger

3 Chevrolet Corvette C4

Chevrolet Corvette C4
Via Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Corvette is an all-American icon. This fiberglass-bodied beauty packs a powerful small-block V8 under its long hood. The C4 is definitely a bargain these days and one of the best Corvettes ever made.

While the C5 'Vette prices have dropped to around the $15k mark, you can easily find the C4 for well under $10k. Earlier models came with weak engines, while the later, more powerful cars will usually cost more. Of course, an LS swap is always an option for those who want to save money upfront and build something that's truly their own.

2 Jaguar XK8

Green 1997 XK8 Coupe parked
Bring a Trailer

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, but Jaguar later bumped it up to a 294-hp 4.2-liter unit. 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.

1 Ford Mustang GT

1998 Ford Mustang GT (Black) - Front
Via: Mecum

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 $10k.

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.