Have you always dreamed of owning a ‘fast and furious’ car? Well, dreams come true. You could easily get your hands on one for under $10,000. The only decision is which one appeals to you the most. There’s something for everyone in this list of sporting greats.
2003-2006 Audi TT 3.2 VR6 Quattro
You may need to tighten your seatbelt for this one. An massively sized 3.2 liter VR6 engine contained within such a small car doesn’t sound right does it? However I kid you not, this special sports model will take YOU on a ride, not the other way round. It comes with the famous Audi Quattro all-wheel drive in either a coupe or convertible roadster, and with the electronically-controlled dual clutch DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox).
The one I found – Not many of these beauties around, especially under 10K with low mileage, but the best one I could find has just 115,632 miles clocked up, only two previous owners, ‘Electric Blue’ exterior with black rims and interior leather seats for just $7,999 before taxes and fees. Definitely need to follow up on the service history, but overall a good buy.
2008-2012 Dodge Challenger
It’s the American teenage classic sports car. There are a variety of engines to choose from including the 2.7 liter V6, 3.5 liter V6, and the more expensive 5.7 liter and 6.1 liter Hemi V8 models. The retro styling gives this beast the grunt it needs cruising down the boulevard.
The one I found – It’s really hard to find a clean example that hasn’t got some sort of salvage or damage issue reported and/or repaired for under $10k. I did however come across a 2010 SE Rear Wheel Drive grey model with a 3.5 liter V6 engine, a 5-speed automatic transmission, and 103,000 miles onboard for only $9,995. That was on first inspection. Since revisiting the listing, the dealer has put the price up by $1,000 so it now lists at $10,995. I think there is some wiggle room here as it seems unfair to be raising the price without a very good reason. I would get in contact and inquire as to why the price rise occurred. Otherwise, you will either have to look at raising your budget or allowing for higher mileage which I would be very cautious of doing. There was however one other listing – a 2009 model again with a 3.5 liter V6 engine, 116,000 miles in blue for $10,900 with no title issues found. So adding another $900 to $1,000 may be the way to go if this is the ultimate car for you.
2005-2014 Ford Mustang
Reinventing the earlier styling of the Mustang Fastbacks from the 60’s and 70’s, the Fifth Generation base model was powered by no less than a 4.0 liter SOHC V6 while the GT featured a 4.6 liter three-valve Modular V8. It’s the quintessential all-American muscle car and is real value for money.
The one I found – Hey, there are plenty on the market to choose from, but I chose a 2005 4.0 liter V6 Fastback Coupe in standout ‘Lightning Blue’ with dual massive white stripes over the top and accented side stripes as well. Amazingly clean under the bonnet, there is great tread on the alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, light tan interior with fabric seats, and a Pioneer MixTrax CD/Display player. The only detail that could use attention is the rear seats that are a little dirty – but hey, any Mustang under $10k has something that needs attention, and this is nothing. Did I mention it has only traveled 79,461 miles, has had only 2 previous owners, and a full service history for $8,999 plus the Dealer fee of $599 equaling a grand total of $9,598. Sold!
1995-2002 BMW Z3 Roadster/Coupe
Absolutely breathtaking in design, BMW pulled out all the stops when they introduced the Z3 to the market. It came in either the soft or hardtop convertible, and the coupe. While you can pick up the inline 4 cylinder engines, the most popular are the inline 6 cylinder 2.8, 3.0i or 3.2 liter engines for extra grunt. It first appeared across the movie screens in the 1995 James Bond film ‘Goldeneye’, and was even offered in a limited edition of 100 through the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalogue. Imagine how much one of those would cost now!
The one I found – While it’s great to see some still on the market, most under 10k have either been damaged and listed as a ‘Salvage’ title or have engine problems. I did however come up with two little beauties to compare. The first is a 1997 2.8 liter hardtop convertible in silver with automatic transmission and 68,805 miles on the clock for just $5,977. The second one is a midnight-black 2001 3.0i liter soft-top also with automatic transmission and 73,636 miles for a smidgen under 10k at $9,990. The size of the engine will increase the price, and finding the bigger engines under 10k is not easy. I’d be happy with the 2.8 liter myself, but it’s a personal choice, and also a consideration for the difference in price. No-one will notice the difference when you drive down the street.
1996-2004 Porsche Boxster
Street cred meets a touch of elegance. Powered with either a 2.5 liter Turbo, 2.7 or 3.2 flat six cylinder engine, this 2-seater roadster has a mid-engine layout that provides a low center of gravity, a near-perfect weight distribution, and neutral handling. Look for models preferably 1999 and later as the early M96 engines had a number of failures, resulting in cracked or slipped cylinder liners. These were resolved in 1999, so you should be fine from this year on.
The one I found – A great condition 1999 automatic Boxster in silver with fantastic silver-rimmed stylized wheels, 2.5 liter H6 Turbo engine, good-condition black soft-top convertible, clean and tidy interior, and 73,122 miles for just $8,200, and the dealer also has a 5-star review rating. You may need to purchase a headlight restoration kit as one of the headlights is ‘clouding’, but you only need to spend between $10 and $30 for a decent product. These high-end cars cost $41,000 new. Absolute bargain!
2002-2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe (Nissan Skyline)
The powerful, award-winning V6 engine (named in ‘Ward’s 10 Best Engines’ list for four consecutive years) along with Motor Trend’s ‘Car of the Year’ award in 2003, this Coupe has earned its stripes. Often overlooked, this car is engaging to the driver, has great style, and great performance. Check out the colors available – Liquid Platinum, Black Obsidian, Diamond Graphite, Ivory Pearl, Serengeti Sand, Lakeshore Slate – and exclusive to the Coupe ‘Athens Blue’ and ‘Laser Red’.
The one I found – A 2005 model with only two past owners, ‘Liquid Platinum’ silver exterior with light tan interior in excellent condition, a full Carfax report, plenty of photos including under the car where there is no evidence of rust anywhere, no accidents, and there are no leaks. It is a 5-speed automatic and has just over 57,000 miles on this sellers daily drive for $8,750 cash. As this is a private sale, there is a conversation to be had as he says the price is slightly negotiable.
2002-2008 Nissan 350Z
A modern-day classic with huge street appeal, this little monster has a 3.5 liter V6 engine and comes in either Coupe or Roadster. The popularity has led to tons of aftermarket accessories and sports kits ready to put some added bling into and onto your very own.
The one I found – Again, I found two to consider. The first is an automatic soft-top 2007 ‘Touring Roadster’ in deep-sea blue with 105,131 miles for $8,995. The second one is a 2005 ‘Enthusiastic Roadster Coupe’ white automatic hardtop with 101,000 miles for $9,999 and says it has a ‘clean’ title. Both great choices, but for me I prefer the Coupe.
Now, we all know how popular sports cars generally get treated, and how a lot of them have been in an accident or two. So it is essential to check out the ‘Branded’ or ‘Rebuilt’ title history of the car (refer to https://rearviewreview.com/what-is-a-branded-title/ for more information on what a Branded Title is), and that the mileage hasn’t been tampered with.