Top Five Performance Cars You Can Afford
- April 22, 2014
- Buying a Car, Muscle Cars, Sports Cars
- Posted by Pam Weston
- Comments Off on Top Five Performance Cars You Can Afford
Driving a track-worthy car shouldn’t be exclusive to the rich and famous. If you’re in the market, used late-model performance cars can offer a lot of bang for the buck. Plus, they’re already broken in! Below are some of our favorite high performance cars that not only pack a punch, but are also well within reach.
Ford Mustang
For 50 years the Ford Mustang has been a pervasive performance car with a persuasive starting price. With MSRPs as low as $22,500 for 2014s models, these retro-styled pony cars are within reach for most budgets. For great values in late-model Mustangs, look for 2011 and 2012 models which offer a 305hp V-6 (412hp V-8 in the GT). Lightly used models are pretty easy to come by for well under $20,000!
Chevy Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro has been an American classic since it rolled off the line in 1967. Today, a late-model Chevy Camaro is an excellent, affordable, high performance car option. We guarantee that you won’t scoff at the 300+hp V-6 engine that comes standard in the 5th generation Camaro (2010 to present). Of course, if you’re looking for a little more power, the ZL1 currently boasts a 580hp supercharged V-8 and can be found in the low-mid $50k range. Depending on how they’re equipped, clean 2010 – 2013 models can be found as low as $15,000.
Nissan 370Z
Nissan has made a name for itself in the high performance arena over the last 10 years, and the 370Z makes an excellent choice when you’re looking for an affordable high performance sports car. With admirable performance, handling and style inside and out, the 370Z comes in a variety of trims and options packages. AutoTrader calls it a “…pure sports car, defined by a robust engine, laser-precise steering, track-caliber agility and a race-inspired 2-passengar cockpit.” Local used car prices for ’09-’13 models should fit most budgets nicely starting in the mid-teens.
Subaru STI
Subaru introduced ‘Subaru Tecnica International’ (STI) versions of the WRX in 1994 and have been honing this upgraded model of their high performance WRX ever since. Today, the WRX STI is heavier than the standard version due to a more robust transmission, rear differential and other chassis reinforcements. The 2015 WRX STI promises to be one of the best handling high performance cars ever and, as far as sports cars go, will remain competitively priced. 2009 – 2013 models are fairly plentiful in the mid $20k to low $30k range and are sure to please most performance enthusiasts.
Mitsubishi Evolution
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (AKA Evo) comes standard with a turbocharged engine and a state-of-the-art all-wheel drive system. In other words, no need to worry about lack of power or traction… Now in its tenth generation, the North American model produces 291hp and is available in 5-speed manual or 6-speed TC-SST transmissions. Look for 2007 and newer models starting around $20,000.
Whichever car you choose, Weston Auto Gallery can help you find it. We specialize in affordable luxury and performance vehicles. Our pre-owned vehicles go through a rigorous inspection from mechanical to cosmetic; every detail of the car is inspected, repaired or replaced. When you buy a Weston Auto certified pre-owned car, you can rest assured that you have just received the best pre-owned car on the market. Visit our online showroom or call us today at (970) 377-3333 for the most up-to-date inventory.
