You don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a V8 thrill. If you have wanted a V8-powered car but need to keep your budget in check, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered with numerous affordable options available. You can find a high-performance V8 car for under $10,000, from muscle cars to luxury sedans to sports coupes.

While most people tend to think that fast and powerful cars are the few luxury vehicles, this is not always the case. Some of the best V8 cars are exceptional value, delivering powerful engines, high-torque performance, and everything else you want at an affordable price.

For those who relish the concept of piloting a premium-looking new vehicle, cars that look expensive offer affordable, stylish, and luxurious models that won’t break the bank and overspend your budget.

If a V8 model is their choice, you have a great, reliable, stylish, long-lasting, and fun-to-drive car option ideal for college students or young professionals. Most second-hand V8 sedans and sports cars aren’t too bad for performance vs practicality, making them great daily drivers or weekend warriors.

Here are 12 of them (nine sedans and three sports cars) that are V8-powered and capable of offering you an exhilarating time behind the wheel for less than $10K. We have everything from classic American muscle cars to luxury European sedans—we cover their performance capabilities, reliability, and affordability so you can find the best V8 car for your budget.

Must Check: 10 Fastest AWD Sports Cars You Can Buy Under $30K For Affordable Thrills

#1. 2004 Ford Mustang GT

• Why It’s a Great Pick: Classic American muscle with a 4.6L V8 producing 260 hp.
• Performance: 0-60 mph in about 5.5 seconds.
• Reliability & Maintenance: Affordable repairs and good aftermarket support.

The Ford Mustang GT screams all-American muscle with its raucous lines and raw horsepower. It boasts a 4.6L V8 with 260 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque, propelling the muscle car to 60 mph in a little over 5.5 seconds. The Mustang GT features rear-wheel drive, which is important for sharp handling and stability. It is propelled through either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, both of which give engaging driving experiences.

Specifications:

• Engine: 4.6L SOHC V8
• Horsepower: 260 hp @ 5,250 rpm
• Torque: 302 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 5.5 seconds
• Fuel Economy:17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
• Curb Weight: 3,400 lbs

If you’re after a muscle car that won’t eat up your savings on repairs, the 2004 Mustang GT is hard to beat in terms of parts availability and low repair costs. Maintaining this car is easy, and enthusiasts are all set for years to come with parts for modifying it. The Mustang GT is a stylish and solid everyman muscle car—a bargain.

#2. 2006 Chevrolet Corvette C5 (High Mileage Units)

• Why It’s a Great Pick: Supercar performance for a bargain price.
• Performance: 5.7L LS1 V8, 345 hp, 6-speed manual option.
• Reliability & Maintenance: Durable engine but expensive parts.

The Chevrolet Corvette C5 offers high-performance value like nothing else. It offers supercar levels of performance at a fraction of the price courtesy of its 345 horsepower from the 5.7L LS1 V8. This car can hit 60 mph in about 5 seconds, an exhilarating driving experience. The 6-speed manual transmission only increases this, allowing you to tap into all of the car’s power truly.

Specifications:

• Engine: 5.7L LS1 V8
• Horsepower: 345 hp @ 5,600 rpm
• Torque: 350 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
• Curb Weight: 3,200 lbs

Routine maintenance intervals should be more forgiving than those for most exotics, but the C5’s exotic engine components and parts mean that serviced parts don’t come cheap. But for enthusiasts searching for a fun ride at a reasonable price, the Corvette C5 deserves every bit of its still-generous reputation.

#3. 2010 Dodge Charger R/T

• Why It’s a Great Pick: Four-door muscle with a 5.7L HEMI V8.
• Performance: 370 hp, excellent highway cruiser.
• Reliability & Maintenance: Some electrical issues but overall solid.

If you require the utility of an extra two doors but still want some of that muscle car juice, look at the Dodge Charger R/T. The 5.7L HEMI V8 is rated at 370 horsepower and delivers plenty of punch on the highway, letting the Charger gather speed like few cars this size can. The Charger R/T feels nimble for a full-size sedan, its rear-wheel drive chassis lively through slow corners.

Specifications:

• Engine: 5.7L HEMI V8
• Horsepower: 370 hp @ 5,000 rpm
• Torque: 395 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 5.2 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 16 mpg city / 25 mpg highway
• Curb Weight: 4,000 lbs

The Charger R/T usually has no major reliability problems; however, some owners have reported electrical issues, a common ailment for the brand. At the price, this muscle sedan offers excellent value and performance, so long as it’s maintained regularly.

#4. 2003 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

• Why It’s a Great Pick: European luxury with a hand-built 5.4L supercharged V8.
• Performance: 469 hp, 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
• Reliability & Maintenance: Expensive repairs but worth the power.

With its powerful V8 engine, the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG delivers power with smooth sophistication. With 469 horsepower from its 5.4L supercharged V8 engine, the E55 AMG can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. If you’re into understated sophistication and precision German engineering, this is an undiscovered jewel in the luxury sedan segment.

Specifications:

• Engine: 5.4L supercharged V8
• Horsepower: 469 hp @ 6,100 rpm
• Torque: 516 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 14 mpg city / 21 mpg highway
• Curb Weight: 4,030 lbs

The E55 AMG has no matching rival in terms of performance, but as is the case with all AMGs, replacement parts do not come cheap, especially those involving the supercharger. Anyway, if you’re open to writing a check now and then for servicing, the E55 AMG is an exhilarating yet wonderfully plush ride for a sliver of the original price.

#5. 2008 Pontiac G8 GT

• Why It’s a Great Pick: Underrated sports sedan with a 6.0L V8.
• Performance: 361 hp, RWD fun, rare but affordable.
• Reliability & Maintenance: Some transmission concerns but generally reliable.

The Pontiac G8 GT is an unappreciated sports sedan of the punch-packing kind. It features a 6.0L V8 engine pumping out 361 horsepower, offering plenty of kick and an engaging rear-wheel-drive layout. Coupled with its performance and bold and sleek styling, the G8 GT is a unique choice for any enthusiast looking to stand out.

Specifications:

• Engine: 6.0L V8
• Horsepower: 361 hp @ 5,300 rpm
• Torque: 385 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 16 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
• Curb Weight: 3,980 lbs

Maintenance costs on the Pontiac G8 GT are relatively low, although specific models have had transmission problems. Overall, it’s pretty reliable and offers much value for someone who wants a rare sports sedan at a low price.

Read More:

• Top Cars That Run on Pure Ethanol Efficient Eco-Friendly Models
• Top 10 Cars Under 5K in Good Condition for Your Next Project Car
• Best Coolest First Cars for Car Guys Under $20K That Look Insanely Good!

#6. 2001 Chevrolet Camaro Z28

• Why It’s a Great Pick: Fourth-gen Camaro with an LS1 5.7L V8.
• Performance: 310 hp, 6-speed manual option, solid acceleration.
• Reliability & Maintenance: Strong engine, cheap to maintain.

What could embody the spirit of the American muscle car better than a 5.7L LS1 V8, 300+ horsepower, and Chevrolet-badged in its finest form than a Camaro Z28? The Camaro Z28 provides excellent acceleration and excitement for the duration, whether using a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. This fourth-generation babe blends all that sweet Camaro styling with performance upgrades.

Specifications:

• Engine: 5.7L LS1 V8
• Horsepower: 310 hp @ 5,200 rpm
• Torque: 340 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 5.4 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 17 mpg city / 28 mpg highway
• Curb Weight: 3,300 lbs

The Camaro Z28 is also one of the most reliable ones. The LS1 is a strong engine; you can find cheap and plentiful parts. This muscle car can last for years with proper maintenance and is an excellent choice for a V8 car on a budget.

#7. 2007 Lincoln Town Car

• Why It’s a Great Pick: Comfortable V8-powered luxury sedan.
• Performance: 239 hp, smooth ride, great for road trips.
• Reliability & Maintenance: Extremely reliable, easy to maintain.

Then there is the Lincoln Town Car for a luxury V8 ride; car buyers crave more, and comfort can do worse. Beautiful, it isn’t, but it is a superb long-distance cruiser. Equipped with the 4.6L V8 engine, it provides a soothing 239 horsepower for a stress-free ride. If you have a long road trip ahead of you or just a long way to travel for work, the Town Car has plenty of space and is quiet inside.

Specifications:

• Engine: 4.6L V8
• Horsepower: 239 hp @ 4,500 rpm
• Torque: 287 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
• Transmission: 4-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 16 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
• Curb Weight: 4,100 lbs

The Lincoln Town Car is known for its legendary durability. It can go hundreds of thousands of miles with regular use and has comparatively low maintenance costs for a luxury sedan.

#8. 2005 Infiniti Q45

• Why It’s a Great Pick: A hidden gem with a 4.5L V8.
• Performance: 340 hp, luxury features, smooth handling.
• Reliability & Maintenance: Well-built, but parts can be pricey.

The 4.5L V8 that powers the Infiniti Q45 makes a full 340 horsepower. So, it offers the luxury features and driving experience that are on the top of many buyers’ lists. It will be a good combination of pure strength plus smoothness. Its handling is sharp, and its cabin is nothing short of luxurious in true Infiniti fashion.

Specifications:

• Engine: 4.5L V8
• Horsepower: 340 hp
• Torque: 333 lb-ft
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 6.2 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 17 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
• Curb Weight: 4,200 lbs

The Q45 is a well-constructed car, but it costs a little more to maintain than some other sedans because certain replacement parts are pricey. Full-size luxury sedans are better cars overall, but buyer bases tend to be tight on cash.

#9. 1998 Ford Crown Victoria P71

• Why It’s a Great Pick: Durable, budget-friendly, and easy to modify.
• Performance: 4.6L V8, 250 hp, built for durability.
• Reliability & Maintenance: Simple and cheap to repair.

The Ford Crown Victoria P71, (Police car), is one of the most bulletproof cars you can purchase for under $10,000. It runs on a 4.6L V8 that produces 250 horsepower, and thanks to its heavy-duty nature, it’s highly dependable. This makes an excellent choice for those interested in a good, cheap, solid-coupled V8 car that can be customized in a do-it-yourself style.

Specifications:

• Engine: 4.6L V8
• Horsepower: 250 hp
• Torque: 290 lb-ft
• Transmission: 4-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 7.9 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 16 mpg city / 24 mpg highway
• Curb Weight: 4,200 lbs

It is not hard to see why, with its no-frills construction, the Crown Vic is cheap to maintain and fix. Thanks to its durability and long-lasting features, this is a bang-for-the-buck item for those on a tight budget.

#10. 2006 Chrysler 300C

• Why It’s a Great Pick: Classic sedan with a HEMI V8 and luxury features.
• Performance: 5.7L HEMI V8, 340 hp, smooth and powerful ride.
• Reliability & Maintenance: Strong engine, moderate repair costs.

The Chrysler 300C is a full-size luxury sedan with backside performance. Its 5.7L HEMI V8 generates 340 horsepower for a smooth, powerful ride. The 300C is a perfect combination of comfort and muscle, with the HEMI V8 offering oodles of passing power and a turn-in that can make it closer to a sports car than a Chrysler.

Specifications:

• Engine: 5.7L HEMI V8
• Horsepower: 340 hp
• Torque: 390 lb-ft
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 15 mpg city / 23 mpg highway
• Curb Weight: 4,050 lbs

The 300C is built like a brick and durable machine, but repair costs can be average to reasonably steady for some luxurious features. Still, you get a lot of interior space, luxury features, and access to a big engine for the price of a family sedan— and even the fake wood accents and leatherette seats aren’t bad as far as phony wood accents and leatherette seats go.

#11. 2005 Audi S4

• Why It’s a Great Pick: Luxury performance with a 4.2L V8 engine.
• Performance: 340 hp, Quattro all-wheel drive, 6-speed manual option.
• Reliability & Maintenance: Expensive to maintain but a top performer.

Audi S4 offers a great blend of luxury and performance. With a 4.2L V8 making 340 horsepower, this Quattro-all-wheel-drive sedan handles and grips like any other Audi in poor/less than favorable weather conditions. The standard 6-speed manual transmission option only bolsters that connection to the car’s power.

Specifications:

• Engine: 4.2L V8
• Horsepower: 340 hp
• Torque: 302 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: All-wheel drive (AWD)
• 0-60 mph: 5.6 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 16 mpg city / 22 mpg highway
• Curb Weight: 3,700 lbs

The Audi S4 is one fast car, but upkeep is typically expensive, think suspension and transmission on these. On the other hand, if you want a true luxury sedan with some real performance cred, the Audi S4 is a great option for enthusiasts.

#12. 2004 Jaguar XJ8

• Why It’s a Great Pick: A British luxury sedan with a refined 4.2L V8.
• Performance: 290 hp, smooth and elegant ride.
• Reliability & Maintenance: Generally reliable, but parts can be expensive.

This Jaguar XJ8 is the luxury sedan we peasants dream of, a sweet-looking bruiser of a 4.2L V8 producing 290HP. The ride is soft, fluid, and not very loud, great for highway journeys or even your daily drive. The agility of the racetrack becomes apparent in its freshly lacquered structure, and the XJ8 proves that class and luxury—yes, they can be interchangeable.

Specifications:

• Engine: 4.2L V8
• Horsepower: 290 hp
• Torque: 290 lb-ft
• Transmission: 5-speed automatic
• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)
• 0-60 mph: 7.0 seconds
• Fuel Economy: 18 mpg city / 26 mpg highway
• Curb Weight: 3,800 lbs

Overall, the XJ8 is a reliable car, but parts are expensive, so repairs aren’t cheap. Still, for buyers who want some uptown feel in their V8 sedan, this Jaguar represents many cars for the money.

Conclusion

You can undoubtedly find a V8 for less than $10,000, and they’re just as wild and varied as you’d expect. For those who crave the brute force of a muscle car, there is the Ford Mustang GT for those who want the option of a luxury car, there is the Jaguar XJ8 a V8 for every taste and wallet. These cars offer substantial doses of horsepower and provide you with level-headed comfort and performance to maximize your investment.