If you wish to own a powerful ride within your restricted budget, consider going for 500 hp cars under $20k. That’s right. You can now own a robust ride that can offer up to 500 hp in 2024, and you only need just $20,000. Any vehicle that can give so much power output is no less than a supercar. The idea of owning such a ride is thrilling, but you can never find a brand-new model with such power under a mere $20k.
The good thing is there are several older models that you can own for such a low price. Do not believe people saying you must spend handsomely to get a great used automobile. You can find a great ride at great prices. All it requires is your dedication and not quitting attitude. So, for all of you looking for cheap cars with 500 hp that will allow you to taste unbeatable power, we bring this buyer’s guide.
This article will explore the top ten affordable cars that roar power, crucial buying tips, and some frequently asked questions.
Top 10 Cheapest 500 Horsepower Cars Under $20,000
Now that we have cleared your doubt regarding whether you can get a car under the price tag of $20,000 and how easy it is to find a suitable ride, it is time to move forward.
The automotive market is swarming with all kinds of vehicles. There are several 500 hp vechile under $20k, and the primary task is to find the one from many. Exploring all the available options and narrowing down your best options is a time-consuming task filled with hassle, dedication, and hard work.
We understand not everyone can spare so much time with a packed everyday schedule. Our experts have prepared a list to save you from all the tussle around used 500 hp cars in 2024.
Below, we have reviewed all the prominent models in 2024 that offer strong power output under your limited budget. Go through each ride to find the most suitable for your requirements.
1. 2007 Chevrolet Corvette Z06
- Average Price: $17,465 – $26,888
- Engine: 7.0 L V8
- Horsepower: 505 hp
- MPG: 16 City/26 Highway
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 3.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 198 mph
The first model on our list of cheapest 500 hp cars is the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 of the model year 2007. This high-end sports car used variant can be yours for around $17,465.
This sports car is powered by a robust 7-liter V-8 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, producing 505 horsepower. The 2007 Corvette Z06 features sound insulation, bigger brakes with cross-drilled brake rotors, two-tone leather seating, and an enlarged glove box.
Two people can comfortably sit in this two-door car as the interior is spacious for two adults. Also, the 22.4 cubic feet cargo hold is impressive for the class. In addition, this vehicle can go as fast as 198 mph and accelerate to 60 mph in only 3.5 seconds.
The 2007 Corvette Z06 disappoints when it comes to cabin material, which is mostly hard plastic and makes it look like the basic Corvette. But despite this, the versatile driving dynamics & everyday driving comfort make it a steal under $20k.
Pros
- Impressive handling dynamics
- Powered by a strong V8 engine
- Impressive speed
- The cargo hold is excellent for the class
Cons
- Limited cabin storage
- The subpar interior material quality
2. 2009 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG
- Average Price: $9,534 – $11,333
- Engine: 6.3 L V8
- Horsepower: 507 hp
- MPG: Up to 13 city / 20 highway
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 186 mph
What is better than the German automaker Mercedes if you wish to own a powerful luxury ride? This 2009 E-Class midsize car will sweep you off your feet with its luxurious cabin and balanced driving performance.
This is an almost 500-hp car under 15k because, in 2024, you can buy its used variant for as low as $16,463. And for such a low price, you get to enjoy heated front seats, comfortable interior space, and good safety scores.
You also get to enjoy the top speed of 186 mph of this five-seater, which is possible with the help of a 6.3 L V8 engine paired with either RWD or AWD and a 7-speed automatic transmission, channeling 507 hp. This luxury car is also highly fuel-efficient and has sophisticated safety features worth every penny.
Pros
- Comfortable & elegant interior
- Powerful engine
- Fuel efficient
- Good safety scores
Cons
- Not as athletic as its many rivals
3. 2012 Ford Mustang GT Premium
- Average Price: $14,016 – $15,919
- Engine: 5.0 L V8
- Horsepower: 412 hp
- MPG: Up to 18 city / 25 highway
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.4 to 4.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 159 mph
2012 Ford Mustang is another great ride among the 400-hp cars. This American-built four-seater automobile is powered by a powerful V8 engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission, producing about 412 hp.
Such an outstanding power output offers this sports car a top speed of 159 mph and an acceleration from zero to 60 mph in less than five seconds. Impressive athletic handling is bound to improve your driving experience more than other rides you have owned.
The selectable steering system, nimble handling, and ample trunk space (in the class) make this an excellent car to buy as a second-hand variant for under $20k in 2024.
Pros
- Robust engine
- Agile handling
- Good fuel efficiency
- Selectable steering system- three levels of power assist
Cons
- Cramped-up rear seats
- The interior quality of the base trim is questionable
4. 2008 Mercedes S600
- Average Price: $10,437 – $12,726
- Engine: 5.5 L V12
- Horsepower: 510 hp
- MPG: 11 City / 17 Highway
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.1 seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph
Another luxury car that falls in the category of best 500 hp cars under $20k in 2024 is the 2008 Mercedes S600. This ride boasts high-end luxury, poised handling, acceleration like a sports car, and robust engines.
This S-class ride offers some of the most powerful engines available for any sedan. And the agile handling only makes it better. All the seats are built around 11 separate air chambers that people can inflate to different degrees to fit the seat as per their preference.
The 510 horsepower output via a V12 engine will let you enjoy the thrill of speed you seek. The only drawback the model holds is that its COMAND driver interface is tricky to handle, and the new model is costlier than other vehicles in its class.
Pros
- Impressive handling
- Extraordinary acceleration
- Robust engine
- Unsurpassed luxurious interior
Cons
- The driver interface is complicated to use
5. 2007 BMW M6
- Average Price: $14,430 – $17,271
- Engine: 5.0 L V10
- Horsepower: 500 hp
- MPG: Up to 12 city / 19 highway
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.5 to 4.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph
Getting used SUV 500 hp cars under $20k is hard, but you can always get a ravishing sedan with such fantastic power. You can buy the used 2007 BMW M6 for an average price range of $14,430 to $17,271. This luxury car is powered by the proficient V10 engine paired with either 7-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, producing an astonishing 500 hp.
2007 M6 is available in coupe & convertible body styles, each offering 12 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. In this BMW ride, you will get soft-close doors, real-time traffic updates for the navigation system, and a tire-pressure monitoring system.
The 2007 M6 can easily out-accelerate some of the world’s best sports cars with its top speed of 155 mph. It is one of the most comfortable & exotic rides for daily drivers. So, if you want to reach your office in style without killing your bank balance, do not forget to explore this German offering.
Pros
- Exotic performance
- Potent V10 engine
- Versatile suspension
- Elegant interior
- Comfortable seating
- Spacious cargo hold
Cons
- The iDrive system is distracting
- The SMG transmission gives inconsistent responses in the automatic model
6. 2008 Audi RS 6
- Average Price: $7,188 – $8,613
- Engine: 5.0 L Audi V10 Odd firing V10 TFSI DOHC (BUH)
- Horsepower: 500 hp
- MPG: Up to 14 city / 19 highway
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 3.9 seconds
- Top Speed: 155.3 mph
Another vehicle from a world-renowned European car brand that falls on our list of 500 hp cars under $20k is the 2008 Audi RS 6. The 2008 Audi RS 6 is the third generation of the lineup, and it is the first version in the lineup to offer a powerful engine output of a whopping 500 hp.
This ride is powered by a 5.0 L Audi twin-turbo V10 engine paired with a Tiptronic six-speed gearbox that channels the power to all four wheels. During its launch in 2008, RS6 was the fastest four-door sedan in the world. Whew! Imagine owning a ride that held such an impressive title.
This luxury car exterior has a front bumper featuring larger air-intakes, a taller grille, silver rearview caps, oval exhausts, and standard 19” alloy wheels.
The interior comprises the finest construction materials (carbon fiber, aluminum, leather, etc.), sport-bucket seats that are highly bolstered, a flat bottom steering wheel, & more.
Pros
- Smooth powertrain
- Well equipped interior
- Comfortable & luxurious cabin
Cons
- The ride quality can be stiff for some people
7. 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged
- Average Price: $6,916 – $8,307
- Engine: 5.0 L V8
- Horsepower: 510 hp
- MPG: 12 City / 17 Highway
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.6 seconds
- Top Speed: 140 mph
For everyone looking for 500 hp cars under $20k 2024 SUV class, have their search ends with the widely popular 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged.
There are rare 500hp cars under 10k, and you have got luck on your side as we found you a family-size SUV that can cost you as low as $6,916 to $8,307 for its used variant in 2024. 2010 Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged is an excellent SUV that can seat five people.
This ride offers impressive off-road & good on-road capabilities. The interior is luxurious and comfortable, but the fuel efficiency is terrible. 5.0 L V8 engine is mated with 6-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive to produce gasping 510 hp.
Pros
- Power output
- Impressive interior quality
- Excellent on & off-road capabilities
Cons
- Poor fuel economy
8. 2006 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG
- Average Price: $13,385 – $17,072
- Engine: 6.0 L V12
- Horsepower: 604 hp
- MPG: 13 City / 20 Highway
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.2 seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph
Our next ride is for people exclusively looking for a car with 500 hp under $20k in 2024 Mercedes brand. The 2006 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG is a luxury car powered by a robust 6-liter V12 engine paired with a five-speed automatic transmission producing a remarkable 604 hp.
This four-door ride boasts a spacious cabin with many tech & safety features like keyless entry, electronic trunk closer, heated steering wheel, and rear side window blinds. This ride can sprint from zero to 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds and attain a top speed of 155 miles per hour.
So, if elegance and style are your non-negotiable factors following the robust power output and low price, think no further than the 2006 Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG.
Pros
- Elegant & spacious interior
- Plenty safety features
- Feels nimble for its size
Cons
- Not as athletic as some of its rivals
- The COMAND system is complicated
9. 2010 BMW M5
- Average Price: $14,380– $17,749
- Engine: 5.0 L V10
- Horsepower: 500 hp
- MPG: 11 City / 17 Highway
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.5 to 4.6 seconds
- Top Speed: 155 mph
Another luxury sedan that comes under your budget of $20k in 2024 is the BMW M5 for the model year 2010. This ride has a powerful V10 engine under its hood, producing 500 hp with ease. The delivered speed & thrill are incredible, but unfortunately, the steering comfort and transmission choices are not up to the typical BMW M-lineup standards.
2010 M5 interior is spacious & elegant and comes with sublime front seats. The iDrive system makes the handling & driving experience much smoother. The fuel economy is okay. Also, you can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 4.6 seconds and attain a top speed of 155 mph.
So, if anyone mocks you saying it is impossible to find cars with 400 hp under $30k, tell them you own a ride channeling 500 hp for much less than thirty grand.
Pros
- Impressive V10 engine
- Handling limits are high
- Supple ride
- Comfortable seating
Cons
- The manual transmission is overwhelming
- Lackluster steering feel
10. 2013 Jaguar XJ XJL Ultimate
- Average Price: $16,544 – $19,301
- Engine: 5.0 L V8
- Horsepower: 510 hp
- MPG: 18 City / 28 Highway
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 121 mph
Another luxury car you can get for as low as $20,000 is the 2013 Jaguar XJ XJL Ultimate. It is powered by a base supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that channels 340 hp. The other is a 5.0 liter V8 paired with optional all-wheel drive and eight-speed automatic transmission, channeling 510 hp.
This limited production model features an enhanced electronics interface and a new sound system. The excellent fuel economy, spacious & stylish interior, and attractive exterior make the 2013 Jaguar XJ XJL Ultimate a great ride. If you mix the price tag of $20k, it becomes unbeatable.
Pros
- Exquisite interior
- superb engines
- nimble for its class
- abundant standard features
Cons
- The backseat isn’t as spacious as the rivals
- lingering reputation for substandard reliability
Can I Get The Best 500 HP Cars Under $20k In 2024?
Automobiles are necessary, but not everyone likes to spend on them generously. Not everyone can afford a Ferrari or Porsche, but everyone can own something they want under their restrictions. When it comes to purchasing a vehicle within your budget, options like pre-owned cars come to the rescue. So, if your car buying budget is as low as $20k, do not worry.
No hard and fast rule says only brand-new models can be reliable road partners. In Denver, auto finance options abound, offering various avenues to secure the vehicle you desire without breaking the bank.
Plenty of suitable models in the used car market can offer you everything you desire at a price acceptable to you. All you need is perseverance, sound research, and the ability to explore models thoroughly before making a final purchase.
Getting your hands on used 500-hp cars under $20k in 2024 is not as complicated as you think. And to help you with the task, we have done thorough research and are here with a list of supercharged cars under 20k.
So, stop worrying if you could get a nice ride for as low as $20k because the answer is a big YES.
Things To Consider When Buying Cars With 500 HP Under $20k
The foremost thing that a restricted budget buyer for a 500 hp car should know is that you can only get used models. There is no chance that one can find a brand new 500 hp output ride for such a low price in these expensive times.
So, understand that because a used car is your ideal purchase, you must be extra careful with the process. You need to realize that for a ride to have such a low selling price, there must be some reason.
It is hard to get high-end features like reliability, fast speed, high-end features, and cheap prices simultaneously. Thus, as a buyer, you need to be open to the fact that reliability might lag in search of fast & affordable.
But to ensure that you get a ride worth your time & money and find the best from the available options, we have a list of some factors you must consider before finalizing a purchase.
Age & Mileage
The first thing to consider is the age and mileage of the car. Do not go for a ride older than 10 years or driven more than 100,000 miles. This is the period after which it becomes necessary to replace parts like factory suspension & more.
Any car way older than this limit is good for nothing. It must have been driven to its peak, and you might have difficulty keeping it. Thus, go for models that are still closer to the current model year.
Maintenance
Ask for the maintenance record from the seller. The maintenance record will tell you what has gone wrong with the ride in the past and how well it can hold up in the long run. Also, you will know whether you can handle a ride’s maintenance expenses. Avoid going for a ride that comes at a cheap price but is expensive to maintain.
Used cars already need extra care. And if you go for something costly to keep, your whole process for finding 500 hp cars under $20k will be a waste.
Condition
Examine the current condition of the ride. A vehicle might seem all good from the outside, but you can never be sure if the insides are like that. So, have a professional, someone you can trust, inspect the ride. Ensure that the vehicle is fully in good condition. Poor internal condition is a big no.
Performance
It is entirely okay to go for tuner cars, but you need to ensure they offer the performance they claim. So, cars with 500 hp under $20k should provide that power output when you ride them. Ask for the test drive from the seller. This way, you can analyze the vehicle’s performance. A car that does not offer the stated performance and does not feel right to drive should be off your consideration list ASAP.
Conclusion
Buying a car should not be a headache only because you have a restricted budget. You can enjoy driving fast and powerful rides by learning the right ways to look for one.This article covers the top ten cars with 500-hp under $20k in 2024 that will make any car seeker happy. Each ride offers top features, good speed, impressive acceleration, and roaring engines. We hope you find the vehicle you have been looking for.