Manual sports cars are somewhat of a dying breed, as most owners today either prefer the ease of an auto or sometimes even don't know how to drive a stick at all. Many cars no longer come with manual options, but even so, whether a buyer is looking for a new or used vehicle, there's still a good amount of choices left on the market.

Subscribe To Our YouTube Channel

Manual sports cars don't have to cost the Earth either: it's surprisingly easy to find one for under $30,000, sometimes much less. They'll all offer a much more engaging driving experience than an automatic ever could, and they're great fun both to throw around a track or just to daily drive. Let's take a look at ten of the best options out there right now for those who agree that a manual gearbox just can't be beaten.

RELATED: 10 Insanely Depreciated Supercars We'd Actually Buy

10 Honda S2000

Honda S2000
Via Mecum

Honda's high-revving sports car has had a dedicated fan club since it was released, and that's because it offers an experience different from anything else out there. It's not the fastest of cars though, and enthusiasts disagree about its handling.

Honda S2000
Via Mecum

Some would argue that it's too snappy when it loses grip, especially on earlier models. But, many owners think that compromise is well worth it as its engine is completely unique. Redline sits at 8,800 rpm, and it's addictive to try and use all of those revs whenever drivers get the chance.

9 Subaru BRZ

Subaru BRZ
Via Reddit

Cheap, cool, and a future classic, the BRZ is one-half of Subaru and Toyota's joint sports car project, and it's an all-round great option. It's one of the best affordable sports cars out there, and it's actually possible to buy a new 2020 model year car for just $28,845.

Subaru BRZ
Via Reddit

Used models tend to hold their value quite well, and thanks to Japanese reliability, BRZs can easily clock over 100,000 miles without needing major repair. The only catch is that there's a new generation of the BRZ set to arrive in 2022, so it might be worth holding out for that if buyers can wait the extra few months.

8 Ford Mustang

Ford Mustang
Via Ford

The best part about the Ford Mustang is that given how popular it is, there's a huge amount of choice for used cars out there. There are a few model years worth avoiding, but on the whole, finding a good used manual 'Stang for under budget won't be tricky at all.

2021 Ford Mustang convertible driving on the road front
Via Auto Trader UK

They're also some of the most hassle-free sports cars to buy, as they're generally pretty reliable and maintenance is very easy. It's hardly going to be the most head-turning car at a meet, but for an easy-but-fun sports car experience, it's difficult to fault a Mustang.

7 Honda Civic Type R

Honda Civic Type R
Via Collecting Cars

A family hatchback with sports car performance, the Honda Civic Type R has long been a favorite among JDM and track day fans alike. Every generation of the car has made incremental improvements upon the last, but even much earlier models are still great fun to drive.

RELATED: These Are The Coolest Features Found In The 2021 Honda Civic Type R

Honda Civic Type R
Via Collecting Cars

A new Type R will start at around $38k, so it's well out of the $30k budget. But, it only takes a few years for these Civics to depreciate to within the price range. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine puts power out through a six-speed manual, and only to the front wheels. That might be a red flag for some buyers, but although it's FWD, the Type R manages to have excellent handling even when being pushed on a track.

6 BMW M3 E36

BMW M3 E36
Via BMW M

The E36 M3 is currently the cheapest generation of M3 on the market, although exactly why is a mystery. It's widely regarded as one of the best-handling M3s, it's got that retro nostalgia that collectors love, and it's an appreciating classic too.

BMW M3 E36
Via Bring a Trailer

It's a very popular choice for project car builders, which means most cheaper examples will have had some form of aftermarket work done. However, even much nicer examples probably still won't break $30k, so they're the ones to get.

5 Mazda Miata

Mazda Miata RF
Via Mazda USA

The Miata is one of the best-selling sports cars of all time, and it's not difficult to see why. It's a winning combination of cheap, fun, and durable. It's also one of the most versatile sports cars, as there's every kind of build out there from track-day specials to even off-road Miatas.

Mazda Miata RF
Via Mazda USA

Convertible Miatas start at $26,580, which means they're another option for buying new within the all-important $30,000 budget. Alternatively, buyers can find a used example that's a little cheaper and then have some money left over to customize it to their tastes.

4 Nissan 370Z

Via: NISSAN 370Z

Nissan's 370Z has been around for a long time now, with the first model year being 2009. It's showing its age in some respects, with a dated cabin even in the newest versions of the car. However, for anyone looking for an old-school sports car experience, it's a pretty good option.

Nissan 370Z
Via Wikimedia Commons

It feels a lot more analog to drive than many of its market rivals, and of course, it still comes with a 6-speed manual option. Older model years of the 370z can be found for around half of the $30,000 budget, which leaves plenty of cash for maintenance and general running costs.

3 BMW M Roadster

BMW M Roadster
Via Hemmings

The BMW M Roadster was the high-performance version of the Z3 and Z4, and two generations of the car were made. Both generations came with a manual transmission and a 3.2-liter I6 engine.

RELATED: Ranking The 10 Best BMW "M" Models To Buy Used

BMW M Roadster
Via Mecum

They've won a lot of praise for both their handling and performance capabilities, including being named Top Gear's ‘Best Driver's Car’ in 2000. Examples today can easily be found within budget, so like with many of the other cars on this list, it's best to pay a little more for a top-condition car to get the best resale value and reliability.

2 Porsche Cayman

Porsche 718 Cayman
Via Carnexions Motor Co

The little brother of the 911 is a very impressive beast in itself, and more than capable of taking on cars that cost twice as much. The first generation of Cayman came out in 2006, and those early models can now be found for way under the $30,000 budget.

Porsche 718 Cayman
Via Carnexions Motor Co

Even later models won't break the bank, but every generation will be equally fun to drive, especially with that manual gearbox. The Cayman is mid-engined and either RWD, which is arguably the perfect setup for a lightweight performance car.

1 Lotus Elise

Lotus Elise
via Belgie Mobiel

Finding a Lotus Elise under $30k will be a challenge, but with some shrewd negotiation, it's possible to buy a used one within budget. The formula for the Elise hasn't changed much since the car was first released in 1996, and that's because it hasn't needed to.

The rear of the latest Elise
media.lotuscars.com

It's a simple, bare-bones car, but it's one of the most engaging driver's cars of recent times. The Elise won't be as fast as many other comparably priced performance cars, but it's hard not to love the experience of rowing through the gears on back roads, and pushing that Toyota engine for all it's worth.

NEXT: These Cool '90s Sports Cars Forever Remained Under Everyone's Radar