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1955 Ford Crown VictoriaThe 10 Best Cheap V8 Cars
The sound, the fury, the pull from a dead stop; we’ve got your V8 fix covered with this list of affordable eight-cylinder models.The Last Hurrah of the V8
With wave after wave of electric vehicles crashing upon us on a seemingly daily basis, it’s easy to get prematurely nostalgic for the days of unapologetic V8 power. Sure, the speed of EVs is enticing, but the lack of sensory feedback can leave one feeling benumbed. That’s not the case with the below vehicles on our list of the 10 best cheap V8 cars. For car people, the growl of a V8 inspires and enlivens; its unique power is irreplaceable. So, whether you’re considering a V8 for the first time or the last time, here are your best options for under $20,000.
2011 BMW 5-Series
The chief attraction of sport sedans is the balance of performance and daily driving comforts. The BMW 5-Series circa 2011 is an impressive sports sedan with a potent V8. The 550i comes with a 4.4L V8 making 400 horsepower, able to rocket the 5-Series from zero to sixty mph in 5.0 seconds. Steering is sharp and communicative. Rear-wheel drive is a fun default, but for added traction there’s also an all-wheel drive option. The 550i offers a comfortable cabin and a smooth highway ride to complement its V8 power. You’ll find used examples going for around $16,000.
2002 Lexus LX470
Basically a Toyota Land Cruiser in Lexus clothing, the LX470 is everything you love about the former, like the rugged off-road capabilities and legendary reliability, but with all those nice Lexus touches that make life just a little more livable. The indefatigable 4.7L V8 is just the beginning, however, the LX470 also offers optional front and rear locking differentials, and 9.8-inches of ground clearance. So, whether you’re looking for your next overlanding rig or just a grocery getting that’s going to last you, the LX470 is a V8 worth consideration. Expect to find early aughts LX470s going for between $12,000 and $19,000, depending on mileage and wear.
2011 Ford Crown Victoria
Even though Ford discontinued retail sales of the Crown Victoria after the 2007 model year, fleet sales continued through 2012. All those ’08 through ’12 models, nearly all police interceptors, are on the used market and make excellent and affordable rides. The 4.6L V8 in the Crown Vic make a stock 220 horsepower, but police versions after 2004 were tuned to 250 horses. The Crown Vic makes for a great used car, period, thanks to its spacious interior and good durability. Most used examples can be found for around $7,000 to $8,000. (Check out our history of cop cars here.)
2001 Chevrolet Corvette C5
The fifth-generation Chevy Corvette sports one of the most legendary engines of all time, the vaunted 5.7L LS1 V8. In the Corvette, the LS1 made 345 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Corvette Z06 go a tuned version, the LS6, that made up to 385 horsepower. The LS1 is perhaps best known as the Corvette engine people love putting into non-Corvettes. The LS swap has become so common to have evolved into a cliché among car enthusiasts, but it’s also as strong an argument as any for the Corvette itself. Not only was the LS1 powerful, it’s also got decent gas mileage too, at 18 MPG. The C5 is also one of the cooler looking Corvettes with it’s quad round taillights and pop-up headlights (the last Corvette generation to sport them). Most C5s you’ll find listed run right around $20,000.
2008 Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne was the brand’s first SUV, but almost as importantly, it brought back the Porsche V8 (on hiatus after the discontinuation of the 928). From 2003 to 2006 the Cayenne offered a 4.5L V8 making between 335 and 513 horsepower (in the twin-turbo version). A larger 4.8L V8 was introduced in 2008, making between 380 and 542 horsepower (again, in the twin-turbo version). Zero to sixty in the Cayenne Turbo S is a brisk 4.8 seconds. Like the Lexus LX470, the Cayenne came with serious off-road equipment that includes locking differentials, an off-road suspension, and a low-range transfer case. The Cayenne makes a posh and plush option for your next off-road weekender. Earlier versions of the first-gen Cayenne, those with the 4.5L, can be found for under $10,000, while newer examples, with the 4.8L, come in around $20,000.
2010 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
A classic of the sport sedan genre, the fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class offered two V8s in 2010, a 5.5L V8 making 382 horsepower and 6.2L AMG V8 with 518 horsepower. You can in fact find E 63 AMGs for under $20,000, just head back a few years to the third generation E-Class. For the new, fourth gen, the 5.5L makes more than ample power and works seamlessly in tandem with the seven-speed automatic transmission. OF course, the E-Class comes heavily loaded with luxury touches like leather upholstery, massaging front seats, and rear-seat entertainment. Expect to find fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz E-Classes to go for between $15,000 and $20,000.
2001 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Starting in 1998, the fourth generation of the Camaro Z28 and SS receive the Corvette’s LS1 as their V8. The 5.7L made 310 horsepower in the Z28 and was tuned to 325 horsepower in the SS. Perhaps most attractive about a LS1 carrying Camaro is the tuneability of the motor. One of the big reason for the popularity of LS swaps owes to the engine’s tuneability. Remember, the Corvette’s version is a stock 345 horsepower and the LS6 version is tuned to 385 horsepower. Consider then, the 2001 Chevy Camaro Z28 as a V8 blank canvas ripe for upgrades. You can find fourth-gen Camaros for around $8,500.
1998 Lexus LS 400
The Lexus LS 400 was intended to take on the Germans at their own sport sedan game. The car succeeded beyond expectations and helped launch one of today’s top luxury brands. While the car may have boasted a refined interior and a plush and quiet ride, at its heart beat a bullet-proof 4.0L V8. The second-generation LS 400 featured a revised version of the same V8 making 290 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. The third generation ushered in a new, larger 4.3L V8, hence the new LS 430 name. The 3UZ-FE V8 made an identical 290 horsepower. But then, the Lexus LS has always been much more about a luxury experience defined by calm, worry-free driving. Given Lexus’ reputation for reliability derives from the LS, you can be sure a used one won’t stress you unnecessarily, and that includes the price. You can find LS 400s and LS 430s for between $5,000 and $10,000.
2012 Ford Mustang GT
The fifth-generation Ford Mustang GT sports the 5.0L “Coyote” V8 good for 412 horsepower. More powerful version in the Boss 302 and GT500 unfortunately exceed our $20,000 budget cap. But the Coyote motor proves plenty raucous itself. And to complement its power, the Mustang GT provides impressive handling that belies its size. The Mustang is noticeably more nimble than comparable muscle cars like the Challenger or Camaro. And yet, the Mustang is a good daily driver too, with a comfortable ride quality and decent cargo space at 13.4 cu-ft in the coupe. Features like Bluetooth, cruise control, and even ambient lighting round out the package. You’ll see 2010-12 Mustang GTs listed for a little under $20,000.
2010 GMC Yukon
But what if your interest in a V8 is more practically minded than luxury cruising, muscle cars, or overlanding? Got a slew of kids and a boat to haul to the lake? Look no further than the third-generation GMC Yukon. The most upscale version of the GM’s trio of oversized SUVs, the Yukon offers three different V8 options, a 4.8L, 5.3L, or a 6.2L that come with the top Denali trim package. With up to 9,600 lbs. of towing, the Yukon has you covered for whatever you need to hitch up. For those who need more, the Yukon can provide.
