Best supercars for under $75K
Listen up, legends — if you’re craving power and your budget is more around “not selling a kidney,” you’re in for a treat. Here’s a concise list of supercars available for under $75K AUD. These are not just your typical weekend rides — they’re true machines with street reputation and enough power to make your friends envious.
- Bentley Continental GT (2004–2012) – A mobile lounge with twin-turbo V12 muscle. As plush as a Qantas first-class seat and surprisingly speedy off the mark. You can find these gems starting at around $60K, and they still catch eyes like a Bond villain.
- Chevrolet Corvette C6 Z06 (2006–2013) – 7.0 litres of naturally aspirated V8 roar. Lightweight, raw, and quicker than a kangaroo on a hot roof. For about $65K, you can get a model with low kilometres and plenty of attitude.
- Porsche 911 Carrera 997 (2005–2012) – Timeless design, rear-engine balance, and German efficiency. You can grab a nice model for under $75K, and it’ll retain value far better than your crypto investments.
- Maserati GranTurismo (2007–2014) – Italian elegance with a Ferrari-derived V8 soundtrack. More grand tourer than track monster, but it has flair and character. Prices begin around $60K — just prepare for the occasional outburst.
- Nissan GT-R R35 (2009–2012) – Godzilla doesn’t need an introduction. Twin-turbo V6, AWD traction, and launch control that’ll pin you back in your seat. Early versions are entering the $70K bracket. It’s the tech-savvy enthusiast’s supercar.
- Jaguar F-Type R (2014–2016) – Supercharged V8, rear-wheel-drive fun, and curves that’d make Kylie Minogue blush. Beginning around $70K, it’s a British powerhouse with a wild side.
- Lotus Evora (2010–2015) – Lightweight, mid-engine, and sharper than your uncle’s comebacks at the pub. It may not be the quickest, but it’s a pure driver’s delight. Clean models can be found from mid-$60K, and they’re as rare as hen’s teeth.
- BMW M6 (2012–2017) – Twin-turbo V8, luxury on full display, and enough torque to pull Uluru. It’s more a luxury missile than a track racer, but for roughly $65K, you’re getting a lot of vehicle for the money.
- Acura NSX (1991–2005) – The original Japanese supercar. Mid-engine balance, Honda dependability, and Ayrton Senna’s spirit in the build. Early versions are becoming scarce, but if you look diligently, one can still be found under $75K.
- Audi R8 (2008–2012) – Mid-engine V8, quattro traction, and everyday practicality. It’s the astute Aussie’s supercar. Early examples can be acquired from around $70K and still exude luxury.
“Mate, you don’t have to stick up a bank to realize the supercar dream — just know where to search and how to negotiate effectively.”
Things to think about before purchasing used
Before you dive headfirst into the realm of used supercars, there are a few considerations to keep in mind — because while the sticker price might say “deal,” the ownership costs can hit harder than a crocodile in the Northern Territory.
- Service history is crucial. No service logs? Move on. You want a vehicle that’s been cared for, not one that’s been thrashed like a rental during a bucks party. Comprehensive service records indicate it’s been properly looked after — especially vital with performance engines that need special attention.
- Look out for costly quirks. Some of these exotics have components that outprice your last trip to Bali. Consider ceramic brakes, adaptive suspensions, or high-tech gadgets that were cutting-edge a decade ago but are now just troublesome headaches. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist is essential.
- Insurance and registration — not exactly budget-friendly. Even if you score the car for under $75K, insurers still recognize it’s a supercar. Premium rates can be high, and certain states may hit you with luxury car tax or elevated registration fees. Plan accordingly, or you’ll be living on instant noodles for a while.
- Parts and servicing — not your neighborhood mechanic’s expertise. Unless there’s a Euro specialist nearby, expect longer repair times and higher expenses for parts. Some models, like the NSX or Maserati, might even require parts shipped in. That’s not cheap, mate.
- Modifications can signal issues. While a cool exhaust or upgraded rims might be acceptable, major modifications can indicate the car’s had a rough life. Seek out stock versions or tasteful enhancements with proof of purchase. You don’t want to inherit someone else’s worn-out racer held together with zip ties and hope.
- Depreciation has already done its work. The good news? Most of these vehicles have already absorbed the brunt of value depreciation. If you buy wisely and keep it clean, you might even benefit when it comes time to sell — or at least not take a big loss.
“Purchasing used doesn’t imply buying dodgy — just keep your eyes wide open, your mechanic on speed dial, and your wallet prepared for occasional surprises.”