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Alternatives to the Subaru ForesterTop 10 Fast Cars Under $5,000
Speed and affordability need not be mutually exclusive, even in today’s used car market. These are the top 10 fastest cars under $5,000.
The Fast and the Affordable
As you might know, prices on used cars have seen a major uptick over the past few years. It’s getting harder and harder to find fun, fast cars for under $5,000, or really any decent cars for that matter. And yet, they are still out there. The mileages might be higher and good examples rarer by the day but hopping on to Carsforsale.com it’s not too hard to find a suitable candidate car for building a quick and enjoyable ride on the cheap. Join us for the top 10 fastest cars under $5,000.
1997-2003 BMW 3 Series
BMWs, like many German luxury cars, start out expensive and end not so. Catching a good one with higher mileage offers a chance to buy into a wonderfully balanced car with oodles of power and refined handling. The E46-generation 3 Series came with a ton of engine options ranging from 1.6L-2.0L inline-fours to 2.0L-3.2L straight-sixes. The most common you’ll find at our $5,000 price point is the 325i powered by a 2.5L straight-six making 184 horsepower. The 3 Series also offered a lot of body styles to choose from, including two-door version as a coupe, convertibles, or hatchback as well as a four-door sedan and even an AWD Sport Wagon.
2002-2007 Nissan 350Z
Designed and built with the legacy of the Datsun 240Z in mind, the Nissan 350Z was the fifth generation of Z-Car and delivered a spritely and powerful driving experience. 2004 was the first year that a convertible version was offered. It was offered exclusively with a 3.5-liter V6 good for 290hp. Built on the Nissan FM’s platform, as in “front midship,” the engine sat just behind the front axle for superb balance.
1999-2003 Mazda Miata
Once the “hairdresser’s car,” the secret has been out for a while that the Miata is no joke. Instead, the MX-5 is about as much fun as you can have going the speed limit. The first-generation NA Miata, with its popup headlights, has grown in popularity in the secondary market, making it harder to find for under $5,000 today. The second-generation NB Miata, however, can still be found at around that price. For top down, canyon carving fun, it’s almost impossible to beat a Miata.
1990-1994 Lexus LS 400
What’s better than a $5,000 car that’s fast and luxurious? One that’s as over-engineered and solid as Gibraltar rock. Lexus is known for reliability and the first-generation LS 400 went a long way toward building that reputation. With a 4.0-liter V8, the LS 400 packed a good punch, especially at mid-rpms which makes for some fun booming past traffic on the highway.
1998-2006 Audi TT
Like the Miata, the Audi TT specializes in smart, balanced handling. This 2+2 comes in coupe or convertible for the option of open-air driving. Under the hood is a 1.8L turbocharged four-cylinder making 178 horsepower and the option of a five- or six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The larger displacement 3.2L VR6 motor is much harder to find at our $5,000 price point, but later examples of these (2003 onwards) could be optioned with a six-speed dual clutch. Both versions were offered with optional quattro all-wheel drive.
1982-2002 Pontiac Firebird V8
As the real star of Smoky and the Bandit, the Pontiac Firebird is a desirable classic that can still be had for under $5,000. Both the third generation (1982-92) and the fourth generation (1993-2002) are worth considering, though most examples will be V6 cars. We suggest looking into an LS swap in that case. Look out for the notchback or T-top version as notable third-gen variants on the Firebird’s liftback body style. Sadly, the fourth gen’s aggressively styled Firehawk version with LS1 V8 exceeds our $5,000 budget.
1996-2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK
Another two-seat sports car well worth looking at is the Mercedes-Benz SLK. You can find a good spread of model years at $5,000 spanning both the first and second generations. The first gen car, model years 1996 through 2004, will most commonly be found with either a 2.0L or 2.3L supercharged four-cylinder engine making between 161 and 194 horsepower. The first-gen V6-equipped SLKs tend to run above our $5,000 threshold. For more power and a more “modern” look, the second-generation SLK features a retractable hardtop and a healthy list of engine options. Most common at $5,000 are the 1.8L supercharged “kompressor” I-4, a 3.0L V6, and a 3.5L V6 with 268 horsepower. Which engine you choose, the six-speed manual is the recommended transmission, as it’s far more engaging than either of the automatic options.
1992-2012 Ford Crown Victoria
Cop cars are known for their no-nonsense speed and durability and the Ford Crown Victoria has a long reputation for being both. This cop car has a 4.6L V8 that produces a healthy 224 hp. Other cars on this list take some digging to find at $5,000 in decent condition, but the Crown Vic’s ubiquity across the country means there are a lot of examples to choose from. And fear not the higher mileages, the Crown Vic is known as one of the most reliable Ford products ever made.
1994-2011 Ford Mustang
One of the most popular cars in the world, the Ford Mustang has been an icon since the ‘60s. For around $5,000 today, you’re most likely to find fourth and fifth generation cars with 3.8L and 4.0L V6s under the hood. While horsepower might be lacking, these Mustangs offer a great initial platform for building into the muscle car of your dreams. It’s just an engine swap away.
1993-2015 Chevrolet Camaro
These won’t be as easy to find under $5,000, but it is possible with some patience and a diligent eye. These American classics came equipped with the legendary LS1 engine a 5.7-liter V8 putting up 335hp. You can find fourth- and fifth-generation Camaros for under $5000, and though hard to find, examples of the IROC-Z and Z28 are still out there, even if you’re more likely to find an LT V6.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2015 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
Every single car on this list would be outrun in a straight line OR curves by a mid to late 80s Corvette, which can be had for less than $5000.
So what?
Hey James, this article was made to help those searching for fast cars under $5,000 and interested in learning more about them. Thanks for checking out our page!
1994 Miata has a 1.8L engine not 1.6L
thanks
Thanks for this page guys.. over appreciated
Mita and the vetted great choices
Bmw e39 540i sport model 6spd
295 hp 325lb torque
0-60 5.3 155 top speed limited
I own one and my 23 year old Bmw beat a new q50
Id say the audi a3 2006 2.0l turbo is a pretty sexy vehicle, i purchased mine for $4k from an a3 enthusiast as it was already modded when i got it. Similar year a3’s are around $4-6k depending on mileage. Still a great contender, mine runs perfect at 200k miles and thus far only payed $500 on some serious repairs to the oil system.
You should have really put the sc400 on here instead of the LS it’s much faster for the same price