From the new 5.0 Mustang GT to the new Camaro SS, there are plenty of options out there for a buyer looking to burn rubber in a modern muscle car. But what’s the best buy in today’s market?
Let’s focus only on modern muscle craze. I’d suggest it started with the debut of the retro-styled Ford Mustang back in 2005. The Challenger and Camaro hit the market later, and the first of those cars are now getting a lot cheaper as technology has evolved both in the cabin and under the hood. You can buy a great example now, with all the right options, of a 2010 SS, 2008 SRT8 or R/T, or 2008 Mustang GT for about $20k — or in some cases less.
We’re deep into Day Two territory on cars like these, and while depreciation is probably still going to be a problem for all of these cars, that also means you also won’t have to worry too much about keeping one 100% stock for resale value — and that opens up the door for power and handling modifications on a car you won’t be afraid to drive.
For my money, the fun’s a first-year 2010 Camaro SS, thanks to the wide variety of aftermarket performance parts available from places like Lingenfelter. Want to go fast? It’s easy to do here. But that’s not to say you can’t have just as much fun for your money behind the wheel of a Charger or Mustang. What would you buy, what would you look to spend, and what would you do with the car? Share your thoughts in the comments below.