I was reading Brent’s blog today and decided to make my own $250k dream car garage list. Mostly because I think about this topic a lot and probably spend way too much time researching cars I’ll never own. But you never know!

I wanted to differ a bit from Brent and make a list of cars that were strictly $50k or less and all cars must be less than 40k miles. Everything else goes. All shapes, sizes, colors, … except red.

I think this may be more of a “I could get a Camaro SS or I COULD GET THAT??” list.

I’d like to say that the Audi R8 made the list. It’s one of my favorite modern cars but they are still in the $60k+ range and don’t qualify.  The Ford GT and Superlite SLC are also favorites that couldn’t make the list.

2012 Lotus Evora S ($50k)

I owned a Lotus Evora and it is probably highest of my list of all time favorite cars. The S model is super charged and is one mean machine. You can find an Evora for as low as $37k and it will be dynamite but the S is where it’s at. With unlimited funds I’d without a doubt put the Evora 410 Sport on my list but those are well over $100k. All the models use a V6 Toyota Camry power plant with nearly 300 hp for the regular and 345 hp for the S model.

1939 Ford Truck ($25k)

I’m no fan of trucks but I’ve always loved this one. The lines on it are sleek. The grill is massive. Everything built back then was a work of art.

2002 Lotus Esprit Turbo ($40k)

The Lotus Esprit was produced from the 1970’s till 2002. The early cars were equipped with a four cylinder turbo which is nice but the 2001 and 2002 are my all time favorite. The newer editions came with a turbo V8 and the sounds it make are harmonious. You’ll never fully appreciate this car until you see one in person. If I had my pick, this car would be yellow.

2005 Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet ($45k)

The 996 is the most hated model of the 911 series. The headlights were redesigned to match the Boxter in an effort to save production costs and the non-turbo models are “skinny body” cars meaning that the back fenders are no wider than the front. The non-turbo cars also had a new water cooled engine and a lot of problems. You can pick the non-turbo up for around $18k!  The previous generation (993) turbo goes for $150k+.

The 996 Turbo is a whole different animal. It’s probably the best bang for your buck car today. They range from $40 to $50k. The body is wide in the rear and the engine is the same out of the previous air cooled model but with water jackets. Silver is a must for the 996 because it masks the headlights the best and seems to look newer than a darker color.

True prices are falling on the 997 Turbo and the 997 looks much better, but this is still the best bang for your buck so it’s on my list for now.

2008 Aston Martin V8 Vantage ($45k)

I test drove a Vantage a few years back. My friend and I would have arguments about the quality of interiors you find in American cars. I’ve always loved Ford and my ‘03 Cobra is still one of my all time favorite cars.  It wasn’t until I sat in a Vantage that I fully understood his point of view. Even the A pillars were suede. All this luxury and an exhaust that sounds like heaven. This is definitely on my list.

2001 Dodge Viper GTS ($45k)

The only dodge I’d ever own and the only model of Viper I’d ever own. You’d need to walk everywhere or have very deep pockets for gas money. These cars get next to nothing in the city and top out at 19 mpg on the highway. You can find them with very low mileage for well under $50k. It’s definitely yesterday’s supercar but still a cool ride any day of the week.