Most of us dream of one day hitting it big and being able to afford the car of our dreams.
Traditionally we’ve lusted after the likes of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Porsche, and Aston Martin. Today’s dream cars still include those brands, but they also include newer models from Tesla, Ford, Lexus, and Nissan.
Most people won’t ever be able to afford a new Ford GT, Nissan GT-R, or Ferrari 488, but there are plenty of dream cars available to satisfy the need for speed at a much more reasonable cost.
A friend comes to mind who recently purchased a couple of cars he’d wanted for a long time. He didn’t sell his company to Google, didn’t inherit tens of millions of dollars, and hasn’t become rich off an IPO. He did, however, work hard for many years and is now enjoying a comfortable, if not extravagant, income.
Keep reading for the cars he purchased, along with a few other choices that prove you don’t have to be among the super-rich to own a car of your dreams.
This was my friend’s first purchase. The luxury sport utility vehicle has a certain panache that conveys success loud and clear. Used models are well within the limits of attainability and can be found for under $25,000.
The Corvette was my friend’s second addition to the stable. America’s supercar has always been a great value for those looking for flashy looks and high speed on a tight budget. Look toward the C6 generation for modern thrills and affordable prices.
Porsche 911 (996 generation)
Act fast if you want a 911 in your driveway instead of on a poster. Prices of virtually all 911 models are increasing, even the currently affordable, and desirable, 996 generation.
The CarGurus review of the 2 Series starts like this:
Simple, unadorned, and for drivers who don’t need to show off, the 2 Series is a modern BMW distilled from the company’s best rear-wheel-drive sports cars. It’s fun—the way all BMWs once were.
The M235i turns up the fun factor and is the closest thing an enthusiast can find to an E46 M3 from the early 2000s. Prices start at a perfectly reasonable $45,000 or so for a new M235i, but there are some 2014 and 2015 models popping up on the used market for buyers looking to save even more.
Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86
These are basically all the same car. While they don’t qualify as exotics or even spur the kind of fantasy that the Italians or Germans do, these triplets make the list because they reward good driving technique. Learn to throw one of these around the track and you’ll be supercar-ready in no time.
What’s your favorite attainable dream car?
-tgriffith
Find Certified Pre-Owned Cars and Used Cars in your area at CarGurus.
Used Ford GT
Used Nissan GT-R
Used Cadillac Escalade
Used Chevrolet Corvette
Used Porsche 911
Used BMW 2 Series
Used BMW M3
Used Scion FR-S
Used Subaru BRZ