If you’re looking for a sports car to fulfill your need for speed on a budget, look no further. These vehicles deliver performance, handling, and sleek looks. They’re also reliable. Here are the 10 most affordable sports cars.
10. Mazda Miata: MSRP: $28,985
The Mazda MX-5 is the best-selling two-seat sports car in history, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It features a four-cylinder front mid-engine that delivers 181 HP and a 6-speed manual transmission. It’s known for reliability, so it’s a good buy used. Avoid the 1999 MX-5 due to its abnormally high oil consumption.
9. Subaru BRZ: MSRP: $30,195
The Subaru BRZ is the same car as the Toyota 86, a 2+2 fastback Coupe. It features a 2L engine delivering 197-204 HP, and a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox. It can reach 0-62 mph in 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 145 mph. It’s reliable and a good buy used, just avoid the 2013 model (valve spring recall).
8. Ford Mustang: MSRP: $31,920
As of 2022, the 7th generation Ford Mustang comes in a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged 4-cylinder with 315 hp, or GT ( V8 480–486 hp), or Dark Horse (500hp). A 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic transmission is available. Even the EcoBoost offers impressive acceleration (0-60 in <5s). If buying used, avoid 2005 (engine, fuel system, and electrical issues).
7. Volkswagen GTI MK7: MSRP: $31,965
The Volkswagen GTI MK7 has everything you could want in a sports car: Fun, speed, sportiness, and reliability. It reaches 0-60 in 5.7 seconds with its turbocharged engine that delivers 241 HP. A 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic is available. If purchasing used, avoid the 1999 Golf GTI (low power).
6. Chevrolet Camaro: MSRP: $32,495
Currently in its 6th generation, the Chevrolet Camaro comes in a 2-door coupe or convertible body style. It’s available in a 335 HP V6, a 455 HP V8 model, or the supercharged V-8 650-hp Camaro ZL1. It features either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. It’s a reliable vehicle. If buying used, the 1982 is the least powerful model.
5. Hyundai Genesis Coupe: MSRP: $42,750
Despite being a two-door coupe, it provides a spacious cabin for four passengers. The Genesis comes with either a turbocharged 2L i4 or a 3.8L V6. Transmissions range from 5, 6, and 8-speed manual or automatic. It’s known for its high reliability. However, if buying used, the most common issues are power steering failure and a rough idle.
4. Nissan 350Z: MSRP: $42,970
The sleek Nissan 350Z comes as either a 2-door hatchback coupe or a 2-door roadster. Its 3.5L V6 engine delivers 306 HP. It features either a 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic. It’s noted for its high reliability. However, if buying used avoid the 2005 model (Oil gallery gaskets cause massive internal oil leaks).
3. BMW M3: MSRP: $61,600
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the 3 series. Older models are available as a 2-door coupe or convertible with a 2.3-2.5L i4 engine and a 5-speed manual. The latest generation is a 4-door saloon or 5-door estate with a 3L twin turbo I6 and 6 or 8-speed transmission. If buying used avoid 1997 (Low-quality interior and lackluster engine).
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2. Chevrolet Corvette: MSRP: $68,300
As of 2008, the Chevrolet Corvette entered its 8th generation, featuring a 6.2L V8 generating 465 HP. 2024 introduced the C8 E-Ray hybrid with front-wheel drive electric motors for a combined 655 HP. The Corvette delivers impressive speed and handling. Generally, Corvettes are very reliable and had zero recalls. If buying used avoid 1984 (automatic transmission issues and bad interior).
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1. Porsche Boxtser: MSRP: $74,900
The Porsche Boxtser 718 is a mid-engine two-seat roadster. In its 4th generation, it introduced a 4L 6-cylinder delivering 394-414 HP. It comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox and the handling you’d expect from Porsche. It reaches 0-60 mph in four seconds. The Boxster received scores for reliability. If purchasing used, avoid 1999 (cooling system issues).
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