Performance SUVs might be trendy right now, but sports cars have always been the dream of any petrolhead. Whether it is the massive engine, or the sleekly design, having a sports car, represents pride, but mostly excitement and joy. With that said, sports cars usually leave us bankrupt. But, sometimes, time is on your side. And in this case, the time has allowed you to purchase some thrilling cars for a modest price. You can thank depreciation for that.
So if you're interested in buying some luxury beasts without drowning in loans, or getting bankrupt, this list is for you. And remember, expensive cars aren't always fast ones. The vehicles we have chosen for you range from wanna-be-classics to modern contemporaries, but they all are fast and can be purchased under $10,000.
10 2007 Dodge Challenger
The 2020 models of the Dodge Challenger are much more expensive than $10,000. But models from the late 2000s are the ones you should be looking for. Specifically, the 2007 model which combines retro styling with modern updates in a perfect way. It can reach 60 mph in less than 6 seconds while giving you the thrill that you need.
You can choose either a 2.7-liter V6, a 3.5-liter version of the same, or a 5.6-liter Hemi V8 that kicks out 350 horsepower. The last one will cost you more, of course. But, you can find an excellent 3.5-liter V6 for only $7,000. Every risk is worth it.
9 2000 Porsche Boxter S
Why the Boxter S from 2000 is considered a lesser Porsche or even an ugly model is something we'll never understand. The infamous 550 Spyder inspired the Boxter. Just park both the models side by side, and you'll see the similarities: the curved fenders over the wheels, the headlamps, and the muscular shape. Although 47 years apart, the Boxter and the 550 Spyder still share the same DNA.
Nonetheless, the 2000 Boxter S has a much bigger engine than the previous models, a 2.3-liter engine that makes around 250 horsepower and allows the car to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It's a wonder that this car costs only $10,000 today.
8 2003 Infiniti G35 Coupe
The Infiniti G35 Coupe is too good of a car to be forgotten. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, and it's the one car that fully connects the road, the driver and the vehicle. It won Motor Trend's 2003 Car of the Year, and according to them, there's no better car in terms of style and performance for this price. The driving is so engaging; you'll feel there's a V12 instead of the V6. All the smallest details add to its overall practicality, and it's a delight for any petrolhead's senses.
7 2005 Nissan 350Z
Nissan Z models have been shaping the company's history, for good or bad, for quite some time now. The Nissan 350Z is among the best Z cars ever produced. It's even better than its predecessor, the 240Z. And you don't have to take our word for it. Driving the Nissan 350Z feels like driving a masterpiece of German engineering.
Except the 350Z is Japanese. And it costs way less than any German sports car in this range. Its power comes from the 3.5-liter V6 engine that delivers around 276 horsepower. This two-seater can sprint from 0-60 mph in only 5.6 seconds, making you feel like every day is race day on a budget.
6 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt SS
CarBuzz claims that the Cobalt SS is the ultimate car for petrolheads on a budget. It's tough to find a better performance car for the same price. And they aren't wrong at all. The Cobalt SS might not steal your heart with its looks, but it's a unique sports car nonetheless.
It has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 260 horsepower and the same amount of torque you'd get from a new Ford Focus. And that's not all. The 0-60 mph time is only 5.5 seconds, making it the fastest front-wheel-drive production car of its era.
5 2001 Honda S2000
Whether you played too much Gran Turismo or were a Fast and Furious die-hard fan, chances are you're already familiar with the iconic, absolutely unique Honda S2000. It's a car that makes you want to redline the engine every time before engaging the next gear.
This classic Honda is powered by a 2.2-liter VTEC four-cylinder engine, which makes around 237 horsepower. The aerodynamics of this car is a wonder: it can speed up from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. Who would've thought?
4 2002 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
The Camaro is quite known in the post-punk community. Usually, it's the frat boy's car, the car of an elitist who's been living off of their parents' money for as long as they can remember. While some Camaro drivers might qualify for such a description, the ones that drive a Z28 don't. We have good reasons to believe that. Sorry, post-punkers.
But let's talk about the Z28 from 2002. It's the ultimate "looks new, but at the same time retro" kind of car. Plus it has a V8 that produces 310 horsepower and can reach 60 mph in no more than 5.2 seconds. If you can find one, don't let it go.
3 2010 Ford Mustang GT
Hold on, we're not saying you can buy the new models of the Mustang GT for only $10 000. But, you can do so precisely with the model from 2010. If there's any car that has convinced people to buy American, that's it.
The Ford Mustang GT sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. It has a 4.6-liter V8 engine that kicks out 315 horsepower. These numbers don't lie but show the real capacity that the 2010 Mustang GT has. And have you seen how it looks? Too beautiful for it to be slow.
2 2005 Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO from 2005 is perhaps the ugliest car on this list. Especially when compared to its 60s predecessor, this GTO's styling feels like a crime. If looks aren't what you're looking in a car, the 2005 GTO makes a good case. Although it doesn't look like it, this GTO was the fastest GTO car when it first came out.
Powered by a V8 engine, it reaches 60 mph in only 4.7 seconds. It even outgunned the 2006 Dodge Charger SRT-8, which is much more expensive today. For the excitement, comfort, and speed it offers, the GTO's price is lower than it ever was before, which means you should hurry up!
1 2001 BMW E46 M3
There's no excuse. You always have to move. Even if you're stuck somewhere bad, if there's a car that speaks these words through its engine, it would have to be the BMW E46 M3. The E46 M3 represents pure emotion, great proportions, and a design that has aged like fine wine.
No wonder the E46 is the most successful BMW M model to date. It's one of the best buys today, although for under $10,000 you'd have to get one with high mileage. But then again, you're buying a legendary car that goes from 0 to 60 mph in only 4.5 seconds. If you're not convinced yet, try test-driving one.