Fastest Cars To Buy Within A $5,000-Budget

Automotive Journalist

March 4, 2022 at 9:40 AM

The used car market offers some well-maintained performance cars for extremely low prices. Despite having lots of mileage, these cars still retain their quick and thrilling driving dynamics with a decent track record. Here is a list of such cars that you can get for under $5,000.

Today, we list down the most affordable and the fastest cars that you can get for under $5,000. The cars listed below record good 0-60 MPH numbers from 6 seconds to 7 seconds, and come in two well-known body styles with powerful refined engines. These used cars have been ranked from the slowest to the fastest.

2006 Cadillac DTS:

The 2006 Cadillac DTS was a replacement for the Cadillac DeVille, the only FWD car left in Cadillac’s lineup at that time. The DTS sedan made use of a 4.6L Northstar engine that output 275 hp and 292 lb-ft of torque paired with a four-speed automatic transmission. The DTS sedan sprinted from 0-60 MPH in 7.0 seconds with a combined fuel economy of 18 MPG. This specific model comes with a navigation system, heated seats, is three owners old, and is priced at $1,500. The average price for a 2006 DTS comes to around $6,030.

2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT:

The 2009 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT is the convertible version of the Eclipse GT sports car. The Eclipse GT is powered by a 265 hp 3.8L V6 engine with a torque output of 262 lb-ft. Paired with the 6-speed manual, the Eclipse Spyder GT sprints from 0-60 MPH in 6.8 seconds, making it a very quick car. Used 2009 Eclipse GT’s cost $7,064 on average, making this model that retails at $1,750 a sweet deal. The Eclipse GT is not very economical (16 MPG in the city), but it offers excellent handling qualities.

2013 Cadillac Escalade:

The 2013 Cadillac Escalade is a full-size SUV powered by a 6.2L V8 with an output of 403 hp and 417 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with AWD, the SUV sprints from 0-60 MPH in a rather quick 6.7 seconds. The Escalade can tow up to 8,300 lbs and has a fuel economy of 14 MPG in the city. 2013 Cadillac Escalades usually retail for $20,629 on average, but this Escalade in the decently equipped Luxury trim just comes at a price of $3,595.

Also Read:

2011 Infiniti FX35:

The 2011 Infiniti FX35 makes up for a good choice in the used luxury SUV market. It is powered by a 3.5L V6 engine that pumps out 303 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. The car is offered with a 7-speed automatic gearbox with RWD or AWD. The 2011 Infiniti FX35 zips from 0-60 MPH in 6.6 seconds only. Used Infiniti FX35 models demand $13,400, but this specific model costs only $2,999 making it a decent deal for people who desire luxury and performance both.

2010 Audi A4:

The Audi A4 is one of the most well-known luxury family cars in the market. Audi’s A4 sedan packs in high safety scores, excellent cabin with good features, sporty handling and steering, and comes with lots of cargo capacity as well. The 2010 A4 gets a 211 hp turbocharged 2.0L I-4 engine with 258 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with a six-speed manual and Audi’s Quattro AWD setup, the A4 sprints from 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds. Such performance makes this specific model in the Premium Plus a great deal for $2,500, when you consider used Audi A4 models cost $12,140 on average in the market.

2008 Honda Accord:

The 2008 Honda Accord with the 3.5L V6 engine is a serious performance sedan. This engine pumps out 271 hp and 254 lb-ft of torque. With the 5-speed automatic, the Accord V6 sprints from 0-60 MPH in 6.5 seconds. The Accord not only is powerful and comfortable but is highly reliable as well. This 2008 Accord EX-L model that retails for $1,999 is a steal, when you consider that used Accords cost around $8,000 in the market.

2015 Chrysler 300:

The 2015 Chrysler 300 sedan is a stylish, spacious, and powerful choice in the premium sedan market. The 2015 Chrysler 300 is powered by a 3.6L V6 that outputs 292 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. With its 8-speed automatic transmission and RWD, the 300 records a 0-60 MPH time of 6.3 seconds. Used Chrysler 300 units cost $12,000, but you can have this one in the base Limited trim for just $2,999.

2015 Lexus IS 350:

The 2015 Lexus IS 350 sedan is the best choice among fast cars under $5,000. The car is powered by a 306 hp 3.5L V6 engine with a torque output of 277 lb-ft. The car with a six-speed automatic transmission and AWD sprints from 0-60 MPH in just 6.1 seconds, which is respectably quick. 2015 IS350 models demand a used car price of $32,250 in the market. If you’re in the market for a fast car, surely check this model that is just priced at $3,999.