11 tire-killing muscle cars you can still get for a bargain in 2026
You can’t stop time, just like you can’t stop progress. Unfortunately for fans whose hearts beat to the sound of eight cylinders, the pool of muscle cars continues to shrink as the years go by. Don’t fret, though. The used car market is teeming with killer modern muscle cars, many of which you can still get for well under the average price of a new car.
Affordable horsepower is the name of the game for these used muscle cars
These modern muscle cars are relatively affordable, powerful, and full of personality. And they all have the vital muscle formula: two doors in the middle, a V8 engine up front, and power going to the rear wheels.
Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (5th gen)
You likely know of the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. After all, the ZL1 1LE managed to be one of the fastest American cars around the famed Nürburgring. However, bargain-hunting American muscle fans can find an affordable tire-roaster in the fifth-gen model.
Under the hood, the previous-generation ZL1 packs a supercharged 6.2L V8 that produces a volcanic 580 horsepower and 556 lb-ft of torque. It should have enjoyed a tidal wave of bragging rights upon its debut for the 2012 model year. It didn’t.
Within months of its release, Ford pulled the cover back on the final S197-generation Shelby GT500. 662 ponies and a 200-mph top speed were the equivalent of a nuclear option for the horsepower wars. Still, fans can get a supercharged Camaro for around $38,000, depending on factors like condition.
Ford Mustang GT (S550)
The Ford Mustang is into its seventh generation now, leaving six full iterations of America’s favorite pony car up for grabs. And while the sixth-generation Ford Mustang GT left the angular throwback styling in the rearview mirror, it did advance the nameplate.
Before its mid-cycle refresh, the S550 Mustang GT packed a 435-horsepower 5.0L Coyote V8. After the facelift, the Mustang GT produced an additional 25 ponies. Better yet, it was the first Mustang generation to do away with its live rear axle in favor of independent rear suspension. And for the budget-minded Mustang fan, a higher-mileage 2015 model can be had for under $20,000.
Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
The Challenger and its four-door sibling, the Charger, recently rode off into the sunset. However, the facelifted LA-platform Dodge Challenger offers plenty of used high-horsepower options, including the 6.4L V8-powered Challenger R/T Scat Pack.
No supercharger necessary. The R/T Scat Pack produced 485 horsepower from its N/A Hemi V8 at the time of its release. What’s more, savvy shoppers can get their hands on an R/T Scat Pack for around $30,000.
Chevrolet Camaro SS (5th gen)
The staple of the Chevrolet Camaro lineup, the SS is also a quintessential modern muscle car. While sixth-generation models might be a bit too pricey to be considered a bargain, a 426-horsepower fifth-generation Camaro SS can tick the American muscle boxes without breaking the bank.
The fifth-generation lineup covers the 2010 to 2015 model years, and shrewd shoppers can find a low-mileage early model for around $30,000. That’s a whole lot of car for nearly $20,000 less than the price of the average new car.
Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
Few names conjure the same recognition among modern muscle cars as that of “Hellcat.” Dodge dropped its 707-horsepower supercharged coupe on the segment like a royal flush, rewriting the book on ridiculous excess.
Today, you can get an early model SRT Hellcat for around $50,000. Just make sure you budget for tires.
Ford Mustang Bullitt (S197)
It’s the car the minds at Ford described as their “engineer’s car.” The S197 Ford Mustang Bullitt took the 3V 4.6L V8 and added a few extra ponies, pushing output to 315 horsepower. Add the 3.73 gears, a notchy TREMEC manual transmission, and a special exhaust system, and the fifth-generation Bullitt could scoot to 60 mph in around five seconds flat.
Better yet, you can find one of these movie homage muscle cars for a steal if you know where to look. Even with low mileage, $20,000 is more than enough to snag an S197 Bullitt.
Pontiac GTO
Admittedly, the Holden Monaro-based Pontiac GTO isn’t the flashiest performance car. However, the understated coupe does meet the formula. By the end of its production run, the GTO packed a 6.0L LS2 V8 with 400 horsepower on tap.
Of course, the GTO could be had with a six-speed manual gearbox. And, if you can fall in love with the GTO’s looks, you can get one for a song. The average fifth-generation GTO sells for around $22,000, per Classic.com.
Ford Mustang Boss 302 (S197)
Before the Ford Mustang ditched its angular S197 styling, Ford brought back one of the most storied names in the model’s history. It’s the Boss, more specifically the Boss 302. Bright colors, stripes, and pantomime are the name of the game.
And with a 444-horsepower N/A V8 up front, sportier suspension, and track-ready steering, a pre-facelift Boss 302 is a bargain at around $32,141.
Pontiac Firebird (4th gen)
Like the GTO, the final Pontiac Firebird isn’t exactly revered for its good looks. But, also like the GTO, the Firebird stayed true to its muscle car roots. By the end of its production run, the Firebird summoned up to 345 horsepower courtesy of a N/A V8.
Although they’re becoming increasingly collectible, a buyer can snag a low-mileage example for around $25,000. But if trends continue, those prices will continue to creep up.
Ford Mustang Bullitt (S550)
If you’re not into the angular looks of the S197 Ford Mustang Bullitt, the S550 model is a much more modern, high-performance example. Still available in a subtle Dark Highland Green, the S550 Bullitt produces 480 horsepower courtesy of a 5.0L Coyote V8.
A shrewd shopper can find an S550 Mustang Bullitt for less than $40,000, depending on factors like mileage, condition, and title status.
Dodge Challenger SRT8
Before Dodge unveiled the savagely powerful Challenger SRT Hellcat, the SRT8 was the king of the Mopar offerings. A 470-horsepower 6.4L Hemi V8 up front and a huge coupe body with a long hood channels old school muscle car appeal.
Fortunately, you don’t have to spend Hellcat prices to get one, either. A solid, low-mileage example can be had for around $26,000.
- Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (5th gen)
- Ford Mustang GT (S550)
- Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
- Chevrolet Camaro SS (5th gen)
- Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat
- Ford Mustang Bullitt (S197)
- Pontiac GTO
- Ford Mustang Boss 302 (S197)
- Pontiac Firebird (4th gen)
- Ford Mustang Bullitt (S550)
- Dodge Challenger SRT8
