10 Fastest Used Cars You Can Buy for Under $20,000

Every car enthusiast wants a car that can trigger an adrenaline rush without wiping out their entire savings to do so. But when you look at the current car market, some of these prices no longer make sense. While new car prices are getting out of hand, the used car market is also seeing an appreciation in some of the cars we love as enthusiasts. Some cars you could get for $10,000–$15,000 a few years ago are now double that amount. However, if you raise your budget a little, say $20,000, there are a lot of options to choose from. From German coupes and sedans to Japanese sports cars, these are some of the fastest cars you can get for a $20,000 budget.

10

2008–2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X

150 mph

Read Also 1 week ago The Hand-Built Exotic Priced Like A Used Porsche Cayman S 18 autotech Engine	2.0-liter turbo inline-four (4B11T)
Power	Read Also 2 week ago Here’s The Most Important Ferrari To Ever Appear On BaT 16 autotech 291 hp
Torque	300 lb-ft
Transmission	Five-speed manual/six-speed DCT
Drivetrain	AWD
0–60 mph	4.4 seconds
Price Range	$17,000–$20,000

Starting with a rally-bred legend, the Lancer Evolution X represents the final chapter of Mitsubishi’s rally-derived dominance. Swapping the iconic iron-block 4G63 for an all-aluminum, 2.0-liter turbocharged 4B11T engine, the Evo X makes 291 hp and loves big boost. What sets the Evo X apart from almost everything else on the road is Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC), an advanced torque-vectoring system that actively pushes power to the wheels with the most grip. It handles with laser precision and enters corners without hesitation.

On a dirt road or on tarmac, the Evo X is a fun car to drive and was taken from us too early. The mechanical components are durable, but the active center differential (ACD) pump is prone to corrosion in winter climates. Always inspect the pump operation and check to make sure the SST dual-clutch transmission is in good condition if you choose it over the five-speed manual.

9

2008–2012 Audi S5

155 mph (limited)

Audi

The first-generation Audi S5 coupe remains one of the best understated grand tourers. Underneath its classy design is a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 354 hp and a mechanical rumble that modern turbocharged cars struggle to match. This is the same V8 used in the Audi R8. Power is sent through Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system, giving the S5 all-weather capability and rock-solid high-speed stability at its 155 mph top speed.

Inside, you get a premium cabin with supportive leather sports seats and solid build quality, which holds up well for an aging German coupe. However, the early 4.2 FSI V8 is famous for timing chain tensioner wear and severe carbon buildup on the intake valves. If you keep up with valve cleaning and verify the timing chain condition and the overall health of the car, the S5 is a great buy.

8

2011–2014 Dodge Challenger R/T

155 mph (limited)

Dodge

The Dodge Challenger is a certified icon in the current muscle car space and, for used performance bargains, the 2011–2014 Dodge Challenger R/T hits the spot. The R/T package brings the venerable 5.7-liter Hemi V8 to the party, pumping out 372 to 375 hp and 400–410 lb-ft depending on whether you pick the five-speed automatic or the more desirable six-speed manual.

The Challenger is a large, comfortable cruiser that embraces its purpose. It doesn’t carve canyons like a lightweight sports car, but it dominates the highway with effortless torque and space for four actual adults. The iron-block Hemi is incredibly durable, but look out for lifter tick and exhaust manifold leaks on high-mileage examples.

7

2010–2015 Nissan 370Z

155 mph (limited)

Via: Bring a Trailer

The Nissan 370Z is an absolute bargain for purists who want a dedicated rear-wheel-drive layout with a manual transmission. Powered by a high-revving, 3.7-liter V6 VQ engine, the Z makes 332 hp and 270 lb-ft without a turbocharger in sight, and it produces one of the best exhaust notes from any V6.

With its short wheelbase, stiff chassis, and hydraulic steering rack, the 370Z offers feedback that modern electronic steering cars can’t mimic. It is a loud, raw, mechanical machine. When shopping for pre-2013 models, look out for the infamous internal gallery gasket failure, which drops oil pressure. Choosing a later model year or verifying that the gasket has been repaired will ensure a reliable sports car.

6

2010–2015 Chevrolet Camaro SS

155 mph (limited)

Netcarshow

The fifth-generation Camaro SS is an absolute performance bargain built on GM’s brilliant Zeta platform. Under the muscular hood is the legendary 6.2-liter small-block V8—the LS3 if you choose the manual (426 hp) or the L99 if you pick the automatic (400 hp). The LS3 is an incredible engine that responds well to simple modifications while remaining exceptionally reliable. Independent rear suspension gives this generation of Camaro genuine handling that matches its straight-line speed. Keep an eye out for leaking oil cooler lines and check to make sure you can live with the huge blind spots caused by the massive C-pillars. However, this is a solid vehicle with the mechanical toughness of that small-block V8.

5

2011–2014 Ford Mustang GT

155 mph

Mustang Specs

When Ford introduced the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine in 2011, it completely shifted the muscle car hierarchy. Producing 412 to 420 hp from the factory, this dual-overhead-cam V8 loves to rev all the way out to its 7,000 RPM redline with a guttural V8 exhaust note. The S197-generation Mustang GT has a traditional live rear axle, which is great for straight-line speed but can get quite lively in the corners.

This Mustang is extremely popular and offers a wide range of aftermarket customization options. The Coyote V8 is widely considered bulletproof, though early manual cars can suffer from shifting issues under high RPM. Finding a clean 5.0 at this price point gives you a great performance car for the money.

4

2013–2015 BMW 335i

155 mph

BMW

The F30-generation BMW 335i is one of the most sophisticated and understated performance cars on this list. It is powered by the smooth, turbocharged 3.0-liter N55 inline-six engine, making 300 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque right from 1,200 RPM. Unlike its twin-turbo N54 predecessor, the N55 engine uses a single twin-scroll turbocharger, which vastly improved reliability while retaining effortless tuning capability.

The 335i offers an exceptional balance of modern executive comfort, premium cabin tech, and sharp German handling. This is the car that will blend into a corporate parking lot and still keep up with V8 sports cars. Be prepared to address common oil leaks from the valve cover gasket, oil filter housing, and oil pan. Once those are addressed early on, you can enjoy a highly refined driving experience.

3

2015–2018 Subaru WRX STI

159 mph

Subaru

The VA-generation Subaru WRX STI continued the legacy of bringing rally motorsport pedigree directly to the street. Its 2.5-liter turbocharged EJ257 boxer engine produces 305 hp paired with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive and the Driver-Controlled Center Differential. This allows the driver to manually alter the torque split between the front and rear axles. It offers immense grip on dirt, in rain, or on asphalt. This is the perfect car for having fun on any terrain. The EJ engine requires careful ownership; unmodified cars are rare and highly sought after. Check the vehicle history for overall vehicle and engine health before making any purchase.

2

2005–2006 Pontiac GTO

160 mph

Bring a Trailer

The modern Pontiac GTO is a cult-classic sleeper. Imported from Australia where it was built by Holden, the GTO hides high-end performance beneath an understated, subtle, almost boring exterior design. The 2005 and 2006 models feature the glorious 6.0-liter LS2 V8 engine, pushing out a healthy 400 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque, best paired with the six-speed manual. It is a fast, comfortable coupe with an interior that used surprisingly high-quality materials for the era. These cars weren’t sold in large numbers (just over 25,000 with the LS2), so body panels can be tough to track down, but the LS2 powertrain components are affordable and easy to find anywhere.

1

2003–2006 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

155 mph (limited) / 180+ mph

Mercedes-AMG

If you want pure, unfiltered acceleration that outruns modern sports cars, look no further than the W211-generation Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. This absolute beast is powered by a hand-built, 5.4-liter supercharged M113K V8 engine that pumps out 469 horsepower and a monstrous 516 lb-ft of torque. It is limited to 155 mph like the others, but remove its limiter and some have clocked over 180 mph. Hitting 200 mph is possible with this beast, but that may require a power upgrade.

The E55 AMG is a heavy mid-sized luxury sedan that moves with the urgency of a muscle car while cocooning you in leather and wood trim. The M113K engine and 5G-Tronic transmission are legendary for their durability. However, the E55 rides on an intricate Airmatic air suspension system and uses an early Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) system. Both can be expensive to service when they wear out. If you find a well-maintained car, it is one of the greatest speed bargains ever created.

Sources: OEM Manufacturers, Autotempest.