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Often underappreciated and underestimated, used sports sedans can be massive bargains if you know where to look.
A performance car that doubles as a family hauler doesn't have to be too hard on your pocket. Although most fast cars don't come cheap, the number of prospects around will surprise you. The used sports sedan market is a gold mine of exciting models that blends performance, practicality, and luxury in sleek packages. It offers everything from American sedans with V8 power to dependable Japanese models and turbocharged European premium models.
Vehicles on this list all offer spirited performance in addition to loads of everyday usability. Unlike dedicated sports cars, these sedans have usable rear seats and ample cargo space. Furthermore, they come with intuitive infotainment systems and impressive arrays of comfort/safety tech features. Most interestingly, you don't have to break the bank for the opportunity to own any of them. So, read on for ten great used sports sedans that you can pick up for less than $20,000.
Although there are areas where it fell short of expectations, the 2014 Maserati Ghibli came with a welcome blend of Italian style, power, and speed. Positioned below the Quattroporte, the Ghibli was smaller, lighter, cheaper, and more economical than the flagship model.
Power comes from a Ferrari-built twin-turbocharged 3-liter V6 engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. In terms of performance, the 2014 Ghibli is unmistakably a Maserati. With as little as $15,900, you can snap up this S Q4 model with 78,925 miles on the meter.
For seven generations and counting, the Charger has impressed generations of gearheads with blistering performance. The current model is a four-door sedan with a range of powerful engines, including a 797-hp 6.2-liter supercharged V8. With this kind of firepower under the hood, it runs the quarter-mile in just 10.6 seconds.
It also offers spacious accommodation for five passengers and ample trunk room for their luggage. The icing on the cake is unquestionable build quality. While you will need at least $32,500 for the 2022 Charger, this 2015 model costs $18,499.
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The Infiniti Q50 arrived as an all-new model in the 2014 model year. Launched to replace the G37, it offered many luxury features and plenty of power. For 2015, a 3.7-liter V6 engine mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission cranked out 328 hp. Provided you avoid cars fitted with Direct Adaptive Steering, you'll get responsive steering, agile handling, and a smooth ride.
The sleekly-styled cabin is quiet and tastefully furnished. Also on offer is an impressive array of advanced safety systems and infotainment features. When it was new, the 2015 Q50 started at $37,150. On the used market today, good examples sell for as low as $17,999.
The C-class is a great car that has always impressed with its sleek design, luxury features, and tons of high-tech features. With a starting price of $44,600 for the latest model, it stands as a smaller and more pocket-friendly alternative to the flagship S-class.
Under the hood, a 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine pairs with a 9-speed automatic transmission to provide 255 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is enough for a 0-60 mph run of fewer than six seconds. This white 2013 C-class is currently up for grabs for just $15,991.
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BMW's flagship sedan is an impressive driving machine with silky-smooth power options. Expectedly, it provides a relaxing interior, packs the latest gimmicks from BMW, and comes with an entry price of $87,795. This is undoubtedly out of the reach of many people who'd love to own this stately sedan.
However, gearheads can have good examples on the used market, like this 2014 750Li. Backed by 445 hp from the turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 that hides under the hood, it is no slouch. Moreover, with the array of tech features on offer, it is a value buy.
Even without the M badge, the BMW 5 Series' excellent build quality, refined engines, and elegant cabin make it a desirable car to buy. The 2006 M5 high-performance variant stands out in the crowded sports sedan segment, thanks to what lies under the hood.
Displacing five liters, the V10 power plant pairs with a smooth and fast 7-speed transmission. With 500 hp and 383 lb-ft of torque on tap, this M5 can hit 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and top out at 190 hp. For $15,998, you can be a proud owner of this 2006 model.
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The XF Supercharged is a big performance car nearly as powerful as the Jaguar XFR-S. Under the hood, it sports a supercharged 5-liter V8 power mill that churns out 464 hp and 424 lb-ft of torque. With this, the big Jaguar can hit 60 mph from rest in 4.9 seconds.
In addition, it handles well and delivers the excellent ride comfort you can expect from Jaguars. All you need to decorate your driveway with this big sporty Jaguar is the attractive sticker price of $14,499.
Tuned on the treacherous Nurburgring track, the CTS-V was a game changer when it arrived in 2004. Despite its weight, it could hold its own against exotic sports sedans. It runs on a 5.7-liter V8 mill rated at 400hp and 395 lb-ft of torque.
With this brutally fantastic engine, it can hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and clear the quarter-mile in 13.1 seconds. On the flip side, its awkwardly designed interior features cheap materials. The good news is that buyers can have this fast American sedan for cheap.
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The Maserati Quattroporte is an awesome luxury sedan designed by Pininfarina. As expected, the cabin is tastefully done in high-quality materials and equipped with luxury toys. Pop the hood, and you'll face a 4.2-liter V8 engine that churns out 394 hp and 333 lb-ft of torque.
It needs just 5.2 seconds to hit 62 mph on the way to the top speed of 171 mph claimed by Maserati. In addition, it boasts a 47:53 front-rear weight distribution which enhances handling. Although it had a 6-figure price tag when new, you can get this "4-door Ferrari" for $18,900.
Created in 1992 for the World Rally Championship, the Subaru WRX started life based on the Impreza. It is one of the best-known and most popular performance sedans on the market. The standard powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission to lay down 268 hp.
Under the hood of the STI models, a turbocharged 2.5-liter unit belts out 305 hp. Thanks to the standard AWD system, there is no shortage of road grip in the Subaru WRX. Good examples like this blue 2017 Subaru WRX are available at attractive prices.
Hillary Princewill is a Nigerian writer who grew up spending a lot of time in his Dad's garage. He loves sports car, F1 and military vehicles.