When we were young, the idea of getting a high-end, competitive sports car seemed like a certainty, rather than a possibility. However, as life goes on, it becomes clear that not every vehicle we want is so easily attainable.
The reality is, of course, disappointing for many - but it's not the end. Even if you're not a millionaire with a six-car garage, the automotive market is filled to the brim with choices for car enthusiasts/racers that won't break the bank. The problem, though, is that not everyone's aware of these great deals. So, to enlighten the public, here are thirteen used sports cars that are actually affordable (and two that are virtually priceless)...
15 Affordable: Porsche 911 Carrera (996) (~$17,000)
First off, we've got a somewhat controversial sports car: the 996 Porsche 911. Beforehand, Porsche's earlier 911 (the 993), as well as all the previous versions, were air-cooled unlike the newer 996's water-cooling. Hardcore Porsche purists were upset by the change, but it actually ended up helping the 911's reliability.
Right now, the 996 body style is in the sweet spot where it's at its lowest value, so jump at a deal soon if you're interested; lest you miss the chance.
14 Affordable: BMW Z3 Coupe (~$13,000)
A car that a litany of BMW fans nicknamed the "Clown Shoes Car" is, not surprisingly, more affordable than it should be. Obviously, we're talking about the BMW Z3 Coupe: a compact sports car with a strange profile, yet, parading a great M-tuned engine. The Z3 Coupe is sort of niche, so it isn't for everybody.
13 Affordable: Subaru WRX ($10,000 to $20,000)
The first Japanese vehicle on our list is the Subaru WRX: a WRC champion and all-around good looking sports car. Its signature four-cylinder boxer engine and all-wheel drive drivetrain make for a wonderful combo on and off the dirt. Though, maintenance can be tricky and expensive for Subarus most of the time, so make sure to purchase a good one!
12 Affordable: Chevrolet Corvette C5 (~$20,000)
Shortly after the Corvette C4, Chevrolet thought to modernize the Corvette even further; adding wider body panels, more power, and a sleeker exterior. The C5 was that early-2000's Corvette which served as the basis for the models we have nowadays. Yes, the outside is aesthetically pleasing, however, the real beauty is under the hood: Chevy's magical LS-series engines.
11 Affordable: BMW E46 M3 ($12,000)
Next to the BMW E30 M3, the newer E46 M3 is perceived by thousands to be the company's best work. Powered by the mighty S54 BMW M-tuned engine and a track-ready suspension/chassis layout, the E46 M3 proved to be more of a street-legal race car, not merely some snobby, over-priced, foreign machine.
10 Affordable: Toyota Supra MK III (~$9,000)
Even though the Mark III Toyota Supra isn't the prominent Mark IV, it is still a Supra with the renowned JZ-series engines. Although older than the 2JZ, the MK III's 1JZ-GTE is more than strong enough to put down a ton of power and (arguably) sound better than the later version.
All of this pales in comparison to the Mark III Supra's greatest trait: 1990's pop-up headlights!
9 Affordable: Nissan 370Z (~11,000)
Succeeding the likes of the 240Z, 280Z, 300ZX, and 350Z, the 370Z had a lot to live up to. Thankfully, though, Nissan didn't miss the mark. The 370Z has all the positive aspects of the compact 350Z sports car, just without some of the common problems associated with them. The exterior is far sharper, the engine significantly improved, and speed exceeding those before it.
8 Affordable: Mazda Miata ND (~$15,000)
If you're thinking about a cost-efficient sports car and the new Mazda Miata hasn't crossed your mind yet, then what are you doing? Since the first Miata (the NA), the MX-5 has reigned as one of the world's best convertible cruisers, daily drivers, tuners, and actual race cars.
The latest Mazda Miata is no different than before. All things on track or off, the Miata will surprise anyone who's unaware of its perfect 'motor sporting' platform.
7 Affordable: Volvo 850R Wagon (~$5,000)
Before you start wondering why a boring looking wagon is on this list of sports cars, please, hear us out. Although it may not look like it, the 850R Wagon was a British Touring Car Championship winner and popular family car/race car. The only knock against the 850R, though, is its front-wheel-drive setup, yet, the drivetrain isn't necessarily awful by any means.
6 Affordable: Ford Mustang SVT Cobra ($7,000)
As Mustang fans are well aware of, Ford loves to make tons of special editions for their sports car models, particularly the Mustang. One that started off in the '90s was the SVT Cobra series; spanning across almost a decade. The primary distinction between the GT and SVT Cobra is a build from Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT), which made the Mustang SVT Cobra the fastest Mustang out there until the later Shelby GT500.
5 Affordable: BMW E36 M3 (~$6,000)
In between the E30 M3 and the E46 M3 was another instance of Germany's superior engineering capabilities: the BMW E36 M3. The quick explanation of the E36 version is that it's a lot like the E46 M3, just with less power, a different body style, and older technology. Nevertheless, the E36 M3 still acted as an M3 should. As such, it shouldn't be overlooked when trying to find a good, cheap, sports car.
4 Affordable: Nissan 300ZX Twin-Turbo ($5,000 to $11,000)
Amongst the crowd of 180SX's, 200SX's, 240SX's, 240Z's, Silvia's, and so on, some of Nissan's greatest creations are all but forgotten by many. A car that appears to embody this is their 300ZX. It's a powerful twin-turbocharged Japanese missile that's relatively cheap. At least, when compared with others like the Toyota Supra, Nissan GT-R, and RX-7.
3 Affordable: Porsche Boxster (~$10,000)
Last, but certainly not least, is Porsche's convertible Boxster. To this day, the Boxster is still found in Porsche's catalog. The well-financed amongst us can splurge on the latest, several thousand-dollar, body style, but the rest must settle for the older versions. Even then, though, we shouldn't even call it settling, because the classic takes are still Porsches; meaning they're not lacking any of the standard Porsche quality and soul.
2 Priceless: Porsche 917K ($20 Million+)
This Porsche is a far cry from the one mentioned above. While the Boxster is affordable and mass-produced, the 917K is the exact opposite in every way. Only 20 were made, used for the sole intent of winning endurances races in Group C, along with the yearly Le Man's 24 Hours.
If you want one, you can get it by a few separate means: be a world-famous '70s race car driver, have millions of dollars, or be an amazing thief (Obviously, we don't recommend the latter).
1 Priceless: Ferrari 375 MM Scaglietti Coupe ($50 Million+)
In contrast to a majority of the wildly expensive classic Ferraris, the 375 MM Scaglietti Coupe is one of those extremely rare one-off models you'll (likely) never get a chance to actually see. Its history of victories and Scaglietti tuning makes this 375 MM a "unicorn" in every sense of the word!