**Grand Tourers on a Budget**

The more I engage with the question of budget-friendly Grand Tourers (GTs), the more examples I find that could meet that need. Many of these cars were built strong in an era with strict quality requirements and designed to last. Sure, their original clientele demanded high-quality vehicles, but those buyers have long since moved on. This “abandonment” means there are quality-built GTs still out there—some sitting on second-hand dealer lots or traded in search of new appreciative owners. Owners who will breathe new life into them and, in return, be rewarded with years of driving enjoyment.

Cars these days are becoming increasingly expensive. Premium options come with eye-watering price tags, and even base trims have followed suit. We’re now getting less for more, and as a defender of value (sans spandex and cape), I find that quite unsettling.

So, I trawled the classifieds and found five Grand Tourers you can buy for about the price of a new Toyota Corolla. And for the record, this isn’t a dig at the Corolla!

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### 2019 Maserati Ghibli – $22,500

Here’s the ultimate way to get an ego boost on a budget: why not mirror the 2019 motorcade of then-Italian President Sergio Mattarella? (For motorcycle escorts, you might have to call the local Hells Angels—at your own discretion and cost.)

Disclaimer: Maserati might not have the best reputation regarding resale value and depreciation, but who cares when you’re riding with that flamboyant entourage, complete with presidential tint?

If depreciation concerns you, it might be best to look elsewhere. But if you’re still interested, note that the Ghibli is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine producing 345 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels. That’s enough power for any world leader or aspiring middle manager. Belle!

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### 2011 Lexus LS600h – $20,000

If you want something opposite to the flashy Italian cousin of Ferrari, but with better value retention, then the Lexus LS600h is your ride. Toyota and Lexus vehicles tend to hold their value well, making this GT a smart buy if you want to maintain your investment.

What makes the LS600h special is its GT aspirations minus the pretentiousness some GTs carry—though we do love that flair. The LS600h offers understated appeal, complemented by something reminiscent of a Yakuza mob boss’s influence.

Under the hood, you get a 5.0-liter V8 combined with two electric motors. The V8 is closely related to the motor Toyota used in their Dakar-winning Hilux, so it’s built for both power and longevity. The 0–60 mph dash is achieved in 5.5 seconds, which is impressive for a car weighing over 5,100 pounds.

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### 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur – $21,000

Nothing taps into your inner aristocrat quite like a Bentley. Few British marques have entered the premium market and stayed competitive for as long as Bentley. Now, you have the chance to own one for a relatively modest price. Just imagine sipping Yorkshire tea with a cucumber sandwich (little finger pointed sky-high).

Note: You might want to hire a personal chauffeur—but if budget’s tight, maybe an unemployed cousin can fill in!

A word of caution: don’t announce this purchase at work or park it where nosy colleagues or tax agents can see it.

The Flying Spur packs a legendary 6.0-liter turbocharged W12 engine with 552 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through a 6-speed paddle-shift transmission to all four wheels, propelling the car to a top speed of 195 mph. That’s hauling serious GT power.

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### 2015 Porsche Panamera 4 – $22,000

I often see these on the road and think, “Gee, this thing is nice.” Maybe it’s just me, but especially in truffle brown with beige interior, the Panamera really stands out.

This model could be a hidden gem in the Porsche lineup, particularly as the automotive world shifts towards electric powertrains. Early Panameras and Cayennes might even hold some future classic value.

Slap that key fob on the coffee table at your next breakfast meet-up, and it’ll proudly say “Porsche.” Sure, it’s a flex, but it’s one well-earned in the affordable GT game.

Look for a well-maintained example and a skilled independent Porsche mechanic who won’t charge dealership prices. The Panamera 4 is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine shared with Volkswagen and Audi, producing 310 hp and 295 lb-ft, driving all four wheels. Gas mileage for its time was a respectable 20 MPG combined, which still isn’t bad with Porsche’s build quality.

Inside, you’ll find a sophisticated black and beige interior inspired by the 911, so you won’t feel short-changed.

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### 2013 BMW M5 Base – $22,500

A crowd favorite and one of the great “Bavarian Bombers,” the BMW M5 has never gone out of style. BMW is known for packing their sedans with tech, which can sometimes be a maintenance challenge, but let’s live in a make-believe world where your dashboard won’t light up with warnings every time you start the engine.

Even if things go wrong, you get to tell people you owned an M5—car enthusiast cred with none of the douchebag factor.

Under the hood lies a twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8 producing 560 hp, paired with a 7-speed double-clutch transmission and paddle shifters. Power is sent to the rear wheels, marking the end of an era and making it a piece of automotive history.

The interior has aged gracefully and still feels modern over a decade later. “Old is gold,” as they say.

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### Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the hidden value lies in older cars waiting to be rediscovered. Just because you can afford a new car doesn’t mean you should buy one. Sure, new cars offer reliability, and older cars might come with more maintenance risks. However, GTs from this era were often built to higher standards, catering to affluent buyers who demanded quality craftsmanship.

This means many of these cars have build quality that can stand the test of time, rewarding owners years later. If you’re willing to embrace a classic Grand Tourer, you might find a rewarding experience—both financially and emotionally—for less than the cost of a new Toyota Corolla.
https://www.howtogeek.com/5-used-grand-tourers-you-can-buy-for-the-price-of-a-new-toyota-corolla/