So what can you get for $10,000 or less, in the car bazaar? This is not an amount to take to a dealership, but it can get you a cool ride from the used car bazaar. And honestly, there’s no disadvantage to buying a used car. So sure, it may be out of warranty, but you save a ton of money on upfront payment as well as a mortgage, so a little extra to the service center is not so much of a problem. Especially when it comes to these cars.
These are the cool cars, the ones you would happily drive out of a pre-loved car mart, because these were the cars you always yearned for, in the deepest recesses of your autophile heart.
New, these cars were and still cost a pretty penny, but if you get them used, you can get quite a deal and a ride that you’d cruise in with pride. Then there are always those envious glances to make you feel like the king of the road…
10 2006 Ford Mustang GT: We ‘Stand A ‘Stang
The Ford Mustang has been around for decades and is the very definition of a powerful muscle car. After its debut in 1964, it has evolved into an American automotive legend belting out a gamut of popular models and trims over its six generations.
Being popular cars, thousands of them were sold over these years, so you get plenty in the used car bazaar. However, the fifth-gen 2006 Mustang GT is one of the coolest ones that sell for less than $10,000. It's got a 4.6-liter V8 gas engine hammering out 300 horses and the looks to match.
9 1998 BMW Z3 2.8: Bond’s Ride
If you’re looking for a lusty and reliable convertible for $10,000 or less, then go for the BMW Z3, the James Bond car. It was BMW’s answer to the reigning Mazda Miata in the US and had all the bells and whistles you can imagine in a roadster. There’s one clean example up for grabs.
It’s got a 2.8-liter inline-6 mill putting out 189 horses and 203 lb-ft of torque. The 0-to-60 MPH acceleration time is 6.3 seconds on the way to a top speed of 135 MPH.
8 2014 Cadillac CTS AWD Coupe: Luxury-Bursting Power
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Powered by a behemoth 3.6-liter V6 mill cranking out 318 horses, this stunning coupe is the best you can get for under $10,000 these days. This 2014 CTS has got eye-catching airs besides the lavish interiors and a mid-6-second 0-to-60 MPH run.
Cadillac’s all-wheel-drive makes the ride quick and comfortable while its user-friendly electronics interface is an extremely enjoyable feature of this cool car. It has a five-star overall rating from NHTSA as well, enough to seal the deal for you.
7 2000 Toyota MR2: Japanese Perfection
Known as Toyota MR2 Spyder in the US, this Japanese beauty is a mid-engined sports car that houses a 1.8-liter inline-4 under its hood putting out 138 horses and 126 lb-ft of torque. It received mixed reviews from the press for performance and handling, but it’s one of the most beautiful sports cars of the millennium.
Excellent examples are up for grabs for less than $10,000 nowadays. That’s pretty cheap for a 7.0-second 0-to-60 MPH speed machine, right?
6 1987 Chevy Corvette: The Cinderella ‘Vette
The wedge-shaped C4 Chevy Corvettes are the most underrated of the lot in the car bazaar, and more’s the pity. This was the first ‘Vette to get a complete redesign for this generation, which was a step away from the norm of the olden days.
With a new look and plenty of power, this classic can win many hearts and yet, remains undervalued in the used car market. It’s easy to find a C4 Corvette for less than $10,000. ClassicCars has got a fully functional original 42,000-mile 1987 Corvette in elegant black for a steal.
5 2001 Porsche Boxster: Affordable Posh
Porsche introduced the Boxster nameplate in 1996 to appeal to shoppers who were looking for an affordable sports car. It was a runaway success for Porsche and sells like hotcakes even today. However, if your pocket allows under $10,000 there are plenty of them to grab in the used car marketplace.
This one is a regular Boxster with a 2.7-liter flat-6 hammering out 217 horses apart from Porsche’s legendary handling characteristics. It’s a mid-engine droptop ideal for daily driving and weekend getaways.
4 2010 Lincoln MKS: Safe Leviathan
Dubbed as one of the safest cars on the road, the giant Lincoln MKS gets a five-star rating from NHTSA for all crash tests. The IIHS also names this luxury-laden cruiser a 2010 Top Safety Pick. It’s in its best form with the twin-turbocharged mills putting out 355 horses and 350 lb-ft torque.
It’s currently available for a little over $10,000 but it’s worth your hard-earned moolah any day. You can also opt for a V6-powered 2010 Lincoln MKS that will cost you less than $10,000.
3 1994 Mitsubishi 3000GT: Advanced Tech
The transverse-mounted 3.0-liter 24-valve V6 under the hood of the Mitsubishi 3000GT came in both naturally aspirated and twin-turbo flavors. It made 222 horses in the base model and 300 horsepower in the top trims.
But what truly set the 3000GT apart was the active aero, a front skirt spoiler along with a rear deck wing spoiler, both deploying at over 45 MPH to aid downforce. All this at less than $10,000.
2 2012 Chrysler 300 S: The Epitome Of Luxury
The Chrysler 300 S could be called an evolution of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It came with smooth-running engines, with a 292-horsepower V6, climbing to a 6.4-liter V8 jetting 470 horsepower and lb-ft of torque, each.
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It was big, powerful, and stuffed to the brim with all the luxury your wallet could afford. So getting it for $10,000 is not just a steal, is a daylight robbery. Here’s one V6 model, sure to make you grin from ear to ear.
1 2007 Nissan 350Z Enthusiast:
With a 3.5-liter V6, the 2007 Nissan 350Z made an impressive 306 horsepower and another 268 lb-ft of torque, making for quite a powerful ride. Considering it a Nissan Z car, the 270Z also came loaded with driving prowess and handling so fine, a ride could make you shed tears of joy.
And if you get could this Japanese wonder for $10,000, it’s like the cherry on top. Nissan’s Z cars have been the dream of cars of many, and the 350Z was at the top of its game, so getting it now ensures you have a great day behind the wheel.
Sources: CarGurus, Autolist, Autotrader, ClassicCars, TrueCar, Carfax