What Is the Best Muscle Car for Your Money?

If you want a decent muscle car but want to spend your money wisely, buy something you can sell through a vehicle consignment later. A good muscle car does not have to be overly expensive. You can buy an older muscle car still in good condition without spending thousands of dollars extra. Browse online with The Vault MS and look at the different types of muscle cars. The following muscle cars are affordable and have maintained a reputation for being solid vehicles even as they have aged.

1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z

Camaro is one of the most well-known of all the pony cars. The 1990 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z was well-made and named for the International Race of Champions for a reason. Quite a few were produced, which makes them easy to find. The problem is that those you find may have been treated a little rough. Buy one for a few thousand dollars and work to restore it. The parts are available, and you’ll have a muscle car that’s truly your own when you’re done.

1975 Dodge Dart Sport

The 1975 Dodge Dart Sport was the last of a dying breed. The Dodge Dart appeared on the scene in 1960 and was discontinued in 1976. It went from being a full-size car to a compact one and never regained any size. Its 5.9-liter V-8 engine produced 245 horsepower and was known for its speed. The large engine may have been a draw for some, but its constant thirst for gas made it a little unpopular.

1993 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra

The 1993 Ford SVT Mustang Cobra was a third-generation Mustang. Third-gens were known as fox-body cars and were quite unpopular in some circles. However, the fox bodies were solidly built and carried the SVT badge. The Special Vehicles Team Cobra edition was one of the most powerful when it came to fox-body models. It’s one of the most expensive Mustangs, even though it is only sometimes considered a favorite.

1996 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS

The 1996 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 SS is one of the fourth-generation Camaros. Referred to as the “catfish,” it was the model that differed the most from the original model in terms of design and overall look. Although it was never as popular as some of its predecessors, it’s still a Camaro with many of the model’s best features. The Catfish is one of the best choices if you want a decent Camaro for a reasonable price.

Ford Maverick Grabber

When it comes to Ford muscle cars, everyone thinks of the Mustang. The Maverick was never really considered a muscle car by pony car enthusiasts. If you add the Grabber package and include the 5.0-liter V-8 engine under the hood, the Ford Maverick looks just as good as the real muscle cars it tends to emulate. It’s also much more affordable than some of the Mustangs of that era.

1971 Ford Torino GT

The 1971 Ford Torino GT was originally an upgraded Ford Fairlane. It is one of the most popular Ford muscle cars and is affordable depending on the size of the engine and the trim package. Be prepared to do a little work on whatever Torino you buy. Most aren’t in the best shape, but with love and care, you can have a beautiful pony car to drive around.

Mercury Cyclone GT

The Mercury Cyclone GT is basically the same body as a Ford Torino GT. The Mercury Cyclone has many of the same features and engine sizes but in a little classier package. Everything about the Cyclone is an upgrade from the Torino, but by the same token, the improvement in quality will cost you. If you are okay with the work, a Cyclone may be the better investment if you plan on doing the work yourself.

1964-1968 Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang will always be in the running as one of the best muscle cars of all time. The 1968 model had improved greatly from the original model released in 1964. In 1968, there were numerous engine sizes and packages to choose from. A fastback 1968 Mustang is extremely popular and will be more costly if that is the body style you want.

1979 Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am

The 1979 Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am is one of the most well-known muscle cars ever produced. The 1977 version was showcased in the Smokey and Bandit as the ultimate getaway car. Its V-8 engine, sleek design, and added features made it easily identifiable. Most of the examples you find for sale will be easily attainable, although they may need to be in better shape.

Ford Ranchero

What most people considered a huge mistake by Chevy ended up giving Ford one of its best-selling vehicles in the early 70s. The Ford Ranchero is half truck, half muscle car. The concept took off and became extremely popular. Ford added the option of a six-cylinder or eight-cylinder engine, which made it a hefty rival for other muscle cars in terms of horsepower. Since the Ranchero is less popular than the Chevy El Camino, you can find one that fits your budget.

Most people have a preferred make of muscle car. You must fine-tune your search if you like a specific make and model. Set your budget and know what your limits are. If you’re fine with a little work, you may be able to find a good car that needs a little tender loving care. Pristine vehicles can be incredibly expensive, so lowering your expectations will get you a gem of a vehicle you can make your own with a few hundred dollars. Check out the inventory at The Vault MS or contact us to find your next ride today.