Here Are the Fun Cars I'd Buy On a $50,000 Budget 

*Prices automatically jump up $12,000*

0:00 Intro 1:49 F10 M5 3:48 Viper RT/10 5:22 Shelby GT350 6:29 Lotus Evora 7:56 FD RX-7 8:58 E63 AMG Estate 10:14 G Wagon 12:11 996 Carrera 4S 13:04 4Runner TRD PRO 14:26 Outro

Thank you for this. I always enjoy your content. As odd as it sounds..your channel REALLY helped myself and the entire recovery floor of Marines recovering from damage occurred in battle. This is where I stumbled upon your work and it was instrumental in getting me out of my head and to this day a safe place to go upon finding myself visited by those I lost, those I failed, and those I helped...transition from this world to the next. When I find myself awake at 3 am due to either PTSD episodes or hyper vigilence ...your channel offers a refuge from my iniquities without waking my miracle of a Daughter with my pacing around the house. We used your work in the recovery VA in Germany and we carried it home with us. We treat it like a book club before and after our weekly PTSD groups. I'd like to offer my sincere gratitude. I hope that you and those you care for are happy, healthy, and safe. Semper Fidelis

I’ll never understand the G wagon: too luxurious to go off road. Too off road to be luxurious. I think most just think it’s a flex.

The C5 and C6 Z06 Corvettes are the obvious choices, IMO. They were among the fastest lap time cars of their respective eras. "When the C5 Corvette Z06 clocked its 7:56 time, it was a pretty big deal. GM claimed it was the first production car to break past the eight-minute mark."

I think it would be neat if doug made a list about best cars for under 10000$

This list was fantastic! Doug's description of all these vehicles convinced me that the Mazda MX-5 is the best car under $50,000.... for me!

A c6 z06 goes for around 30k-40 same price as an rx7. I'm a rotary guy for life, but if you're looking for a good sports car, you cannot go wrong with that 427 ls7 Corvette. Looks excellent, manual transmission, you need to do the heads fix first, and you might as well throw a cam and intake when you do.

First gen BMW M2. Drove one at the BMW M school in Spartanburg, most fun Ive ever had in a car. Can use 100% of its performance.

Glad to see a Mustang was on the list, it is one of the most iconic cars ever made. Fun, reliable and affordable, something to be celebrated!

I agree with Independence City Motoring. The C6 ZO6 is such an amazing car that can be easily found for under $50k. 500 hp NA 7L V8, 6 speed manual, LSD, looks badass, sounds badass, and most of the issues regarding the valve guides have been sorted later in the model range, 09-13. They're very reliable and so much fun to toss around.

If looking for a GT350, I would strongly encourage getting a 2019+. The early ones were known for oil consumption and in 2019 they updated a lot to the car including internal engine components.

I kinda wish year and mileage was taken into consideration for this list. A lot of these cars are great but $50k is a good chunk of money, and enough to get some new/late model fun cars. Its hard to justify $50k for cars that will inevitably show signs of wear & tear.

Really , you cannot go wrong with the Jaguar XE S. No soppy 'retro' love-in, nostalgia, nor old hat stuff here: a truly amazing V6 hot-rod Saloon for the money derived from the amazing F type models. About $40000 , so you'll get some good change too! Modern but has an old-fashioned brute force about it while having a great turn of speed even at stock. For me, it's an Iconic saloon - and the V6 has since been withdrawn from production. A true gem.

That’s certainly a fair list. The G-wagon surprised me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

When 50,000 is a budget.

I bought a new 2016 GT350 and ended up selling it a few years ago. I miss it sometimes, but it was afflicted by way too many annoying quirks, including really bad piston slap that ruined the low speed, light throttle experience around town.

50 grand is the new 30, except the majority can barely afford 20k😂

Great video Doug. You should do one of these for every price range from 10 to 150 K.

I love your Lotus pick…but I also would have had the 4C on the list even though it but be a tad redundant. 4C is beautiful and underrated. But if I chose only 1 from your list, I’d go with the Lotus.

Man... I *LOVE* the F10. It's gorgeous, (best looking 5 series imo) handles well, great tech... man I could go on for ages!

I loved that you mentioned the Lotus as well as the Alfa Romeo 4C. I drove a 4C for 24hrs and it was an absolute BLAST, felt like driving a go cart, as well as sounded and looked divine.

I'd add the corvette c6 zo6 to this list. Reliable, fast, and can be had for under 40k.

Dougs the kind of guy who when his wife is giving birth, he'd say "before we get started make sure to check out CARS AND BIDS"

Another awesome vid! would love to hear your thoughts on $30k cars

Even though I’m biased (because I’m Australian) but I’d add the Chevy SS to the list as well, the fact that they’re a rare V8 RWD sedan that you can easily find for under $50k

Currently have a 4runner and an rx7, glad both made the list!

Thanks for having a Lotus in the list. Most seem to pass them by but they are so fun to drive. Car market is still a little crazy so hope people can find diamonds in the rough.

I always like these videos. Gave me 2-3 to look around for along with the other 10 or so models I regularly keep an eye on

4Runner trd off road premiums are also really nice. Hard to find as well

Definitely the new jeep wrangler Rubicon fits this list, so much fun, one of the most capable vehicles off road in stock form, lots of aftermarket support, iconic. It's so raw and has so much character, you can go topless and doorless, fun snow trips, beach trips, camping, dessert, through the dunes. Definitely a fun family vehicle for adventures and great memories

Glad to see you mention the GT350 Shelby. I'm torn between getting the Shelby or the C7 Stingray.

I would mention the FJ Cruiser too. They are typically 20-40k, and are so cool looking. They do some fun colors as well and the customizability of these rigs is really nice as well. Dead reliable, but a true offroading beast that never disappoints. Their quirky features also make it really fun to own. It has three windshield wipers, Toyota matched the exterior paint to the inside interior door panels and center console, and they built the interior so that it can be hosed off. He mentioned the TRD Pro, which is a nice car, but it's so expensive and overpriced, whereas with the FJ Cruiser they aren't as much, but are just as cool looking and capable.

Thanks again for raising the prices on these Doug

Glad to see the GT350 on this list. I've been a massive fan of it since its release, and it is my second-place dream car behind a 991.2 GT3 Touring!

The Evora & E-63 AMG Wagon are the 2 that I'd choose from this list.

Only Doug can make product placements for Cars and Bids entertaining and interesting in every single video 👍

Greetings from Germany. After your 996 4S Review I bought one :) So nice to see, that you still stay with your opinion about this beautiful cars. :)

For slightly more I really love my Volvo S60 Recharge. Super quirky little brother to the polestar version, but still 4.2 second 0 to 60 eoth that electric jolt!

I feel like the Evora is finally getting the attention it deserved. I remember response being lukewarm in 2010 and then they screwed over early adopters by announcing a super charger for 2011. I always thought early Evoras were kind of generic looking, like a kit car design, but it is really aging well while other car design languages gets more complex.

I’d love to get a Lotus Esprit SE Turbo in excellent condition with low mileage. They’re only what around 30 to 40 grand?

981 Cayman S with the 3.4 flat 6 is my answer.

I just bought my first car, 2008 BMW E91 wagon :) Im so excited!!! :) Doug, you are awesome and I thank you so much for your videos! Keep them going! :)

Toyota has just released the 40th Anniversary edition of the 4Runner. It is awesome. It is immediately identified by a tri-color hockey stick stripe along the sides and 40th anniversary badges on the tailgate. Stunning vehicle.

What about the M140i? Last one of its kind, a hatchback with a straight 6! Sleeper aswell with great tuning capabilities. Stage 2, downpipe and an ecu tune and you have 450-480hp. It’s a weapon!

Doug needs to do a video displaying all of his T-Shirts

I have a 996 4S and I smile every time I walk up to it, particularly from the rear. It has a lot of old school 911 in the lines, and the engine when the revs are up just really wants to please.

Great list!

This was a great video. I love seeing recommendations from someone as knowledgeable as Doug. But my budget isn't near $50k. I'd love to see videos for $40k, $30k, $20k, etc.

I can tell I’m getting old because Doug is talking about cars I still think of as new even though they’re 10+ years old like the F10 M5.

I went with a Mercedes Benz GLA45 with the Dynamic Plus package and a factory delimiting of the top speed. It was also CPO with under 40k

Great list, Doug. Good picks!

I like the list, but for wagons around at 50K I think I would go with a Volvo V90-R, or for a bit more a V60 Polestar edition.

bought a '14 Evora S just a couple months ago. been watching g that market closely. all the examples under 50k are the ones you don't want. heavy mods, reported accidents or high milage track beaters

Great list! I would add any Jaguar F-Type. Can be had with a manual (V6 Only) and peeps look at you like your rich (while spending less than they spent on a normal new pick-up truck).

This is the smartest way I've seen this structured. The best of each type of fun vehicle

FD is beautiful as you said, but too many strikes against it with upkeep and finding people to work on it. I’d go same era 300ZX Z32…also gorgeous styling, but far more economical for parts and maintenance and more readily available shops who work on Z cars.

Early 90’s Dodge vipers for 20-30k$?! THATS insanely high!! I’m seeing them listed for 5-15k max on facebook in TEXAS of all places!

Great subject to do a video on! I would even like an expanded version of this list as I'm sure there are a few more you wouldn't mind adding to the list,

In the eight years since the GT350 was introduced, I can count on four hands the number that I’ve seen on the road. Approximately 24,000 GT350s and 350R’s were manufactured. There was a 6 model year run, which means about 4000 per year were built.

Thought a manual Vantage would easily make this. Decent power (better with a few mods), incredible styling and reliable.

Thank you for this Doug, would love to see one of these for $100k as well if possible!

that is the check engine light sound in my third gen ram....anxiety inducing lmao but it definitely makes me look up

While not fun in the traditional sense, I would say the nicest LX570 or 200 series LC you could find would be a great option. You get the most reliable powertrain on the planet in a package that is a great platform for an overlanding build or just a luxury in town cruiser. (And rides way better than a 4Runner 😉)

To the viewers who come back to this video after a couple of months and the mentioned cars are no longer 50k , doug is to be blamed.

Pretty surprised the latest gen MX-5 didn't make the list. Looking strictly at the fun to drive part, there isn't a lot that tops it at any price point, let alone under 50k

I bought a TRD pro in 2020 just before prices went insane. It’s definitely basic for the price, but it feels like it’s built like a tank AND Voodoo Blue is simply an amazing color

I think you ripped the G-wagon a new one in a previous video, said it was ridiculous, if I remember, an ancient relic of a car/joke played upon unsuspecting and image-driven rich people. Also, you failed to mention the annoying way the sheer vertical windows bounce reflections into the drivers' eyes almost if to blind them. I think the RX-7 is the one I would buy once I secured a good local Mazda mechanic and gave him/her a 10k stipend ahead of time. That, and my first-born. Classic design and easier one of the most beautiful designs ever to come out of Japan. Love this video and it shows what an expert you truly are when it comes to cars.

So many cars on my bucket list made it! Highlights for me are the E63 wagon, GT350, and the 4Runner. That would be an awesome garage right there! I really been wanting a good, reliable off road car that can be taken cross country on road trips with family to the national parks. I've been between a 4Runner TRD Pro and a 200 series LC. I think the best of both worlds might be the 2024 4Runner if they put the IForceMax in it. The current 4Runners hold their value so well, that I'm hoping to get on a list a an msrp dealer near me to get one of the updated cars for not much more than a used TRD Pro. Awesome vid Doug! I could watch these list videos all day long.

Are you going to review the prime delivery van? That'd be awesome!

Love my 19 4Runner TRD Pro in Voodoo Blue! Fantastic car

amazing video as always

DougCember 🎉 never disappoints!

Vipers are so awesome and they check alot of boxes. American exotic 90s.... so awesome! I see 90s Supras, Ferrari and Lambos more than I see Vipers. Great cars under $50k that I agree are bargins.

Thanks! Got the 911. Awesome buy!

So I'll be a little biased here I definitely don't look for cars anywhere near $50,000 but my cool car for under that price would probably be a 90s MR2 nothing too crazy about them but I know they regularly go under that price in decent condition and hey they're an enjoyable car. And for a strange car under 10k that I've seen two of on your auction site I would go for that Daihatsu midget it's just so weird looking I absolutely want to own one but I always seem to miss out on them with the auctions lol

GT350 for the win! I don’t think they are under 50k though, are they? I was thinking more like 60k+ for a nice one

Wasn't mentioned in the video but I just bought a 2017 Lexus GX460, which I feel is a reliable and capable off-road SUV. I've daily'd a manual 370z the last 5 years so the GX has been a nice change for me. Still have the 370 but going to start doing mods that will make it less streetable, so I'm glad to have the GX.

You know inflation is bad when Doug went from making a video about cars under 20k To cars for 50k that are fun.

5:34 Best color on the GT350. Ruby Red Tricoat with no stripe. Unpopular opinion, maybe, but that's the spec I'd want.

This is a solid list. I need to stop watching videos like this because they make me want to go buy cars I don't need. 😄

When you price the used M5, you need to factor in the repair bills.

You missed the American landyacht lover, those are always cheap, and give you a driving experience like none other. It's not always about going fast, but even landyachts are fun when propelled at speeds they're not supposed to go. I drive a 1991 Chevy Caprice Classic, and now during the winter time in Finland it is especially fun.

Great video. I would take the Estate AMG

Agree with the 4Runner. I’d also add a 2015-2016 Toyota Land Cruiser to the list though. Hard to find a more reliable, more capable, or more well-equipped vehicle for $50,000.

The whole list was great. But to me, the Viper was the star of the show!

Glad you didn’t mention the bmw M2. I have my eye on those for when I graduate university and get a nice job

Love this vid idea !!

Glad to see the G wagons on the list. I'm currently on the hunt for one. Now the price is going to Skyrocket and it's going to be out of my budget😂

Always good to see the Corvette getting the love it deserves...🙄

I'm on a tighter budget. Going back and forward between a C6 grandsport or Lexus ISF 2011+ years as a daily driver. Currently own a C5 Z06 with low miles and 2006 Lexus IS350. I will be selling the C5 and Lexus very soon.

I’d buy a C6 Z06 Corvette or a 2012 to 2015 Camaro ZL1, both of which are in the low 30 thousand range.

I wish i had a 50k budget

me watching the video with 50$ budget

Good list, 100% agree

I’d get a Mustang GT. In fact, I did, exactly a year ago. Manual. Biased as I work for Ford, but it’s got everything. Does it give you street cred? No. But when you’re inside driving you don’t give a crap that nobody notices. In fact that’s what I’m looking for: anonymity. It’s comparable to the M4. BEFORE this car I made the BMW mistake, and doubly so with the Diesel engine with the 335D. Absolutely the best most incredible car I’ve ever had, that at the same time should not only have never been sold but should have been recalled (like entirely, not just all the individual recalls I had to have done PLUS a little class action payout).

So glad to see Doug connecting with us "normal" people that can "only" afford $50k for our "fun" car. :-/ Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go change the oil on my 2005 GMC pickup so I can get to work this week.

Shoutout Doug for putting the GT350 on the list, love mine but you’re gonna be hard pressed to find many other than mid mileage 16’ models for under 50k

I have 2 boys and want a fun family car, I’ve always wanted one of these AMG wagons. I have a fun little turbo suv that is ok, but I really want to make the move up

I would add the 3rd gen Mercedes SLK55 (2012 and up) 2500 lbs, 415 hp in a na V8. great exhaust note, retractable hard top. Nice roadster, as solid as a coupe top up.