With a fair market value of approximately $8,500 and a top speed of 161 mph, the 1993 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe is one of the fastest used cars you can buy for under $10k, but the 2005 Ford Mustang GT, 2007 Audi S4, and 2006 INFINITI G35 Coupe aren’t far behind.
If you’re looking to buy a fast car for under $10,000, you’re going to have to settle for a used vehicle that likely has at least 100,000 miles on it already—but you have a number of options to choose from.
For your convenience, licensed broker
and car insurance
super app Jerry
has assembled the following guide breaking down eight of the fastest cars you buy for $10,000 or less, based on current AutoTrader listings and KBB’s fair market value estimates. RECOMMENDEDNo spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms
The fastest cars you can buy for $10k or less
While it may not be enough for a modern sports car, $10k can still buy an impressive array of fast—albeit used—vehicles. Keep in mind that the availability of these models will largely depend on what is currently for sale in your area.
1993 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe
At almost 30 years old, the 1993 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe continues to amaze as both a luxury vehicle and an incredibly fast, stylish sports car. In fact, the Corvette Coupe is the fastest vehicle on this list!
Quality craftsmanship combined with a souped-up LT1 5.7L V8 engine has allowed the Corvette to withstand the tests of time without so much as a scratch.
2002 Porsche Boxster
Horsepower: 217 to 250 hp
Despite being one of the most expensive vehicles on this list, the 2002 Porsche Boxster ranks in the bottom third in terms of acceleration and power—but that doesn’t mean it's a bad choice. It still manages a top speed of 161 mph.
Outfitted with your choice (or rather, the previous owner’s choice) of a 2.7L or 3.2L 6-cylinder engine, the Boxster delivers quick, precise handling and an amazing driving experience while still managing to be practical and reliable. In short, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a brand like Porsche.
2004 Pontiac GTO
As one of the few true sports cars on this list, the 2004 Pontiac GTO doesn’t disappoint, especially when it comes to speed. Taking a peak underneath the hood will reveal the 5.7L Gen III LS1, an incredible V8 engine capable of producing 350 hp @ 5,200 rpm and 365 lb-ft of torque—along with that sweet V8 sound you know and love.
And while it might not turn heads like some of the other models we’ve covered, the 2004 Pontiac GTO makes up for it with a crisp interior, comfortable seating, and ample legroom in both the front and rear.
2004 Nissan 350Z
While not as nimble as some of its competitors, the 2004 Nissan 350Z still offers incredible performance and excellent handling, making for a very compliant ride. Outfitted with an impressive 3.5L V6 engine, the 350Z probably isn’t something you’ll be using for day-to-day driving, but it’s a great vehicle for those looking for a weekend joyride.
2005 Ford Mustang GT
As one of the most well-known models on this list, the 2005 Ford Mustang GT is hard to beat when it comes to sheer power. With its robust 4.6L V-8 engine and 5-speed manual transmission, the Mustang GT is a true powerhouse capable of providing a world-class driving experience (without requiring you to spend a fortune to get it).
2006 INFINITI G35 Coupe
It may not be the flashiest on this list, but the 2006 INFINITI G35 Coupe doesn’t disappoint when it comes to speed. Capable of going from 0-60 in just 5.5 seconds, the G35 is without a doubt one of the fastest vehicles you can find for under $10,000.
As far as the interior goes, the 2006 INFINITI G35 Coupe can come off as a bit cheap, but nevertheless provides a comfortable ride with plenty of legroom in the front and rear.
It’s a bit of an oddball, the G35—but it’s a fast oddball, and that’s what matters.
2007 Audi S4
Equipped with a 4.2L V8 engine, the 2007 Audi S4 surprises in all the right ways, especially for a luxury vehicle. It knocks the competition out of the park when it comes to acceleration and handling while still providing excellent road feel, tight cornering, and an overall stellar driving experience.
But power and performance do come at a price—and in the case of the 2007 Audi S4, that price is incredibly poor fuel economy. Averaging a measly 16 mpg combined city/highway, the S4 is a gas guzzler through and through, meaning you’ll likely be spending upwards of $5,000 a year on fuel if you use this as your everyday vehicle.
2009 BMW 328i sedan
It might not be the absolute fastest on this list, but the 328i is definitely one of the cheapest—it’s not hard to find one under $7,000, let alone $10,000. Don’t let the lower price fool you, though: you’ll still get a zippy 3.0L 6-cylinder engine capable of producing 200 lb-ft of torque @ 2,750 rpm and top-notch acceleration.
Of course, if you really want to max out your speed, look for a 2009 BMW 328i sedan with a manual transmission. It’s a smidge quicker than its automatic counterpart and will get your 0-60 time down to an admirable 6.4 seconds.
2012 Volvo S60 T5
Luxury doesn’t always equal speed, but in the case of the 2012 Volvo S60 T5, it does. Boasting a humble-yet-powerful 2.5L 5-cylinder engine, the S60 T5 delivers a well-balanced ride that won’t leave you wanting.
What may leave you underwhelmed is the 2012 S60 T5’s interior. Many drivers have complained of a cramped back seat, minimal legroom, and relatively uninspired styling—but if all you care about is getting a fast car at an affordable price, that may be a compromise you’re willing to make.
How to find cheap car insurance fast
Finding a fast car that’s in good condition for under $10,000 can be difficult, but that doesn’t mean finding cheap car insurance has to be, especially if you use the licensed broker and car insurance super app Jerry
. As the nation’s #1 rated car insurance comparison app, Jerry makes it easier than ever to shop for affordable rates. In fact, the average user ends up saving upwards of $800 a year on their car insurance payments!
All you have to do is download the app, answer a few short questions, and Jerry will get to work finding the best deals for you across dozens of top name-brand insurance providers.
Once you find a policy with the coverage you need, Jerry can help you with the sign-up process and can even help cancel your old policy!
“As a young person who owns a sports car and a high-end sedan, I couldn’t find quotes below a certain threshold. By using Jerry
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