Other than the ubiquitous Corvette, America’s favorite sports car, when it comes to sports cars we tend to look to Japan or Europe for the best of the best. And while Japan can offer cheap thrills in the form of the Subaru BRZ and even the Mazda Miata (one of the best Mazdas ever), it's Europe that usually combines the sportiest of rides with the plushest of luxury.
Obviously, European sports cars do not come cheap. In fact, most of them can cost quite a pretty penny so buying one of these is often an impossible dream for many. But if you are okay with buying a pre-loved sports car, then here go some cool options that won’t hurt your pocket. The style and substance will all be there, and the slight dings and dents only add character to a used sports car.
So which of these 10 expensive European sports cars that are now selling for peanuts has your attention?
10 2005 BMW Z4: Under $8,000
The BMW Z4 replaced the Z3 and comes with gorgeous styling and good looks, along with all the power and performance you need to get your jollies. The ride is smooth, like butter, and the 0-60 sprint of 7.1 seconds is cool enough thrills.
Especially since you can have one of these for less than $8,000, even if it comes a bit well used. While this is not a sports car that can raise your pulse to the cardiac arrest stage, it will add plenty of panache to your arrival.
9 2004 Porsche Boxster S: Under $15,000
The 2004 Porsche Boxster S is one very cool car, with a 3.2-liter flat-six engine that makes 258 horsepower and 229 ft-lb of torque. With a 0-62 mph sprint of 5.7 seconds and top speeds of 160-165 mph, depending on the transmission used, this is one of the coolest sports cars to have.
And for many automobile purists, it's nearly a classic, despite it being a 2004 model. It’s a Porsche, so it comes with a certain value added to your garage, and more than that, driving it is absolute pleasure. Quite the steal for anything under $15,000.
8 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG: Under $20,000
When you combine AMG with Mercedes-Benz, you get a luxury sports car that is nearly muscle under the hood. In 2003, the Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG cost almost $100,000. While that is a lot of money, this is a "lot of car" with an all-aluminum 5.5-liter V8 that jets 469 horses and rivaled the likes of the Aston Martin V12 and even the Ferrari 360 Modena.
And if you can get it today for less than $20,000, we’d say it's an utter steal. Thievery, nearly. The car is simply a legend.
7 2003 Jaguar XKR: Under $20,000
So this was during a time when Jaguar was considered to be one of the ultimate sports car makers and came with decent reliability scores. The Jaguar XKR was not only one very beautiful sports car, it also came with a 4.2-liter V8 that let it fly from 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds.
Introduced in 1999, the 2003 model boasted even better performance and tech while keeping all those good looks too. To get one of these for less than $20,000 is a lucky deal.
6 2011 BMW M3 Convertible: Under $22,000
The BMW M3 is nearly a legend considering its unparalleled performance and sleek lines, although, to many, it's nearly a sleeper because it looks very close to the standard 3 Series sedan. But once you get in, turn the ignition and press the pedal; this beastly wonder can take you 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds.
Pop the hood and you can see why considering its V8 jets a powerful 414 horses. An expensive car of its time, getting it for less than $22,000 is pure joy.
5 2003 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage: Under $25,000
So yes, the James Bond brand of cars comes rather dear. Of course, the DB7 is the one car that kept Aston Martin afloat because it is simply that good. Much like Bond himself, it packs a punch and yet is a smooth operator on the tarmac.
The Vantage came with a 6.0-liter V12 that jet an impressive 420 horsepower and an even more smiting 400 ft-lb of torque, letting it fly 0-62 mph in 4.9 seconds. If you get one for under $25,000, do not let it go.
4 2008 Maserati GranTurismo: Under $30,000
Some brand names generate thoughts of wads of cash dripping around, and one such is the Maserati, which basically never comes cheap. But if you are lucky enough, you can land a used 2008 Maserati GranTurismo for less than $30,000.
And for that amount, you get a 4.2-liter V8 that makes 405 horsepower and 339 ft-lb of torque. Being a GT, it’s a bit bigger than most sports cars and drives so smooth, you’d think you were flying. Nothing but pure excellence.
3 2012 Audi S5 Coupe: Under $20,000
The Audi S5 is an overall cool car, as a coupe or a convertible. Its 4.2-liter V8 makes an impressive 354 horses and 325 ft-lb of torque, letting it complete the requisite 0-62 mph sprint in 4.9 seconds. Do note that the convertible bears a different engine.
The coupe’s power mill is quietly confident and emits a gentle mumble rather than a thunderous growl, belying the actual power that it contains. For less than $20,000, the Audi S5 coupe from 2012 can be a very satisfying addition to your sports car dreams.
2 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider: Under $10,000
So okay, 1991 is a bit way back up the Boomer generation but the one good thing that came out of it was the Alfa Romeo Spider that carried a 2.0-liter inline-four, and jet some 120 horses as well as 117 ft-lb of torque. Being a rather small and lightweight car, it could hit 0-62 mph in 10.8 seconds.
Not bad for 1991, and the looks of this nifty little roadster more than make up for any lag in speed. For less than $10,000, the Alfa Romeo Spider can be a cool classic addition to your garage.
1 2007 Porsche Cayman S: Under $30,000
While we know $30,000 isn’t all that cheap, we are talking about a Porsche Cayman S here, and that too from the relatively recent 2007. Remember this was the car that ran circles around the Porsche 911 Carrera at the Nürburgring track, with its 3.4-liter six-cylinder that jetted 295 horses.
But it's not just about the speed with this car; it also came fuel savvy as compared to its rivals and rode on a suspension that just added to the whole awesomeness of the drive.
Sources: CarGurus, CarFax, iSeeCars