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2006 to 2015 Infiniti G35/G37/Q40/Q60
High Gear Media/ Infiniti
Starting price: $15,000 and up
IIHS crash test rating: Good
Why buy it: The second generation Infiniti G-Series debuted in 2006. Over the past decade, the Gs have built a solid reputation for offering great performance and handling in a stylish and reasonably priced package. The earlier second-gen Gs are powered by a 3.5-liter, 306-horsepower VQ-series V6 engines. Later versions of the car are equipped with a 3.7-liter, 328-horsepower version of the same engine.
The mid-size Infiniti can be had in sedan, coupe, and convertible guise. In 2014, the G37 sedan was renamed the Q40 while the coupe and convertible was rebranded as the Q60.
2005-present Ford Mustang
Ford
Starting price: $13,000 and up
IIHS crash test rating: Good
Why buy it: When Ford introduced the fifth-generation Mustang in 2005, it reinvigorated a muscle car market that was effectively on life support. In 2015, Ford built upon that success with the sixth-generation Stang.
The Mustang makes our list because it gives drivers cheap access to horsepower in an elegant package with styling that withstands the test of time. Fifth-gen cars from 2005 to 2014 can be had with a either a V6 or a V8 while the sixth-gen car starting in 2015 can be optioned with a turbo-four-cylinder, a V6 or a V8. Although the iconic 5.0-liter V8 may be the evocative choice, the more sensible 4- and 6-cylinder options are recommended here for the first-time buyer. Both engines offer more than enough power, while returning better fuel economy.
As always with sports cars, be wary of examples with after market modifications or have been driven hard by their previous owners. Such behavior could significantly curtail the service life of the car.
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