We live in a world where 200 horsepower is economy-car fare, 300 horsepower is mildly interesting, and 400 horsepower is the minimum needed to command many enthusiasts’ attention.
Big horsepower is affordable, too, if you know where to look. In the past decade, the world has seen its share of 400-hp cars, and they’ve now depreciated into the realm of attainability. At $20,000 or so, however, they’re not giveaways, and with as many as 100,000 miles on their odometers, they’re definitely used. But we’re still talking less money than a new Camry, and that’s just affordable enough for many to take the plunge.
So here are our five favorite 400-hp-or-more vehicles that can now be had for as little as $20,000.
| 1. | 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 | |
| ENGINE TYPE | DOHC 32-valve 5.0-liter V-8, 412 hp | |
| FROM | C/D online, March 2010 | |
| 0–60 MPH | 4.6 seconds | |
| 1/4 MILE | 13.2 seconds @ 109 mph | |
| BASE PRICE NEW | $30,495 | |
| PRICES TODAY | $21,500–$25,000 |
Mustangs with the 5.0-liter Coyote V-8 are fast, fun, and easy on the eyes. They might have a solid rear axle, but consistent improvement in other areas made the Mustang GT a 10Best winner three times.
What goes wrong: The Chinese-made Getrag MT-82 six-speed manual transmission is the Mustang’s notoriously weak link. Avoid cars modified with items like nitrous-oxide injection systems.
Costs: Changing the transmission fluid’s viscosity can ameliorate notchiness issues in the MT-82. Replacing the clutch costs around $1000. Also beware: Many 2011 Mustang GTs have expired or about-to-expire factory warranties.
| 2. | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG | |
| ENGINE TYPE | supercharged SOHC 24-valve 5.4-liter V-8, 493 hp | |
| FROM | C/D, November 2002 | |
| 0–60 MPH | 4.5 seconds | |
| 1/4 MILE | 13.0 seconds @ 110 mph | |
| BASE PRICE NEW | $118,295 | |
| PRICE TODAY | $20,000 |
When it was introduced, the 493-hp SL was one of the most powerful Benzes on the market. The downsides are more than 4400 pounds of heft and a complex retractable hardtop. But just feast your eyes on that depreciation.
What Goes Wrong: Hydraulic systems (including the “Active Body Control” suspension) will fail. Leaking pneumatic elements that assist door and seat operation can drive you mad.
Costs: The saying “there’s nothing more expensive than a cheap Mercedes” applies here. One common problem is the crankshaft-position sensor, which can also fail. But the sensor is only about $60, and it swaps easily. Replacing or repairing the hydraulic suspension, though, can cost thousands.
| 3. | 2005 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| ENGINE TYPE | pushrod 16-valve 6.0-liter V-8, 400 hp | |
| FROM | C/D, September 2004 | |
| 0–60 MPH | 4.3 seconds | |
| 1/4 MILE | 12.7 seconds @ 113 mph | |
| BASE PRICE NEW | $44,245 | |
| PRICES TODAY | $20,000–$23,000 |
The C7 might be the latest and greatest Corvette, but a used C6 offers towering performance for Hyundai bucks. Many new Corvettes are purchased by mature individuals and babied throughout their lives, so there’s no reason to settle for one that isn’t in top condition.
What Goes Wrong: The C6 is often haunted by crankshaft harmonic dampers that work loose. Also, look for fractures in the headlights that can admit moisture, resulting in fogging.
Costs: Replacing the harmonic damper costs about $1000. Used headlight assemblies are $625 each, and new ones cost more than $1200 per side.
| 4. | 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 | |
| ENGINE TYPE | pushrod 16-valve 6.1-liter V-8, 420 hp | |
| FROM | C/D, March 2006 | |
| 0–60 MPH | 4.5 seconds | |
| 1/4 MILE | 13.2 seconds @ 104 mph | |
| BASE PRICE NEW | $39,995 | |
| PRICES TODAY | $20,000–$25,000 |
It’s a nearly 4800-pound box that runs like a Corvette and will haul everything you’ll need for a bathroom remodel. The 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 has a thirst for premium, 11 mpg city/14 highway, so expect big fuel bills.
What Goes Wrong: The SRT8 doesn’t seem to have many weak spots, but its massive weight means brake pads and rotors wear quickly.
Costs: A set of replacement 20-inch Goodyear Eagle RS-A EMT run-flat tires runs a steep $1568 through Tire Rack. Dumping the run-flats for conventional performance tires should save a few hundred bucks.
| 5. | 2007 Audi S6 | |
| ENGINE TYPE | DOHC 40-valve 5.2-liter V-10, 435 hp | |
| FROM | C/D, February 2007 | |
| 0–60 MPH | 5.4 seconds | |
| 1/4 MILE | 13.8 seconds @ 104 mph | |
| BASE PRICE NEW | $74,020 | |
| PRICES TODAY | $20,000–$25,000 |
With a Lamborghini-derived, 5.2-liter V-10 in its nose, this S6 makes a mean wail and funnels its power through Audi’s four-wheel-drive system. It’s heavy, it rides like an ox cart, and, compared with contemporary competition from Mercedes and BMW, it’s not as quick. Still, its scarcity and Lambo engine earn it major enthusiast credibility. It’s fast becoming a Saturday-car-show kind of car.
What Goes Wrong: Carbon buildup in the engine and electrical gremlins are common maladies.
Costs: Many parts are shared with the A6, but parts specific to the S6 can be big money. For example, a new throttle body for the V-10’s intake runs about $880. And you’re not going to find one in a junkyard. Make sure any technician working on the S6 is familiar with the car and not using it as night school, or to pay for night school.
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