Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews

The Poor Man’s Aston Martin(s)

October 6, 2009 By Joe | Heads up: Buying via our links results in us getting a commission (not always, but just about), which helps keep the lights on around here. We also take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

The best James Bond-like cars, for under $15,000

aston_martin_dbs_coupe_2009Not everyone can spend $300k on an Aston Martin DBS.  Okay,  nobody can spend that kind of money.  But just look at it —>
There’s a reason why Daniel Craig drove, and subsequently wrecked, a couple of those in the last two Bond movies.  But 300K is asking quite a bit.  Come to think of it, a lot of us can’t really drop $30K on something like a brand new Nissan Maxima.

So to keep things in the affordable yet still dependable range, we’ll stick to used cars that have around 40,000 miles on them.  These autos might be pre-owned, but they wouldn’t be too out of place if 007 got behind the wheel.  They’ll obviously have to be a sports car, but meat on their bones is a must.  No Miatas or Minis.  Curves are also a requirement, and they’ll have to look like they’d have a chance on an Italian mountain road outrunning gun wielding bad guys.

2004 Mazda RX-8 – $14,900

2004mazdaRX83

Don’t let the Kelly Blue Book Value of over $15,000 fool you.  These are our there, for a steal.  The rotary engine scares off a lot of people, but those who take the leap will quickly become fans.  Some cars purr, this one whirrs.  The engine sound is unique, and although it lacks in off the line torque it makes up in superior handling, and dynamite second to none styling.  This car will make people who don’t care about cars fall in love with it.

Pros – Pinup model-like exterior styling curves, interior styling, suicide doors that give access to sweet back seat, and handling that’s so good it could beat numerous luxury coups in a slalom.

Cons – Ugly gas mileage in the city, potentially needy repair costs, designed to burn a bit of oil so you have to check and top off often.

2003 Nissan Z – $17,685

NissanZ
The Datsun Z will forever have a legion of fans that will put up with its ridiculous upkeep requirements.  I was very close to purchasing one for myself, until I called around to a couple of my mechanic friends who said in no uncertain terms: Z-cars are money pits.  When Nissan brought back the Z-car they were able to put all of the great styling and responsive performance together in a dependable package.  Unfortunately, the styling seems just a touch too 1999 and anime-inspired, but  that’s probably getting a bit picky.  Yes it’s a bit more than $15,000… but with the car dealers trying to move every unit they can, I’m sure you can get a deal.

Pros – Powerful, no real signs of it being fussy, legendary Z-Car name
Cons – Exterior styling looks a little too futuristic, rumor has it the interior disappoints, suspension is a little rough, not as much fun to drive as the RX-8

2005 Chrysler Crossfire – $14,600

chrysler_crossfire2

Despite the fact that the big three American Automakers are imploding as we speak, they haven’t stunk it up in every attempt over the years.  Remember Dailmer-Chrysler?  The Benz Chrysler Partnership?  Right.  This is the Mercedes Benz SLK’s second cousin.

Pros – Kinda sorta American made (it was made in Germany, but hey… it’s Chrysler right?),  impressive styling for coming from Chrysler, looks thick in the right places, interior is solid, engine performance also solid
Cons – Way too aggressive Roof+Door accent lines,  They were once listed on Overstock.com because they sold so poorly, they don’t make them anymore.

Bottom Line – If you’re making the jump from your old beater to something a little more nice… might as well get a car that’s a blast to drive.  Because for around $15,000 you could either get one of these three, or… a decidedly more bland 2005 Toyota Camry.  Ooooh it comes in white.  Yay.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: 350Z, Aston Martin, Car, Chrysler, Crossfire, James Bond, Mazda, Nissan, RX-8, Sports Car

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or hit us up on Instagram!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Cheap Sunglasses, Affordable Tech Pants, & More

10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Cheap Sunglasses, Affordable Tech Pants, & More

There’s a serious spring thing going on in here.

Style Scenario: A dreary night in with a good book

Style Scenario: A dreary night in with a good book

Screen free is often the way to be.

Steal The Style: Danny Ocean’s Tieless Suit Look in Ocean’s 11, 12, 13

Steal The Style: Danny Ocean’s Tieless Suit Look in Ocean’s 11, 12, 13

“You gotta walk before you crawl.”

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

CONNECT WITH DAPPERED

Thanks! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Sanders Chukkas, Timex M79 Automatic Watches Under $200, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • Monday Men’s Sales Tripod – Woodlore Shoe Trees BOGO, Nike’s Extra 20% off Spring Sale, & More
  • One Store, Five Outfits: Extra 25% off Brooks Brothers Sale Items
  • Most Wanted Affordable Style – March 2023
  • Style Scenario: Well Dressed on a Gray Rainy Day
  • Stock Alert: The Q Timex GMT is back in stock.

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

Copyright © 2023 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.