Can't Afford The New Kia Stinger? Here Are Some Cheaper Alternatives

It's amazing that we live in a time when a Kia may not be the most affordable option.

The new Kia Stinger is a shockingly good value with a starting price of around $32,000. The Stinger enters the market with almost no competition at its price, but some people still may not feel comfortable spending so much on an unproven model. We absolutely endorse the Kia Stinger, but the fully-loaded twin-turbo V6 model will cost up to around $51,000. This made us wonder, could we find five amazing used alternatives that were all available for less than the Stinger's $32,000 base price?

One of the issues that keeps coming up with the Stinger, is the fact that it has a Kia badge. We think that people need to get over the fact that Kia used to build some less than exciting cars, but for those who simply can't cope with this fact, we have an alternative. You won't have to worry about people judging you based on your car's badge with our first choice, the Porsche Panamera. We were staggered to find so many of these cars for less than $30,000. These weren't just base models either. We found plenty of S and 4S models with less than 100,000 miles. The Panamera S and 4S came with a 4.8-liter V8 with 400 hp, which is more than the Stinger. Although, you will have to deal with the looks of the original Panamera.

You won't have to worry about oozing style in our next choice, the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. BMW was a bit late to the four-door-coupe market, but it definitely nailed it with this gorgeous model. For less than $30,000, we found plenty of 640 and 650 models in the four-door Gran Coupe body style. The 640i came with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six with 315 hp. This may be less potent than the V6 in the Stinger, but we also found 650 models, which came with a 445 hp 4.4-liter V8 under the hood. Sadly, we couldn't find a M6 Gran Coupe within the budget, but this is still a lot of BMW for less than $30,000.

The 6 Series is a great car, but there may be speed freaks out there who want a little more performance for their $30,000. We found several examples of the Mercedes CLS 550, as new as 2014, for less than $30,000. The CLS 550 came with a 4.7-liter V8 with 402 hp going out to RWD or 4Matic AWD. If that's not enough, we also found the previous generation CLS in the more powerful AMG trim. The CLS 63 AMG came with a hand-built 6.2-liter V8, which pumped out 507 hp. It may not have the affordable maintenance of the Kia, but it's amazing to think that a powerful AMG Mercedes can now be had for the same money.

Many of the people who buy the Kia Stinger will do so for its large proportions and practical lift-back hatch, rather than all-out performance. We wanted to include another practical choice on the list, the Audi A7. We still believe that the original design of the A7 is one of the best that Audi has ever come up with, and they can now be had for less than $30,000. Like the Stinger, the A7 comes with AWD and a large, lift-back hatch area to place large objects. The A7 may not be able to match the output of the V6 Stinger, but it does produce a healthy 310 hp from a 3.0-liter supercharged V6.

The final car on our list is our budget option, the Volkswagen CC. This was the first car to bring the four-door-coupe trend to an affordable level. The CC was offered with two engine options, a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the rare 3.6-liter VR6 with AWD. The 2.0-liter model sent 200 hp to the front wheels only, but did come with an optional six-speed manual transmission. Those who could live without the third pedal could opt for the VR6 model, which pumped out 280 hp to 4Motion AWD. The Volkswagen CC is easily the most affordable Stinger alternative on the list, with prices that are well below $10,000 on the low end.

Can't Afford A BMW M2? Here Are Some Cheaper Alternatives

A compact performance coupe doesn't have to cost over $50,000.

Even though it is just the "baby M car," we think the BMW M2 may be the best model the company makes at the moment. The M2 certainly offers the best purist experience of the current M lineup, since the other M cars have all become larger and heavier. Even though it is the cheapest M car on the market, the M2 still starts at a whopping $54,500 and will only get more expensive with the addition of a Competition version. Nearly $55,000 sounds like a lot to pay for a 365 horsepower sport coupe. Thankfully, there are plenty of cheaper used alternatives.

Porsche 911 Carrera (997 gen)

The M2 sits at the bottom of the M car lineup, but for much less, budget conscious buyers can scoop up a flagship Porsche. For less than $40,000, it is possible to find a 997.1 generation 911 Carrera or Carrera S. The base 3.6-liter flat-six produces less power than the M2: just 325 hp. We also found more powerful Carrera S models with the larger 3.8-liter flat-six, producing 355 hp. Though it won't match the M2 on interior technology, the 911 is one of the purest driving experiences on the market and the 997 generation is arguably one of the best. You may want to invest in a mount for your smartphone because Porsche's infotainment was pretty lackluster in this generation.

Cadillac ATS-V Coupe

Buyers who want something a little more modern can opt for our next choice, the Cadillac ATS-V coupe. The ATS-V has only been around since 2016, but prices have already plummeted to just above $40,000. We found ATS-V coupe and sedans in the low $40,000 price range with the six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic. Power comes from a 3.6-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 464 hp. Not even the upcoming M2 Competition will be able to match the ATS-V on power, and the Cadillac is larger if you need more space.

Audi TT RS

Even though they are actually very different, the Audi TT RS is often compared to the BMW M2. The current TT RS is more powerful than the M2 thanks to its 400 hp 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, but it is more expensive starting at around $65,000. Luckily, used examples of the previous generation TT RS can be found starting at around half the price. The old TT RS still produces 360 hp from its five-cylinder engine, and unlike the new model it is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

Nissan 370Z

If you go crazy with the options sheet, it is possible to buy a Nissan 370Z for around the same price as the M2. We like the 370Z, but it is starting to feel old and we wouldn't recommend buying a brand-new one. A used one is a different story. The cheapest examples we found started at less than $15,000, and the prices went higher as the age and mileage shrank. The 3.7-liter V6 engine produces 332 hp, or 350 hp in the Nismo version. Unlike the M2, the 370Z is strictly a two-seater, which could be what certain buyers are looking for from their small coupe.

BMW 135i

The M2 Competition will finally fix one of the biggest complains with the standard M2; it doesn't have a bespoke M engine. The N55 in the M2 is a great engine, but it is used in plenty of other BMW models, including our final used alternative. The BMW 135i was originally sold with the twin-turbo N54 inline-six, but was later upgraded to the N55. We recommend trying to find the rare 135is, which produced 320 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. With some minor tuning, the 135is should be able to keep up with the far more expensive M2 (at least in a straight line).

Can't Afford A New Audi A7? Here Are 7 Cheaper Alternatives

You don't need $70,000 to buy a cool four-door-coupe.

Audi recently announced pricing for the all-new 2019 A7 Sportback. Like the previous A7, this new model still features a four-door design with a coupe-like roofline and practical liftback trunk. Gone is the old 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and eight-speed automatic in favor of a turbocharged unit sending 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque to a seven-speed S Tronic dual-clutch. The cost for all of this Sportback magnificence? A shade under $70,000. Don't have that kind of cash to spend on a new car? Don't worry, because we have seven cheaper alternatives to a new A7.

2014-2015 Audi RS7

The 2019 A7 may be packed with all of the latest technology, but why settle for just 335 hp when you could have a whopping 560 horses at your disposal? For less than the price of a new A7 you could get a used RS7, which is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 producing a massive 560 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. It may not have the modern technology found in the new car, but the loud exhaust and 3.5 second 0-60 mph time should keep you entertained. Used prices start at around $60,000.

2010-2016 BMW 5 Series GT

Let's be honest, the 5 Series Gran Turismo may be the ugliest car BMW has ever produced. The 5 Series GT was BMW's attempt to build a car with the practicality of a wagon and the ride height of an SUV. Unfortunately, the end result looked terrible. Since the 5 Series GT was ugly, they have now become incredibly cheap on the used market. The 550i GT was powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 400 hp, which was later upped to 445 hp in 2014. This is far more than a new A7, and used examples can be found starting at around $13,000 with prices topping out at $45,000. It may be ugly, but it provides excellent value for money.

2014-2017 BMW M6 Gran Coupe

While the 5 Series GT was one of the ugliest car's BMW ever built, the M6 Gran Coupe was one of the prettiest. It may not have the liftback design of the A7, but the M6 makes up for it with a 560-hp 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. Fans of rear-wheel-drive will enjoy the M6 Gran Coupe, and it was even available with a manual transmission. Used prices start at around $45,000.

2012-2016 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG

Like the M6 Gran Coupe, the Mercedes CLS is a four-door-coupe that lacks that liftback design of the A7. Don't fret, because, in exchange for storage space, you'll get a hand-built 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 520 to 575 hp. Mercedes kept improving the performance of the CLS63, culminating in the 2015 S 4-Matic model with 575 hp and all-wheel-drive. Prices start at around $32,000 but can reach closer to $70,000 for newer S models.

2010-2016 Porsche Panamera Turbo

The Audi A7 is an amazing car, but it was nowhere near as sporty as its corporate cousin the Porsche Panamera. The Panamera was RWD-based, whereas the A7 was AWD, and it also had that intangible Porsche handling and driving feel. For less than the price of a new A7, you can get a Panamera Turbo or Turbo S, which is powered by a 4.8-liter twin-turbo producing between 500 and 550 hp depending on the year. Prices now start at under $35,000.

2010-2012 Aston Martin Rapide

Audi is a very prestigious brand, but ask yourself this - would you rather have an Audi or an Aston Martin for the same price? We know that exotic cars like Aston Martins suffer from extreme depreciation, which is why used Rapide models can now be found for less than half of their original price. The Rapide was powered by a 6.0-liter V12 producing 470 hp. It may not be the fastest car on our list, nor does it have the biggest back seat, but it is arguably the prettiest car with the best sounding engine and it still has plenty of trunk space. Amazingly, a used Rapide can be picked up for less than $70,000.

2018 Kia Stinger

So far this has been a list of affordable used cars, but we wanted to propose one new option for all of those readers out there who simply must have something brand-new with a warranty. The Kia Stinger is a magnificent car, one that would make us question buying a "luxury" vehicle such as an Audi or BMW. Starting at around $38,000 for the GT model with the 365-hp 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, the Stinger represents insane value over any equivalently powered Audi, BMW, or Mercedes. You may not get the Audi badge, but for around $30,000 less you'll be getting a car with more power as well as similar size and performance.

Can't Afford The Hyundai Veloster N? Here Are Five Cheaper Alternatives

Though it is quite affordable, the Veloster N can't match the value of a used hot hatch.

Hot hatchbacks are meant to be an affordable way for car enthusiasts to buy a fast, practical car. As automakers continue to pump out limited-run, high-performance hot hatches, prices continue to get out of control. Hyundai is looking to break the cycle of increasing hot hatch prices with its new Veloster N. The base 250 horsepower version starts at just $26,900 (plus an $885 freight charge) while the more powerful 275 hp Performance pack version starts at a still affordable $29,000.

Compared to more powerful hot hatches like the Honda Civic Type R and Volkswagen Golf R, the Hyundai Veloster N is a relative bargain. Still, some buyers out there may not be able to afford a brand-new car like the Veloster N, so we wanted to propose five cheaper used alternatives.

2008 Volkswagen R32

Two hundred and fifty horsepower from the Veloster N is a pretty solid number in 2018, but our first used option packed the same amount of power a decade ago. The Volkswagen R32 was sold for just two model years in the US, 2004 and 2008. We'd like to focus on the 2008 fifth-generation model, which was powered by a 3.2-liter VR6 engine sending 250 hp to all four wheels through a six-speed DSG transmission. Unfortunately, a manual transmission was not available for America.

Volkswagen only built 5,000 R32s in total in 2008, making it quite a rare car. Despite this, used models can be found between $8,000 and $20,000. The R32 was eventually replaced by the more powerful, turbocharged Golf R, though we prefer the amazing sound of the naturally aspirated VR6 engine.

1998-2000 BMW M Coupe

This may be our last chance to recommend buying a BMW M Coupe as an "affordable" collector. M Coupe prices have been skyrocketing, especially if you have a later S54-power model from 2001-2002. The earlier S52 models from 1998-2000 can still be found for between $20,000 to $25,000. Of course, pristine examples can command more than double this amount.

The early BMW M Coupe was powered by a 3.2-liter inline-six producing 240 hp going out to a five-speed manual transmission. The car's shape is a bit love-hate, but we fall on the love side. It may not have the rear seats of the Veloster N, but the M Coupe does have a proper RWD sports car layout and is extremely collectible. Buy one now before prices become completely out of control.

2015 Mercedes-AMG GLA 45

Yes, we know the Mercedes GLA is an SUV, not a hatchback. However, when the GLA is in its faster, lower AMG 45 form, it actually appears more like a hatchback than an SUV. We simply couldn't believe how cheap the GLA 45 and its sedan sibling, the CLA 45, have become on the used market. It is now possible to buy a first model year (2015) GLA 45 for as little as $25,000 on the used market. You probably won't find a certified pre-owned example at that price, but you'll still get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine pumping out 345 hp through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

2012-2013 Audi TT RS

The Audi TT RS was a car that almost didn't come to the US. Thanks to an internet petition, Audi decided to import just 1,407 examples into the US in 2012 and 2013 - all coupes with the six-speed manual transmission. All TT RS models are powered by a unique 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine, which produces 335 hp. Only higher mileage examples can be found at around $25,000 because the TT RS has held its value extremely well due to its rarity. It may not be as practical as a hot hatch, but it does have two rear seats and a large hatch-style trunk.

2013-2015 Mini Coupe JCW

If funky looks are what you're after, why not take a gander at the Mini Coupe. Mini built the Coupe from 2011 to 2015 and even offered a hardcore John Cooper Works Version. The Mini Coupe JCW was powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 208 hp going out to a six-speed manual transmission. It may not be as powerful as the Veloster N but the Mini cars have their own way of being fun to drive without being incredibly powerful.

The Coupe was an interesting experiment for Mini by offering a two-seater version of the classic Cooper, though the experiment clearly didn't last long. Since the Mini Coupe is such an obscure model, JCW versions can be found between $15,000 and $20,000 with low miles.

Can't Afford The New BMW 8 Series Convertible? Here Are 8 Cheaper Alternatives

You can spend way less than $121,000 on a luxury convertible.

BMW wowed us when it first revealed the new 8 Series Coupe. Now, our jaw has gone from dropped to fallen off with the reveal of the new 8 Series Convertible. Like the coupe, the convertible will initially be available in M850i xDrive trim with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out 523 horsepower. The 8 Series Convertible is also extremely quick, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds - just 0.2 of a second slower than the coupe.

Pricing starts at $121,400, making it $9,500 more than the coupe. However, if all you want is a fast, luxurious convertible, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives on the used market. Since this is the BMW 8 Series, after all, we have chosen eight cheaper used alternatives.

2010-2018 Maserati GranTurismo

Although it is nowhere near as powerful or as technologically advanced as the new 8 Series, we'd argue few cars are as beautiful as the Maserati GranTurismo. Used Maserati cars tend to plummet in value, which is why used GranTurismo Convertibles can now be found for less than $40,000 on the low end. The car is powered by a Ferrari-designed 4.7-liter V8 producing 454 hp. Yes, it is not as powerful as the BMW but it sounds even better. For less than the price of the 8 Series, it is even possible to find the more hardcore MC version.

2012-2018 BMW M6 Convertible

The BMW 8 Series takes the place of the old 6 Series in BMW's lineup. Instead of buying the latest and greatest BMW, some people will be more comfortable taking enormous savings on an older model. The last generation BMW M6 Convertible, the F12, can now be found for less than $40,000 on the low end. Like the new 8 Series, the M6 is powered by a 4.4-liter V8. However, the M6 is actually more powerful with 560 hp.

2013-2014 Bentley Continental GTC

The BMW 8 Series may sit as the flagship of BMW's lineup but it still cannot compare to the prestige of a Bentley. For less than the cost of a new 8 Series, it is possible to buy a Bentley Continental GTC from around 2013 or 2014 (post facelift). Even at this price, we managed to find certified pre-owned examples with both the 500-hp 4.0-liter V8 and 567-hp 6.0-liter W12.

2011-2014 Audi R8 Spyder

The Audi R8 Spyder may not fit the same mold as the other convertibles on this list but we still like it at this price point. We found plenty of used examples with both the 4.2-liter V8 and 5.2-liter V10 with the automatic and manual transmission. Obviously, we prefer the gated manual, though the dual-clutch transmission in the 2014-and-later cars is pretty competent. Even at this price, we managed to find an R8 GT Spyder, which has a 560-hp version of the glorious V10 engine.

2013-2014 Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S Cabriolet

Most 911 variants tend to hold their value extremely well but the Turbo models are the lone exception. We found plenty of 911 Turbo and Turbo S Cabrio models from the 991.1 generation for less than the price of a new 8 Series. This generation 911 Turbo packed 520 hp from a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six. The Turbo S bumped the power up to 560 hp going out through a seven-speed PDK transmission. While not as luxurious as the 8 Series, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet can hit 60 mph in under three seconds, making it the quickest on this list.

2011-2015 Jaguar XKR And XKR-S Convertible

Few cars depreciate as quickly as a Jaguar, which is great news if you are in the market for a used one. The Jaguar XKR Convertible is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine pumping out 510 hp. We also found several examples of the drop-top XKR-S, which produces 550 hp. We love the old-school styling of the XK and believe it is one of the prettiest cars on this list.

2006-2015 Aston Martin DB9 Volante

While we are on the subject of pretty cars, how about the Aston Martin DB9. Yes, for less than the price of a new BMW you could have a bonafide Aston Martin. By the end of the DB9's life, the 6.0-liter V12 produced 510 hp. The newer DB9 examples can command up to $120,000 but the older models can be found for less than $40,000.

2016-2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63 And SL65 Roadster

If you don't feel like waiting for the M version of the BMW 8 Series, just turn your attention to AMG. For less than the M850i, you can get either an SL63 or SL65 AMG Roadster. The SL63 is powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 577 hp. We also found a few examples of the SL65, which packs a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 621 hp. The SL63 can be found starting at around $85,000 for the most recent, facelifted R231 model, while the SL65 is a bit more expensive.