What will you do when you have a funds of $20,000 to purchase a quick automobile? Buy a brand new automobile or a used one? If you go the brand new automobile route, your choices will contain autos just like the Kia Soul, Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and so forth. These aren’t dangerous automobiles for that worth, however they certain aren’t ‘quick’.

But, in the event you go the used route, the $20,000 funds will open you to a world of quick automobiles that may comfortably fulfill your adrenaline cravings. That stated, it leaves you weak to getting automobiles which may find yourself spending half the time in garages. So, which automobile must you choose? Well, we have listed 20 of the quickest used automobiles you should purchase for underneath $20,000 and have a very good time with them.

Updated June 24, 2023: We’ve included just a few extra nice choices for sporty and fast automobiles that may be had for underneath $20,000, including some American muscle, sizzling hatches, and sports activities automobiles that present loads of thrills for fans not seeking to break the financial institution. Despite the continued volatility of the used automobile market, these fashions nonetheless provide loads of choices for quick enjoyable underneath $20,000.

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20 2004 Pontiac GTO

Starting Used Price: $10,163

Front and aspect view of a 2004 Pontiac GTO

Here’s one mannequin you will not discover anyplace else moreover the used-car market. The fifth-generation Pontiac GTO lived a brief two-year life earlier than it was canned. It did not final lengthy sufficient to make an impression on lots of people, however even with its brief life, the GTO was in a position to serve discover that it wasn’t one to be messed round with.

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As the last model to wear the iconic “GTO” badge, the fifth-generation Pontiac GTO lived as much as the billing, thanks largely to a 5.7-liter V-8 engine that produced 350 horsepower and 365 pound-feet of torque. The GTO wasn’t the prettiest efficiency automobile you might purchase again then, nevertheless it certain packed the form of meat that allowed it to dash from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds on its technique to a prime velocity of 160 mph. Finding a used mannequin underneath $20,000 isn’t any large deal, however watch out of the automobile’s historical past earlier than shopping for it.

19 2006 BMW M3 E46

Starting Used Price: $12,145

Front and aspect view of a 2006 BMW M3 Convertible

The BMW M3 E46 is arguably one of the best versions of the M3 to ever come out. It was out there out there from 2000 to 2006, and it impacted many individuals when it was round. It was lauded for being partaking, dependable, and all-out enjoyable to drive. The M3 E46, specifically, added unbelievable energy to that blend, drawing its juice from a 3.2-liter inline-six engine that produced 333 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.

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The M3 E46 might dash from 0 to 60 mph in simply 5.1 seconds and hit a prime velocity of 155 mph. The M3 E46 was an excellent hit mannequin, so discovering one will not be a activity. However, discovering one for underneath $20,000 will not be that simple. You can discover some for a shade over $20,000, like the one we’ve linked, nevertheless it all boils all the way down to your negotiation expertise to convey it underneath $20,000.

18 2008 Impreza Subaru WRX STi

Starting Used Price: $14,475

Front and aspect view of a 2008 Impreza Subaru WRX STi

The Subaru Impreza WRX STi is an icon in its personal means. It is powered by Subaru’s respected 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, producing greater than 300 horsepower. The highly effective engine is complemented by a six-speed guide transmission that sends all that energy to all 4 wheels. All of this makes the WRX STI one of the vital enjoyable efficiency automobiles to drive on the street.

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You cannot go flawed proudly owning one. Depending on the 12 months and trim, proudly owning a second-hand Subaru WRX STI is less complicated than it sounds. 2008 STis are what you may get on this worth band. If you are lucky, you may additionally come throughout some 2010 fashions. But be sure you examine it totally.

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17 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Starting Used Price: $14,634

Front and aspect view of a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Mitsubishi doesn’t have the sparkliest of reputations these days. However, it has one mannequin that also captures the creativeness of sports activities automobile lovers worldwide. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was produced from 1992 to 2016, and, to this present day, it is nonetheless thought-about one of many purest all-wheel-drive efficiency automobiles within the enterprise.

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That’s excessive reward for an automaker who has struggled to realize traction (pun unintended) within the trade for over twenty years. It is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces as a lot as 291 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Combine that with its all-wheel-drive setup, and the Lancer Evo was as quick because it was enjoyable to drive.

16 2010 Ford Mustang GT

Starting Used Price: $11,574

Front and aspect view of a 2010 Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible

While the usual V-6 powered 2010 Mustang will be less expensive than the V-8 powered GT model, the 2 additional cylinders present a number of added efficiency, with most fashions nonetheless staying beneath $20,000. Better nonetheless, a $20,000 max funds does not exclude the GT Convertible mannequin for many who crave open-air cruising and to listen to extra of its V-8 soundtrack.

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Even although nicely over a decade has handed, the Mustang’s retro-inspired exterior styling and cabin are nonetheless endearing, as is the 4.6-liter V-8 providing up a powerful 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The 2010 GT is an interesting possibility because it was the primary mannequin 12 months to supply a revised inside with higher high quality supplies, a facelift over prior fashions, with a discount in drag, wider wheels, the next rev-line, and elevated stiffness to profit efficiency.

15 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T

Starting Used Price: $14,751

Front and aspect view of a 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T

The Dodge Challenger is a primary illustration of the automotive trade’s transfer to full electrification, with the traditional model being replaced by the upcoming Charger Daytona EV. But fortunately for many who nonetheless need a burly V-8 underneath the hood, the Challenger R/T not solely matches the invoice on cylinders, however fashions from 2010-13 are pretty ample at underneath $20,000.

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The R/T is powered by a hulking 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that dishes out 376 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque with a regular six-speed guide transmission. That’s adequate to propel the 2011 Challenger from 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds and onto the quarter-mile mark at 13.5 seconds at 106 mph. And as a slice of American muscle, the Challenger R/T has the commanding presence, each visually and aurally, to match its engine’s efficiency.

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14 2012 Nissan 370Z

Starting Used Price: $14,235

A entrance 3/4 outside shot of a 2012 Nissan 370Z driving on a race monitor

The new Nissan Z has garnered quite a lot of attention, however a lot of its underpinnings are shared with its predecessor, the 370Z. The 370Z is the continuation of the long-running Z lineup, and like its new iteration, it places a premium on sports activities automobile thrills with out breaking the financial institution — it will not take an excessive amount of looking out to discover a coupe mannequin from 2008-14 that rings it an underneath $20,000.

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Powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 providing 332 horsepower paired with a six-speed guide, the 370Z gives adept dealing with, sprightly acceleration, and a bevy of customization choices to extend its efficiency. And although its design is now over 15 years previous, the 370Z’s styling will nonetheless flip heads.

13 2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Starting Used Price: $17,502

Front and aspect view of a 2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS

The fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro was a return to kind for Chevy’s resident muscle automobile. Introduced in 2010 after an eight-year hiatus for the Camaro nameplate, the fifth-gen Camaro not solely reignited curiosity within the Camaro as a muscle automobile, but in addition sparked a renaissance for your entire pony automobile trade.

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Of all of the variations of the Camaro that got here out in that period, the SS was arguably probably the most sought-after. It wasn’t as quick because the Z/28, but the Camaro SS still packed an impressive 6.2-liter V-8 mill with 426 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. Just as essential because the Camaro’s energy figures have been its efficiency occasions. In full bloom, the Camaro SS might dash from 0 to 60 mph in simply 4.6 seconds on its technique to a capped prime velocity of 155 mph. You ought to be capable to simply search out a mannequin from this technology for underneath $20,000.

12 2014 Subaru BRZ

Starting Used Price: $11,259

Front and aspect view of a 2014 Subaru BRZ

The Subaru BRZ was unique for the time due to a Toyota/Scion partnership that led to a rear-wheel drive sports activities automobile that was a sibling to the Toyota 86 and the Scion FR-S. It was designed and produced to tackle the opposite sports activities automobiles flooding the markets, such because the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

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The Subaru BRZ was an reasonably priced sports activities automobile in 2014 when it was pushed out onto the market, as it’s at this time on the used marketplace for these on the lookout for one thing with a little bit little bit of energy. The 2.0-liter underneath the hood can pump out as much as 200 horses, and the high-revving engine can attain torque quantities of 151 pound-feet. On the monitor, you’re looking at occasions like 6.4 seconds from 0 to 60, with room for enchancment.

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11 2014 Infiniti Q50

Starting Used Price: $13,708

rear 3/4 view of a white 2014 Infiniti Q50 overlooking mountains

Looking again by means of historical past, many carmakers you see have been round for a very long time, however that isn’t the case with Infiniti. This luxurious model of Nissan has solely produced automobiles for American markets since 1989. The motto they began out with of not trying to please everyone, however moderately the few, has been a stage of manufacturing that they try to succeed in even at this time.

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The 328 horsepower V-6 from earlier years is carried over for 2014, leaving the Infiniti Q50 a little bit behind some opponents, such because the BMW 335i. That is among the explanation why you may choose this luxury sports activities sedan up for lower than $20,000 as a result of many individuals underestimate the ability that it nonetheless has. The automobile can speed up from 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds, which remains to be higher than lots of the smaller sports activities automobiles on this record.

10 2015 BMW 328i

Starting Used Price: $11,730

Side view of a 2015 BMW 328i xDrive

What higher than getting a less-than-10-year-old BMW for underneath $20,000? It’s not simply in regards to the badge; you get a automobile that is a looker, a performer, and an absolute keeper. Keep in thoughts that the 328i is a little bit of a collectible in the case of luxurious automobiles, so you might have to look someplace aside from public sale websites to discover a whole lot on one.

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The turbo-four engine is clean, offers ample energy, and is usually a enjoyable car for straight-line sprints. It’s not simply that; you may potter it round city at authorized speeds and even have enjoyable on windy roads over the weekend. There’s a cause why BMW 3 Series is known as the sportiest compact luxury sedan, and the 328i isn’t any exception.

9 2015 Scion FR-S

Starting Used Price: $12,933

Front and aspect view of a 2015 Scion FR-S

Due to the collaboration with Subaru in making the BRZ, the Scion FR-S is a detailed sibling however has fewer commonplace options than the BRZ. The thought behind that isn’t to depart you with out creature comforts however to depart you with what you actually need; nothing however the driving expertise of a tremendous sports activities automobile.

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The Scion FR-S has the same 2.0-liter flat-four cylinder that pushes out 200 horsepower and as much as 151 pound-feet of torque. On the monitor, it may put numbers down like 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds and a quarter-mile run in underneath 15 seconds. Since the Scion has a rear-wheel drive system, the FR-S could make a terrific drift automobile if constructed appropriately.

Related: Top 10 Best Practical Sports Cars Under $30,000

8 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth

Starting Used Prices: $7,483

If you step again and have a look at the Fiat 500 Abarth, you may chuckle to your self and even snort out loud as a result of it doesn’t appear like a lot. If you are attempting to discover a automobile that appears quick, this isn’t the mannequin for you. But, all through the 60+ years of Abarth historical past, they’ve constructed automobiles for one function; to race.

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The 2015 Fiat Abarth has a small 1368cc turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine underneath the hood that may solely handle about 157 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 183 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 RPM. The little automobile solely weighs 2,683 kilos, so it may nonetheless dash from 0 to 60 in round 6 seconds. If you concentrate on that velocity in such a little bit automobile, you may think about how briskly it really feels when sitting within the driver’s seat.

7 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Starting Used Price: $12,436

Front and aspect view of a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Almost each fanatic has this little roadster on their bucket record sooner or later in life. The MX-5 nameplate rocked our worlds for the primary time within the late 80s and has been a heartthrob ever since. We’ve picked the 2016 Miata as a result of Mazda returned to the unique template with this mannequin after swerving off in between.

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It was smaller and lighter, thus making it even more agile and fun to drive. Although 155 horses do not seem to be loads on paper, the Miata will show you flawed. The 2016 MX-5 Miata began at round $26,000 and went as much as $31,000, however you may get the top-end Grand Touring convertible for underneath $20,000 in 2023 in the event you search nicely.

6 2016 Dodge Charger

Starting Used Price: $13,193

An exterior shot of a base mannequin Dodge Charger

If you are on the lookout for uncooked, brute energy, the Charger should be on top of your list. It was provided with many engine choices, however the one that may fall inside this funds is the 292-horsepower V-6 engine. It was mated to an eight-speed automated gearbox that powered the rear wheels. If you’re fortunate, you might additionally get an all-wheel-drive mannequin at this worth.

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The Charger provides ample house for passengers in the back and front. To make it even higher, it provides a comparatively spacious cargo house so you may carry baggage for a week-long trip in your whole household with out worrying about how you may journey with it.

Related: The Best Cars Under $35,000

5 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Starting Used Price: $14,379

Front and aspect view of a 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI

This is one hatchback you simply cannot go flawed with. While the 2023 vary begins at round $30,000, you may lay your palms on fashions as new as 2017 for nicely underneath $20,000. The Volkswagen Golf GTI has been round for the longest time, and it is one of the best enthusiast cars you can get if you’re just starting off.

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It comes with 220 horses, which ought to make you chuckle each time you flooring the A-pedal. When you are ripping it on the roads, it’s going to additionally function a wonderful day by day driver and a pleasant weekend-getaway automobile for the household. All stated, there is not any means the Golf GTI can disappoint you, until you are a glass-half-empty form of particular person.

4 2017 Honda Civic Si

Starting Used Price: $16,788

Side and partial entrance view of a 2017 Honda Civic Si

The Type R is the pinnacle of performance in the Civic portfolio, nevertheless it hasn’t been current on our shores for the reason that starting. Until its arrival, the Civic Si held that spot, so it is honest to place it on this record. The 2017 Civic Si is a part of the Tenth-gen Civic that got here out a 12 months earlier than. Although the Si was identified to come back with its personal id (underneath the hood), from this technology onwards, it featured the identical mill because the pedestrian Civics, albeit in a distinct state of tune. The 2.4-liter free-breathing engine made means for a smaller 1.5-liter, four-pot with compelled induction.

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It makes the identical 205 horses however 18 pound-feet extra torque than the fashions earlier than the 2017 vary. This offers it a robust low- and mid-range however reduces the redline to only 7,000 rpm. It is an honest day by day driver, too, and is usually a good automobile in your city commutes. The 2017 Civic Si hovers round $20,000 in worth. High mileage fashions will fall underneath it, and low mileage, over. But, in the event you analysis nicely, you may get fortunate and get one of the best of each worlds – low mileage and underneath $20,000.

3 2017 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Starting Used Price: $11,352

Front and aspect view of a 2017 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

The Hyundai Veloster could not have the outright energy of lots of the automobiles on this record, however the quirky little hot hatchback isn’t short on driving excitement, significantly when it is being thrashed round in corners. While the usual Veloster needed to handle with 138 horsepower, the Turbo model is fitted with a 1.6-liter, you guessed it, turbocharged four-cylinder that gives 201 horsepower with both a six-speed guide transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automated.

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The Veloster Turbo’s small footprint helps its agility in corners, and its correct, fast steering aids the trigger. It’s additionally simple to understand the Veloster’s distinctive standing as a sizzling hatch with three doorways, two large exhausts on the shortly overhanging rear finish, and its general idiosyncratic seems. And loads of Turbo fashions will be discovered for a number of thousand underneath $20,000.

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2 2017 Mini Cooper

Starting Used Price: $10,698

Front and aspect view of a 2017 Mini Cooper

The Suez Canal Crisis again in 1956 is one thing that the majority of you have got forgotten about, however if you wish to know why the Mini Cooper got here to be, it’s essential to journey again in time to that time in historical past. Gas costs elevated, and automobile gross sales for bigger autos decreased, leaving a spot in the marketplace for small European automobiles. Hence the Mini Cooper was created.

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The base trim stage Mini Cooper is powered by an inline three-cylinder that may handle to pump out 134 horsepower, which is satisfactory for day by day journeys backwards and forwards to the shop or work. If you need one thing quick, although, you will want to attempt to discover the Cooper S or John Cooper Works model as a result of it comes with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automated or guide transmission.

1 2018 Ford Focus ST

Starting Used Price: $13,689

Front and aspect view of a 2018 Ford Focus ST

All fans can respect a very good sizzling hatchback, and the Ford Focus ST was undoubtedly a bright spot for the segment throughout its manufacturing run within the U.S. Though earlier variations exist, probably the most highly effective model out there within the U.S. had a manufacturing run from the 2013-18 mannequin years with the facelifted model debuting in 2015. The Focus ST is powered by a sprightly 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder serving up 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.

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Showing its enthusiast-driven nature, it is just out there with a six-speed guide transmission. Alongside its extra aggressive seems and out there Recaro sport seats, the ST contains a sport-tuned suspension and different kits that make it a robust performer within the corners with all of the on a regular basis practicality of a Focus hatchback. Even top-spec variations of the ST can now be had for underneath $20,000.