Supercars used to belong to the posters on bedroom walls, not the driveways of regular enthusiasts. They were out of reach, with six figure price tags that rivaled homes. But the passing of time has done something remarkable. Depreciation, changing tastes, and a growing used market mean that some of these once exclusive machines now hover around $70,000. That’s still serious money, but in today’s Canadian and American markets it’s roughly the cost of a well equipped pickup truck or SUV. For those willing to take on the higher maintenance costs, this opens the door to Ferrari badges, Lamborghini drama, and even Aston Martin elegance. Here are twenty supercars that have slipped into the “almost affordable” bracket, well for a supercar anyway.
Audi R8 (First Generation)
When Audi dropped the R8 in 2006, it shocked the supercar world. Here was an exotic with German build quality, everyday usability, and the looks of a concept car. Its 4.2 liter V8 sounded glorious, and the gated manual shifter made it even more special. Early examples that once cost over $120,000 can now be found around $70,000. In Canada, it became a favorite among drivers who wanted a car that could survive harsh conditions yet deliver pure supercar thrills.
Ferrari 360 Modena
The Ferrari 360 was the brand’s leap into the modern era at the turn of the millennium. Its flowing curves replaced the sharp edges of the 355, and its aluminum chassis improved performance and reliability. Once costing well into six figures, higher mileage examples can now be had near $70,000. The flat plane crank V8 screams to 8,500 rpm, and paired with a manual gearbox, it is one of the purest Ferrari experiences left in this price range.
Lamborghini Gallardo (Early Models)
The Gallardo was Lamborghini’s entry into a new age of usability, pairing a naturally aspirated V10 with Audi’s influence on engineering. Early models from the mid 2000s, once well over $180,000 new, are now available in Canada and the US for around $70,000. With over 500 horsepower and unmistakable wedge styling, it is still every bit a Lamborghini, just no longer at untouchable prices.
Maserati GranTurismo
Few cars combine Italian elegance with muscle like the GranTurismo. With a Ferrari derived 4.2 liter or 4.7 liter V8 under the hood, it sings like an opera at full throttle. When new, it was priced closer to $130,000, but depreciation has brought examples into the $70,000 range. It’s more grand tourer than raw supercar, but the styling and sound make every drive feel special.
Porsche 911 Turbo 996
The 996 generation Turbo is still considered one of the best bargains in the supercar world. Powered by the legendary Mezger flat six and paired with all wheel drive, it delivers relentless performance in any weather. With 415 horsepower and a sub four second 0 to 60, it was once a $120,000 car but can now be had around $70,000. Canadian buyers value it for being one of the few supercars that actually thrives in all seasons.
Aston Martin V8 Vantage
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is often called the most beautiful affordable exotic. With a hand built V8 and one of the most striking profiles of the early 2000s, it oozes style. Once commanding over $110,000 new, clean examples now sit around $70,000. In Canada and the US, it appeals to those who want a supercar with British sophistication and a soundtrack to match.
Nissan GT-R (R35 Early Models)
The GT-R exploded onto the scene in 2007 as a technological powerhouse. Nicknamed “Godzilla,” it embarrassed cars twice its price with brutal acceleration and all wheel drive grip. Early examples with 480 horsepower can now be found for around $70,000, though maintenance and modifications often come with the territory. Canadian owners love it for its weather beating performance and straight line dominance.
Ferrari California
The California was Ferrari’s first hardtop convertible and one of its most usable models. With a front mounted V8 and 2+2 seating, it blended Ferrari’s performance with daily practicality. New, it cost north of $200,000, but the earliest models have slid near the $70,000 mark. It remains an accessible entry point into the Ferrari world.
Lotus Evora
The Evora was Lotus’s attempt to offer something more refined than the raw Elise while keeping the brand’s lightweight spirit. Its Toyota sourced V6 meant better reliability than most exotics, while the handling remained razor sharp. With a price tag well over $100,000 when new, early models can now be found closer to $70,000, making it a rare but exciting buy for Canadian and American enthusiasts.
Aston Martin DB9 (Early Models)
If the V8 Vantage is the compact Aston, the DB9 is the brand’s elegant grand tourer. Powered by a 6.0 liter V12, it offered luxury, style, and presence when it debuted in the mid 2000s. At launch, it cost around $160,000, but higher mileage examples now hover near $70,000. The DB9 delivers the classic Aston Martin experience at a fraction of its original cost.
Ferrari F355
The Ferrari F355 from the 1990s is beloved for its high revving 3.5 liter V8 and stunning lines. A gated manual version is worth much more, but higher mileage or F1 gearbox examples can be found near $70,000. Once considered a six figure dream, it now sits within reach for enthusiasts who want the authentic 90s Ferrari feel.
Jaguar F-Type R (Early Models)
The F-Type R brought Jaguar roaring back into the sports car game with its supercharged 5.0 liter V8. With 550 horsepower and a thunderous exhaust, it was pure theater. Originally priced around $120,000, early models now sit near the $70,000 mark. Canadian buyers appreciate it for offering drama and luxury at used BMW money.
Ferrari 348
The 348 often lives in the shadow of the 355, but it offers a classic Ferrari feel with edgy styling and analog charm. It was priced in six figure territory when new, but now, driver quality examples can be found near $70,000. It’s one of the last Ferraris before the brand transitioned into the modern supercar age.
Porsche 911 Carrera 997.1
The first generation 997 brought back traditional Porsche styling after the controversial 996. With a naturally aspirated flat six and crisp handling, it remains a favorite among enthusiasts. Once costing well over $80,000 new, early models now hover near $70,000, offering timeless performance at a reasonable price.
Lotus Esprit (Later V8 Models)
The Esprit carried Lotus through the 70s, 80s, and 90s as its flagship supercar. Later versions with a twin turbo V8 offered serious performance, with looks that still turn heads. Once selling as a true exotic, late 90s and early 2000s examples now fall near the $70,000 range. For Canadian collectors, it’s an unusual but rewarding buy.
Maserati Quattroporte GTS (Early 2010s)
The Quattroporte GTS was a four door supercar hiding under a luxury sedan body. With a Ferrari built V8, it had the soundtrack of Maranello paired with Italian design. Once priced around $140,000, early GTS models have now dropped into the $70,000 range, offering supercar heart in a practical package.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (High Mileage Examples)
The SLS AMG was Mercedes’ dramatic return to gullwing doors. With a 6.2 liter V8 producing over 560 horsepower, it was a beast. When new, it cost over $200,000, but higher mileage examples have crept closer to $70,000. It remains one of the wildest bargains in the used exotic world.
Ferrari Mondial
Often overlooked, the Mondial offered Ferrari ownership in a slightly more practical 2+2 layout. Once priced as an exotic coupe, today it is one of the cheapest ways to get a prancing horse badge, with examples sitting well under $70,000. While not as glamorous as the 360 or 355, it still carries the magic of Ferrari heritage.
Acura NSX (First Generation)
The first generation NSX was Honda’s masterpiece, combining supercar styling with reliability. With its high revving V6 and light handling, it proved you didn’t need Italian temperaments to have exotic thrills. Values for mint examples have risen sharply, but driver quality cars can still be found around $70,000. Canadians admire it as the Japanese exotic that could stand proudly beside Ferraris of the era.
Why Affordable Supercars Still Matter
For enthusiasts, seeing a Ferrari or Lamborghini within reach of $70,000 is like seeing a dream car step out of the poster frame and into reality. In Canada and the US, this price range now overlaps with pickups and SUVs, making the decision even more tempting. Of course, running costs, insurance, and maintenance can be eye watering, but the idea that you can buy a once untouchable exotic for the price of a new family vehicle keeps the dream alive. For some, this is the best time ever to step into supercar ownership.
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