Speed doesn’t always mean splurging. In the right corners of the used car market, there’s a whole fleet of surprisingly quick rides that won’t bankrupt your bank account. These 15 cars all hit 150 mph or more with either a rumbling V8, a turbo punch, or a slice of European engineering.
And if you're patient (and okay with a bit of wrench-turning), many of these can be yours for less than ten grand.
Chevrolet Corvette C5 – Avg. Price: $22,000–$29,000
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The C5 Corvette has surprising affordability and serious performance. Its 5.7-liter V8 sends 350 horsepower to the rear wheels, enabling a 0–60 time under five seconds and a top speed of 175 mph. Plus, thanks to its transaxle design, the weight distribution actually makes it corner better than you’d expect. The maintenance of this car is manageable. As for the fun-per-dollar, it’s off the charts.
Pontiac GTO (2004–2006) – Avg. Price: $18,854
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You might mistake the Pontiac GTO for a rental car until you hit the throttle. Underneath the reserved styling is GM’s burly LS engine that produces up to 400 horsepower in the later models. It was built in Australia by Holden and is the muscle car of muscle cars. It’s business on the outside, party under the hood. And when it comes to the top speed, it’s a steady 175 mph, assuming you’ve got the road (and tires) for it.
Infiniti G35 Coupe – Avg. Price: $7,148
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Nissan’s luxury cousin doesn’t scream “track day,” but it sure whispers it confidently. Its sleek coupe body hides a 3.5-liter V6 shared with the 350Z, good for about 280 horsepower. It pulls confidently to a top speed of nearly 160 mph. The interior is upscale with a manual gearbox, and it feels a lot sportier than its price tag suggests.
Chrysler 300C SRT-8 – Avg. Price: $16,950–$20,995
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What do you get when you cram a 6.1-liter Hemi V8 into a full-size luxury sedan? The automotive version of a linebacker in a tuxedo. It pumps out 425 horsepower and comfortably punches past 170 mph. Yes, it’s big. Yes, it’s heavy. But it moves like it has somewhere to be.
Chevrolet Camaro Z28 (1996–2002) – Avg. Price: $13,263
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This is the kind of car your gearhead uncle still talks about. Its 5.7-liter small-block V8 and classic rear-drive dynamics deliver old-school American muscle in a simple, wrench-friendly package. Around 305 horsepower gets you north of 150 mph, and if you're lucky, you’ll find one that hasn’t been wrapped around a tree by a teenager.
Jaguar XJR (1998–2003) – Avg. Price: $16,313
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This car looks like something a retired British banker might drive, but pop the hood, and you’ll find a supercharged V8 ready to misbehave. The XJR cranks out 375 horsepower, with a limiter-capped top speed of 155 mph. Without that limiter, let’s just say the gentleman can hustle.
Audi S4 B6 (2003–2005) – Avg. Price: $15,418
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This generation of Audi’s compact sport sedan came with a 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 and standard Quattro all-wheel drive. It’s balanced, fast, and understated. With 340 horsepower on tap, the S4 can launch to 60 in five seconds and hit its electronically capped limit of 155 mph.
BMW 540i E39 – Avg. Price: $13,958
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Though it’s not quite the fire-breathing M5, this car is still a sleeper in its own right. The E39 540i's 4.4-liter V8 offers smooth, satisfying power and a sense of balance that newer sedans just don’t quite match. It’ll nudge up against 155 mph and look classy doing it. It’s best paired with a manual if you can find one.
Dodge Neon SRT-4 – Avg. Price: $7,000–$10,000
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This turbocharged compact doesn’t look like much, but the SRT-4 was engineered to punch above its weight. It is unapologetically raw, with 230 horsepower and front-wheel-drive scrappiness that makes it more fun than it probably should be. The top speed sits around 153 mph.
Porsche Boxster (1997–2004) – Avg. Price: $8,000–$12,000
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Mid-engine, flat-six, and rear-wheel drive–that’s a Porsche recipe right there. Only now it’s served at fast food prices. The early Boxsters are nimble, quick, and more capable than their modest horsepower figures suggest. Some trims reach 160 mph, all while delivering that classic Porsche feel without the classic Porsche cost.
BMW 330i E46 (2000–2006) – Avg. Price: $8,000–$12,000
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The E46 330i is like your overachieving friend who’s great at everything but never brags. Its inline-six engine is buttery smooth, and the handling balance is nearly perfect. With the limiter in place, it taps out at 155 mph, but you'll enjoy every moment getting there. We recommend finding one with a stick.
Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (1998–2002) – Avg. Price: $15,000–$20,000
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The E55 hides serious muscle under an otherwise grown-up exterior. It reaches its 155 mph limit with authority, and without making much of a fuss. While upkeep isn’t cheap, initial purchase prices are surprisingly low for the performance offered.
Nissan 350Z (2002–2008) – Avg. Price: $10,000–$15,000
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The Z came back swinging in the early 2000s, and it didn’t miss. Its naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 packs up to 300 horsepower and a throaty exhaust note that lets you know it’s alive. With a top speed of over 155 mph, this car feels raw and purpose-built. Plus, the aftermarket support is endless if you're itching to mod.
Mercedes-Benz S600 (1998–2005) – Avg. Price: $9,000–$13,000
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Twelve cylinders. That’s right—twelve. The S600 is a rolling statement of overkill, and while its 155 mph top speed is electronically limited, it’s got the guts to go much further. Once a six-figure status symbol, this V12 limo can now be found at shocking prices.
Volvo V70 R (1997–2000) – Avg. Price: $8,000–$12,000
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Station wagons aren’t supposed to do 150 mph, but nobody told Volvo. The V70 R cranks out 300 horsepower, sends it to all four wheels, and blends cargo-hauling utility with hot-hatch speed.