What will you do you probably have a price range of $20,000 to purchase a quick automotive? Buy a brand new automotive or a used one? If you go the brand new automotive route, your choices will contain autos just like the Kia Soul, Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and so on. These aren’t dangerous vehicles for that value, however they positive aren’t ‘quick’.
But, for those who go the used route, the $20,000 price range will open you to a world of quick vehicles that can comfortably fulfill your adrenaline cravings. That stated, it leaves you weak to getting vehicles that may find yourself spending half the time in garages. So, which automotive must you choose? Well, we have listed 20 of the quickest used vehicles you should buy for beneath $20,000 and have a superb time with them.
The listing under has been compiled by knowledge from Kelley Blue Book validations for the used quantities, with the choices left as commonplace and the zip code left the identical. The MSRP was collected from a number of websites, together with the carmaker newsrooms, Edmunds, Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and U.S. News and Reports.
Updated June 24, 2023: We’ve included a number of extra nice choices for sporty and fast vehicles that may be had for beneath $20,000, including some American muscle, sizzling hatches, and sports activities vehicles that present loads of thrills for lovers not seeking to break the financial institution. Despite the continued volatility of the used automotive market, these fashions nonetheless supply loads of choices for quick enjoyable beneath $20,000.
20 2004 Pontiac GTO
Starting Used Price: $10,163
Here’s one mannequin you will not discover anyplace else apart from 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.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Pontiac GTO Base |
$10,163 |
$31,795 |
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 automotive you could possibly purchase again then, however it positive packed the sort of meat that allowed it to dash from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds on its strategy to a high pace of 160 mph. Finding a used mannequin beneath $20,000 is not any huge deal, however watch out of the automotive’s historical past earlier than shopping for it.
19 2006 BMW M3 E46
Starting Used Price: $12,145
The BMW M3 E46 is arguably one of the best versions of the M3 to ever come out. It was out there available in the market 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, particularly, 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.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
BMW M3 E46 Base |
$12,145 |
$46,500 |
The M3 E46 might dash from 0 to 60 mph in simply 5.1 seconds and hit a high pace of 155 mph. The M3 E46 was an excellent hit mannequin, so discovering one will not be a job. However, discovering one for beneath $20,000 will not be that simple. You can discover some for a shade over $20,000, like the one we’ve linked, however it all boils all the way down to your negotiation abilities to carry it beneath $20,000.
18 2008 Impreza Subaru WRX STi
Starting Used Price: $14,475
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 crucial enjoyable efficiency vehicles to drive on the street.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Subaru Impreza 2.5i Sport |
$5,430 |
$17,640 |
|
Subaru Impreza Outback Sport |
$5,254 |
$19,995 |
|
Subaru Impreza 2.5i Premium |
$5,962 |
$18,495 |
|
Subaru Impreza WRX Premium |
$7,921 |
$24,850 |
|
Subaru Impreza WRX Sport |
$10,344 |
$26,950 |
|
Subaru Impreza WRX STi |
$14,475 |
$34,995 |
You cannot go mistaken proudly owning one. Depending on the yr and trim, proudly owning a second-hand Subaru WRX STI is simpler than it sounds. 2008 STis are what you may get on this value band. If you are lucky, you may additionally come throughout some 2010 fashions. But make sure to verify it totally.
17 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Starting Used Price: $14,634
Mitsubishi doesn’t have the sparkliest of reputations these days. However, it has one mannequin that also captures the creativeness of sports activities automotive lovers worldwide. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was produced from 1992 to 2016, and, to at the present time, it is nonetheless thought of one of many purest all-wheel-drive efficiency vehicles within the enterprise.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Range |
Original MSRP |
|
Mitsubishi Lancer DE |
$4,846 |
$16,990 |
|
Mitsubishi Lancer ES |
$5,267 |
$17,890 |
|
Mitsubishi Lancer GTS |
$6,423 |
$19,990 |
|
Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart |
$8,219 |
$27,190 |
|
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SE |
$14,634 |
$36,535 |
|
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR |
$17,406 |
$38,990 |
|
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring |
$20,012 |
$40,990 |
|
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR |
$20,065 |
$33,590 |
That’s excessive reward for an automaker who has struggled to realize traction (pun unintended) within the trade for over 20 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
While the usual V-6 powered 2010 Mustang might be less expensive than the V-8 powered GT model, the 2 further cylinders present a number of added efficiency, with most fashions nonetheless staying under $20,000. Better nonetheless, a $20,000 max price range would not exclude the GT Convertible mannequin for many who crave open-air cruising and to listen to extra of its V-8 soundtrack.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. USed Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Ford Mustang Base |
$8,285 |
$21,395 |
|
Ford Mustang Premium |
$8,335 |
$24,395 |
|
Ford Mustang GT Premium |
$11,574 |
$31,395 |
|
Ford Mustang GT |
$12,452 |
$28,395 |
|
Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 |
$21,325 |
$46,725 |
Even although properly 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 formidable 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The 2010 GT is an interesting possibility because it was the primary mannequin yr to supply a revised inside with higher high quality supplies, a facelift over prior fashions, with a discount in drag, wider wheels, a better rev-line, and elevated stiffness to learn efficiency.
15 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T
Starting Used Price: $14,751
The Dodge Challenger is a chief 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 beneath the hood, the Challenger R/T not solely suits the invoice on cylinders, however fashions from 2010-13 are pretty plentiful at beneath $20,000.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Dodge Challenger Base |
$11,736 |
$24,895 |
|
Dodge Challenger R/T |
$14,751 |
$29,895 |
|
Dodge Challenger SRT8 |
$19,471 |
$42,780 |
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 typical six-speed guide transmission. That’s ok 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.
14 2012 Nissan 370Z
Starting Used Price: $14,235
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 automotive thrills with out breaking the financial institution — it will not take an excessive amount of looking to discover a coupe mannequin from 2008-14 that rings it an beneath $20,000.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Nissan 370 Z Base |
$14,235 |
$33,580 |
|
Nissan 370 Z Touring |
$14,698 |
$38,280 |
|
Nissan 370 Z NISMO |
$19,403 |
$41,660 |
Powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 providing 332 horsepower paired with a six-speed guide, the 370Z supplies adept dealing with, sprightly acceleration, and a bevy of customization choices to extend its efficiency. And although its design is now over 15 years outdated, the 370Z’s styling will nonetheless flip heads.
13 2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS
Starting Used Price: $17,502
The fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro was a return to kind for Chevy’s resident muscle automotive. 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 automotive, but in addition sparked a renaissance for the complete pony automotive trade.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Chevrolet Camaro LS |
$11,463 |
$24,450 |
|
Chevrolet Camaro LT |
$12,913 |
$29,055 |
|
Chevrolet Camaro SS |
$17,502 |
$37,155 |
|
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 |
$24,784 |
$55,355 |
|
Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 |
$28,652 |
$72,705 |
Of all of the variations of the Camaro that got here out in that period, the SS was arguably essentially 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 had been its efficiency instances. In full bloom, the Camaro SS might dash from 0 to 60 mph in simply 4.6 seconds on its strategy to a capped high pace of 155 mph. You ought to be capable of simply seek out a mannequin from this era for beneath $20,000.
12 2014 Subaru BRZ
Starting Used Price: $11,259
The Subaru BRZ was unique for the time due to a Toyota/Scion partnership that led to a rear-wheel drive sports activities automotive that was a sibling to the Toyota 86 and the Scion FR-S. It was designed and produced to tackle the opposite sports activities vehicles flooding the markets, such because the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Subaru BRZ Base |
$11,259 |
$25,595 |
|
Subaru BRZ Limited |
$13,104 |
$27,595 |
The Subaru BRZ was an inexpensive sports activities automotive in 2014 when it was pushed out onto the market, as it’s right now on the used marketplace for these searching for one thing with just a little little bit of energy. The 2.0-liter beneath 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 instances like 6.4 seconds from 0 to 60, with room for enchancment.
11 2014 Infiniti Q50
Starting Used Price: $13,708
Looking again by 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 vehicles for American markets since 1989. The motto they began out with of not trying to please everyone, however relatively the few, has been a degree of manufacturing that they attempt to achieve even right now.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Infiniti Q50 S 3.7 |
$13,708 |
$37,150 |
|
Infiniti Q50 Base 3.7 |
$13,673 |
$38,950 |
|
Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid |
$13,923 |
$48,600 |
|
Infiniti Q50 3.7 Premium |
$13,988 |
$41,800 |
|
Infiniti Q50 Hybrid Premium |
$14,193 |
$44,400 |
The 328 horsepower V-6 from earlier years is carried over for 2014, leaving the Infiniti Q50 just a little behind some opponents, such because the BMW 335i. That is without doubt one of the 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 facility that it nonetheless has. The automotive can speed up from 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds, which continues to be higher than most of the smaller sports activities vehicles on this listing.
10 2015 BMW 328i
Starting Used Price: $11,730
What higher than getting a less-than-10-year-old BMW for beneath $20,000? It’s not simply in regards to the badge; you get a automotive that is a looker, a performer, and an absolute keeper. Keep in thoughts that the 328i is a little bit of a collectible on the subject of luxurious vehicles, so you will have to look someplace aside from public sale websites to discover a whole lot on one.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
BMW 328i |
$11,730 |
$37,500 |
The turbo-four engine is easy, provides ample energy, and generally is a enjoyable automobile 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 motive why BMW 3 Series is known as the sportiest compact luxury sedan, and the 328i is not any exception.
9 2015 Scion FR-S
Starting Used Price: $12,933
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 go away you with out creature comforts however to go away you with what you actually need; nothing however the driving expertise of a tremendous sports activities automotive.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Scion FR-S Base |
$12,933 |
$24,990 |
|
Scion FR-S 1.0 Release Series |
$14,118 |
$29,990 |
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 could possibly put numbers down like 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds and a quarter-mile run in beneath 15 seconds. Since the Scion has a rear-wheel drive system, the FR-S could make an ideal drift automotive if constructed accurately.
8 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth
Starting Used Prices: $7,483
If you step again and take a look at the Fiat 500 Abarth, you would possibly chuckle to your self and even snigger out loud as a result of it doesn’t appear to be a lot. If you are attempting to discover a automotive that appears quick, this isn’t the mannequin for you. But, all through the 60+ years of Abarth historical past, they’ve constructed vehicles for one goal; to race.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Fiat 500 Abarth Base |
$7,483 |
$22,495 |
The 2015 Fiat Abarth has a small 1368cc turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine beneath 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 automotive solely weighs 2,683 kilos, so it could possibly nonetheless dash from 0 to 60 in round 6 seconds. If you consider that pace in such just a little automotive, 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
Almost each fanatic has this little roadster on their bucket listing in some unspecified time in the future 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.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport |
$12,436 |
$25,735 |
|
Mazda MX-5 Miata Club |
$13,838 |
$29,420 |
|
Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring |
$14,047 |
$31,185 |
It was smaller and lighter, thus making it even more agile and fun to drive. Although 155 horses do not look like lots on paper, the Miata will show you mistaken. 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 beneath $20,000 in 2023 for those who search properly.
6 2016 Dodge Charger
Starting Used Price: $13,193
If you are searching for uncooked, brute energy, the Charger should be on top of your list. It was supplied with many engine choices, however the one that can fall inside this price range is the 292-horsepower V-6 engine. It was mated to an eight-speed computerized gearbox that powered the rear wheels. If you might be fortunate, you could possibly additionally get an all-wheel-drive mannequin at this value.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Dodge Charger SE |
$13,193 |
$27,995 |
|
Dodge Charger SXT |
$14,748 |
$29,995 |
|
Dodge Charger R/T |
$18,092 |
$33,895 |
|
Dodge Charger R/T Road and Track |
$21,998 |
$36,895 |
|
Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack |
$27,067 |
$39,995 |
|
Dodge Charger SRT 392 |
$27,963 |
$50,995 |
|
Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat |
$36,886 |
$68,640 |
The Charger gives ample house for passengers in the back and front. To make it even higher, it gives a comparatively spacious cargo house so you may carry baggage for a week-long trip on your complete household with out worrying about how you may journey with it.
5 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Starting Used Price: $14,379
This is one hatchback you simply cannot go mistaken with. While the 2023 vary begins at round $30,000, you may lay your palms on fashions as new as 2017 for properly beneath $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.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Volkswagen Golf GTI S |
$14,379 |
$25,815 |
|
Volkswagen Golf GTI Sport |
$14,316 |
$29,915 |
|
Volkswagen Golf GTI SE |
$14,443 |
$31,710 |
|
Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn |
$15,875 |
$34,915 |
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’ll additionally function a superb each day driver and a pleasant weekend-getaway automotive for the household. All stated, there isn’t any means the Golf GTI can disappoint you, until you are a glass-half-empty sort of individual.
4 2017 Honda Civic Si
Starting Used Price: $16,788
The Type R is the pinnacle of performance in the Civic portfolio, however 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 listing. The 2017 Civic Si is a part of the Tenth-gen Civic that got here out a yr earlier than. Although the Si was recognized to return with its personal identification (beneath the hood), from this era onwards, it featured the identical mill because the pedestrian Civics, albeit in a special state of tune. The 2.4-liter free-breathing engine made means for a smaller 1.5-liter, four-pot with compelled induction.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Range |
Original MSRP |
|
Honda Civic LX |
$12,823 |
$19,630 |
|
Honda Civic EX-L |
$12,880 |
$22,030 |
|
Honda Civic Touring |
$13,390 |
$27,490 |
|
Honda Civic EX-T |
$13,679 |
$22,190 |
|
Honda Civic LX-P |
$14,032 |
$20,950 |
|
Honda Civic Si |
$16,788 |
$24,790 |
It makes the identical 205 horses however 18 pound-feet extra torque than the fashions earlier than the 2017 vary. This provides it a powerful low- and mid-range however reduces the redline to simply 7,000 rpm. It is a good each day driver, too, and generally is a good automotive on your city commutes. The 2017 Civic Si hovers round $20,000 in value. High mileage fashions will fall beneath it, and low mileage, over. But, for those who analysis properly, you may get fortunate and get the most effective of each worlds – low mileage and beneath $20,000.
3 2017 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Starting Used Price: $11,352
The Hyundai Veloster might not have the outright energy of most of the vehicles on this listing, however the quirky little hot hatchback isn’t short on driving excitement, notably 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 computerized.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Hyundai Veloster Base |
$9,210 |
$18,985 |
|
Hyundai Veloster Value Edition |
$10,643 |
$22,235 |
|
Hyundai Veloster Turbo |
$11,352 |
$23,485 |
|
Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec |
$11,903 |
$22,485 |
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 huge exhausts on the shortly overhanging rear finish, and its general idiosyncratic seems. And loads of Turbo fashions might be discovered for a number of thousand beneath $20,000.
2 2017 Mini Cooper
Starting Used Price: $10,698
The Suez Canal Crisis again in 1956 is one thing that almost all of you’ve gotten 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 automotive gross sales for bigger autos decreased, leaving a spot available on the market for small European vehicles. Hence the Mini Cooper was created.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Mini Cooper Base |
$10,698 |
$21,800 |
|
Mini Cooper S |
$12,210 |
$25,250 |
|
Mini Cooper John Cooper Works |
$13,839 |
$31,750 |
The base trim degree Mini Cooper is powered by an inline three-cylinder that may handle to pump out 134 horsepower, which is sufficient for each day journeys backwards and forwards to the shop or work. If you need one thing quick, although, you’ll need to try 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 computerized or guide transmission.
1 2018 Ford Focus ST
Starting Used Price: $13,689
All lovers can respect a superb 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, essentially 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.
Pricing
|
Trim |
Avg. Used Market Price |
Original MSRP |
|
Ford Focus SE |
$8,177 |
$20,120 |
|
Ford Focus SEL |
$9,376 |
$22,345 |
|
Ford Focus Titanium |
$10,161 |
$25,145 |
|
Ford Focus Electric |
$11,057 |
$29,120 |
|
Ford Focus ST |
$13,689 |
$26,045 |
|
Ford Focus RS |
$21,584 |
$41,995 |
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 includes a sport-tuned suspension and different kits that make it a powerful 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 beneath $20,000.
