The Nissan Versa is nice. Effectively, perhaps it isn’t nice, however it’s definitely good. Okay, so maybe not precisely good, however undoubtedly enough. Sure, enough. That is , even a terrific phrase to explain this little sedan.
Its 122 horsepower is enough, and so is the 114 lb-ft of torque the 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine produces. The ten-second 0-60mph time is maybe lower than enough, however the Versa has one card up its sleeve that’s really quite nice, and that is its rock-bottom $16,390 base value. This makes it simply concerning the most cost-effective new automobile you should buy as we speak.
In case you’re on a price range and wish a set of wheels, it is this or a kind of fancy electrical bicycles. However maybe there’s a greater approach to spend your cash, even a good way. A V8 approach.
Now we all know that the final time you possibly can really purchase a brand new V8-powered something within the US was when Nissan was nonetheless generally known as Datsun (1986 for all you millennials), however there are some fairly cool used V8s on the market that may value lower than the enough Versa. To make your search a bit of simpler, we have now picked 24 of the good used V8s on the market for lower than $16,000.
Audi S4 (2004-2008)
The Audi S4 sedan has a V6 today, however again in 2004, these fashions have been outfitted with a 339 horsepower 4.2-liter V8 that sounded nice and went fairly nicely, too. Each guide and automated transmissions have been obtainable, and grippy quattro AWD was normal. They need to be fairly dependable, too, so long as no companies are missed.
Audi S5 (2007-2012)
You already know what’s even higher than an Audi S4? An Audi S5, it says so within the title. On this case, the distinction is basically simply the physique model, with the S5 being both a coupe or convertible. It additionally got here with the choice of a 4.2-liter V8 below the hood, and you could find some good ones for nicely below our price range. Leaving you loads in reserve for any mechanical mishaps.
Audi A8 (2009-2017)
They are saying the one factor quicker than a German tremendous sedan is its depreciation. Not so nice for the primary homeowners, however incredible information for us. That is as a result of third-generation Audi A8s might be had for our price range. Discover one outfitted with the sleek and highly effective 369 horsepower 4.2-liter V8, and ignore the starship mileage and warning lights on the dashboard.
BMW 550i (2010-2016)
The sixth-generation 5 Sequence was welcomed with open arms by BMW followers, partly as a result of it not had the unusual Bangle-era styling cues but in addition as a result of it might now be had with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that took the efficiency of the 550i to an entire new degree. Growing 400+ horsepower, this automobile remains to be a formidably fast sedan as we speak.
BMW 650i (2003-2010)
Did you’re taking offense to the Bangle design dig within the earlier slide? Effectively, we have now a peace providing within the type of the second-gen 6 Sequence. It options, um, ‘styling’, and extra to the purpose, a naturally aspirated 362 horsepower 4.8-liter V8 that feels like an old-school muscle automobile. There have been a few guide transmission automobiles bought, however for such a big and laid-back cruiser, you’d in all probability wish to follow the auto ‘field.
BMW 750i (2008-2015)
The total-size 7 Sequence sedan additionally adopted this new 4.4-liter twin-turbo motor and has been thrilling homeowners since with its formidable efficiency and eye-opening gasoline consumption. In case you want the additional house and wish to make your neighbor really feel lower than enough of their Nissan Versa, then get one in all these unhealthy boys. Simply keep in mind to maintain a few of your child’s school charges apart for upkeep.
Buick Roadmaster (1991-1996)
Had sufficient of German V8s? Effectively then, check out the eight-generation Buick Roadmaster. Each mannequin got here with these cool partially coated rear wheel arches, and none have been supplied with something lower than a powerful all-American V8. Energy output began off at a barely anemic 170 horsepower, however from 1994-on, a 5.7-liter LT1 V8 delivered a much more strong 260 horses. Get a kind of and ignore any thriller stains in your storage ground. Or within the trunk.
Chevrolet Camaro (2010-2015)
Due to comparatively delicate exterior updates and lengthy manufacturing runs, you possibly can decide up a modern-looking V8 Camaro for not a lot money. Search for SS fashions outfitted with the 426 horsepower 6.2-liter V8 for finest outcomes. Be sure the service books have been stamped repeatedly, and your largest expense will likely be on fuel.
Chevrolet Corvette (1996-2004)
A Corvette C5 for Nissan Versa cash? You guess. If there is a cooler approach to get behind a 5.7-liter LS1 motor, we do not realize it. The C5 nonetheless seems supercar cool as we speak, and there are many well-cared-for fashions on the market. Most are 4-speed autos, and the inside tends to look a bit of drained, however who cares when you possibly can cruise round on this trendy basic?
Chrysler 300C (2011-2023)
The second-generation Chrysler 300C was old-school even when it was new. However that additionally meant you possibly can nonetheless have it with two suitably mad V8 motors. SRT-8 variations developed as much as 470 horsepower, however for our price range, we would follow the 363 horsepower 5.7-liter motors and get the most effective one we might discover.
Dodge Challenger (2008-2023)
Due to Dodge’s choice to undertake the Apple iPhone enterprise mannequin relating to yearly updates, even a 2009 Challenger manages to seem like the present mannequin after wash. 2024 stands out as the final 12 months you should buy a brand new one, however why not simply get a used one for below $15,000 as an alternative? Be sure to choose a minimum of the 5.7-liter V8 and luxuriate in one of many coolest American pony automobiles for lower than you’d pay for a Versa.
Dodge Charger (2011-2023)
In case you like the thought of Challenger however want to make use of the backseats frequently, then the Charger is your experience. It comes with an analogous vary of V8 engines, with the 707 horsepower SRT Hellcat topping the vary. Our price range will not stretch fairly that far, however you possibly can definitely discover some nice R/T fashions which have the 370 horsepower 5.7-liter V8 below the hood.
Ford Mustang (1993-2004)
Fox physique followers will likely be happy to listen to that the fourth-generation Mustang is nicely inside our attain. Simply be certain that to keep away from the assorted V6 choices on the market. Search for the 4.6- and 5.0-liter fashions, and should you discover one with out unintentional injury, then please tell us as a result of we wish one too.
Ford Mustang (2005-2014)
Fifth-generation Mustangs are cool trendy classics that may be each day pushed. There’s even nearly sufficient house within the again for younger youngsters or a giant buying journey. Discovering ones that have not been slid sideways into hedges is your largest problem. Good ones might be discovered inside our price range; it simply may take a short while to seek out them.
Hyundai Genesis (2008-2016)
Making an attempt to interrupt into the luxurious automobile market is hard. Hyundai has tried for years. It now has its personal Genesis sub-brand, however for years, it additionally bought a confusingly named Hyundai Genesis luxurious sedan. The upshot of all that is that due to heavy depreciation and a non-luxury badge, the Hyundai Genesis might be had at cut price costs. Even 2016 fashions are lower than a Nissan Versa, and also you get a giant 400+ horsepower 5.0-liter V8 thrown in free of charge.
Infiniti M56 (2011-2019)
There aren’t many sleeper automobiles higher than an Infiniti M56. From the skin, it seems like some other mid-range Japanese luxurious sedan, however below the hood, it is packing a 420 horsepower 5.6-liter V8. Straight-line efficiency is spectacular, however the M56 can also be a terrific cruiser and must be dependable sufficient to not empty your financial savings account.
Jaguar XJ8 (1998-2003)
Nothing will get one’s coronary heart fee racing fairly like an expensive and highly effective overseas car just like the Jaguar XJ8. Particularly when that every driver might find yourself with you on the aspect of the street and smoke billowing out from below the hood, seeing as these older Jags value a mint to run, we would skip the decrease trims and soar straight to the supercharged 370 horsepower model. Maybe purchase a Nissan Versa as nicely, simply in case you want a tow.
Kia K900 (2013-2018)
On the different finish of the spectrum, we have now the Kia K900. You could find 9-year-old fashions for nicely below Nissan Versa cash. Wonderful worth, contemplating that they’ve each luxurious function you possibly can consider and a 5.0-liter V8. It could not have the subtle styling of a Jaguar, however you will not have to fret about unusual oil leaks or mysterious knocking sounds both.
Lexus LS460 (2007-2017)
In case you love the thought of a luxurious V8 for entry-level sedan cash however are apprehensive concerning the very actual likelihood of whole monetary spoil if one thing breaks, then step this manner. The unique Lexus LS400 was constructed to outlast its German rivals, and lots of have carried out mega mileages through the years. These days, you will get a fourth-generation LS460 for nicely below $16k and luxuriate in dependable luxurious motoring on a price range.
Maserati Quattroporte (2003-2012)
Allow us to assume that you simply discover reliability and low operating prices offensive. You would need to should you have been contemplating the Maserati Quattroporte. The issue is that when you hear that Ferrari-derived V8 revs as much as its purple line, all rational thought will disappear. Nothing sounds fairly like a Quattroporte, and it simply seems so darn good, too. We propose a late mannequin 4.7-liter automobile with a standard automated transmission. That approach, your financial institution steadiness could possibly stand up to the operating prices.
Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 (2011-2018)
The CLS-Class was one of many very first four-door coupe physique types round, and now the second-generation fashions might be yours for a track. The CLS 550 bought a potent 402 horsepower 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8, which gave the large automobile a critical tempo. Most might be discovered for a number of thousand below the value of a pleasant Versa, which is an effective factor as repairs might be dear.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2007-2013)
To many, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class nonetheless signifies the head of luxurious sedans. And now, due to a few years of steep depreciation, one in all these high quality automobiles might be yours for a fraction of their unique sticker value. The final fifth-generation fashions are all inside attain, powered by burly V8s that may awe you with their energy and talent to eat premium 91-octane fuel.
Pontiac Firebird (1993-2002)
Any Firebird is a cool automobile, and though the fourth-generation fashions might have misplaced the sharp styling of older fashions, they launched some much-needed energy to the vary. Most Trans Am and Components trims got here fitted with the 5.7-liter LT1 V8, which delivered as much as 305 horsepower.
Volkswagen Phaeton (2004-2006)
In case you thought {that a} Volkswagen marketed on the premium sedan section could be a foolish thought, you then could be proper. That is why you hardly see a Volkswagen Phaeton out on the roads. It could not have had the flexibility to woo prospects away from their Lexus LS/Mercedes S-Class luxurious mobiles, however it was extraordinarily well-built, and the 335 horsepower 4.2-liter V8 was easy and highly effective. And that was the rational engine alternative – it was additionally obtainable with a psychological 6.0-liter W12.