That Sweet Spot Where Dad Car & Dream Car Intersect
Have you always dreamed of owning a sports car? What if we told you that it may be more attainable than you think? You don't necessarily have to give up fun for function when buying a car. There are many budget-friendly options that are zippy, powerful, and have that iconic sports car aesthetic. Here are 20 of our favorite sports cars with the best value.
1. Mazda Miata
Not only is the Mazda Miata the cutest little sports car out there, but it'll only set you back around $30,000 new, or $20,000 on the used market. For a car so small, it packs a punch, with 181 horsepower, and a 0 to 60 miles-per-hour time of only 6.6 seconds.
2. Ford Mustang
The quintessential American muscle car, the Ford Mustang has a starting price of $33,000, making it a surprisingly sensible buy. Its iconic V8 engine packs 480 horsepower and a top speed of 202 miles per hour.
3. Toyota GR86
The snazzy look of the Toyota GR86 certainly makes it dream car-worthy, but its price point of about $30,000 makes it attainable too. It has a 228 horsepower engine, a top speed of 140 miles-per-hour, and a 0 to 60 miles-per-hour time of 6.1 seconds.
4. BMW Z4
With a price tag of $55,000, the BMW Z4 is one of the highest-priced vehicles on this list, but for that extra dough, you get a lot more power. This baby has a top speed of 156 miles per hour and can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.9 seconds. Not to mention it's a head-turner.
5. Chevrolet Corvette
The Chevrolet Corvette's beautiful voluptuous build makes it look like a much more expensive car than it is. You can get your hands on a new one for around $60,000, but on the used market it's only around $17,000. It's equipped with a V8 engine that can go from 0 to 60 in just 4.2 seconds and has a top speed of 200 miles per hour.
6. Audi TT
A new Audi TT costs around $56,000 but the average price of a used one is just over $15,000. This zippy ride has a top speed of 155 miles per hour and can go from 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds.
7. Alpine A110
With a price tag of around $68,000, the Alpine A110 barely fits into the category of an affordable sports car. However, given its performance and the price of other cars in its class, we would say it's a steal. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 in 4.2 seconds, has a top speed of 171 miles per hour, and has pristine aerodynamics and handling.
8. Nissan Z
The Nissan Z is a legendary sports car with a shockingly reasonable price tag of only $42,000. Its V6 engine delivers 400 horsepower and a 0 to 60 miles-per-hour time of 3.9 seconds.
9. Chevrolet Camaro
The Camaro has a place in the hearts of muscle car enthusiasts everywhere, and for good reason. It has a 304 horsepower V6 engine under its hood. Starting at only around $32,000, all that power and prestige comes at a surprisingly reasonable price.
10. Nissan 350Z
This sleek Japanese sports car has become a favorite among sports car enthusiasts for its power and reliability. They start around $45,000 new and are equipped with an impressive 305 horsepower V6 engine.
Patrik Storm (Alstra Pictures) on Unsplash
11. BMW M2
The BMW M2 has a higher price tag of around $66,000 new; however, for that price, you get an extremely dynamic, powerful, and luxurious vehicle, making it a great value. It's equipped with a 473 horsepower twin-turbo engine that takes it from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds.
12. Fiat 124 Spider
Don't be fooled by its size, the Fiat Spider is a feisty little machine with a 160 horsepower engine. Although no longer in production, you can get your hands on a used one for just $15,000.
13. Mini Cooper S
The Mini Cooper S puts the S in sports car. It's super fun and sporty to drive and its 201 horsepower engine packs 221 pound-feet of torque. It starts at $26,000.
14. Scion FR-S
Although the Scion FR-S was discontinued in 2016, you can get one used for around $25,000. It has a reputation for being one of the most reliable and agile budget-friendly sports cars on the market.
15. Toyota MR2 Mk3
The Toyota MR2 Mk3 is equal parts icon and performance. Its sporty look and feel are complemented by a compact 130-horsepower engine. Although discontinued, you can get your hands on one for as little as $15,000 on the used market.
16. Alfa Romeo GT V6
In addition to being the classiest looking car on this list, the Alfa Romeo GT V6 has a 237 horsepower V6 engine with a bite. They're pretty rare to find, but if you do happen to see one on the used market, we'd recommend snatching it up as these are likely to appreciate significantly.
17. Subaru BRZ
This spiffy-looking sports car has a high-reliability score and a relatively low price tag, coming in at just $31,000. It is equipped with a 228 horsepower engine and responsive steering that makes it a top choice for speedsters.
Patrik Storm (Alstra Pictures) on Unsplash
18. Volkswagen GTI
It may not look like a sports car but with its turbocharged 241 horsepower engine, it sure does handle like one. With a price tag of only $33,000, it's a great choice for drivers who don't want to sacrifice fun for function.
19. Hyundai Elantra N
Hyundai isn't a brand often associated with sports cars, but the Elantra N suggests otherwise. Sleek yet versatile, this car packs a punch with its 4-cylinder, 147-horsepower engine. You can get one new for only around $32,000.
20. Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Although discontinued, the Hyundai Genesis is fondly remembered for its performance and reliability. Its V6 engine packs 348 horsepower. Far from obsolete, you can get one of these babies for only around $11,000 on the used car market.
