The Nissan Versa is nice. Effectively, possibly it is not nice, however it’s actually good. Okay, so maybe not precisely good, however positively sufficient. Sure, sufficient. That is a very good, even an amazing phrase to explain this little sedan.
Its 122 horsepower is adequate, 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 sufficient, however the Versa has one card up its sleeve that’s really reasonably 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 at this time.
When you’re on a finances and wish a set of wheels, it is this or a kind of fancy electrical bicycles. However maybe there’s a greater strategy to spend your cash, even an effective way. A V8 approach.
Now we all know that the final time you might 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 sufficient Versa. To make your search a bit simpler, we’ve got picked 24 of the best used V8s on the market for lower than $16,000.
Audi S4 (2004-2008)
The Audi S4 sedan has a V6 as of late, 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 handbook and computerized 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 understand what’s even higher than an Audi S4? An Audi S5, it says so within the title. On this case, the distinction is absolutely simply the physique type, 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 will discover some good ones for nicely below our finances. Leaving you loads in reserve for any mechanical mishaps.
Audi A8 (2009-2017)
They are saying the one factor sooner than a German tremendous sedan is its depreciation. Not so nice for the primary homeowners, however improbable information for us. That is as a result of third-generation Audi A8s may be had for our finances. Discover one outfitted with the graceful 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 Collection 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 may now be had with a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 that took the efficiency of the 550i to an entire new degree. Creating 400+ horsepower, this automobile remains to be a formidably fast sedan at this time.
BMW 650i (2003-2010)
Did you are taking offense to the Bangle design dig within the earlier slide? Effectively, we’ve got a peace providing within the type of the second-gen 6 Collection. It options, um, ‘styling’, and extra to the purpose, a naturally aspirated 362 horsepower 4.8-liter V8 that seems like an old-school muscle automobile. There have been a few handbook transmission vehicles bought, however for such a big and laid-back cruiser, you’d in all probability need to persist with the auto ‘field.
BMW 750i (2008-2015)
The total-size 7 Collection 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. When you want the additional area and need to make your neighbor really feel lower than sufficient of their Nissan Versa, then get considered one of these dangerous 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 lined rear wheel arches, and none have been supplied with something lower than an impressive 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)
Because of comparatively delicate exterior updates and lengthy manufacturing runs, you may choose 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 recurrently, and your greatest expense shall be on fuel.
Chevrolet Corvette (1996-2004)
A Corvette C5 for Nissan Versa cash? You guess. If there is a cooler strategy to get behind a 5.7-liter LS1 motor, we do not understand it. The C5 nonetheless appears supercar cool at this time, and there are many well-cared-for fashions on the market. Most are 4-speed autos, and the inside tends to look a bit drained, however who cares when you may 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 might nonetheless have it with two suitably mad V8 motors. SRT-8 variations developed as much as 470 horsepower, however for our finances, we would stick with the 363 horsepower 5.7-liter motors and get the perfect one we may discover.
Dodge Challenger (2008-2023)
Because of Dodge’s determination to undertake the Apple iPhone enterprise mannequin relating to yearly updates, even a 2009 Challenger manages to seem like the present mannequin after a very good wash. 2024 could be the final 12 months you should buy a brand new one, however why not simply get a used one for below $15,000 as a substitute? Be sure to select at the very least the 5.7-liter V8 and luxuriate in one of many coolest American pony vehicles for lower than you’d pay for a Versa.
Dodge Charger (2011-2023)
When you like the thought of Challenger however want to make use of the backseats regularly, 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 finances will not stretch fairly that far, however you may actually 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 shall 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 when you discover one with out unintentional harm, 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 area within the again for younger children or an enormous purchasing journey. Discovering ones that have not been slid sideways into hedges is your greatest problem. Good ones may be discovered inside our finances; it simply would possibly take a short time to search 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 may be had at discount costs. Even 2016 fashions are lower than a Nissan Versa, and also you get an enormous 400+ horsepower 5.0-liter V8 thrown in without cost.
Infiniti M56 (2011-2019)
There aren’t many sleeper vehicles higher than an Infiniti M56. From the surface, it appears like every 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 be an amazing cruiser and needs to be dependable sufficient to not empty your financial savings account.
Jaguar XJ8 (1998-2003)
Nothing will get one’s coronary heart charge racing fairly like an opulent and highly effective international car just like the Jaguar XJ8. Particularly when you recognize that every driver may find yourself with you on the aspect of the highway 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’ve got the Kia K900. Yow will discover 9-year-old fashions for nicely below Nissan Versa cash. Superb worth, contemplating that they’ve each luxurious characteristic you might 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)
When you love the thought of a luxurious V8 for entry-level sedan cash however are anxious concerning the very actual likelihood of complete monetary smash if one thing breaks, then step this manner. The unique Lexus LS400 was constructed to outlast its German rivals, and plenty of have completed 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 finances.
Maserati Quattroporte (2003-2012)
Allow us to assume that you just discover reliability and low operating prices offensive. You would need to when you have been contemplating the Maserati Quattroporte. The issue is that when you hear that Ferrari-derived V8 revs as much as its crimson line, all rational thought will disappear. Nothing sounds fairly like a Quattroporte, and it simply appears so darn good, too. We propose a late mannequin 4.7-liter automobile with a standard computerized transmission. That approach, your financial institution stability could possibly face up to the operating prices.
Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 (2011-2018)
The CLS-Class was one of many very first four-door coupe physique kinds round, and now the second-generation fashions may be yours for a tune. The CLS 550 obtained a potent 402 horsepower 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8, which gave the massive automobile a severe tempo. Most may be discovered for just a few thousand below the worth of a pleasant Versa, which is an effective factor as repairs may 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, considered one of these high quality autos may 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 despite the fact that the fourth-generation fashions could have misplaced the sharp styling of older fashions, they launched some much-needed energy to the vary. Most Trans Am and System trims got here fitted with the 5.7-liter LT1 V8, which delivered as much as 305 horsepower.
Volkswagen Phaeton (2004-2006)
When you thought {that a} Volkswagen marketed on the premium sedan phase can be a foolish thought, then you definately can be proper. That is why you rarely see a Volkswagen Phaeton out on the roads. It could not have had the power 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 selection – it was additionally obtainable with a psychological 6.0-liter W12.