5 Potent Sleeper Sedans From the 2000s That You Can Buy for Under $25,000 Today

The 2000s will probably go down as the last great decade for ICE performance.

Modern electric vehicles were still in the experimental stage, and although downsizing had become a trend, many carmakers were still developing large, powerful engines.

Even more exciting, these engines were not limited to large SUVs, trucks, or sports cars but also found their way under the hoods of many sedans.

During that decade, these capable sedans didn't receive a drastic visual upgrade that made them stand out from their standard counterparts, so for the untrained eye, they looked ordinary.

Though expensive back then, these sleepers are now available for less than $25,000 in the used car market, so if you've always wanted to own one, this is the time to do it.

Lexus GS460 (S190)

Launched in 2007 for the 2008 model year and produced until 2011, the GS460 was the most potent version of the third-generation (S190) GS sedan.

It introduced the new 4.6-liter 1UR-FSE V8 engine rated at 342 hp, as well as a mid-cycle refresh of the GS line's visuals.

Being developed by Toyota's luxury brand, the GS460 was an extremely well-built car that offered advanced tech like variable electric-assisted steering, a brake-by-wire system, or adaptive variable suspension.

Furthermore, with a luxurious, spacious, and comfortable interior, it was one of the most impressive sedans in its segment.

Today, the GS460 might look a little outdated, but thanks to its potent V8, it still packs a punch. In addition, it's one of the most reliable used sleepers you can buy right now.

Capable of a 0-60 mph (0-97 kph) time of 5.4 seconds, it's by no means slow, and you're bound to surprise a few sports car owners when the stop light turns green.

The average value for one currently stands around the $15,000 mark, so for $20,000 to $25,000, you can get an example in great condition that hasn't racked up too many miles on the odometer.

Cadillac CTS-V (1st gen)

A replacement for the atrocious Catera, the CTS debuted in January 2002 as a 2003 model and was a breath of fresh air for GM's luxury brand.

The lineup became even more exciting in 2004 when Cadillac unveiled the CTS-V, a performance version that aimed to rival similarly-sized AMG Mercs and M-badged BMWs.

Though it looked much like the standard CTS, the V was all Corvette underneath.

Initially, it borrowed the 5.7-liter pushrod LS6 V8 and six-speed Tremec manual transmission from the Z06 C5, and from 2006 to 2007, it used the 6.0-liter OHV LS2 from the base C6.

Regardless of the engine version, the CTS-V had 400 hp on tap and could sprint to 60 mph (97 kph) from a standstill in 4.6 seconds.

In addition to the Corvette powertrain, the model also received a stiffer suspension and a capable braking system with Brembo calipers.

Even if it didn't age particularly well in terms of aesthetics, the first-generation V is still an impressive performance sedan.

Depending on the model year, a used example in great condition is worth, on average, around $20,000. For that money, you'll get a future classic with a reliable powertrain that's cheap and easy to tune.

Volkswagen Phaeton W12 AWD (Typ 3D)

With rivals BMW and Mercedes encroaching into the Golf's territory with the 3 Series Compact and A-Class, VW Group boss Ferdinand Piëch commissioned a luxurious sedan that would rival the 7 Series and S-Class - even if that meant competing with the group's Audi A8.

The result of VW's most ambitious project in several decades, the Phaeton, went into production in 2001, becoming VW's flagship.

Based on the same platform as the Bentley Continental GT and Flying Spur, the car was developed for all-out luxury rather than performance.

Still, the most potent engine available, also shared with the Bentleys mentioned above, was a massive 6.0-liter W12 that made 420 hp.

Despite the potent engine, long list of advanced features, and the most luxurious interior of any VW model, the Phaeton was only popular in China and South Korea, while sales in Europe were disappointing.

From 2004 to 2006, the model was also available in the US, where it failed spectacularly. Though it was more of a Bentley than a VW, buyers shied away from it, mainly because of the badges.

Today, there are quite a few W12-powered examples for sale, and their average value stands around $18,000. For a bit more, you can get a low-mileage Phaeton W12 in flawless condition.

Luxurious, powerful, and equipped with a Torsen-based AWD system, it's one of the coolest, most underrated sleepers of the 2000s.

Audi S6 V10 (C6)

In 2004, Audi released the third generation of its mid-size A6, and two years later, the S6 performance version followed.

Aesthetically, only the wheels, skirts, and bumpers distinguished it from the standard A6, but the story was much different under the hood.

Available either as a sedan or a wagon, the third-gen S6 was now powered by a 5.2-liter DOHC FSI 40-valve V10.

Closely related to the 5.0-litre V10 that powered the Lamborghini Gallardo, the new S6 unit was rated at 429 hp.

Though not as powerful as the subsequent version used by the high-performance RS6, the S6's V10 was still good enough to enable a 5.2-second 0-62 mph (100 kph) sprint.

Apart from the sweet-sounding engine linked to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic, the S6 received a Torsen-based quattro permanent 4WD system, bigger brakes, and a stiffer suspension system.

The wagon never made it to the US, but fortunately, the sedan did. Today, used examples are rare but also ridiculously cheap for such a wild, V10-powered sleeper. In the $20,000-25,000 range, you can find one in mint condition that hasn't racked up more than 50,000 miles (80,467 km).

Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG (W211)

Based on the third-generation (W211) mid-size E-Class, the E55 AMG version was introduced in 2003, and until it was replaced by the facelifted E63 AMG two years later, it was the fastest four-door Merc that money could buy.

During the 2000s, AMG versions were still visually subdued compared to the current models, so the E55 was, without a doubt, a sleeper.

But while it looked like a mildly sportier E-Class, the E55 was a different kind of monster.

Inside the engine bay, it featured the now-legendary M113 K supercharged V8 rated at 469 hp. Back then, for European enthusiasts, the engine was as epic as the Hellcat is for their American counterparts today.

Linked to a five-speed automatic, the engine allowed the E55 to accelerate to 62 mph (100 kph) from a standstill in 4.2 seconds, a figure that embarrassed rivals like the BMW M5 or Audi RS6.

Today, the E55 is highly sought-after by AMG enthusiasts, and those who own one rarely part ways with their beloved rides.

That being said, there are some used examples out there in good shape that can be purchased for under $25,000. However, don't expect them to be low-mileage models in perfect shape. Those examples usually sell at auctions and demand over $30,000.