How much time do you spend scrolling through car ads, imagining yourself at the wheel of something you can’t afford, such as a Ferrari or a Lamborghini?We’re guessing it’s probably a lot. However, while it may pass the time, it ultimately leads nowhere.So instead, scroll through these 15 cars that could potentially be within reach, regardless of your budget. So, dream on…ASTON MARTIN VANTAGEAlthough the V8 Vantage never graced the 007 franchise, it still looks like something Daniel Craig might have driven.For well under $40,000, you can get into an original V8 Vantage with the 4.3-litre engine. Later examples with the 4.7-litre motor command a higher price tag.PRICE RANGE: $30,000 - $80,000BMW i8Autocar once put an i8 up against a Porsche 911. The 911 just won, but we accepted that people might have preferred the i8’s futuristic design and technology.Those attributes remain and, better still, prices now start at around $35,000. They’re reliable things, so concentrate on the condition of the body and doors.PRICE RANGE: $35,000 - $85,000AUDI R8The original Audi R8 remains a very popular dream car choice, and the styling still looks fresh today, nearly 20 years since the first generation car was unveiled.Best of all, you can now pick up an example with the sensational 4.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 for around $60,000. Examples with the Lamborghini-derived 5.2-litre V10 will cost you more, as will examples with the desirable gated 6-speed manual gearbox.PRICE RANGE: $55,000 - $175,000BMW M2 COMPETITIONAutocar awarded the M2 Competition four and a half stars and declared it one of the best driver’s cars of 2018, which makes owning one for around $40,000 a pretty exciting prospect.Manual examples will command a premium, as will the rare 'CS' variant.PRICE RANGE: $40,000 - $100,000FORD MUSTANGObviously, the real Mustang dream car is a 1968 GT 390 Fastback in Highland Green. However, in good, restored condition, classic Mustangs now demand a high price tag. So our pick is a standard sixth generation (S550) Mustang GT, which still absolutely qualifies for dream car status, but can easily be found for a much more attractive price.When buying, check that the interior is holding up, the clutch is good if the example has a manual gearbox, and that the 5.0-litre V8 engine isn’t rattly.PRICE RANGE: $20,000 - $55,000JAGUAR F-TYPEThe F-Type R’s 5.0-litre, 32-valve V8 packs 542bhp and 502lb ft, enough to catapult the car to 62mph in 4.0sec. Plus, the F-Type makes a great noise and looks amazing, both in convertible and coupé form.When buying, ensure the car has been recalled correctly for any problems, and check for issues with cam-chain tensioners, the fuel pump and the rear differential.PRICE RANGE: $30,000 - $135,000LAND ROVER DEFENDERDespite being old, slow and crude, for many people a Land Rover Defender is their dream car. For some, it’s the compact and chunky 90 model; for others, the longer and more practical 110.The Defender was taken off sale in the US after 1997, so there aren't too many examples to choose from. But, whatever you track down, we suggest that condition is more important than mileage.PRICE RANGE: $45,000 - $200,000LOTUS EVORAIn the Evora, Lotus design and chassis brilliance meets Toyota V6 reliability. Examples with the 'Sport' and 'Tech' packs get additional equipment such as a titanium exhaust, an upgraded media system and rear parking sensors.Check gear cables on early cars, the ECU for over-revving, signs of track abuse and the cabin for wear and tear.PRICE RANGE: $40,000 - $140,000PORSCHE 911 CARRERA SThe 997-series of the Porsche 911 built on the achievements of its predecessor, the 996, by being even better to drive and still reasonably compact. Plus, later cars were available with the brilliant PDK dual-clutch automatic gearbox, and models such as the Carrera S were still offered with a naturally-aspirated flat six engine, unlike the turbocharged variants of today.Bore scoring and IMS bearing failure were problems for both generations of the 997, but they were rare events and, in any case, many cars have since had pre-emptive fixes.PRICE RANGE: $35,000 - $90,000MASERATI GRANTURISMOThe noisy Maserati Granturismo is more than just an antisocial nuisance. It’s a four-seater, and the the ride and body control on standard suspension is impressive.Choose a well-serviced car, and avoid the optional and potentially troublesome Skyhook suspension. If your budget can stretch to the more expensive end of the Granturismo market, you could also go for the awesome, rare and even louder 'MC' variant.PRICE RANGE: $18,000 - $95,000BMW M3Powered by a characterful 3.2-litre straight-six engine, the E46-generation M3 is still one of our favourite M cars. However, it can have problems, including the risk of head gasket failure and the possibility of a worn rear axle carrier.Prices start at around $15,000, although that number will grow to be much larger if you’re interested in owning one of the very best examples.PRICE RANGE: $15,000 - $130,000BENTLEY CONTINENTAL GT SPEEDThese days, for almost half the price of some of the latest fast hatchbacks on offer, you could instead grab yourself a 610bhp, 202mph, W12-powered Bentley.These cars have already done most of their depreciation, so you're unlikely to lose much if you decide to take the pludge. Maintenance will of course be very expensive, though, so look for examples with a full dealer/specialist service history to avoid any nasty surprises.PRICE RANGE: $40,000 - $80,000BMW M5There are many great M5s, but most enthusiasts of a certain age would agree the E39 of 1998 -2003 is the best. It certainly makes a case for itself, with timeless styling and a 4.9-litre V8 coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox.Today, the best examples of this legendary car cost significantly more than $100,000, but high-mileage examples start at around $25,000. The E39 M5 is tough, but the steering and suspension need careful checking.PRICE RANGE: $25,000 - $150,000BMW Z3 M COUPETo create the Z3 M Coupé, BMW engineers took the Z3 roadster, attached a solid roof to it, and then borrowed the 3.2-litre straight six from the E36-gen M3. However, given the polarising looks, they were slow sellers, making them a rare sight today.However, because of this, the Z3 M Coupé is now considered a cult car. For the very best examples, you’ll need as much as $100,000, but you can still find them for much less than that for the time being.PRICE RANGE: $40,000 - $100,000MERCEDES-BENZ SLThe Mercedes SL 55 AMG would look at home both on the Riviera and the Autobahn; it’s two cars in one, with its sophisticated V8 engine and folding metal roof.Repairs and maintenance aren’t cheap, so buy the best you can, taking care to check the engine isn’t leaking oil or coolant, the electrics and suspension system are working, the aluminium body is dent-free and the roof operates smoothly.PRICE RANGE: $25,000 - $65,000