When the 2024 full-year sales numbers are crunched, Toyota’s Camry will be right up near the top. Last year it was the eighth most popular vehicle in America behind seven trucks and SUVs, and a 25MY overhaul has only made it more appealing.
Competitive pricing (starting at just $28,400 for 2025), an efficient hybrid-only lineup, sharper styling and a quality interior are all big reasons to buy one. But come on, do you really want to splash up to $40k on the car equivalent of a telesales job?
Related: The 2025 Toyota Camry Hybrid Distills Its Strengths Into A More Attractive Package
Like that boring office job in the tiny cubicle the Camry is safe, easy and short on thrills. Which isn’t something you could say for the 10 used cars we’ve lined up as alternatives. They’ll make you look like your salary has just sprouted an extra zero – though you might need that extra zero if they go wrong. And some of them will definitely go wrong in a big way.
But a bit like fantasizing about quitting your cubicle for a life as a lion tamer, adventure or treasure hunter or rock star, there’s no harm in dreaming, right? Which would you pick for the $40k cost of a high-spec all-wheel drive 2025 Camry XSE? We’ve rounded up a few interesting options from the used car listings on Autotrader and Cars.com. As always, buyer beware; do your research and double-check everything before handing over your hard-earned cash.
2008 Bentley Continental GTC
One upside to the glacial evolution of Bentley design over the past 20 years is that affordable used examples in good condition look almost indistinguishable from new ones to most people.
You can pick up a rough Conti coupe or Flying Spur sedan for just over $20k, but that’s a terrible idea. Our $40k kitty gets you into a well-kept W12-powered GT or GTC convertible with proper history and under 40,000 miles (64k km).
Check out a convertible for sale over here in Utah.
2014 BMW i8
BMW’s i8 debuted more than a decade ago and hasn’t been available for more than four years, but it could easily pass for a new supercar, don’t you think? In fact, with a three-cylinder hybrid engine doing the pushing you might say its philosophy looks right up to date.
The 357 hp (362 PS) that early cars in our price range develop and a 15-mile (24 km) electric range is no longer cutting edge, but the i8 has low running costs and butterfly doors don’t come much cheaper.
Here’s one for sale from a Chrysler Dodge dealer in Michigan.
2011 Aston Martin Rapide
A V12 Aston Martin for $40k? You better believe it. Even our modest budget gives you the pick of DB9 models with either coupe or convertible body styles or the original Vanquish – a legit James Bond ride. But given that the Camry sparked this whole quest, how about we take a look at the rare-groove, four-door Rapide?
This DB9-based sedan cost $200k in 2011 and has the sports car’s 007 styling and V12 engine, but comes with back doors to make it more family friendly (though don’t expect Camry levels of space and comfort).
The pictured example is listed for $36,995 by an Oklahoma used car dealer.
2012 Mercedes SL63 AMG
Know how much the 2025 BMW Z4 costs? They’re $54k with no options and a meek 255 hp (258 PS) inline four under the hood; $66k for the M40i. Even a 181 hp (184 PS) Mazda MX-5 Miata RF is $41k if for some reason you decide you want the optional automatic transmission. Nice cars, but going old and upscale nets you a load more metal for your moolah.
So swallow some Dutch courage, and click ‘buy now’ on a 2012 Mercedes SL63 AMG. That’ll net you a retractable hardtop, just like the Miata’s, but it’ll come with a 530 hp (537 PS) twin-turbo, 5.5-liter V8.
Here’s one for sale by a Honda dealer in Oklahoma. Want the style but not bothered about the performance? The same $40k buys you a V6-powered 2018 SL450 from Mercedes-Benz of Asheville.
1986 Rolls-Royce Corniche
The 2010-20 Ghost is still a little too pricey for us on this occasion – they start at around $65k, and the 2003-17 Phantoms kick off at $75k. But there is one old Roller that’s arguably more glamorous than both, screams ‘millionaire’ and is just about available for Camry cash.
We’re talking about the Corniche, the Silver Shadow-based convertible (and coupe) that was Hollywood’s go-to car in the 1980s when it wanted to show that a character was loaded. It’s kind of chintzy, yes, but it oozes charm, daahhling.
Read: $70,000 Rolls-Royce Phantom Had A $79,000 Bill From One Service
The one you see pictured above is a 1986 Rolls-Royce Corniche II Convertible featuring coachwork by Mulliner Park Ward and is listed for just under $40k in—you guessed it—Beverly Hills.
2018 Porsche Panamera 4S
Forty-grand provides access to all kinds of Porsches, including the Cayman, Cayenne and the 911. But there’s one less obvious Porsche choice that’s great value, still looks like it ought to be worth big money and will slot straight into that Camry-shaped hole in your life.
The second-generation Panamera arrived for 2017 looking much sleeker and more 911-like than the original hunchback sedan, and although the S downsized from a V8 to a turbo V6, its 440 hp (446 PS) wasn’t a bad trade-off. Give it a year and the 550 hp (557 PS) Turbo will be Camry money, too.
We found a white example with 99k miles listed for a touch under $38k at a Mercedes-Benz dealer.
2004 Maybach 57 S
We’ve already established that the Rolls-Royce Phantom is out of our reach, but that car’s biggest rival back in the oughts is firmly on the $40k menu. The regular 5.7-m (225.5-inch) 57 doesn’t offer the same kind of business class rear legroom as the LWB 62 (yep, 6.2 m / 243 inches), but it’s still crammed with luxury kit.
Read: This Mercedes-AMG Minivan Racked Up $42,000 In Service Costs Over 5 Years
The little guy is also a hell of a lot more manageable if you’re planning on sitting up front. Which you will be because people who buy Camrys tend not to employ chauffeurs. Base 57 cars got a 542 hp (550 PS) bi-turbo V12 but the 604 hp (612 PS) 57 S also seems to be available for less than $40k.
Here’s a base 57 model from a Chevy dealer in Michigan.
2013 Maserati GranTurismo Sport
Maserati’s attempt to go after BMW 5-Series sales with the Ghibli brought the brand downmarket but we think the trident badge still carries some cachet, specially when it’s fixed to a GranTurismo coupe or convertible.
The base car’s 399 hp (405 PS) V8 always felt a little underpowered for something that weighs almost 2,000 kg (4,400 lbs) so go for the later (2012-on) Sport, which sent 454 hp (460 PS) through a smooth ZF six-speed auto or sharper, but less refined automated manual.
There are plenty to choose from, including this example from a Fiat dealer in Washington.
2019 Range Rover Supercharged
A new Range Rover starts at over $100,000 and the sporty Range Rover SV is double that, but savage depreciation means a four- or five-year old Rangie is already in Camry territory.
Sure, that’s an older model, but the styling differences are mostly focused at the back. From the front and side the 2012-22 car still looks contemporary, and the supercharged V8 makes an even better sound than the new one’s BMW V8.
The one pictured above is priced at $35,500 from an Illinois dealer
2004 Mercedes G500
The Mercedes G-Wagen underwent a radical update in 2018, but much like the Bentley Continental we covered earlier, most casual observers won’t notice the difference.
You’d certainly notice the difference in the way they handle – the old ones feel way more agricultural – but you’re getting the same iconic silhouette and flat glass today’s new buyers are paying up to $190k for.
Here’s one listed at VW of Kirkwood in Missouri for just under $40,000.