25 of the Cheapest Cars That Can Hit 150 MPH

If you just aren't into the C4, high-mileage examples of the C5 are starting to dip under $10,000. Keep in mind, though, you might not be getting the cleanest one around. Still, it's a wonderful track car out of the box, so you can't really go wrong. Here's one you can own right now.

Subaru's attempt to move upmarket with the 154-mph Giugiaro-styled SVX grand tourer didn't exactly work out, but that doesn't mean it was a bad car. It was just too expensive at the time. These days you can find them for pennies on the dollar.

Yes, the E36 is lighter and simpler, but have you seen E46 prices lately? They're about the same as E36s, with more power and a more sophisticated suspension. Race series like Spec E46 has ballooned in popularity lately, marking the E46-generation 3-Series as yet another cheap BMW worthy of track work. This blue-painted 330i is up for bidding on eBay right now.

Used 350Zs have gotten incredibly cheap. You can easily scoop one up as a track car for under $10,000. For that, you're getting a 300-horsepower V-6-powered sports car with rear wheel drive and solid styling.

It's easy to get sold on the stylish nature of the Golf and the practicality of a four-door hatchback. Pair that extra power you get over the regular Golf and the nice interior, and you have a heck of a nice car for not a lot of money. You also have one of the best performance cars you can buy for less than $30k. Even someone who thought they only wanted it to get from point A to point B is going to have a blast behind the wheel of a GTI. Here's a new one you can buy right now.

The Focus ST makes for a great all-rounder, and not just because it's got a practical hatchback body. On the highway you can achieve 30 MPG with that 252-horsepower 2.0-liter inline four—if you keep your foot out of it, that is. Tough considering how fun this thing is to drive quickly. This one has just 31,000 miles on the clock, and can be yours.

The V-12 7-Series of the 1990s is still one of the coolest-looking BMWs ever. Examples in perfect condition with low miles can be had for used Ford Fiesta money. Top speed? Electronically limited to 155 mph.

It's tough to find 3000GT VR4s in clean, unmodified condition nowadays, but when they do pop up for sale, it's hard to resist. They can top speeds of 160 mph, which is pretty damn quick.

E-Class AMGs are the definition of understatement. They look as stately as normal E-Classes, but have some serious performance under the hood. The E55, with its 349-horsepower 5.5-liter V-8, could a top speed of 155 mph. This one on eBay can be yours for just under $6,000.

At first glance, the ZR-1 looks like any other C4-generation Corvette. But look a little closer, and you'll begin to see some changes. The body is wider, and the tires are too. Under the hood sits a DOHC V-8 designed by Lotus making 375 horsepower. It could get to 0-60 mph in under five seconds, which was damn impressive for the time. Here's one you can own right now for under $30,000.

Believe it or not, even the V-10-powered Audi S8 is cheap enough to be on this list. Used ones with miles can be had in the teens, and if you opt for an older V-8 model, prices are even more reasonable. Top speed is an electronically limited 155 mph.

If luxurious reliability on a budget is your goal, there's no better choice than the Lexus Ls400. Its bulletproof V-8 can go hundreds of thousands of miles without issue, while its boxy, understated looks will keep you flying under the radar. This one's for sale for $2700 right now.

Of course, the 850R isn't the only cool Volvo performance wagon. There was also the V70R, which made 300 horsepower and had an optional six-speed manual transmission. This one has the stick, and you can own it.

The Dodge Neon is cute and generally competent, but the turbocharged SRT-4 version is viciously quick. Just be careful of buying someone's heavily modified project. And look out for torque steer. This one is in need of some work, and you can own it today.

The fifth-generation Corvette might just be the ultimate performance bargain right now. Do some digging and you can find good examples for under $15,000, and the track-monster Z06 isn't too much more expensive. Thanks to its 350-hp V-8, even a base C5 Corvette can hit 175 mph flat out. This one is painted in a lovely shade of green, and it's for sale right now.

People buy old Jaguars for the classy looks, but when equipped with the automaker's supercharged V-8, they're great performers too. Like the German executive sedans it competed with, the XJR was limited to 155 mph and they're easy to find for around $10,000. Just leave some room in your budget for maintenance. This black example is currently listed on eBay.

The new S4 is one quick sports sedan, but used ones are still capable of some serious speed. The B5-generation S4 could hit 157 mph when unrestricted, and the follow-up, the B6, offered even more power. And odds are, you can pick up a B5 S4 for less than $5000. This one is up for sale right now for just $2800.

The E39-generation M5 is one of the greatest sport sedans on earth. But if you can't afford an M5, the 540i is the next best thing. It's nearly as nice behind the wheel, and could be had with a manual transmission. Here's one for sale on eBay.

Would any list about cheap speed be complete without a Camaro Z28? Even the convertible version could hit 160 mph. A clean example might cost you closer to $10,000, but deals can often be found in the $5000 range. Here's one listed for just $9000 right now.

Chrysler sadly doesn't sell an SRT version of the 300 in the U.S. anymore, but the first examples were incredibly fast. If you have the courage, you can take a Chrysler 300C SRT8 up to 173 mph. For around $10,000, examples like this one are a serious bargain.

The original G35 coupe is still one of the best-looking cars Infiniti ever made. It's also quick enough to hit 155 mph if you hang on long enough. And you can usually find a clean manual version for around $10,000. This one's listed on eBay for right around that price.

We make no claims that a used V-12-powered Mercedes S-Class is going to be cheap to maintain, but there's no denying these cars are ridiculously powerful. They were limited to 155 mph but could reportedly hit 191 mph if left unrestricted. And what's even more terrifying (in a good way) is that some of them can be found for less than $10,000.

Pricing on modified versions can get way out of hand, but a relatively clean 300ZX Turbo offers outstanding performance at a fair price. It could hit 153 mph, and with a little looking, you can find one for around $10,000. That's not exactly dirt cheap, but it's still quite affordable. This one is up for bidding on eBay right now.

With 340 horsepower and 380 lb.-ft. of torque, it would be more surprising if the GTO couldn't hit 150 mph. But it could do that and more, topping out close to 160 mph. And while some can be priced ridiculously high, you can expect to be able to pick up a GTO for cheap.

If you're looking for real power from a 944, you could spend the money and get a Turbo model. Another choice is finding a cheap broken example and dropping in a V-8. Honestly, the V-8 option sounds more fun (and more reliable).

The Boxster will never be the 911, but if you're looking for a bargain, that's probably a good thing. Used Porsche 911 prices are insane right now. 986 Boxsters, on the other hand, are going for a song. And if you spring for the S version, you'll still be able to hit 162 mph. Here's one for sale for just under $16,000.