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Sedans are meant to be practical means of transportation with their four doors and large trunks. However, some sedans are pretty boring to drive – ahem, Toyota Camry. What can fix a mediocre driving experience? More power! As such, here are five of the most powerful sedans that you can find for less than $15,000.

1. 2013 Subaru WRX

2013 Subaru WRX in orange
2013 Subaru WRX | Subaru

Although it’s nearly a decade old, the 2013 Subaru WRX is still one fun driving machine. In this model year, it was available in either sedan or hatchback form. However, the engine under the hood remained the same.

The 265 hp that it made came via a turbocharged 2.5-liter Boxer engine that was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The power was routed to all four wheels via the brand’s Symmetrical AWD system, which makes the WRX a great sedan to drive no matter what time of year it is.

2. 2009 Mercedes-Benz S600

Mercedes-Benz S600
Mercedes-Benz S600 | Photo by Oscar Gonzalez/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a guilty pleasure among car enthusiasts. Yes, it’s a stately large sedan that’s technically meant to be enjoyed from sitting in its large back seat area. But if you happen to be driving it, then you won’t be bored behind the wheel either.

Under the hood of the S600 is a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V12 that generates 510 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque. That’s enough power to rocket this nearly 5,000-pound sedan up to 60 mph from a stop in less than 5 seconds. That’s pretty quick, especially for a car that you can find on the used car market for less than $15,000.

3. 2008 Audi S8

2007 Audi S8
2008 Audi S8 | Mark Elias/Bloomberg News

If having more than six cylinders is important to you, then you’ll like the 2008 Audi S8. This vintage of the German automaker’s full-size sedan is powered by a 5.2-liter V10 that makes 450 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. That power alone can make this car get up to 60 mph from a standstill in around 5.2 seconds, according to Edmunds.

However, performance isn’t the only thing this car is meant for. The S8 is based on the A8 sedan, so it has plenty of interior space, a huge trunk, and every comfort feature you could want.

4. 2007 Cadillac CTS-V

Cadillac CTS-V
Cadillac CTS-V | Wikimedia Commons

The Cadillac CTS-V is another great choice if you’re looking for lots of power and comfort. The 2007 model year was arguably the most refined version of the first-generation CTS-V. Its 6.0-liter V8 engine made over 400 horsepower and was mated to a six-speed manual transmission. What’s more, the CTS-V offers up a healthy dose of luxury with its spacious interior, leather seats, and Bose sound system.

5. 2006 BMW M3

Black BMW E46 classic sports sedan.
BMW E46 | Simom Caban via Unsplash

The E46-generation BMW M3 is a favorite among many enthusiasts. It’s motivated by a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine that puts out 333 hp to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. There’s no doubt that the M3 is quite the avid performer, but it’s comfortable as well. There’s a nice leather interior and all of the power amenities you would need. Just don’t expect the latest technology since it was made in the early 2000s, after all.

Five powerful sedans under $15,000

If you’re looking for a sedan that’s not boring to drive, then one of these five examples will surely fit the bill. The best part is that they can all be purchased for less than $15,000, which is a bargain in the current used car market.

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