We live in a planet where 200 horsepower is economy-vehicle fare, 300 horsepower is mildly interesting, and 400 horsepower is the minimum needed to command numerous enthusiasts’ attention.
Big horsepower is cost-effective, as well, if you know exactly where to look. In the previous decade, the globe has seen its share of 400-hp cars, and they’ve now depreciated into the realm of attainability. At $ 20,000 or so, even so, they’re not giveaways, and with as several as 100,000 miles on their odometers, they’re undoubtedly used. But we’re still talking less funds than a new Camry, and that’s just affordable enough for numerous to take the plunge.
So here are our 5 preferred 400-hp-or-much more cars that can now be had for as little as $ 20,000.
| 1. | 2011 Ford Mustang GT 5. | |
| ENGINE Type | DOHC 32-valve 5.-liter V-8, 412 hp | |
| FROM | C/D on-line, March 2010 | |
| 0–60 MPH | 4.6 seconds | |
| 1/4 MILE | 13.2 seconds @ 109 mph | |
| BASE Price tag NEW | $ 30,495 | |
| Costs Today | $ 21,500–$ 25,000 |
Mustangs with the 5.-liter Coyote V-8 are quick, enjoyable, and easy on the eyes. They might have a solid rear axle, but consistent improvement in other locations produced the Mustang GT a 10Best winner 3 times.
What goes wrong: The Chinese-created Getrag MT-82 6-speed manual transmission is the Mustang’s notoriously weak hyperlink. Avoid automobiles modified with things like nitrous-oxide injection systems.
Expenses: Altering the transmission fluid’s viscosity can ameliorate notchiness concerns in the MT-82. Replacing the clutch fees around $ 1000. Also beware: Many 2011 Mustang GTs have expired or about-to-expire factory warranties.
| 2. | 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG | |
| ENGINE Sort | 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. seconds @ 110 mph | |
| BASE Price NEW | $ 118,295 | |
| Price tag Right now | $ 20,000 |
When it was introduced, the 493-hp SL was one particular of the most powerful Benzes on the industry. 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 Physique Control” suspension) will fail. Leaking pneumatic components that assist door and seat operation can drive you mad.
Fees: The saying “there’s nothing far more expensive than a inexpensive Mercedes” applies right here. One common difficulty 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 Kind | pushrod 16-valve 6.-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 Cost NEW | $ 44,245 | |
| Prices These days | $ 20,000–$ 23,000 |
The C7 may possibly be the most current and greatest Corvette, but a utilised C6 offers towering functionality for Hyundai bucks. A lot of new Corvettes are bought by mature men and women and babied all through their lives, so there’s no cause to settle for a single that is not in top situation.
What Goes Incorrect: The C6 is often haunted by crankshaft harmonic dampers that operate loose. Also, look for fractures in the headlights that can admit moisture, resulting in fogging.
Costs: Replacing the harmonic damper charges about $ 1000. Used headlight assemblies are $ 625 each, and new ones cost a lot 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 tag NEW | $ 39,995 | |
| Rates Nowadays | $ 20,000–$ 25,000 |
It’s a almost 4800-pound box that runs like a Corvette and will haul everything you will need for a bathroom remodel. The 6.1-liter Hemi V-8 has a thirst for premium, 11 mpg city/14 highway, so anticipate huge fuel bills.
What Goes Incorrect: The SRT8 does not appear to have many weak spots, but its huge weight signifies brake pads and rotors put on quickly.
Fees: A set of replacement 20-inch Goodyear Eagle RS-A EMT run-flat tires runs a steep $ 1568 by way of Tire Rack. Dumping the run-flats for traditional functionality tires should save a few hundred bucks.
| 5. | 2007 Audi S6 | |
| ENGINE Sort | 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 Cost NEW | $ 74,020 | |
| Costs 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 4-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 rapid. Nevertheless, its scarcity and Lambo engine earn it major enthusiast credibility. It’s quickly becoming a Saturday-vehicle-show kind of automobile.
What Goes Wrong: Carbon buildup in the engine and electrical gremlins are frequent maladies.
Charges: Several parts are shared with the A6, but parts certain to the S6 can be huge cash. For instance, a new throttle body for the V-10’s intake runs about $ 880. And you are not going to uncover one particular in a junkyard. Make sure any technician operating on the S6 is familiar with the automobile and not utilizing it as night college, or to spend for night college.
The Pre-Owned 400 Club: five Methods to Get 400 Horsepower (or More) for $20,000
