Sometimes, bigger simply is better. With engines, it’s often the case. However, with bigger engines often comes a bigger price, which is why hugely powerful cars cost quite so much – most of the time.
Though these big-engined brutes tend to cost a lot from new, they often depreciate quite heavily. It means that for under £10,000 you can easily get a hugely powerful used car – and we’ve picked out some of the best.
Audi S6
Want under-the-radar looks with incredible performance? You’ll want the Audi S6, then. The generation we’re looking at features a Lamborghini-derived V10 with 429bhp. It was capable of getting the S6 from 0-60mph in just 5.2 seconds.
Because of its relatively high running costs and appetite for fuel, the S6 depreciated quite hard. Even though there aren’t that many about, you should still be able to acquire one used for under £10,000.
BMW 760Li
Thought that a V10 would be the largest engine you’d be able to get with our £10,000 budget? Then think again. The BMW 760Li packs a gigantic 6.0-litre V12 with 445bhp, making for a deceptively brisk luxury saloon. It’s all about a high-quality driving experience here, with that V12 offering silky-smooth acceleration.
It’s worth pointing out that if something goes wrong – or if the engine hasn’t been properly maintained – then you could be set for a hefty repair bill.
Mercedes S500
We couldn’t make this list without featuring a Mercedes. It’s been building huge engines for some time, and the S500 featured one of the most iconic. It gets a sonorous 5.5-litre V8 with 380bhp, so more than enough to give most modern cars a run for their money.
As with all S Class models, the S500 is jam-packed with high-tech features. At the time, this meant it was one of the most cutting-edge models available, whereas now, it means that there’s an awful lot to break.
Jaguar XK
Though Jaguar’s XK – the replacement for the iconic XK8 – may be down on engine size compared to others in this list, it provides a completely different experience. That said, its 4.2-litre V8 still produces a considerable 300bhp, so it’s not lacking in power.
These represent an excellent used buy too. Our budget of £10,000 will nab a decent example, with not too many miles on the clock.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Now it’s time for something completely different. The Jeep Grand Cherokee may not be a sporty drop-top nor a luxury saloon, but it can offer a big engine – a 5.7-litre V8, in fact. With 322bhp sent through all four wheels, it could crack the 0-60mph dash in a claimed time of 7.1 seconds.
They’re also excellent value-for-money. As we’ve mentioned with almost all of the other cars on this list, do be prepared for increased fuel bills and maintenance if you take the plunge with a Cherokee.