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It’s easy to think that powerful cars come with steep price tags, but that’s not always true. New cars with lots of power can definitely cost a pretty penny, but there are plenty of used cars with lots of horses under the hood that can be had for a song. The only downside is that most of these cars are around 20 years old by now. If that’s not a deterrence, check out these seven fast affordable cars that cost less than $7,000.

1. 2005 Infiniti G35

A front corner view of the 2005 Infiniti G35, a fast affordable car
2005 Infiniti G35 | Infiniti

The Infiniti G35 was revised for the 2005 model year, which included completely new exterior styling and more power. Under its hood is a potent 3.5-liter V6 engine with 280 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. That may not sound like much by today’s standards, but considering the G35 could get up to 60 mph from a stop in only 6.1 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph, we would consider it good.

Additionally, the G35 had all of the luxuries needed, including a leather interior, a Bose sound system, and a six-disc CD changer. It’s old school, but its Kelley Blue Book used price range of $4,093 to $5,620. Now, that’s what we call “luxury on a budget!”

2. 2005 BMW 545i

2005 BMW 545i front angle view
BMW 545i | BMW

Whether you love BMWs or not, the 2005 545i is worth a look. It’s large, luxurious, and very powerful. Inside, you’ll find a leather interior, dual-zone climate control, and all the tech and window shades you need to make your daily drive comfortable.

But the real star is under the hood in the form of a 4.4-liter V8 engine. This large engine makes 325 hp and 330 lb-ft of torque. With that kind of power, this luxurious sedan rockets up to 60 mph in only 5.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph. Best of all, KBB says the 545i has a price range of $3,883 to $5,696, which makes the fast affordable car even more enticing.

3. 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP

A front corner view of the 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP
2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP | Pontiac

The 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix GXP is an oddball on this list, but hear us out. How does ample seating for five adults and a powerful 5.3-liter V8 sound? Those eight cylinders pump out 303 hp and 323 lb-ft of torque, which propels the car up to 60 mph from a stop in 5.7 seconds.

4. 2006 Chrysler 300C

A front corner view of the Chrysler 300C in red
Chrysler 300C | Stellantis

“Is that a Bentley?” No, it’s a Chrysler 300C, and it’s as big as a Bentley, just not as luxurious. Regardless, the 300C is impressive in its own way with its plush interior, tech-savvy features, and ample passenger volume. The fast affordable car also has a Hemi V8 that makes 340 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, which can get the large sedan up to 60 mph in around 4.7 seconds.

5. 2008 Honda Accord V6

A white 2008 honda accord V6 sedan on the rocks
2008 Honda Accord V6 | Honda

We’re huge fans of the Honda Accord, especially older ones that cost less than $7,000. For around $6,680, you may be able to find a 2008 V6 model, which produces 268 hp and 248 lb-ft of torque. According to the folks at Car and Driver, that kind of power can propel the family sedan up to 60 mph in only 5.6 seconds. Who says Hondas aren’t fast?

6. 2006 Audi S4

A silver 2005 Audi S4 driving
2005 Audi S4 | Audi

Would you believe you can get an Audi S4 for a KBB market value range between $5,557 to $6,872? It’s true. In case you’re wondering what that little amount of money gets you, know that there’s a V8 in the mix. More specifically, a 4.2-liter V8 engine that generates 340 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque.

With that power, the S4 can get to 60 mph in only 5.3 seconds, which is super quick for a family sedan – especially one made nearly 20 years ago.

7. 2003 Mercedes-Benz S500

Mercedes-Benz-S500
Mercedes-Benz-S500 | Mercedes-Benz

We had to save the best one for last, mainly because it’s a Mercedes-Benz. Technically, the 2003 S500 is one of the cheapest Mercedes models you can buy because its average market value is between $4,253 and $5,700. But that doesn’t mean it’s cheap.

Instead, the S500 is filled with plenty of safety features and luxurious amenities, including a leather interior and plush ride. This fast affordable car is very powerful, too, with its 302-hp V8 engine.

These fast affordable cars don’t cost much

It’s a common thought that powerful cars must be expensive, but that’s not always the case. These used cars show that having plenty of power doesn’t need to come at a premium.

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