V8, rear-wheel drive, and three pedals. Whether sports car or sedan, it’s a recipe that’s quickly disappearing in the new car market, but on the used side, there are still plenty of affordable options if you know where to look.
These cars might not be brand-new, but they offer raw power, driver engagement, and value that modern turbocharged four-cylinders just can’t replicate. If you’re shopping for used cars in 2025 and want a proper V8 with a manual transmission, these are the cheapest ways to do it.
To provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, this article uses data sourced from various manufacturers and authoritative sources. Models are listed from the lowest starting used value to the highest.
BMW 550i (E60, 2006–2010)
Average Used Price In 2025: $9,000–$13,000
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.0L Inline-6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-Speed Manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
230 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
200 lb-ft @ 2750 rpm
Not all cheap V8/manual combos come from Detroit. The BMW 550i from the E60 generation is one of the most affordable ways to get a German luxury sedan with a big V8 and a stick. It came with a 4.8-liter V8 making 360 horsepower, rear-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual in select trims.
On the road, the 550i feels balanced and refined in a way few muscle cars can match. The chassis offers a mix of comfort and agility, while the V8 delivers smooth, linear power. Plus, you’re getting understated luxury — the kind of sleeper vibe enthusiasts love.
But here’s the catch: maintenance can be expensive, and reliability isn’t bulletproof. Cooling system issues and electrical gremlins are common, so budget accordingly. Still, at under $15,000, it’s one of the cheapest luxury V8 manuals you’ll find.
|
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
|
|
Chevrolet Camaro SS (2010–2015)
Average Used Price In 2025: $14,000–$19,000
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.6L V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-Speed Manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
304 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
273 lb-ft @ 5200 rpm
The Chevy Camaro SS from the fifth generation delivered muscle car aggression with a retro-modern twist. Under the hood sat a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 in manual models, good for 426 horsepower — plenty to light up the rear tires on demand. It’s a great option for buyers who want muscle car drama on a budget.
The Camaro’s chassis feels more modern than its Mustang rival of the same era, offering independent rear suspension and sharper handling characteristics. On the highway, it’s a surprisingly comfortable cruiser, with decent ride quality and long-legged gearing in manual form.
But visibility is poor thanks to the high beltline, and the cabin doesn’t feel spacious. Maintenance can also be pricier than the Mustang in some cases. Still, if you want LS power with a stick and rear-drive, it’s one of the cheapest tickets around.
|
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
|
|
Ford Mustang GT (2011–2014)
Average Used Price In 2025: $15,000–$20,000
- Base Trim Engine
-
5.0L V8 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
6-Speed Manual
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
412 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
390 lb-ft @ 4250 rpm
If you want the cheapest way into a modern V8 with a stick, the early 5.0-liter “Coyote” Mustang GT is tough to beat. Introduced in 2011, the Coyote made 412 horsepower out of the box and paired beautifully with a six-speed manual. It’s rowdy, affordable, and widely available on the used market.
This era of Mustang also nailed the balance between old-school charm and usable performance. You get hydraulic steering, rear-wheel drive, and a big naturally aspirated V8 without too many electronics getting in the way. Plus, the aftermarket support is massive, so making one faster is as simple as opening your wallet.
The downside? Interiors from this era weren’t exactly premium, and the solid rear axle means handling isn’t as refined as newer muscle cars. But for bang-for-buck V8 thrills, few cars can touch it.
|
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
|
|
Dodge Challenger R/T (2009–2014)
Average Used Price In 2025: $15,000–$21,000
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.5L V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
5-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
250 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
250 lb-ft @ 3800 rpm
The Dodge Challenger R/T gave buyers retro muscle vibes with a modern HEMI under the hood. The 5.7-liter V8 paired with a six-speed Tremec manual offers around 375 horsepower — not the most powerful on this list, but plenty to have fun with.
The Challenger is also one of the roomiest muscle cars, making it a comfortable daily driver with space for friends or family. Long road trips are surprisingly easy thanks to a softer suspension setup, and the manual gearbox keeps things engaging.
On the flip side, it’s heavier than rivals, so handling isn’t its strong suit. And while the interior looks cool, some materials feel cheap compared to its price. But if you want a manual HEMI on the cheap, this is your best shot.
|
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
|
|
Pontiac G8 GT/GXP (2008–2009)
Average Used Price in 2025: $20,000–$25,000
- Base Trim Engine
-
3.6L V6 Gas
- Base Trim Transmission
-
5-Speed Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
-
Rear-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
-
256 hp
- Base Trim Torque
-
248 lb-ft @ 2100 rpm
The Pontiac G8 was a short-lived sleeper gem — an Australian Holden Commodore rebadged for the U.S. market. The GT came with a 6.0-liter V8, while the rarer GXP offered a 6.2-liter LS3 with the option of a six-speed manual. Today, these are highly sought after, but you can still find decent deals compared to newer imports.
What makes the Pontiac G8 special is its blend of muscle car brawn with sports sedan practicality. It has four doors, a usable back seat, and a big trunk, all while putting serious V8 power through the rear wheels. It’s a sleeper in the truest sense — most people have no idea it’s packing Corvette-level hardware.
Because Pontiac died in 2010, parts availability can sometimes be tricky, and clean manual GXPs are rare. But for a family hauler with a proper stick and V8 roar, it’s one of the coolest bargains out there.
|
Strengths |
Weaknesses |
|
|