V8 Cars You Can Still Buy for Under $10,000

In the era of hybridization and electrification, V8 engines are unfortunately dying out. Often considered underpowered, V8 engines are living their last days. It's a shame, because these engines provided the smoothest and easiest driving possible, accompanied by that gurgling noise we all love. Luckily, there is no shortage of used V8 vehicles, most of which are under $10,000, and we've compiled a list of the coolest ones.

Chevrolet Corvette C5

Is there a better car to start this list than a supercar? And not some supercar - the legendary Corvette. The C5 is the latest generation, available for less than $10,000, so it's pretty modern. It's also very agile, thanks to the 5.7-liter LS V8 engine under the hood, developing up to 350 hp.

In addition, the Corvette C5 corners superbly, giving you the thrill of driving like a supercar. However, to get the most out of it, we recommend going with a 6-speed manual as the 4-speed isn't particularly exciting. However, any model looks cool and attracts attention if you really want it.

Next: the quintessential muscle car

F

If supercar design isn't your forte, the fifth generation Ford Mustang GT is another great option. In our opinion, this is still one of the most beautiful Mustangs to date, combining retro cool and modern muscle in one body.

More importantly, it comes with a 5.0 liter V8 engine for exhilarating performance and an even better soundtrack. Every acceleration in the Mustang GT is an experience in itself, not only for you, but for the world around you. He may wake up your neighbors every morning, but that doesn't make him any less cool. The best thing about the Mustang GT is that you can already find original examples at a very low price.

Chevrolet Camaro SS 4th generation

The fourth generation Camaro may not have the retro look of later models, but the sleek and sporty lines still look sexy to this day. In addition, the Camaro has engines that live up to its reputation as a muscle car, especially in the SS model, which is powered by a 5.7 hp 1-liter LS8 V335 engine.

Consequently, the Camaro SS is almost as fast as the Corvette C5, albeit in a larger and more affordable body. The big V8 also gives the driver the ability to burn rear tires and even accelerate faster than today's sports cars. The breathtaking noise is just the icing on the cake.

Can a muscle car be practical? I bet it can!

Dodge Charger R / T

Muscle cars usually come in coupe form, which makes them less useful as daily drivers, especially if you have a family. Don't worry because there is a solution to your problems and it's called the Charger R/T. The Dodge sedan is much more practical than conventional muscle cars without dropping points on the coolness scale.

In addition, under the hood it has a 5.7-liter V8 with 340 hp. It may sound like a lot these days, but it's enough to smoke modern executive sedans. In addition, it makes a real muscle car sound and looks very evil on the outside. What more could you want for less than $10,000?

Jaguar XK8

Sleek, elegant and sporty are words that always aptly describe any Jaguar, although we think this is most evident in the XK8. The sports coupe/convertible still looks fantastic to this day and packs some serious performance as well.

Specifically, Jaguar used a 4.0-liter V8 in mid-level versions and a supercharged 4.2-liter V8 in its most powerful XKR models. Both provide an exhilarating driving experience, with excellent engine noise and precise handling. Another highlight is the stylish leather and wood interior, which looks very classy. Ultimately, it shares a platform with the Aston Martin DB7, giving it extra points on the coolness scale.

Lexus SC430

Different people have very different opinions about the Lexus SC 430. Jeremy Clarkson called it the worst car of all time, but many other journalists consider it a well-made luxury convertible. We tend to fall into the latter group: the SC 430 is a very well-executed luxury car with a high-quality interior and an extremely smooth 4.3-liter V8 engine.

Plus, being a Lexus engine, it's extremely reliable and durable, so even a sub-$10,000 high-mileage example shouldn't bother you. However, what is important is that it has a timeless design that will not go out of fashion for the foreseeable future.

Next: a similar convertible, although originally from Germany

Mercedes-Benz SL500 R129

The word "cool" may have been coined as a word to describe "very good" in the 1930s, but in our opinion it was the Mercedes-Benz SL500 R129 that made it popular. The German convertible is undeniably the epitome of badass with its simple and elegant yet muscular lines. This is a car that still attracts attention and is a status symbol.

In addition, the SL500 model has a V306 with 8 hp under the hood, which is enough for an exhilarating ride. The cabin also has a simple and stylish Mercedes-Benz look with high quality materials. And while it can be expensive to maintain, the SL500 R129 still costs less than $10,000.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class

The S-Class is the epitome of a high-tech luxury car, always pushing the limits of what's possible in a car. However, due to high maintenance costs, the S-Class is rapidly losing its value, making it accessible to a wider audience.

Today, you can buy the perfect V8-powered example for less than $10,000. It can be expensive to maintain, but driving (or driving) an S-Class will surely make you feel important. In addition, the best Mercedes-Benz will always look cool, and this is especially true of the third generation W140 model, which is still used by many dignitaries around the world.

Jeep Grand Cherokee

The first generation Grand Cherokee marked Jeep's entry into the luxury SUV category, and it was an immediate success. The simple and muscular design quickly caught the attention of the public, but the Grand Cherokee had several other qualities that made it an outstanding SUV.

One example is the 5.9-liter V8 engine with 245 hp, making it one of the fastest in its category. The 5.2-liter V8 wasn't a fool either, and you can find one today for damn cheap. The second-generation Grand Cherokee is also a great option, with its 4.7-liter V8 producing 235 hp. However, we think he looks a little more balanced.

1999 Jaguar XJ 8

Muscle cars are cool, but they sometimes lack the “cool” factor. If you want a car like this, you should definitely go for the Brit - the Jaguar XJ8 has some serious performance, but more importantly, it looks very elegant. Jaguar has always been able to create designs that will last for centuries, and the XJ8 is a perfect example of this.

Under the hood of the luxurious Briton is a 4.0-liter V8 engine with 290 hp, which is enough for easy acceleration. It also makes good noise, though Jaguar has taken care to keep the cabin quiet, making the XJ8 more of a luxury car than a sports car.

How about a mega-cool supercar from the 80s?

Chevrolet Corvette C4

The Chevrolet Corvette C4 is another great V8 supercar that everyone can afford today. In our opinion, it is one of the most beautiful, thanks to its angular and purposeful design, which perfectly conveys the power under the hood.

The LS5 V8 engine produced 375 hp, which was extreme for the era, embarrassing even some Italian supercars. The Corvette C5 is also a pleasure to drive, especially if you opt for the excellent ZF 6-speed manual transmission. In addition, you can have a convertible version of the C4 as well as a coupe with a glass roof, which adds to the cool factor.

Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

A quick look at the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra and the first thing you'll probably say about it is that it's cool. However, the coolness of the SVT Cobra hides under the skin. Under the hood, Ford placed a 4.6-liter aluminum V8 with 305 hp, which was very impressive in the 90s.

The result, a quarter mile in 14 seconds, is not bad for a muscle car under $10,000. But as a Ford SVT Performance car, the Cobra also featured improved suspension and brakes, so it wasn't just good in a straight line. In general, an excellent and beautiful muscle car for the economy class money. We would go for it.

BMW 540i/550i

BMW has always strived to create the perfect car to drive - a car that is fun to drive on a winding road, but at the same time comfortable enough to take your family with you on vacation. The 5 Series may be the closest you can get to driving excellence at a BMW, you can now own such a V39-powered E8 generation car for less than $10,000.

What you get is an undeniably beautiful BMW, great driving performance, great handling for the category, and an exceptionally well-done interior. Throw in some German engineering and you have one of the coolest sports sedans around.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class

While the BMW 5-Series has always strived for dynamic driving, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has been more geared towards customers looking for maximum comfort. The E-Class is one of the best mileagers ever made, and that goes for all generations.

Both the second and third generation models are great for long trips, especially with a V8 engine under the hood. The engine will just hum in the background while you enjoy the quiet and exceptional highway ride quality. It feels like you are flying on an airplane. Oh, and when you need some extra power, powerful Merc V8 engines will be happy to propel you forward with power but elegance.

Lexus LS400

In the 80s, the thought of a luxury Japanese car was very unpleasant. The public is accustomed to cheap, reliable and economical Japanese cars, but not to expensive, luxurious ones. So when Toyota announced the launch of a luxury brand, American and especially German brands laughed.

However, the launch of Lexus in 1989 showed that the Japanese have a place in the premium category. The LS400, the brand's first car, destroyed the competition from the start. It was a super-soft V8 luxury sedan that was better engineered than the Germans and more comfortable than the Americans. Most importantly, you can now enjoy the legendary Lexus sedan for less than $10,000 without worrying about reliability issues - it's a Lexus, after all.

BMW 740i/750i

The BMW 7 Series has always been in the shadow of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. However, rewind time and you'll see that used 7 Series cars are actually more desirable than S-Class cars, and one of the most famous is the E38 generation. The sedan still looks very attractive - some purists consider it the prettiest 7 Series, and we tend to agree.

The beauty of this, however, is that other than the entry-level inline-six, all other engines are V6s ranging from 8 to 3.0 liters, and every single one of them is very good. Heck, there's even a V4.4 engine for those who want to stand out, which makes it even more badass.

Pontiac GXP Grand Prix

Although under the hood it has a 303-liter LS V5.3 engine with 8 hp, the Grand Prix GXP is not a sports sedan. The problem was in the configuration - the power went to the front wheels. This created all sorts of handling issues, especially torque management, so whenever you hit the gas pedal out of a corner, the Grand Prix was going far.

That said, if you don't drive aggressively, the GXP is a fine sedan. The engine runs very smoothly and provides good forward thrust, making the Grand Prix GXP a great long-distance cruiser. However, while you can find a cheap example today, be wary of mechanical issues.

Volkswagen Phaeton V8

Volkswagen may not be the first brand that comes to mind when you think of V8 engines. However, the most popular German brand once decided to compete in the luxury category, primarily with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The result was the Phaeton, a luxury sedan with VR6, V8 and W12 engines under the hood.

The car was a real gem in every way. It had a very luxurious interior and was very sleek, quiet and comfortable. However, the Phaeton failed, and the main reason is that it looks like an enlarged Passat. However, the Phaeton V8 has gotten cooler over time and now you can drive it for a very low price.

Chrysler 300C SRT8

When Chrysler released the 300C sedan, it caused quite a stir in the enthusiast community. People loved the simple yet muscular design, especially in the most powerful version of the SRT8. Powered by a 6.1-liter HEMI V8, the 300C SRT8 was no joke - it could hit 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds, beating most executive sedans of the era.

On top of that, the SRT8 handles pretty well for a big sedan and is also very comfortable when you need it. The interior may not be as high quality as the Germans, although it does feel unique. However, the 300C SRT8 is all about ultra-cool exterior styling and a sonorous V8 engine.

Audi A6 4.2 Quattro (4B)

Most of the V8 sedans we've listed here are focused on luxury, ride and comfort. But not the '2000 Audi A6 Quattro. The Audi executive sedan will also give you a lot of fun thanks to the 4.2 hp 8-liter V300. and the famous Quattro all-wheel drive transmission.

Because the engine is naturally aspirated, it sounds amazing right down to the redline. Handling is also very firm, and the interior exudes quality to this day. In addition, the mechanics are quite reliable, so there should be no problems. Ultimately, this is one of the most beautiful sedans of the era.

Audi's 4.2-litre V8 engine has been used successfully in other models as well.

Lexus GS 430 (S160, S190)

Want an ultra-reliable executive sports sedan that will make you smile and look cool at the same time? Look no further than the GS 430. The Lexus executive sedan has always fared well against its German rivals in terms of handling, but with the added benefit of reliability. Today, very good examples are available for less than $10,000, making them very desirable.

In addition, the GS 430 looks very sporty thanks to the coupe-shaped roofline and has a very well-made interior with high-quality materials. Oh, and if you want a more efficient option, the GS was the only sedan of the era available with a hybrid. We know it's not a V8, but it was just as fast, going from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds.

Audi S8 (D2)

You can also get Audi's sonorous 4.2-liter V8 in a bigger, more luxurious package without losing a lot of the thrill. The S8 is first and foremost a luxury sedan, but it can also put a smile on your face - it hits 0 km/h in 60 seconds in the updated 5.6 hp model.

What's more, thanks to its lightweight aluminum construction and Quattro all-wheel drive system, it feels very nimble in corners. It's also one of Audi's coolest sedans, with a simple, timeless design that still stands the test of time.

Infiniti m45

The Infiniti M45 was the brand's first foray into the V8-powered executive sports sedans market and immediately captured the public's attention. The Infiniti did feature a simple and muscular design that was very different from other sedans of the era.

It still looks cool to this day, like he doesn't care what everyone else thinks of him. In addition, the M45 had the means to maintain that "impolite" look - a 4.5-liter V8 engine under the hood with 340 hp.

A luxury car with a V8 engine from South Korea, and for that matter, a good car.

Hyundai Genesis

Remember the days when buyers thought Hyundai was a budget-friendly economy brand? We remember it too, but today the memories seem almost erased. Today, Hyundai has a solid image, and one of the main reasons was the launch of the premium sub-brand Genesis.

The Genesis didn't really start out as a sub-brand - it was the first model in the Hyundai lineup. The sedan competed against large luxury sedans from Germany, Japan and the US and performed surprisingly well. The first generation model was available with V6 or V8 options and today you can find original examples at very low prices. Besides being a Hyundai, the Genesis is quite reliable, unlike other luxury brands.

Chevrolet Caprice

If you didn't know what's under the hood, there really isn't anything special to impress you about the Chevrolet Caprice. This is an ordinary large sedan with a very memorable design. However, the LT1 V8 engine introduced by Chevy in 1994 was not to be forgotten.

The 5.7L V8 engine produced 260 hp, which was enough for quick but smooth acceleration. It also sounded very good, like any V8 of that era. However, even if you don't find a Caprice with this engine, the sedan was exclusively available with V8 powertrains, so either model will give you smooth power delivery.

Have you read for some British muscle?

Jaguar XF Supercharged

If power and driving experience are what you're looking for, then the Jaguar XF Supercharged could be a great option. The British executive sports sedan is not only fast, it looks the part both inside and out. Hell, the styling is so good that Jaguar could sell it today as a new model with a few improvements.

However, the supercharged 4.2-liter V8 under the hood is a gem. It produces a healthy 420 hp. and strong torque at low revs, giving a kick in the back every time you press the gas pedal.

Lincoln Mark VIII LSK

Today, Lincoln is mostly associated with SUVs, but the American luxury brand once had stylish coupes in its lineup. The last to grace dealerships was the Mark VIII LSC, a sleek car that still draws attention today. It certainly makes you wonder what a modern Lincoln coupe would look like!

Like any American coupe of that era, the Mark VIII LSC is equipped with a V8 engine, specifically a 4.6-liter unit from Mustang. It produces 290 hp. and is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission for an easy and smooth ride.

Audi S4 (B6)

Today's Audi S4 sports sedan comes exclusively with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine (and turbodiesel in Europe). However, in the past, the German sedan was much cooler - it had a 4.2-liter V8. The naturally aspirated unit produces 344 hp, almost on par with the new turbocharged V6.

In addition, it is also much more characteristic and sounds much better. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, it wasn't bad either - some owners report 5-0 mph time in under 60 seconds. In addition, the Quattro all-wheel drive system provides firm handling and superior stability. Ultimately, the Audi S4 B6 still looks stylish even XNUMX years after its first launch.

Wait, is that a Supra with a V8 under the hood?

Lexus SC400

The Toyota Supra is one of the most popular sports cars of all time, but what if we told you that there was a V8-powered version of the Lexus in the 90s? It was called the SC 400 and was the brand's first foray into the coupe market.

And, yes, the SC 400 shares a platform with the Supra, although it uses the LS 2's more conventional 4.0-liter V8 instead of the 400JZ-GTE. However, Lexus never wanted to make a sports car; instead, it was aimed at an audience that wanted a stylish and smooth grand tourer, and it definitely succeeded.

Pontiac GTO

Pontiac is no more, but its name is still heard in the enthusiast community. One of the reasons is the GTO, a longtime muscle car that has become almost iconic. Here we'll talk about the latest generation, designed and developed in collaboration with Australian automaker Holden, who marketed their model as the Monaro.

The fifth generation Pontiac GTO features an eye-catching design where simple and elegant lines create a sporty look. This is a timeless image that is relevant to this day. However, the engines under the hood are even more impressive - a 5.7-liter V8 in early models and a 6.0-liter V8 after the facelift. The latter produces 400 hp, so it is powerful even by today's standards.

Toyota Tundra V8

Sports cars are cool everywhere, but trucks can be even cooler in the US. Plus, there are plenty of V8 variants from decades ago. One of the most commonly used full-size trucks is the first generation Toyota Tundra, which is equipped with a smooth and reliable 4.7-liter V8 engine under the hood with up to 282 hp. depending on the year of issue.

It's also a very capable truck - you can easily tow a large trailer or drive to places that regular cars can't. Plus, you'll be backed by legendary Toyota reliability.

The next truck is even more powerful in the US.

Chevrolet Silverado

The third generation Chevy Silverado boasts a much more muscular appearance than the Toyota Tundra and comes with a choice of three V8 engines. Of course, we opt for the largest 6.2-liter unit with 403 hp, which gives you extra power for towing, hauling or just enjoying the ride. However, any other V8 variant will do.

The Silverado is also a very capable off-roader, especially with the 4×4 drivetrain, and it also drives well on the road. After all, there's a reason it won the 2007 North American Truck of the Year and 2007 Truck of the Year awards from MotorTrend.

F

The Ford F-series trucks are by far the most popular and best-selling trucks in North America, and don't even come close. There are several reasons for this, namely outstanding towing and transport capabilities, ease of maintenance and availability of spare parts, high performance and muscular appearance.

The 11th and 12th generation models have it all in abundance – they look cool and do the job. Plus, you can get them with great V8 engines like the 5.4L Triton or the 6.2L Boss. With these engines, you could even smoke some modern sports cars while hauling a heavy load in the back. Now how cool is that?

Dodge Ram Pickup

The Dodge Ram has always differentiated itself from Ford and GM trucks by focusing on performance and looks. For example, the third-generation model is the most beautiful pickup of that era, thanks in large part to the beefy front grille. It also had some serious power under the hood, with two excellent V8 engines - a 5.7-liter HEMI and a 5.9-liter Magnum.

However, unlike its competitors, the third generation Dodge Ram was also available with a V10 engine from the Viper, making it something of an oil truck. Namely, the Dodge Ram SRT-10 had an 8.3-liter V10 unit with 500 hp, making it the most powerful truck of that era.

The next SUV is good for families and enthusiastic drivers.

BMW X5 (E53)

The BMW X5 was one of the first luxury SUVs to hit the global market and was a resounding success. BMW has managed to combine excellent driving dynamics and practicality in an attractive package. This was especially true if you opted for 4.4, 4.6 or 4.8 liter V8 engines, which also provided straight-line sports car performance.

We could argue that the first generation X5 still looks cool today, but there's no denying the superior driving experience. The E53 X5 is fast, comfortable and stable on the road, and offers passengers a spacious and beautifully designed interior. Today it is also very cheap, although we suggest looking into the mechanical issues in detail.

Volvo XC90 V8

The first generation XC90 was Volvo's first SUV and quickly caught the public's attention. However, to really succeed in North America, Volvo needed a V8 engine. Problem? The front was too small to fit one. Fortunately, a solution was found, and the name was Yamaha. Yes, the Volvo XC90 is equipped with a V8 engine developed by Yamaha.

The Japanese company designed here a real miracle of engineering - the engine was the size of a V6, although it still had eight cylinders and had a displacement of 4.4 liters. In the XC90, the Yamaha V8 produced 311 hp, although it was later used in the Noble M600 supercar, where it produced 641 hp.

Ford Crown Victoria

If your idea of ​​a cool vehicle is a police car, then check out the Ford Crown Victoria. The retro-styled sedan still draws attention with its imposing appearance, but the real jewel of the crown is the huge V8 under the hood with 250 hp.

Now the Crown Victoria is heavy, which means the acceleration isn't particularly exciting, but the Ford sedan was never designed to be an exhilarating ride. Instead, it has been designed to provide passengers with an ultra-smooth and smooth driving experience, and it does so with aplomb. Plus, it's so cheap nowadays that it's almost "criminal" not to own one for at least a while.

Chevrolet Suburb

Chevrolet Suburban is a typical full-size family SUV with a very spacious interior, excellent towing capacity and powerful V8 engines under the hood. But how cool is that? Well, it's about what you can do with it. Throw in some big wheels and adjustable suspension and your Suburban will instantly be the coolest car on the block.

Of particular interest here is the 9th generation, as it is powered by excellent V8 engines, including the 6.0-liter Vortec 6000 monster with 335 hp. The other versions aren't bad either, but you can find them for less than $10,000.

Toyota Land Cruiser J100 V8

You may be asking yourself what's great about the Land Cruiser J100 and that's great because we've got the right answers. Toyota's SUV may not look particularly exciting, but the off-road package with raised suspension and 35-inch tires quickly turns a calm-looking Land Cruiser into a devil.

In addition, the SUV has every reason for such a design - its off-road abilities are legendary, and this is one of the most reliable cars in the world. The icing on the cake is the 4.7-liter V8, which, while not very powerful, is one of the smoothest V8 engines you'll find. What's more, the Land Cruiser J100 will hold its price for longer than competing SUVs, so it's a good investment.