The era of cheap cars feels like its coming to an end; there are fewer new cars for sale in the $20,000-range today than ever before. However, a few brands keep the affordable car alive with models like the Hyundai Venue (2026 model starts at $20,550) or the Chevrolet Trax (2026 model starts at $21,600), for example.
There’s one model that has always been a lighthouse on an otherwise murky shoreline of expensive cars: the Nissan Sentra. Nissan, as a brand, has almost always consistently offered affordable cars that compete with some of the biggest names in the business — the 2026 Sentra continues that legacy by starting at just $22,400 before destination, options, taxes, and other fees for the 2026 mode year.
It’s one of the cheapest new cars on sale today, but what if you wanted something a little quicker? More luxurious? More powerful? Well, you’ll have to enter the used market for that. We compiled a list of 10 V6 sedans of varying prices under the new Sentra’s starting price. Some are more luxurious, while others are more reliable. Take your pick, but we think these could be some decent options for the money.
Only V6-powered trims of sedans that are currently worth under $22,400 (the 2026 Nissan Sentra’s base price) were considered for this article. Specifications have been gathered from each respective manufacturer. The average prices are Kelley Blue Book used value for each trim, with some adjustment for real-world listings around the United States. Models are listed from the most to the least expensive. Photos may represent higher trim levels than available for the prices quoted.
2020 Lincoln Continental Engine Specs
Powertrain
3.7-Liter V6
Horsepower
305 hp
Torque
280 lb-ft
We know this is a far cry from the Nissan Sentra, but that’s kind of the point of this article. For less than the price of a new Nissan sedan, you could get behind the wheel of a 2020 Lincoln Continental. This luxury sedan’s base model came with a 3.7-liter naturally-aspirated V6 that made 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque; that’s respectable, but the car was not quick by any means. This is more of a high-end touring sedan with premium materials and a smooth ride. It competes with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, for reference.
These everyday used cars prove that you don’t need to spend six figures to have fun behind the wheel.
2020 Infiniti Q50 Pure Engine Specs
Powertrain
3.0L Twin-Turbo V6
Horsepower
300 hp
Torque
295 lb-ft
We were sad to see the Infiniti Q50 go, but there’s a chance that the brand could be replacing the now-discontinued luxury sedan with a new rear-wheel-drive, manual transmission sedan that will use the Nissan Z’s 400-hp powertrain. These days, though, you can find examples of the 2020 Q50 for around $20,000 — some higher-mileage cars are listed for even cheaper, too. The 3.0L twin-turbo V6 is rated for 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which is quick enough for a fun ride while feeling like a soft, premium ride inside.
2021 Chrysler 300 Touring Engine Specs
Powertrain
3.6-Liter V6
Horsepower
292 hp
Torque
260 lb-ft
Most enthusiasts are aware of the V8-powered Chrysler 300, which is powerful and could make for a pretty fun car, but the lower trim levels in the 2021 model year are still decent options. They come with a Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 292 horsepower and 260 lb-ft. That’s plenty for a daily driver, even if it’s not as engaging as the 6.4-liter V8 found in the last 300 to roll off the assembly line. The V6 is still a Chrysler product, so it’s probably not as reliable in the long run, though.
2021 Dodge Charger SXT Engine Specs
Powertrain
3.6-Liter V6
Horsepower
292 hp
Torque
260 lb-ft
By now you may have heard the news about the Hurricane six-cylinder engine making a comeback in the previously all-electric Dodge Charger SixPack, but that’s going to start at almost $55,000. For just about $19,500, you can grab a 2021 Charger SXT. Under the hood is the exact same powertrain as the Chrysler 300 we just talked about; it’s a 3.6-liter V6 that makes enough power for daily driving and maybe a bit of fun. This version of the Charger was discontinued after the 2023 model year, and they keep getting cheaper.
2017 Lexus ES 350 Engine Specs
Powertrain
3.5-Liter V6
Horsepower
268 hp
Torque
248 lb-ft
Arguably one of the most reliable sedans on this list and in general, the 2017 Lexus ES 350 is an easy choice for those who enjoy staying out of the mechanic’s shop and driving in luxury at the same time. It’s not often that a high-end car will treat second and third owners well, but Lexus is the most reliable brand in America according to some studies. You can find examples of the ES350 with average mileage for around the $19,000 mark, with nicer, lower-mileage examples asking for $20k-$23k today.
V8 sedans are a dying breed – and affordable models even more scarce. Here’s how you can get V8 power for super-cheap.
2021 Nissan Maxima Engine Specs
Powertrain
3.5-Liter V6
Horsepower
300 hp
Torque
261 lb-ft
So you could go buy a new Nissan Sentra today, or you could get a more reliable, larger, higher-end Nissan Maxima from the 2021 model year for even less money. We wouldn’t usually recommend buying any used Nissan, but the 2021 Maxima uses the same VQ35 engine (a 3.5-liter naturally-aspirated V6) as the Infiniti G35 once did. It’s not much of a sports car, nor is it especially luxurious, but it’s relatively powerful and makes for a more premium ride than the Sentra will.
2019 Cadillac CTS Luxury Engine Specs
Powertrain
3.6-Liter V6
Horsepower
335 hp
Torque
285 lb-ft
The Cadillac CTS is one of the brand’s most popular and well-known sedans. It didn’t just come as a sedan, though — you could also find some model years as a wagon or a coupe, with some quick performance versions, too. For this article’s sake, we’re sticking to the 2019 model year sedan that could be bought with an optional 3.6-liter V6 to replace the standard four-cylinder. According to Kelley Blue Book and finding averages around the U.S. on various private sales sites, you can find one with the V6 for around $18 grand.
2018 Acura TLX 3.5 Engine Specs
Powertrain
3.5-Liter V6
Horsepower
290 hp
Torque
267 lb-ft
If you have $18,000, and the Cadillac we just talked about isn’t your style, then consider the 2018 Acura TLX. You don’t have to search for a specific optional engine, since the 3.5 trim came with — you guessed it — a 3.5-liter V6 engine. Some people might say the TLX is just a dressed-up Honda, but it’s more than that. This Acura sedan is a reliable touring car with great styling and a decent driving experience. It’s not the sportiest sedan. However, this model has a hearty powertrain that’s ready for a brisk drive.
2015 Honda Accord Touring Engine Specs
Powertrain
3.5-Liter V6
Horsepower
278 hp
Torque
252 lb-ft
Honda hasn’t equipped its sedans with a V6 in some time, but the 2015 Accord could be just the model to take you to work and back in comfort and have a little extra passing power on the freeway. It’s not as luxurious as the Acura we mentioned, nor will it handle like a sports car. It’s also not luxurious — it’s a Honda. We decided to include this model on the list for its classic looks, dependable engine, and cheap price. You can find one for sale in most places for around $12,000 today.
2013 Infiniti G37 Journey Sedan Engine Specs
Powertrain
3.7-Liter V6
Horsepower
328 hp
Torque
269 lb-ft
The cheapest used V6 sedan we’re highlighting today is the Infiniti G37. You can find essentially every version and model year of this sedan under the $20k mark, but later model year examples of the base model in good condition are selling for around the $10k mark. Sure, they’re getting a bit old these days, but their VQ37 engines are rock-solid – perhaps the best engine Nissan has ever made from a balance and reliability standpoint. The G37 might be cheap, but it won’t let you down.
Cheap sports cars still exist if you know where to look.
Sources: Lincoln, Infiniti, Chrysler, Dodge, Lexus, Nissan, Cadillac, Acura, Honda, Kelley Blue Book, Autotrader, Cars.com
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