Assume You Can’t Afford a Sports activities Automobile? These Rides Beneath $30K Show You Flawed

For a lot of driving fanatics, the need for a correct sports activities automotive runs deeper than a necessity for pace or standing — it’s concerning the expertise. And the expertise isn’t all about energy both — a light-weight chassis, mechanical connection, and a soothing exhaust be aware are greater than sufficient to maintain you foolish with a smile. Carving corners in a sluggish, low-cost, partaking sports activities automotive is much extra fulfilling than a fast, watered-down electrical car, for instance.

Sadly, in a world dominated by crossovers and SUVs, sports activities vehicles have turn out to be a luxurious few might afford. And for the reason that significance of a spec sheet overshadows that of any subjective issue, 0 to 60 mph instances have turn out to be extra necessary than a enjoyable driving expertise.

Happily, all hope isn’t misplaced, and driving bliss doesn’t need to break the bank. If you understand the place to look, you’ll discover loads of inexpensive sports activities vehicles on the market on the used market — all beneath $30,000.

How We Selected The Entries

Each automotive on this listing might be discovered for beneath $30,000, primarily based on its Kelley Blue E-book (KBB) Typical Itemizing Value. In circumstances the place the KBB worth doesn’t replicate real-world market circumstances, a median worth primarily based on Vehicles.com is used as a substitute.

Entries are restricted to conventional compact sports activities vehicles with solely two doorways that prioritize enjoyable over all the pieces else. Which means no muscle vehicles, no sizzling hatches, and no high-end efficiency vehicles just like the Porsche 911. And to maintain issues truthful, we’re solely together with one Mazda MX-5 Miata.

To make sure these vehicles are actually meant for driving fanatics, we went by way of dozens {of professional} critiques from trusted sources, together with Automobile and Driver, MotorTrend, Edmunds, Prime Gear, and revered impartial reviewers.

2000 Honda Prelude Kind SH – $4,492

I do know that some might argue that front-wheel-drive sports activities vehicles aren’t true sports activities vehicles. I acknowledge you received’t have the ability to swing the tail round until you could have some sacrificial plastic trays close by. Nonetheless, the Prelude Kind SH is a blast to drive, simply ask Scott Oldham at Automobile and Driver. Its high-revving naturally aspirated four-banger produces 200 horsepower (hp).

It’s additionally the most cost effective entry in our article immediately. There are numerous Preludes on the market, some in higher situation than others. However KBB reckons the common Kind SH mannequin needs to be listed for about $4,500.

2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe – $5,902

Most people who find themselves out there for an inexpensive sports activities automotive for beneath $10,000 have checked out the Nissan 350Z. It’s rear-wheel-drive, has a strong V6 engine, and prices pennies on the dime. That stated, the 350Z has a extra luxurious, mechanical twin, the Infiniti G35.

Automobile and Driver says the 280-hp G35 is simply as a lot enjoyable because the 350Z, however comes with the advantage of rear seats and extra cargo area. And naturally, the G35 aged far more gracefully than the Z. It’s best to discover the common Infiniti G35 listed for just below $6,000.

2005 BMW 330Ci Coupe – $6,318

A big chunk of automotive fanatics imagine the BMW E46 M3 is the perfect automotive of all time. However a excessive demand leads to a excessive worth. With that in thoughts, why not take into account its barely much less highly effective brother, the 330Ci? It’s price mentioning {that a} small handful of people, like JayEmm on Vehicles, go so far as to say it’s higher than its mighty M3 brother.

Just like the M3, the 330Ci is rear-wheel-drive and advantages from a wholesome straight-six engine with 225 hp. After all, it received’t be as visceral because the M3, however in case you’re after one thing a tad extra tame, it gives glorious bang in your buck, with the everyday 2005 mannequin listed for $6,300.

2000 Audi TT – $6,570

Some TT fashions got here with front-wheel drive, and others got here with all-wheel drive. Irrespective of the drivetrain, the TT’s 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four and five-speed handbook are greater than sufficient to maintain you grinning from ear to ear, with Automobile and Driver’s Dworn saying the TT is “a really cool automotive that’s genuinely enjoyable to drive.”

The Audi TT was the right alternative for these wanting a not-so-serious sports activities automotive that simply delivers pleasure. On common, you’ll discover a 2000 mannequin 12 months TT listed for simply over $6,500, in response to KBB.

2003 Acura RSX Kind-S – $7,551

The Acura Integra GS-R is without doubt one of the most sought-after front-wheel-drive sports activities vehicles cash should buy. That’s precisely why it prices an arm and a leg in immediately’s day and age. Happily, you should buy its religious successor, the RSX Kind S, for a fraction of what an Integra would value you.

Based on MotorTrend, the Kind S fills the Integra’s boots fairly effectively with its 200-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that redlines at 7,900 rpm. KBB experiences that you just’ll discover the vast majority of the RSX Kind S fashions listed for $7,500,

2000 BMW Z3 2.8 Roadster – $7,713

The BMW Z3 starred within the 1995 Bond movie, GoldenEye. So, not solely is it one of many most cost-effective methods to get behind the wheel of a Bond film automotive, but in addition an inexpensive approach to personal an attractive sports activities automotive. Edmunds proprietor critiques reward the Z3 for its dealing with traits, efficiency, and reliability, particularly these fitted with a 193-hp 2.8-liter straight-six.

And because of depreciation, these basic German sports activities vehicles are extra inexpensive than ever, with the everyday itemizing worth being $7,700. There’s no scarcity of used Z3s, however be sure you get one which was correctly maintained.

2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata – $8,176

In all honesty, you should buy any technology Mazda Miata and relaxation assured you’re driving a real fanatic sports activities automotive with out breaking the financial institution. Whereas the first-generation NA is the most cost effective approach to get right into a Miata, I’d urge you to take a look at the second-generation NB as a substitute.

MotorTrend’s Jean Jennings claims it ticks all of the bins the NA does, however comes with much less weight and extra energy on the expense of its pop-up headlights. In some situations, you’ll discover NB Miatas promoting for lower than equal NA examples, with the common 2004 mannequin listed for practically $8,200. And naturally, with it being a Mazda, you possibly can count on upkeep prices to be inexpensive too.

2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP – $8,268

The Pontiac Solstice is an American efficiency automotive that many forgot about. In its prime trim degree, referred to as the GXP, the Solstice includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 260 hp and 260 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. Automobile and Driver’s Tony Swan referred to as the GXP “arguably probably the most partaking entry on the inexpensive finish of the sports-car spectrum”.

Listed for $8,300 on common, it gives glorious worth for cash. But when its exterior styling isn’t fairly to your style, you may additionally take into account its mechanical twin, the Saturn Sky Redline, for $1,500 extra.

2008 BMW 135i – $8,538

The BMW 1M is taken into account by many to be among the many best M vehicles of all time. However as you’d count on, it comes at a premium. Subsequently, I’d recommend trying out its barely subtler brother, 135i. Automobile and Driver discovered their take a look at automotive to do 0 to 60 mph in solely 4.7 seconds. After all, its efficiency shouldn’t come as an enormous shock contemplating its tiny physique and 300-hp twin-turbo 3.0-liter straight-six, referred to as the N54.

KBB experiences that the everyday itemizing worth for considered one of these pocket rockets hovers round $8,500. Though the N54 is without doubt one of the much less dependable BMW engines, the 135i stays a tempting efficiency discount.

2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder – $8,562

At its core, the MR2 is Toyota’s mid-engined rival to the Mazda Miata. Automobile and Driver’s Barry Winfield stated that after spending a while with the MR2 Spyder that its mid-engined format makes it a vastly completely different expertise from the Miata — however not on the expense of enjoyable.

With a curb weight of about 2,200 lbs and 138 hp, it’s one of many lightest sports activities vehicles on this article. And with used examples usually listed for round $8,500, it’s additionally one of many most cost-effective methods to get four-wheeled enjoyable.

2006 Chrysler Crossfire SRT-6 – $11,701

Regardless of what its badge might have you ever imagine, the Crossfire shares a platform with the R170-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK. The Merc would have earned itself a spot on this article, however it’s a extra critical sports activities automotive than the Chrysler. In SRT-6 trim, Automobile and Driver experiences the Crossfire advantages from a 3.2-liter supercharged V6 that produces 325 hp — greater than sufficient to demand your consideration.

KBB states the common 2006 SRT-6 mannequin is listed for $11,700. However in case you don’t take care of energy and solely need the eye-catching design, you’ll find much less highly effective, base fashions for considerably cheaper, too.

2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe – $12,872

Imagine it or not, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a powerful contender within the inexpensive sports activities automotive section. With rear-wheel-drive, a 348-hp V6, and a six-speed handbook gearbox, you’ll discover it’s far more enjoyable than you’d assume. Edmunds proprietor critiques corroborate with the vast majority of them praising its worth proposition.

You’ll discover 2016 mannequin 12 months Genesis Coupes, fitted with the three.8-liter V8, listed at just below $13,000. And since it’s not even ten years outdated, you’ll take pleasure in fashionable tech and security options.

1985 Porsche 944 – $13,700

I do know that is an oddball, however some driving fanatics choose outdated vehicles over something from the twenty first century. Whereas there’s a plethora of decisions on the market, the Porsche 944 is without doubt one of the most unusual, fun-to-drive vehicles cash should buy. It’s such a gem that Automobile and Driver claimed it was “the best-handling automotive in America” in October 1984.

Similar to all good issues, it comes at a premium, sadly. KBB didn’t have an correct typical itemizing worth for the Porsche 944. Subsequently, I discovered that the common used instance listed on Vehicles.com was just below $14,000.

2002 Porsche Boxster S – $14,921

For some, the Porsche Boxster appears unattainable. Happily, the 986-generation Boxster S has depreciated sufficient for it to be inexpensive. In S trim, the Boxster comes outfitted with a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter flat-six that churns out practically 250 hp. When describing the Boxster, Prime Gear stated, “It merely works with you in a deeply satisfying approach.”

Based on KBB, the common 2002 Boxster S is listed for lower than $15,000. To make the deal even sweeter, Revolution Porsche Specialists says that the 986 Boxster is mostly dependable, however shopping for one with a full service historical past is essential.

2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth – $16,548

The newest-generation Mazda Miata is a good worth for cash sports activities automotive. Nonetheless, it’s virtually turn out to be a cliche at this level. So, if you wish to stand out from the gang, take into account the Fiat 124 Spider — an Italian sports activities automotive that shares the ND Miata’s platform. MotorTrend examined the Abarth variant and located the 124 Abarth wasn’t fairly as balanced because the Miata, however was a bundle of pleasure in each different side.

As a substitute of a naturally aspirated engine, the 124 makes use of a turbocharged 1.4-liter engine that produces 164 hp. It’s best to discover used 124 Abarths listed in the marketplace for round $16,500.

2014 Nissan 370Z – $18,303

We’ve already coated the Nissan 350Z’s extra refined brother — subsequent in line is its successor, the 370Z. Though Edmunds doesn’t love the V6’s harsh sound, they’re impressed with its 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque. And because it’s rear-wheel-drive, with most fashions that includes a stick shift, it adheres to the normal fun-to-drive sports activities automotive recipe.

Regardless of costing about triple the value of an outdated Infiniti G35, the Nissan 370Z is an enormous enchancment over its predecessor. Subsequently, it’s nonetheless thought of inexpensive, regardless of its typical itemizing worth of $18,300.

2017 BMW M240i – $21,400

Though your coronary heart may yearn for an older BMW M2, I’d suggest taking a deep breath and searching on the M-Lite various, the M240i. Positive, it won’t have an M badge, however it nonetheless affords impeccable efficiency due to its dependable B58 engine. When Automobile and Driver bought behind the wheel, they discovered the M240i does 0 to 60 mph simply 0.3 seconds slower than the equal M2 — 4.3 seconds.

For those who’re keen to accept an M-Lite, you’ll end up behind the wheel of a compact BMW sports activities automotive with 335 hp. Some M240i fashions got here with a six-speed handbook, making the driving expertise much more partaking. KBB experiences that the common 2017 mannequin 12 months M240i is listed for $21,400.

2015 Lexus RC 350 – $21,598

Often, the Lexus model is barely related to the aged and people after a elaborate Toyota. Nonetheless, Lexus builds a fun-to-drive sports activities automotive once in a while, with the RC being a first-rate instance. Albeit not the bonkers RC F, the RC 350 nonetheless packs a good punch with its 306-hp V6. Automobile and Driver’s Ok.C. Colwell stated the all-wheel-drive RC 350 was partaking and had “good physique management and a well-damped suspension”.

After all, these aren’t qualities you essentially crave from a full-blown driver’s automotive, however it’s traits you’d like to have in your day by day driver sports activities automotive. The everyday itemizing worth for a ten-year-old RC 350 is $21,500.

2022 Subaru BRZ – $22,497

Similar to its predecessor, the second-generation Subaru BRZ is an inexpensive, fun-to-drive, stickshift sports activities automotive. Automobile and Driver’s Jamie Kitman and Mike Sutton stated it improved on its predecessor’s shortcomings, whereas retaining the highlights like its shifter really feel and light-weight weight.

The BRZ and its near-identical twin, the Toyota GR86, profit from an upgraded flat-four engine that places out 228 hp. However for some cause, the common itemizing worth of a used BRZ of $22,500 is $2,000 lower than the Toyota GR86.

2002 Honda S2000 – $22,361

The Honda S2000 is many fanatics’ dream automotive. Automobile and Driver’s Larry Webser had an absolute blast behind the wheel of 1, explaining that the S2000’s magic sits in chasing its 240-hp four-cylinder’s excessive 8,900-rpm redline, and confidence-inspiring dealing with traits. Even Doug DeMuro stated the Honda S2000 lives as much as its hype, with considered one of his favourite elements of the S2000 being the shifter.

With the Honda S2K being an iconic sports activities automotive, they’re fairly expensive. The common itemizing worth for one is $22,300 — fairly the chunk of change for a 20-year-old Japanese sports activities automotive.

2010 Porsche Cayman S – $28,823

The 987.2 Cayman S is the perfect bang-for-your-buck used Porsche sports activities automotive cash should buy. It won’t be as prestigious as a 911, however its 320-hp flat-six will grant you a lot extra smiles than an IMS restore invoice on a high-mileage 996. When Automobile and Driver in contrast the Cayman S to a C7 Corvette Grand Sport and a Lotus Evora, they topped the Cayman because the winner, describing it as a mix of “the onerous edges of a pure sports activities automotive with the comfort we’ve come to count on in fashionable vehicles”.

Regardless of being greater than a decade outdated, the facelifted 987 Cayman aged like superb wine. But, in conventional European sports activities automotive trend, the Cayman has plummeted in worth. Consequently, the common itemizing worth for a 987.2 Cayman S is lower than $30,000.

The Inexpensive Sports activities Automobile Conundrum

A real sports activities automotive isn’t outlined solely by a spec sheet or a price ticket — it’s extra difficult than that. Efficiency issues, after all, however various things resonate with completely different fanatics. Some are drawn to a symphonic exhaust noise, others to the satisfaction of shifting their very own gears, or the enjoyment of carving canyon roads with the highest down.

Satirically, these very experiences are what many fashionable sports activities vehicles, with all their expertise and hefty worth tags, usually fail to ship. And that’s precisely why so many driving fanatics flip to used sports activities vehicles. They’re not simply extra inexpensive; they’re downright extra enjoyable.