Top 21 Cheap GT Cars Under $20,000
Discover the thrill of driving without breaking the bank with these cheap GT cars.
Grand Touring (GT) cars, often associated with high speed, luxury, and thrilling drives, usually come with a high cost. In this article, we challenge this norm by showcasing a range of affordable GT cars, all under $20,000.
Each car on our list offers a special mix of performance, style, and value, making them accessible for both seasoned enthusiasts and those new to the GT world.
Our guide is designed to introduce you to budget-friendly options that still deliver the excitement you’d expect from a GT car.
Jaguar XK8
- Horsepower: Approx. 290 HP
- Average Price (Used): $15,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 6 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: We believe the Jaguar XK8 is an exceptional choice for a cheap GT car because of its luxurious blend of performance and comfort.
Its elegant design and smooth V8 engine captivate us, and we’re especially fond of its refined interior and comfortable ride, ideal for long journeys.
Ford Mustang
- Horsepower: Varies (300-450 HP depending on the model)
- Average Price (Used): $15,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: 4-6 seconds (model dependent)
Why It’s a Good Buy: We think the Ford Mustang stands out as a brilliant option among cheap GT cars.
As a symbol of American muscle, it’s not just about raw power – which it has plenty of – but also its robust rear-wheel-drive experience.
What we love most is the range of powerful engines and the inclusion of improved interior quality and modern tech in recent models.
But of course, if you dislike all the tech and driver’s assists, then you can also try your luck at finding a 1st gen 1964-1973 Ford Mustang for under $20,000. It’s one of the best classic cars with no computer chips that money can buy.
BMW 6-Series
- Horsepower: Approx. 315-445 HP
- Average Price (Used): $18,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 5 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: For us, the BMW 6-Series epitomizes the perfect blend of luxury and sportiness. Its sleek design, refined interior, and powerful engine options offer an exhilarating yet comfortable driving experience.
We’re particularly impressed by how well it balances these aspects, making it a top pick for GT enthusiasts.
Mercedes-Benz SL
- Horsepower: Approx. 302-621 HP (depending on the model)
- Average Price (Used): $15,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: 4-6 seconds (model dependent)
Why It’s a Good Buy: We adore the Mercedes-Benz SL for its seamless combination of performance, technology, and comfort. It’s not just a car; it’s a luxury roadster experience.
The range of powerful engines and the high-quality interior make it our top choice for those seeking a premium GT car experience.
Mercedes-Benz CL
- Horsepower: Approx. 429-621 HP
- Average Price (Used): $18,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 4.5 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: We find the Mercedes-Benz CL, to be a remarkable choice for those looking for luxury in their GT experience.
The blend of its spacious and opulent interior, advanced technology, and powerful V8 engines truly stand out.
It’s the embodiment of luxury and performance, making it an exceptional pick for GT enthusiasts.
Infiniti G37 Coupe
- Horsepower: Approx. 330 HP
- Average Price (Used): $10,000 – $15,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 5.5 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: The Infiniti G37 Coupe offers a great balance between performance and luxury. Its robust V6 engine provides ample power, and the car is known for its sleek design and comfortable interior.
It’s an ideal option for those who want style and capability at an affordable price.
Audi A5/S5
- Horsepower: A5: 211 HP; S5: 333 HP
- Average Price (Used): $12,000 – $18,000
- 0-60 mph: A5: 6.5 seconds; S5: 4.9 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: The Audi A5 and S5 are among our top picks for cheap GT cars because they offer a perfect mix of style, performance, and technology.
We love the choice between the refined A5 and the more powerful S5. Their exceptional build quality and interior design are what make them stand out in the GT car market.
Unless of course, you buy the cheapest one that has the highest mileage in that case, expect some higher bills than usual. Watch out that in general these Audi’s have timing chain issues, so try and find one that has had that fixed or buy a low mileage one.
Audi A7
- Horsepower: Approx. 310-340 HP
- Average Price (Used): $15,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 5.2 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: In our opinion, the Audi A7 is an excellent choice for a GT car due to its unique combination of hatchback practicality and high-end sedan luxury.
We’re impressed by its sleek design, spacious interior, and powerful engine. It’s perfect for those looking for a stylish and versatile GT car.
BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe
- Horsepower: Approx. 248-322 HP
- Average Price (Used): $15,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 5.6 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: The BMW 4-Series Gran Coupe stands out as a phenomenal choice for those who appreciate both performance and elegance.
Its unique combination of coupe-like styling and the practicality of a sedan, along with balanced handling and a luxurious interior, make it a compelling choice for us.
Mercedes-Benz CLS (C219 & C218)
- Horsepower: Approx. 402-577 HP
- Average Price (Used): $15,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 4.4 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: For us, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is a striking blend of elegance and functionality. Its distinctive design, luxurious interior, and powerful engine options make it an outstanding choice for those who seek a premium GT car experience.
We find its combination of a coupe’s elegance and a sedan’s functionality particularly appealing.
Not to mention the fact that Mercedes revolutionized the coupe segment, being the first company to successfully create a stylish-looking 4-door coupe, we still love the first-gen design, even if we’re not that sure about the front headlights.
Porsche Panamera (First Gen)
- Horsepower: Approx. 300-500 HP
- Average Price (Used): $15,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 4-6 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: The first-generation Porsche Panamera is one of our top picks for an affordable high-performance GT car. Its prestigious Porsche branding, luxurious interior, and powerful engine options make it a fantastic choice for those looking for elegance and performance.
We’re especially fond of its distinctive design, even though many hated it when it first came out, we find it appealing and interesting looking in a sea full of bland cars. Yes, the back design could have been better, but frankly, it’s what gives it a more unique look.
Keep in mind though, this being a high-end Porsche don’t expect cheap maintenance, when things go wrong, you will have to pay a higher price than cheaper GT cars on this list.
BMW 3-Series Coupe (E92)
- Horsepower: Approx. 230-414 HP
- Average Price (Used): $10,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 5-6 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: We’re big fans of the BMW E92 3-Series Coupe for its balanced performance and elegant design.
Its luxurious feel, combined with a range of engine options, including the high-performance M3 variant (only M3 ever made with a V8 engine), makes it a versatile and appealing choice for us. It’s the perfect blend of sportiness and comfort.
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
- Horsepower: Approx. 210-348 HP
- Average Price (Used): $10,000 – $15,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 5-6 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a hidden gem in the GT market. Offering a great blend of power, especially in its V6 models, and a sporty design, it represents excellent value for money. It’s a solid choice for those seeking an affordable yet capable sports coupe.
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (C207)
- Horsepower: Approx. 302-402 HP
- Average Price (Used): $15,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 5-7 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: The Mercedes-Benz E-Class Coupe (C207) is a car we highly regard for its combination of luxury, style, and performance.
Its elegant design and high-quality interior, coupled with a range of powerful engines, make it a top choice for us, especially for those who prioritize comfort along with performance.
You can either get the split headlights pre-facelift design for a more aggressive look that is also reminiscent of old E-class design, or you can opt for the facelifted model which gets a more modern frontend. The choice is up to you and you can’t go wrong with either, altho the facelifted model did iron out some kings and added some extra features.
Chevrolet Camaro
- Horsepower: Approx. 323-580 HP
- Average Price (Used): $15,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 4-6 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: We love the Chevrolet Camaro for its iconic American muscle car vibe, high performance, and distinctive design. Its range of powerful engines and sporty driving experience make it a fantastic choice for those seeking a classic muscle car feel at an affordable price.”
Kia Stinger
- Horsepower: Approx. 255-365 HP
- Average Price (Used): $18,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 4.7-6 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: The Kia Stinger is a modern GT car known for its impressive performance, sleek design, and luxurious interior. It offers a great balance of power, handling, and comfort, making it a top choice for those seeking a new-era GT experience.
Toyota 86
- Horsepower: Approx. 205 HP
- Average Price (Used): $15,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 6.4 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: The Toyota 86 is celebrated for its superb handling and driver-focused experience.
Although it’s not the most powerful, its lightweight design and balanced chassis make it a joy to drive. It’s perfect for those who appreciate precision and agility over raw power.
Subaru BRZ
- Horsepower: Approx. 205 HP
- Average Price (Used): $15,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 6.4 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: Similar to the Toyota 86, the Subaru BRZ offers an engaging driving experience with excellent handling and a focus on driver engagement. It’s a great option for those looking for a fun, sporty car that prioritizes handling and driver connection.
Honda Accord EX-L (V6 Coupe)
- Horsepower: Approx. 278 HP
- Average Price (Used): $15,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 5.8 seconds
Why It’s a Good Buy: The Honda Accord EX-L V6 Coupe combines practicality with performance. Its reliability, comfortable interior, and smooth V6 engine make it an ideal choice for us as a sporty yet practical daily driver
Dodge Challenger
- Horsepower: Varies (305-485 HP depending on the model)
- Average Price (Used): $15,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: 4-6 seconds (model dependent)
Why It’s a Good Buy: The Dodge Challenger is a classic American muscle car with a modern twist that we love (its looks). Its powerful engine options and spacious interior offer a blend of performance and comfort. It’s an excellent choice for muscle car enthusiasts.
Infiniti Q60
- Horsepower: Approx. 300-400 HP
- Average Price (Used): $18,000 – $20,000
- 0-60 mph: Around 5-6 seconds
We’re impressed with the Infiniti Q60 for its stylish and powerful appeal. It offers a blend of luxury, technology, and performance, making it a compelling choice for those looking for a modern and elegant GT car. You can get the 2nd generation (V37) for just under $20k, and we think that’s a lot of car for the money.
Final Words: Deciding Which of These Cheap GT Cars to Buy
Choosing the right cheap GT car under $20,000 depends on your priorities. If you value raw power and a classic muscle car feel, the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, or Dodge Challenger are excellent choices.
For those who prioritize handling and driver engagement, the Toyota 86, Subaru BRZ, or the BMW 3 and 4 series stand out.
If luxury and comfort are your main concerns, the Mercedes-Benz models, Audi A5/S5, or BMW series offer a blend of performance with upscale features.
Always consider the balance between performance, comfort, and ongoing maintenance costs when making your decision.
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Cheap GT Cars – FAQs
What should I check when buying a used GT car?
As someone who’s currently shopping for cheap GT cars, I’d say always check the car’s maintenance history and look out for any major repairs. Also, getting a pre-purchase inspection can save you a lot of headaches later on.
Are GT cars costly to maintain, especially these older models?
In my opinion, it really depends on the brand. Luxury brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz usually have higher maintenance costs than more common brands like Ford or Toyota.
How’s the fuel economy on these GT cars? Should I be worried?
Honestly, GT cars are more about performance and looks than fuel economy. So, if you’re going for a model with a larger, more powerful engine, expect to visit the gas station more often.
Can I use these GT cars as my daily driver?
Definitely, many of these cars are suitable for daily use. But remember to consider factors like ride comfort, fuel efficiency, and practicality for your daily needs.
How crucial is the mileage when buying a used GT car?
Mileage is important, but not the only thing. A well-maintained high-mileage car can be just as good as a low-mileage one. Always give more weight to the maintenance history.
