Can't Afford A McLaren 720S? Don't Worry, There Are Cheaper Alternatives

The 720S is amazing, but it isn't cheap.

The McLaren 720S is easily the most impressive supercar on the market today. The car's performance is unmatched by its competitors and even the hybrid hypercar holy trinity struggle to keep up with it. If we had $284,475 to spend on a car, we'd immediately go for a 720S. Unfortunately, like most people we do not have close to $300,000 to spend on a car. We know that almost no car at any price point will be able to match the 720S experience, but we still wanted to pitch some cheaper, mid-engined alternatives that can get somewhat close.

McLaren 650S

We'll start off with the most obvious choice, the McLaren 650S. This is the closest thing available to the 720S without approaching its nearly $300,000 price. It seems like yesterday we were just having this same discussion about the 12C, but the 650S has been on the market long enough for some serious depreciation to kick in. We found used 650S examples for as low as around $170,000. This is not an affordable car by any stretch of the imagination, but it is around $95,000 less expensive than it was when new. It won't be as quick as a 720S, but the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 still kicks out 641 hp, which is not bad for a car costing $100,000 less than a 720S.

Acura NSX

The second generation Acura NSX has only been on the market since 2017, so we'd give it a bit more time to depreciate before pulling the trigger on one. A new NSX starts at $156,000, but used ones start at about $140,000. Like the 720S, the NSX is a mid-engined supercar that is perfectly comfortable to use as a daily driver. The twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 is paired with three electric motors for a total of 573 hp. The NSX is the closest thing that exists to a relatively affordable Porsche 918 Spyder, which is very high praise.

Porsche Cayman GT4

We kept this list contained to mid-engine sports cars and supercars, but our choices become understandably slower and more analogue as we start to lower the price bracket. Our next choice, the Porsche Cayman GT4, can't match either of the first two cars in terms of speed. The GT4 makes do with "only" 385 hp from a 3.8-liter flat-six. What the GT4 lacks in turbochargers and horsepower, it makes up for in driving pleasure. The Cayman GT4 is one of the best handling mid-engined cars ever produced and it would be our first choice to take on a track day. Porsche only built the GT4 for one year in 2016, but used models are available for less than $90,000.

Alfa Romeo 4C

If power is your number one priority, you may want to ignore the next car on our list. The Alfa Romeo 4C has half the number of cylinders and half the number of turbochargers as the 720S. It even has less than half the power: just 237 hp from a 1.75-liter turbo four-cylinder. Still, the 4C has become somewhat of a bargain in the world of mid-engine exotic cars. Used examples can be found for just over $40,000, putting it within the realm of possibility for "real" people. It may be less than half the car as the McLaren, but it is around one-seventh of the price.

Lotus Evora

Our final cheap alternative doesn't have the same Italian exoticism as the 4C, but it is a spectacularly well-balanced mid-engined sports car. Everyone seems to forget about the Lotus Evora because it is simply a "mid-engined Camry." Perhaps this is a good thing, because the often overlooked Evora has plummeted in price and is now as affordable as a Camry. We've found several used Evora examples for less than $40,000, making it the most affordable car on this list. The 3.5-liter V6 may have started out in life in a Camry, but 276 hp is more than adequate. The supercharged Evora S can still be found for under $45,000 and produces 345 hp with a supercharger.

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Can't Afford A New Mercedes GLE? Here Are 7 Cheaper Alternatives

Who says new is always better?

The recently revealed 2020 Mercedes GLE is a big leap forward from its predecessor. Along with an all-new look, the GLE gains a new 255-horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo option in place of the 3.0-liter V6, as well as a new inline-six option with a 48-volt system producing a total of 362 hp. Those power changes are accompanied by a new nine-speed automatic transmission, an available third-row seat, and an all-new interior. This update was much needed, as the GLE was one of the most outdated vehicles in the Mercedes lineup.

We still don't know exactly how much the new GLE will cost, be we assume it will be close to the outgoing car's starting price of around $55,000. The GLE may be an impressive SUV, but $55,000 is a lot of money. For those who simply can't afford such an expensive SUV, don't worry, because we have seven equally awesome used alternatives.

2007-2015 Mercedes ML63 AMG

Often on these lists, we like to recommend the older version of the more expensive new car, and this no exception. The GLE replaced the ML class when Mercedes switched to the 'GL' naming scheme for its SUVs. The AMG Division will eventually get its hands on the new GLE, but why not spend a lot less on a used ML63 AMG?

Up until 2011, the ML63 was powered by a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 producing 510 hp. This engine was later replaced by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 518 hp. You could wait for the new GLE63, but it will likely cost over $100,000 while the old ML63 can be found ranging from $15,000 to $45,000.

2010-2013 BMW X5 M

The second high-performance German SUV on our list is the BMW X5 M. A used M car may not be as easy to maintain as a new, non-AMG Mercedes, but life is too short to worry about maintenance bills. We found several original X5 M examples selling from $20,000 to $40,000. This beast of an SUV is powered by a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 from the M5 pumping out 555 hp. For those who don't mind high mileage, we also found a few examples of next-generation X5 M, which bumped the power up to 567 hp.

2011-2017 Porsche Cayenne

Finishing off our trifecta of German luxury SUVs is the Porsche Cayenne. It truly doesn't matter which Cayenne model you choose, because they are all great. For this budget, we'd stick to a second generation model which began in 2011. Prices begin as low as around $20,000 for high mileage base and S models, while GTS and Turbo models can attract around $50,000. A 500-hp Cayenne Turbo for $50k sounds pretty good to us.

2016-2019 Volvo XC90

Not everyone buying an SUV wants it to double as a sports car, which is why we adore the Volvo XC90. Unlike some of the other SUVs on this list, the XC90's only priority is luxury. It doesn't have crazy paddle shifters or track modes, but it does have a lovely 2.0-liter twin-charged four-cylinder producing 316 hp. Sadly, the 400-hp T8 hybrid isn't available for less than the price of a new GLE but T5 and T6 variants start at around $30,000 on the used market.

2014-2016 Range Rover Sport

Why settle for even the most powerful 362-hp Mercedes GLE, when for much less you could get a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with 510 hp? We found used, supercharged Range Rover Sport examples for around $38,000 to $50,000 depending on mileage and year. The lesser V6 supercharged engine can be found for even less and still produces a healthy 340 hp.

2012-2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8

Ever since Jeep decided to stuff a 707-hp Hellcat engine into the Grand Cherokee, it's all anyone has been able to talk about. This shouldn't detract from the original Grand Cherokee SRT-8, which is still an incredible SUV. We recommend getting the 2012 facelifted model, which is powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 producing 470 hp. High mileage examples can now be found for less than $20,000, with newer low mileage examples approaching $50,000.

2011-2017 Volkswagen Touareg

Though the Volkswagen Touareg may not be the most exciting SUV on this list, we once called it the greatest SUV that has ever been built. Just think about it - the Toureg was so well engineered, it eventually became the platform for the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus. The Touareg itself was powered by either a 3.6-liter V6 with 280 hp or a 3.0-liter diesel producing 240 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. Prices range starting at just $10,000 for used second generation models, making the Touareg the most affordable SUV on this list.

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Can't Afford The New BMW 8 Series Convertible? Here Are 8 Cheaper Alternatives

You can spend way less than $121,000 on a luxury convertible.

BMW wowed us when it first revealed the new 8 Series Coupe. Now, our jaw has gone from dropped to fallen off with the reveal of the new 8 Series Convertible. Like the coupe, the convertible will initially be available in M850i xDrive trim with a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out 523 horsepower. The 8 Series Convertible is also extremely quick, with a 0-60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds - just 0.2 of a second slower than the coupe.

Pricing starts at $121,400, making it $9,500 more than the coupe. However, if all you want is a fast, luxurious convertible, there are plenty of cheaper alternatives on the used market. Since this is the BMW 8 Series, after all, we have chosen eight cheaper used alternatives.

2010-2018 Maserati GranTurismo

Although it is nowhere near as powerful or as technologically advanced as the new 8 Series, we'd argue few cars are as beautiful as the Maserati GranTurismo. Used Maserati cars tend to plummet in value, which is why used GranTurismo Convertibles can now be found for less than $40,000 on the low end. The car is powered by a Ferrari-designed 4.7-liter V8 producing 454 hp. Yes, it is not as powerful as the BMW but it sounds even better. For less than the price of the 8 Series, it is even possible to find the more hardcore MC version.

2012-2018 BMW M6 Convertible

The BMW 8 Series takes the place of the old 6 Series in BMW's lineup. Instead of buying the latest and greatest BMW, some people will be more comfortable taking enormous savings on an older model. The last generation BMW M6 Convertible, the F12, can now be found for less than $40,000 on the low end. Like the new 8 Series, the M6 is powered by a 4.4-liter V8. However, the M6 is actually more powerful with 560 hp.

2013-2014 Bentley Continental GTC

The BMW 8 Series may sit as the flagship of BMW's lineup but it still cannot compare to the prestige of a Bentley. For less than the cost of a new 8 Series, it is possible to buy a Bentley Continental GTC from around 2013 or 2014 (post facelift). Even at this price, we managed to find certified pre-owned examples with both the 500-hp 4.0-liter V8 and 567-hp 6.0-liter W12.

2011-2014 Audi R8 Spyder

The Audi R8 Spyder may not fit the same mold as the other convertibles on this list but we still like it at this price point. We found plenty of used examples with both the 4.2-liter V8 and 5.2-liter V10 with the automatic and manual transmission. Obviously, we prefer the gated manual, though the dual-clutch transmission in the 2014-and-later cars is pretty competent. Even at this price, we managed to find an R8 GT Spyder, which has a 560-hp version of the glorious V10 engine.

2013-2014 Porsche 911 Turbo / Turbo S Cabriolet

Most 911 variants tend to hold their value extremely well but the Turbo models are the lone exception. We found plenty of 911 Turbo and Turbo S Cabrio models from the 991.1 generation for less than the price of a new 8 Series. This generation 911 Turbo packed 520 hp from a 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six. The Turbo S bumped the power up to 560 hp going out through a seven-speed PDK transmission. While not as luxurious as the 8 Series, the 911 Turbo Cabriolet can hit 60 mph in under three seconds, making it the quickest on this list.

2011-2015 Jaguar XKR And XKR-S Convertible

Few cars depreciate as quickly as a Jaguar, which is great news if you are in the market for a used one. The Jaguar XKR Convertible is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 engine pumping out 510 hp. We also found several examples of the drop-top XKR-S, which produces 550 hp. We love the old-school styling of the XK and believe it is one of the prettiest cars on this list.

2006-2015 Aston Martin DB9 Volante

While we are on the subject of pretty cars, how about the Aston Martin DB9. Yes, for less than the price of a new BMW you could have a bonafide Aston Martin. By the end of the DB9's life, the 6.0-liter V12 produced 510 hp. The newer DB9 examples can command up to $120,000 but the older models can be found for less than $40,000.

2016-2017 Mercedes-AMG SL63 And SL65 Roadster

If you don't feel like waiting for the M version of the BMW 8 Series, just turn your attention to AMG. For less than the M850i, you can get either an SL63 or SL65 AMG Roadster. The SL63 is powered by a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 577 hp. We also found a few examples of the SL65, which packs a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 producing 621 hp. The SL63 can be found starting at around $85,000 for the most recent, facelifted R231 model, while the SL65 is a bit more expensive.

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Can't Buy A McLaren Senna? Here Are Some Cheaper Alternatives

Even if you can afford it, the Senna is sold out. Here are some affordable alternatives.

The McLaren Senna is a hugely impressive car, with an even more impressive price tag. McLaren will only build 500 units of the Senna, and the last one was sold off for $2.62 million dollars as part of a charity event. Even if you did have the roughly $1 million that it took to buy one new, the Senna will be nearly impossible to buy now. So what if you still want to buy a limited edition supercar that is wickedly fast on the track? Even if you are just "very" wealthy, we want to help you feel like you are vastly wealthy with five cheaper Senna alternatives.

Lamborghini Gallardo Supperleggera

Unfortunately, most of the cars on this list can't match the Senna on performance, but we chose cars that were fast, rare, and track-ready. Our first choice has something that the Senna does not, a manual transmission. Lamborghini introduced the Gallardo Supperleggera back in 2008 as a lightweight, track-ready version of its entry-level supercar. Most examples had the E-Gear transmission, but some of these cars were fitted with the optional six-speed gated-manual. We managed to find one for less than $190,000 at Ferrari-Maserati of Fort Lauderdale in Florida. The car also has a twin-turbo kit and now produces 1,800 hp, so it may be able to beat the Senna in a straight line.

Ferrari 430 Scuderia

The next car is another lightweight, track-ready version of a mid-engined supercar. Ferrari always introduces a track version of its cars near the end of their product life cycle. The 430 Scuderia was the hardcore version of the F430. The car was powered by a 4.3-liter V8 engine with 503 hp. Even though it only came with a dated F1 semi-automatic transmission, the car was extremely light with a curb weight of under 3,000 pounds. Special edition Ferrari models typically skyrocket in value, but this one can be purchased for less than $200,000 today.

McLaren 650S

The Senna may be the latest and greatest McLaren model on the market, but its doesn't make the old cars completely obsolete. It may not be as special as the Senna, but the McLaren 650S is by no means a slow, outdated car. Prices of the 650S have fallen under the $200,000 mark, which makes it a great value. It is possible to find either a coupe or a Spider for this price. Both cars are powered by a 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 with 641 hp, so unless your neighbor is a billionaire who got a Senna allocation, your car will probably be faster than theirs.

Spyker C8

Our list so far has focused mostly on track performance, but many people who buy the Senna are doing so just because it is a rare collector's item. Our next alternative is the Spyker C8. This was a supercar from a small Dutch manufacturer that many people haven't even heard of. Prices range from around $250,000 to $350,000, and power comes from a 4.2-liter 400 hp V8 from Audi. The Spyker won't come close to the McLaren on performance, but we much prefer the C8's looks and stunning interior to the Senna's functional design.

Porsche 911 GT3 RS

Our final car may be the most "pedestrian" but that doesn't mean that it isn't special. Every dentist and stock broker in the world may drive a Porsche 911, but few step up to the hardcore GT3 RS model. When the latest 991.1 GT3 RS first came out, people were asking for way more than the car's $175,000 base price. The car's price is still slightly inflated, but you can now buy one for around $200,000. Aside from the GT2 RS, which will be almost impossible to buy, the GT3 RS is the ultimate 911 that money can buy.

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Can't Afford An E39 BMW M5? Here Are Some Cheaper Alternatives

The E39 is heralded as one of the best driver's sedans of all time, and prices are on the rise.

The E39 generation BMW M5 is heralded as one of the best analog driver's sedans ever produced. E39 prices tanked as many high dollar German luxury cars tend to do, but a recent explosion in old M car values has brought prices back up. There are still bargains to be had on the used market, but many pristine E39s are selling for close to six figures; a normal, fairly low-mileage example can cost around $50,000, which is a lot to pay for a 15-year-old car. With this is mind, we have come up with five cheaper options to satisfy your performance itch.

Chevrolet SS

The Chevy SS was highly praised as the “second coming” of the E39 M5. What some people may have forgotten, though, is GM tried its hand at building a rear-wheel-drive performance sedan long before the SS. The Pontiac G8 arrived in 2008 with a 3.6-liter V6 and a 6.0-liter V8. Unfortunately, both of these engines were mated to an automatic transmission. For the 2009 model year, GM gifted the G8 a 6.2-liter Corvette V8 producing 430 horsepower and the option of a six-speed manual. Much like the E39 M5, the G8 GXP has become a bit of a collectible. We still managed to find several manual examples for less than $30,000, and it will no doubt be cheaper to maintain than the German option.

Infiniti M37

If an automatic transmission isn't a deal breaker, our next choice is a fantastic value. The Infiniti M sedan is technically still sold today as the Q70. The base M37 model was powered by Nissan's VQ V6 engine, but the more powerful M56 model packed a 420-hp 5.6-liter V8. Though it only came with a seven-speed automatic, the M56 was still a very involving car to drive. We found used examples starting under $15,000, with nicer examples costing around $25,000. It may not be as collectible as the BMW, but the Infiniti is more powerful, packs more modern features, and is likely cheaper to maintain.

Acura TL

We were a bit disappointed when Acura decided to merge the TL and TSX lines into the lackluster TLX sedan. The TL was once one of the most underrated sport sedans on the market, and it was even available with a manual transmission. Though it it didn't wear a Type S badge, the fourth-generation TL combined a 3.7-liter V6 with SH-AWD and an optional six-speed manual transmission. It is rare to find a TL equipped with a manual transmission, but we some found nice examples for around $15,000.

Cadillac CTS-V

Though it was priced to compete with the E46 BMW M3, the first generation CTS-V was more of a direct competitor for the E39. Unfortunately, the E39 went out of production prior to the CTS-V's arrival, and the more powerful E60 M5 trounced the American muscle sedan. This doesn't mean the original CTS-V isn't a good car. Like the E39, it is powered by a 400-hp V8 (in this case a 6.0-liter LS6 or LS2). Also like the M5, it only came with a six-speed manual transmission and has an extremely out-of-date interior. High mileage examples start at under $10,000, but we'd recommend spending more on a well-maintained example.

BMW 5 Series 540i

Our final alternative is the M5's baby brother, the 540i. The 540i may not be as competent as the M5, but with a few upgrades it can be equally as fun on a race track or back road. The 4.4-liter V8 engine produced 290 hp, which was great at the time. Finding one with a manual and the optional M Sport pack isn't easy, but it will likely be less expensive than finding a pristine M5.

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Can't Afford A McLaren 720S? Don't Worry, There Are Cheaper Alternatives

The 720S is amazing, but it isn't cheap.

The McLaren 720S is easily the most impressive supercar on the market today. The car's performance is unmatched by its competitors and even the hybrid hypercar holy trinity struggle to keep up with it. If we had $284,475 to spend on a car, we'd immediately go for a 720S. Unfortunately, like most people we do not have close to $300,000 to spend on a car. We know that almost no car at any price point will be able to match the 720S experience, but we still wanted to pitch some cheaper, mid-engined alternatives that can get somewhat close.

McLaren 650S

We'll start off with the most obvious choice, the McLaren 650S. This is the closest thing available to the 720S without approaching its nearly $300,000 price. It seems like yesterday we were just having this same discussion about the 12C, but the 650S has been on the market long enough for some serious depreciation to kick in. We found used 650S examples for as low as around $170,000. This is not an affordable car by any stretch of the imagination, but it is around $95,000 less expensive than it was when new. It won't be as quick as a 720S, but the 3.8-liter twin-turbo V8 still kicks out 641 hp, which is not bad for a car costing $100,000 less than a 720S.

Acura NSX

The second generation Acura NSX has only been on the market since 2017, so we'd give it a bit more time to depreciate before pulling the trigger on one. A new NSX starts at $156,000, but used ones start at about $140,000. Like the 720S, the NSX is a mid-engined supercar that is perfectly comfortable to use as a daily driver. The twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 is paired with three electric motors for a total of 573 hp. The NSX is the closest thing that exists to a relatively affordable Porsche 918 Spyder, which is very high praise.

Porsche Cayman GT4

We kept this list contained to mid-engine sports cars and supercars, but our choices become understandably slower and more analogue as we start to lower the price bracket. Our next choice, the Porsche Cayman GT4, can't match either of the first two cars in terms of speed. The GT4 makes do with "only" 385 hp from a 3.8-liter flat-six. What the GT4 lacks in turbochargers and horsepower, it makes up for in driving pleasure. The Cayman GT4 is one of the best handling mid-engined cars ever produced and it would be our first choice to take on a track day. Porsche only built the GT4 for one year in 2016, but used models are available for less than $90,000.

Alfa Romeo 4C

If power is your number one priority, you may want to ignore the next car on our list. The Alfa Romeo 4C has half the number of cylinders and half the number of turbochargers as the 720S. It even has less than half the power: just 237 hp from a 1.75-liter turbo four-cylinder. Still, the 4C has become somewhat of a bargain in the world of mid-engine exotic cars. Used examples can be found for just over $40,000, putting it within the realm of possibility for "real" people. It may be less than half the car as the McLaren, but it is around one-seventh of the price.

Lotus Evora

Our final cheap alternative doesn't have the same Italian exoticism as the 4C, but it is a spectacularly well-balanced mid-engined sports car. Everyone seems to forget about the Lotus Evora because it is simply a "mid-engined Camry." Perhaps this is a good thing, because the often overlooked Evora has plummeted in price and is now as affordable as a Camry. We've found several used Evora examples for less than $40,000, making it the most affordable car on this list. The 3.5-liter V6 may have started out in life in a Camry, but 276 hp is more than adequate. The supercharged Evora S can still be found for under $45,000 and produces 345 hp with a supercharger.

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