Here are five affordable, DIY-friendly modern muscle cars with rear-wheel drive for less than $20,000. Each one offers a compelling blend of performance, modern convenience and, most importantly, big support from the aftermarket so a DIYer can add even more power and handling.
For more helpful DIY advice, speak to one of our Tinker Experts today!
Over the last two decades, GM, Ford and Dodge have produced some of the most iconic, tire-scorching muscle cars ever to hit the streets. We’re talking factory American hot rods with powerful V8 engines, rear-wheel drive and big personalities, capable of burning rubber from Detroit to Dallas and get you to work in air-conditioned comfort.
Think you need to sell the farm to get in on this action? The used car market is full of fun, fast, budget-friendly muscle cars perfect for DIY enthusiasts eager to tinker on the weekends.
Here are five affordable, DIY-friendly modern muscle cars for less than $20,000. Each one offers a compelling blend of performance, modern convenience and, most importantly, big support from the aftermarket so a DIYer can add even more power and handling.
5) 2003-2004 Mercury Marauder
The Mercury Marauder is a muscle car hiding under the subdued sedan skin of a Mercury Grand Marquis. It’s a sleeper, a wolf in sheep’s clothing and the Merc is the only car on this list with an old-school ladder-type frame – Ford’s extremely durable Panther platform, known for being cheap to modify and maintain.
All Marauders are equipped with the same modular DOHC 4.6-liter V8 that powered the 2003-2004 Mustang Mach 1. In the Marauder, the all-aluminum engine produces 302 horsepower and 318 lb.-ft of torque, sending power to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. A variant of this engine was supercharged in the Mustang Cobra, and there are numerous aftermarket supercharger kits available for this mill. The timing chain tensioners are the engine’s most common problem, but it’s an easy DIY repair.
4) 2008-2018 Dodge Challenger
The third-generation Dodge Challenger blends classic muscle car styling that apes the popular 1970 model with modern performance and a roomy interior. Unlike the other coupes on this list, the Dodge offers reasonable seating for four, making it slightly more practical for enthusiasts with friends and a family.
These Mopars were available with multiple Hemi V8 engine options, including a 5.7-liter with as much as 375 hp, a 6.1-liter with 425 hp and the 6.4-liter (392) pumping out as much as 485 hp. Supercharged Hellcats are too expensive for this list. Both automatic and manual transmissions were available.
The three naturally aspirated V8s respond well to mods that help them breathe; specifically, freer-flowing intake components as well as headers and exhausts often make measurable power gains.
3) 2004-2006 Pontiac GTO
The final version of the Pontiac GTO revived a legendary muscle car nameplate from the 1960s but with a twist – it was a rebadged Holden Monaro from Australia. Pontiac and Holden no longer exist, but at the time both were part of General Motors, alongside Chevrolet. As a result, the Pontiac was equipped with the now legendary LS V8, the same engine family that powered the Chevy Corvette and Camaro since the late 1990s.
Durable and easily modified, the LS V8 has become the cornerstone of hot rodding over the last three decades. Two variants were available in the GTO: 2004 models came with a 350 hp 5.7-liter LS1, while 2005 and 2006 GTOs came with a 6.0-liter LS2 good for 400 hp. A six-speed manual and four-speed automatic were available. The GTO also handles well with a sophisticated independent rear suspension that eventually found its way into the 5th-generation Camaro (see below).
2) 2005-2014 Ford Mustang GT
These retro-styled Mustangs, commonly known by enthusiasts for its S197 chassis, played a key role in reigniting the muscle car wars. Their initial popularity fueled the rebirth of competitor models including the Dodge Challenger in 2008 and the 5th-gen Chevy Camaro in 2010.
Both coupe and convertible body styles were available. GT models built between 2005 and 2010 use a SOHC 4.6-liter V8 with 300 hp, paired with a five-speed manual transmission from Tremec or a five-speed automatic. The engine can handle mild forced induction.
In 2011, Ford changed the game with the introduction of the new 5.0-liter Coyote V8, boasting up to 420 hp and a 7,000-rpm redline. These later models stretch the $20,000 budget but are worth it. Common problems with this engine include the timing chain tensioner wearing out over time and faulty cam phasers, which can result in engine misfires or rough idling, but both are managable DIY repairs.
1) 2010-2015 Chevy Camaro
The fifth-gen Camaro is at the top of our list because it offers the best high-performance hardware for the price, including LS V8 power and a sophisticated suspension. We also can’t ignore the timeless appeal of the Chevy’s killer retro styling, based on the iconic design of the 1969 Camaro. They look great and go like stink.
SS models with the six-speed manual came with a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 making 426 hp and 420 lb.-ft of torque, while cars with the six-speed automatic used the similar L99 producing 400 hp and 410 lb.-ft. Both engines respond well to standard mods, including cold-air intakes, headers and exhausts. And a bolt-on supercharger can easily turn either into a 650 hp monster.
These are heavy but agile cars. They were the first Camaro with independent rear suspension and 20-inch wheels and tires, so they handle well. But there’s always room for improvement, and the list of available chassis modifications is endless for the DIYer looking for ultimate performance.
For more help with your muscle car project, or any other helpful automotive DIY advice, speak to one of our Tinker Experts today!
