6 Used Cars That Are Way Too Cheap, According to Doug DeMuro
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Some used cars are so cheap they almost seem like mistakes. Doug DeMuro thinks he’s found six of them.
In a recent YouTube video, the automotive expert and Cars & Bids founder broke down six used cars that should cost more money based on what they deliver. These aren’t ranked in any particular order, but they all share one quality: surprising affordability considering their performance and features.
DeMuro’s picks range from Italian sports sedans to American muscle to luxury German cruisers. Here’s what made his list and why he thinks these cars are screaming deals.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
The high-performance version of Alfa Romeo’s sports sedan tops DeMuro’s alphabetical list. This Italian rival to the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 packs a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 making 505 horsepower.
“They are sharp cars. They are fast cars. They are fun cars,” DeMuro said in the video. The Giulia Quadrifoglio delivers serious performance with excellent steering feel and handling dynamics.
The catch? These cars carry a reputation for questionable reliability. But DeMuro pointed out that Cars & Bids regularly sells examples with 50,000 to 80,000 miles, suggesting they hold up better than their reputation suggests.
The real bargain shows up in the pricing. You can find Giulia Quadrifoglio models in the $22,000 to $28,000 range. Meanwhile, comparable BMW M3s and Mercedes C63s from the same era cost significantly more despite having less power.
Ford Mustang GT (S550 Generation)
The sixth-generation Ford Mustang arrived around 2015-16 and remains one of the best performance bargains on the used market. DeMuro specifically highlighted V-8-powered models with the Coyote engine.
Early S550 Mustang GTs with V-8 power can be found right around $20,000. That buys you 435 horsepower in a package that’s aged remarkably well visually compared to brand-new 2026 models.
“These are pretty reliable used cars and they are just fun,” DeMuro explained. Unlike the Alfa Romeo, you’re not rolling the dice on reliability with these 10-year-old Fords.
DeMuro argued the Mustang offers better value than comparable Camaros and Challengers from the same period. The Mustang delivers more dynamic handling and a more playful driving experience while maintaining straight-line speed and that muscular V-8 character.
At $20,000 to $25,000 for a Coyote V-8 S550 Mustang, DeMuro called it a legitimate bargain for anyone wanting reliable fun in their garage.
Jaguar F-Type
DeMuro described F-Type pricing as “unbelievable” during a recent podcast appearance. Early non-V-8 F-Type models with supercharged V-6 engines can be found for around $20,000.
These aren’t rough examples either. The supercharged V-6 powertrains proved fairly reliable, and these cars accumulate real miles. The F-Type’s beautiful styling turns heads in a way that doesn’t scream “$20,000 used car.”
Even the serious performance versions remain affordable. Early F-Type R models with 550-horsepower V-8 engines sell for $25,000 to $30,000 on Cars & Bids.
“It was a nice sports car,” DeMuro said about the F-Type’s combination of luxury features and dynamic driving. The design remained largely unchanged throughout its production run, making early models look surprisingly current.
The usual Jaguar reliability concerns apply, but DeMuro pointed out that Cars & Bids regularly receives F-Types with 60,000 to 80,000 miles. For a two-seat convertible sports car that’s often used as a second or third vehicle, those are respectable numbers.
Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG (W222)
This one surprised even DeMuro. Cars & Bids recently sold a 2018 S63 AMG with just 40,000 miles for $45,000. The car originally stickered around $160,000 only seven years ago.
The W222-generation S-Class debuted around 2014 and brought Mercedes’ flagship sedan into the modern era. The S63 AMG version packs 600 horsepower from a twin-turbo V-8.
“These really are impressive cars,” DeMuro said. “They are fast. They look good. They are comfortable. They are filled with tech.”
DeMuro argued that AMG and Mercedes-Benz models from this era prove more reliable than earlier generations. The W222 cars developed fewer expensive problems than the W220 and W221 models that preceded them.
At $40,000 to $45,000, an S63 offers serious performance in a luxury package. Regular W222 S-Class models without the AMG treatment can be found for around $30,000, but DeMuro recommended paying extra for the performance.
Porsche Panamera (First Generation)
Early Panamera models shocked DeMuro with their depreciation. Base V-6 models with higher mileage sell for around $10,000 on Cars & Bids.
More desirable versions remain affordable too. Panamera Turbo or 4S models with 40,000 to 60,000 miles, good service history and dealer maintenance can be found for $20,000 to $25,000.
DeMuro’s podcast guest Hoovie made an interesting comparison: A 911 Turbo from the same era with similar specs (500 horsepower, dual-clutch transmission, all-wheel drive) costs around $120,000. A Panamera Turbo with those same basics costs just $20,000.
The first-generation Panamera earned criticism for its awkward styling when new. But DeMuro pointed out the design has aged better than expected, and the hatchback configuration actually provides practical benefits. The rear seats offer decent headroom and the cargo area accepts larger items than typical sedans.
“They’re actually fun to drive,” DeMuro said about the V-8-powered S, 4S and Turbo models. Despite being larger four-seaters, these Porsches delivered surprisingly sharp handling with minimal body roll.
Rivian R1T and R1S
Electric vehicles typically depreciate rapidly, but Rivians held value better than most EVs. That’s actually what makes them bargains, according to DeMuro — they were good deals even when new.
Cars & Bids recently sold an R1T pickup with 44,000 miles for $43,000. Multiple R1T models have sold in the $43,000 to $53,000 range.
“That is such a damn good deal considering what those cars offer,” DeMuro explained. Early R1T models made 835 horsepower with luxury interiors, sports car acceleration, incredible off-road capability and air suspension that provides up to 18 inches of ground clearance.
The R1S SUV commands higher prices in the mid-$50,000 range, with most examples selling for $60,000 to $70,000. The SUV’s added practicality and slightly newer age keeps values higher.
DeMuro acknowledged hearing some reliability concerns about upstart electric manufacturers, but said he hears fewer complaints about Rivian than expected. Combined with the performance and capability, he thinks Rivians in the $40,000s represent strong value.
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