32 Awesome, Expensive Cars You Can Now Buy for Less than $30,000 (2024)

When the E90-generation BMW M3 was new, it cost over $50,000. Now that it's over a decade old, depreciation has taken its toll. Used examples with lots of miles on their clocks have crested below the $20,000 mark, and there's no sign prices will stop dropping.

Up until recently, if you wanted a truly cheap Boxster, you'd have to settle for a first-gen model from the late Nineties. But nowadays, even the second-gen 987 cars can be found for little money. Here's a used example for sale right now on eBay.

Golf Rs seem to depreciate a bit slower than their GTI siblings, but being German, they can't escape devaluation entirely. Last-gen Mk. 6 models can be found in the low teens with a bit of searching.

The Corvette is a bargain in the world of new sports cars, but that doesn't mean it's free from depreciation. The C5-generation car is still plenty capable, and these days you can easily pick them up for under $20,000.

If you want to own an RS4, you'll have to settle for a used one since Audi doesn't sell the new version in the States. But that's not necessarily a bad thing considering how good the old one is. A naturally aspirated V-8 combined with a six-speed manual will make your all-weather dreams come true. Check this one for sale on eBay right now.

A lot of the cars on this list are cheap to buy because they're extremely expensive to maintain. The Lexus IS-F is different. It's basically a V-8, rear-wheel drive Toyota, meaning reliability and maintenance costs are in your favor.

The E39-generation M5 is arguably the greatest driver's sedan on earth, and yet, sorted examples can be had for a fraction of the car's original cost. Maintenance is a concern, yes, but considering what you get for your money, we think it's well worth it. This black example can be yours for under $18,000.

Though it may not be as much of a pure driver's car as the E39, the E60, is still a gem. It has a naturally aspirated V-10 making 500 horsepower and an optional six-speed manual transmission. One of our writers even owns one. Here's one with just over 135,000 miles on the clock for sale now.

Thanks to the 996-generation 911's polarizing looks and status as the first water-cooled 911, it isn't as sought after as the rest of the 911 range. While that might not be great for owners, it is great for potential buyers. For pennies on the dollar, you can buy a competent track car or a capable weekend cruiser—if you can put up with the looks, that is. This one is listed on eBay for just under $17,000.

When the first modern Alpina 7-Series hit our shores, it carried a price tag just north of of $84,000. Nowadays, 2007 and 2008 models can be had in the high-teens. Just make sure to inspect the wheels before buying—they cost several thousand dollars each to replace. Here's a 2011 model that skirts just under the $30k-mark.

It's big, it's long, it's heavy, it's powerful, and it's full of all the most luxurious features available in the late 1990s. The Arnage has also been hit with serious depreciation, which means you can tell people you own a $200,000+ Bentley for less than what it would cost to buy a base model Toyota Camry.

Like the Arnage, the Bentley Turbo R was also a $200,000 car when it first debuted. It was much more athletic than the Mulsanne Turbo, which meant it had a bit of handling to go along with its powerful engine. These days, the pride of the late 1980s can be had at more than a 90 percent discount. This one has high mileage, but looks to be in good condition.

Everyone deserves to own a V-12 at least once in their lifetime, and considering what the original BMW 8-Series is going for these days, it means V-12 ownership is available to almost anyone. Along with that V-12, you also get a classic design that's never going to look dated and a grand tourer that was built back in BMW's golden age. You could still road trip one of these across the country in comfort and style... as long as it doesn't break down on you. Here's one for sale on eBay right now.

Still offering a BMW V-12 but in a much newer package is the 760Li. BMW's flagship from the mid-2000s wasn't the best-looking sedan the brand ever put out, but you can forgive a car's looks—and maybe even iDrive—when you feel the power of its 6.0-liter V-12. Here's one listed for just under $15,000.

The current Cadillac CTS-V starts north of $80,000, but the first-generation CTS-V will run you much, much less. It won't be quite as powerful, but it will handle well, and it's hard to complain about 400 horsepower.

The Cadillac STS-V is not nearly as athletic as the CTS-V, but boy will it cruise comfortably. With the upgraded interior, you'll be rolling in luxury, and you'll also have that supercharged Northstar V-8 making 469 horsepower to use any time you need a little excitement. Sure, you might look like you're headed to the Piccadilly, but you'll be able to get there really, really quickly. Here's a one-owner example up for sale now.

If you want an E39 M5 but don't have the money to buy one, the much more affordable option is the Jaguar S-Type R. It also has close to 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque, and even though it won't be quite as nimble through the turns, it'll probably be more comfortable on a road trip. Plus, it's got that timeless Jaguar design that's always going to look classy. This one is up for bidding right now.

Take the old XJ8, stretch the wheelbase, bolt on a supercharger, and what do you have? The XJ Super V-8. It made nearly 400 horsepower out of its 4.2-liter V-8, and its aluminum construction made it light. What would have run you close to $90,000 when new can now be had for $7,000 or so if you find the right deal.

The Jaguar F-Type is one of the most beautiful cars on the market right now, but it also starts at $65,000. Even all these years later, the Jaguar XK is still absolutely gorgeous. Its supercharged V-8 makes plenty of power, and even better, you can find these cars for less than $20,000.

A supercharged Range Rover is a wonderful thing. In fact, it's an amazing thing. You get the utmost in luxury paired with the ability to go almost anywhere, as well as more power than anyone driving an SUV would ever need. It will run you at least $100,000 to buy a new one, but if you're brave enough, you can easily find a supercharged Range Rover for less than $20,000.