One of the most common question we get asked by new members is “What are the best cars to start out with?” While everyone has a different perception of what is hot and what is not, there are some undeniably good deals.
This three part series will show you the best bang for the buck cars broken down in $100k, $75k, and $50k price points. The cars in this particular post can all be bought for under $50,000.
This is what we at Exotic Car Hacks like to call “Bargain Cars.” Now it may sound impossible that you can buy an exotic/luxury car for less than the price of a new KIA, but it is possible if you’re a hacker like us.
It is all doable by following one of the key principle we teach here at Exotic Car Hacks: depreciation.
While the models listed are still produced to this day, the older models have depreciated to their bottom cash values, allowing them to be bought for less than $50k.
They may not have all the newest technology or the sleekest body, but they are prestigious and worthy of ownership.
Mercedes-Benz W204 C63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz changed the game of daily drivers when they released the C63 AMG. Unlike the E92 BMW M3, it was more focused on luxury and performance, rather than being an all out track car. Since 2008, the car has continued to evolve with the luxurious and edgy demand that Mercedes is known for. We recommend getting into a 2012 to 2014 model year to get the best bang for your buck. There isn’t much to complain about aside from slightly higher maintenance costs, but getting into a Mercedes for less than a Dodge will curve that complaint.
F10 BMW M5
A more practical family car is going to be the four door 2013 and older M5 (F10). The M5’s will be sitting at around the same crest point of $45k with decent miles and preferred color combos. The M Powers are great luxury cars to begin with as they allow for both power and sleek design to capture attention.
Maserati Quattroporte
Maserati’s took a bath on depreciation and that is good for us hackers. It allows us to own one of the most luxurious brands for a fraction of the cost. One of the models most susceptible to the drop was the Quattroporte. Specifically the 2011-2013 years are the ones you’ll want to keep to as anything before or after is plagued with electrical issues and engine quirks. These models can be found on the market at around $35k-$50k dependent on the miles and options. In perspective these Quattroportes are cheaper than the newest Kia models, so the choice is yours.
Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG
Maybe not the hottest car in terms of hip, young, edgy, and sexy, but the SL Series AMG line is none the less powerful and full of luxury feel. Though the model is still in production today, you’re going to want to stick with the years 2009 and older as the newer models have held increasingly well. The market is flooded with convertibles currently so you’ll want to be conscience of that when attempting to negotiate. Most applicable models are gonna hang right around the $50k threshold, but are well worth it.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
We all agree that the Aston Martin V8 Vantage is getting quite old, but we still see a lot of value with the updated 2010 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S which offers better performance, equal amounts of drive-ability, and updated styling that enhances the car just perfectly. Despite being biased towards the Aston brand especially since we have taken on many Aston Martins as our own projects, we still value the Aston brand as the quality finish and driving pleasure exceeds others in the same price range and is a head turner everywhere.
Porsche Cayenne GTS
While we here at Exotic Car Hacks aren’t huge fans of SUV’s, we can’t ignore the hack ability of the Porsche Cayenne. The GTS trim of the Cayenne took a depreciation hit pretty hard after the Turbo and Turbo S became so popular, and while you may not be driving the highest trim level out there, you will still have on of the most powerful german engines at your fingertips. The SUV is luxurious and useful for a daily driver (especially if you’ve got a family). It is extremely efficient while still “money” enough to turn heads of at the supermarket.
We hope you enjoyed our picks for some of today’s hottest exotics under $50,000. We know that we are all going to share different opinions, but we think that regardless of which model you choose, you can hardly go wrong. There were many other cars that fit being a great buy under a $50,000, but we felt these fit the bill best.