Even if you have a tight budget for your next car, it doesn’t mean you can’t find a muscle car to adorn your driveway. In fact, you can find plenty of speedy used muscle cars for only about $20,000. This includes familiar names like the Dodge Challenger, the Ford Mustang, and the Chevrolet Camaro.
2011 Dodge Challenger
The Dodge Challenger offers a wide range of engine choices from the base 3.6-liter V6 that makes 305 horsepower to the SRT8 models that make up to 470 horsepower. The base engine will most likely put you under the $20,000 price point, but that’s still plenty of power for everyday driving. Plus, you’ll get a pretty roomy interior and decent fuel economy of 28 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.
2010 – 2011 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang GT is the original pony car and is considered by many to be the first muscle car as well. You can get powerful V6 and V8 engines on the Mustang, and the best news is that Mustangs in this model year range are pretty easy to find under $20,000. V6 models are likely to start around $15,000 but can go higher. V8 models will start closer to $19,000 and can definitely go higher.
2010 – 2011 Chevrolet Camaro
Like the Mustang and Challenger, the Camaro offers a powerful base V6 engine that comes in at an affordable price when you look at used cars. It also has decent fuel economy and standout styling. It might be harder to find a V8 Camaro for under $20,000, but there are plenty of LS and LT prices between $15,000 and $20,000.
Honorable Mention Muscle Cars
We know that when people think of muscle cars, models like the Camaro, Mustang, and Challenger run near the top of the list. However, if you don’t want a traditional muscle car but still want something fast, there are some other options to consider from Japanese automakers.
For example, the 2009 or 2011 Mazda RX-8 features a 1.3-liter rotary engine that makes 212 horsepower with the automatic transmission option or 232 horsepower with the manual. The engine and horsepower may seem small, but the RX-8 features impressive handling and sharp steering that make it a joy to drive.
The 2009 Nissan 370Z is another fast and light car that may not be a traditional muscle car but is still plenty impressive. For around $20,000, you’ll get a 3.7-liter V6 engine that makes 332 horsepower, plus athletic handling and quick acceleration. Both automatic and manual transmission options are available on the Nissan 370Z.
Used cars under $20,000 is a hot market, but it’s exciting to know that there are plenty of options out there for muscle cars in this price range as well.
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