Many of us dream of owning a sports car to toss around canyon roads or the safer confines of a track. It is, unfortunately, an expensive undertaking, especially if we take a look at the new car market, sports cars considered affordable start at around the $50,000 mark.
So, the vast majority of us have to relegate this to pipe dreams and move on with our practical family cars. This sad reality need not be so sad, and to our rescue comes the used car market! There are more good options than you might think. So, if you would be willing to spend less on your family car (or cars for most people), you could well make room in your garage for that dream sports car.
Following are 15 sports cars where every cent went into making the car faster, more fun, and more enjoyable on the road, without any expensive or necessary features.
15 Lotus 7 Replica: $20,000
The Lotus or Caterham 7 has been built as a kit car for decades, and there are both really good professionally built examples on the used market and kits available at this price. It is also worth noting that these cars use fairly inexpensive components, being more focused on their power-to-weight ratio, bringing maintenance costs low too.
14 Honda S2000: $15,000
Not many were convinced by the S2000 when it first came onto the market, but it has really stood the test of time. It has actually held its value rather well compared to other cars from this era. That being said, finding one in great condition is not the easiest of tasks, but well worth it.
13 DF Goblin: $13,000
This little kit car is not for the faint-hearted. At this price point, it would require some decent mechanical skills and a garage to assemble. Based on the Chevrolet Cobalt SS, the 260-horsepower engine found a new home in a 1500-pound frame. That's more horsepower per pound than a Corvette has. Approach with caution!
12 Triumph Spitfire: $5,000
This little car has a huge following, being popular with so many sports car clubs and classic car enthusiasts. Though it may not have a bunch of horsepower under the hood stock, its beautiful classic design paired with its cornering capabilities makes it a great choice for the price.
11 Alfa Romeo GTV-6: $12,000
One of the most beautiful classic coupes on this list, this '80s legend puts down respectable power through the rear wheels and handles far better than most '90s sports cars thanks to the advanced de Dion rear suspension. This was a car well ahead of its time, but it is unmistakably an Alfa Romeo with all the quirks that go along with it.
10 Fiat 124 Spider: $11,000
This Pininfarina-designed beauty is a whole lot of fun to drive, especially with the top down on a windy road. If you are able to keep it in good shape it will also increase in value as an added bonus.
9 1994 Dodge Viper R/T 10: $25,000
This has to be one of the most iconic cars from the '90s, blowing away all its competition with astonishing performance for the money. You can find good examples of the first-gen Vipers for less than a new crossover, just be sure the good car really is in fact good!
8 Alfa Romeo Spider: $10,000
With a lot of the early models fetching huge sums of money, it is pretty hard to believe you can still find good examples for less than $10,000. Full of personality, it is well worth a look and you will surely be rewarded if you find the right car. The wrong one may bring pain and suffering, though!
7 Mazda RX-8: $9,000
Though it is pretty easy to find an RX-8 for a lot less, walk away. Pay the right amount of money for a good example and that characterful rotary will reward you with its amazing soundtrack to blistering speed. This is another car that requires a service record.
6 Toyota MR2: $9,000
Not exactly the first car people will think of when talking about Toyota, or any of their performance cars. It should be though, it is a proper lightweight mid-engine sports car, which can really deliver a lot of bang for buck.
5 Nissan 300ZX: $9,000
The twin-turbo version is a monster, with fantastic performance for the price. It also has a 90's size turbo lag, so it is rather important to get your cornering right. These cars have a lot going for them, but be sure to spend money on one that has service records!
4 Mazda MX-5 Miata: $7,000
For sure, the Miata isn't everyone's favorite, but there is no denying it is a quality product. It is a true everyday sports car, with great reliability and a lightweight chassis that will get you through the corners at pretty much any speed its slightly under-powered engine can produce.
3 Nissan 350Z: $6,000
With the 370Z still on the market, it is a testament to the staying power of this particular model. The 350Z makes for an incredible bargain, it is going to get harder and harder to find unmolested examples, though, given the vehicle's popularity.
2 MG MGB GT: $4,500
Not exactly famed for reliability, but the fun factor makes up for that. The car clubs that follow the brand speak volumes for the car itself. The highest trim comes with a 3.5L V8, but the car's classic looks alone are worth the affordable price tag.
1 Ford Mustang 5.0: $4,000
A list like this would not be complete without a Mustang. In this case, it is the unloved 5.0. With almost no following to speak of, the prices have stayed low even for really well looked-after cars. This is a lot of car for the money. It may not be able to corner very well, but it is nevertheless a lot of fun.