What makes cars so special is the versatility and multipurpose nature they offer. Ultimately, their fundamental use is to transport people, but the thrill of driving a personal project that was once nothing more than a used car is alluring to many. The thought of turning a worn out lump of metal into your very own performance car is a feeling that gearheads will continue to enjoy until the end of time.

Updated July 2023: Enthusiasts never stop seeking cool used cars that they can modify and make their own, but with the constantly expanding network of options out there, which are the very best, reasonably priced cars to use as the foundations for your perfect build? This list contains as much variety as possible, ranging from cheap luxury cars, to legendary Japanese sports cars and even a few sleepers that nobody expects will make a good tuner.

Refusing to be content with the cars that come directly out of automakers’ factories, enthusiasts instead push car performance and aesthetics even further. It’s only human nature to want to get more out of something and to push it even further to the extreme. This is what modifying cars is all about.

While automakers may not look too fondly upon tuners for changing cars they already see as perfect, they depend on the modding community. Many cars they release fall short of the public’s expectation and don’t quite reach the higher standards people come to expect. The tuner, though, sees plenty of potential. The foundation of an incredible car is there; one just needs to coax it into something special. But that begs the question: which are the very best, affordably priced ones? Here are our findings.

We've used price data from Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and Bring a Trailer in compiling this list. In addition, we sourced performance data from respective manufacturer websites.

10 Lexus IS300

Estimated Used Price: $5,000

Front 3/4 view of a red IS300
Lexus

While Lexus itself isn’t considered to be the sportiest brand out there, the IS300 has turned out to be an anomalous result. Since its initial release in 1999, it has found huge popularity among tuners worldwide, and the main reason for that is the scope of tunability it offers. That, combined with its still fantastic looks, are two of the main reasons why we love the original Lexus IS300.

Lexus IS300 Engine Specs

Engine

3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve straight-six

Power

215-220 hp

Torque

218-220 lb-ft

0-60 MPH

7.1 seconds

Drive Type

RWD

Transmission

5-speed shiftable automatic

It's smaller and more agile than its other Lexus siblings, but still packs just as much power off the bat. The mid-lifecycle versions from the early 2000s contain just over 220 hp, courtesy of the legendary 2JZ three-liter straight-six engine that is well-regarded as a hugely modifiable engine that doesn’t break the bank. This is quite proven by the fact that you can find used Lexus IS300s for sale below $5,000, although for that price they will be fairly high mileage.

9 Subaru BRZ

Estimated Used Price: $13,500

Subaru BRZ, front, silver
Subaru

Is there a more popular choice for this particular topic at present? The step-sibling of the Toyota GT86, there’s no substantial difference between the two apart from the badging. The two-liter flat-four boxer unit puts out 200 hp, with a six-speed manual sending power through to the rear-wheels. The 2015 Subaru BRZ is a modern sports car bargain for so many reasons.

Subaru BRZ Engine Specs

Engine

2.0-liter flat-four

Power

200 hp

Torque

151 lb-ft

Drive Type

RWD

Transmission

6-speed manual

The 200 hp isn’t much, so the BRZ just begs to be properly tuned. It also provides plenty of talent in the corners, which can be significantly improved from meager power slides to full 90-degree tire shredding drifts with a bit more power. In the BRZ, Subaru has given us a JDM featherweight that truly wants to punch above its weight class, and with used 2013 Subaru BRZ Limited examples going for as low as $13,500, how can one ignore this car?

8 Mazda RX-7

Estimated Used Price: $9,500

Mazda RX-7 - Front
Mecum Auctions

Don’t get too excited here, we’re referring to the second-generation Savanna versions! But at the same time, that’s not a bad thing. They obviously don’t have as much potential (or appeal) as the screaming FDs, but the second-generation cars are special in their own right. Just have a detailed look back at the FC Mazda RX-7 for proof.

Mazda RX-7 Engine Specs

Engine

1.3-liter rotary engine

Power

160 hp

Torque

140 lb-ft

Drive Type

RWD

Transmission

5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic

Furthermore, you can own a superb example for under $10,000 without much searching, as evidenced by this 24-years-owned 1991 Mazda RX-7 Convertible 5-speed. This car represents the very beginning of the golden-age of JDM, without the ridiculous price tags often associated with said cars these days. The 1.3-liter rotary has an output of 160 hp and 140 lb-ft of torque, making this a great car to build to your heart’s content.

Related: These Beaters Will Obliterate The Mustang On The Race Track

7 Volkswagen Golf GTi

Estimated Used Price: $14,000

White 2016 Volkswagen Golf GTI ClubSport S  - Sideview
Volkswagen

The seventh-generation Golf is extremely popular among the wider community of drivers, but Volkswagen enjoys treating the smaller circle of car lovers to GTi versions of its iconic model. What’s more, the 2.0-liter turbocharged block in the MK7 models love being tuned, with the standard 210 hp easily touching 300 hp with a few upgrades.

Volkswagen Golf GTi Engine Specs

Engine

Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder

Power

210 hp (220 hp with performance pack)

Torque

258 lb-ft

Drive Type

FWD

Transmission

6-speed manual

Among the best and worst Volkswagen Golf GTi models over the years, the MK7 is definitely on the happier side of the spectrum. It’s actually more common to see tuned versions than it is to see standard examples, which should tell you just how favorable they are among gearheads. It is the perfect blank canvas to start with, all for about $13,995.

6 Subaru WRX

Estimated Used Price: $12,000

2003-Subaru-Impreza-WRX-sedan-(yellow)---side
Bring a Trailer
 

You can opt for any number of models throughout the '90s and 2000s here, but we’d like to settle for a 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX — something you could own for under $12,000 if the stars align in your financial favor. The bug eye cars have finally settled in pricing, and like most of the other fast Subies you can get, they offer huge potential in power while maintaining a superb four-wheel-drive layout.

Subaru WRX Engine Specs

Engine

Turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four

Power

227 hp

Torque

217 lb-ft

Drive Type

AWD

Transmission

5-speed manual; 4-speed automatic

A glance at what a 2003 Subaru Impreza WRX is worth today will show you that trim levels, mileage count and all the other usual characteristics can waver the price of one of these a fair amount, but if you find a good deal on one, you’ll be in possession of a super stable car which, if tuned right, could genuinely hunt down modern supercars on a windy mountain pass. What more could you ask for?

5 Pontiac Fiero GT

Estimated Used Price: $9,000

Red 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT
Mecum Auctions

The Pontiac Fiero GT is like something out of a kid’s Hot Wheels collection. Its classic styling and race car-like aesthetic provide a platform that could lead to some intriguing possibilities. The 2.8-liter V6 is a great block to progress with, and combined with a bit of weight shedding, you could have yourself a fiery back road menace on your hands.

Pontiac Fiero GT Engine Specs

Engine

2.8-liter V6

Power

135-140 hp

Torque

165-170 lb-ft

Drive Type

RWD

Transmission

5-speed manual; 4-speed manual

The public has given it a fair share of criticism over the years, but Pontiac Fiero GT prices are increasing steadily now as critics that once snapped at it are realizing that there are the underpinnings of a seriously interesting project car here. You can grab yourself a 1986 Pontiac Fiero GT five-speed for under $10,000 now, but this will, inevitably, become a smaller possibility as time goes on. Who knows, maybe you’ll be taking one into space, like in the next Fast & Furious movie?

Related: 10 European Sleepers We'd Buy Over An American Muscle Car Any Day

4 Mazda RX-8

Estimated Used Price: $9,000

2005 Mazda RX-8 Shinka Edition Sports Car
Bring a Trailer

For every instance where a gearhead has waxed lyrical about this snappy four-door coupe and its fabulous rotary engine, another has complained about how Mazda RX-8 ownership could bankrupt you. There’s a reasonable argument for both sides of the fence here, but let’s assume that you’re the sort of enthusiast that prefers to take a chance on a machine and look at its positives, rather than its negatives.

Mazda RX-8 Engine Specs

Engine

1.3-liter rotary engine

Power

197-238 hp

Torque

159-164 lb-ft

Drive Type

RWD

Transmission

6-speed paddle-shift automatic; 6-speed manual; 4-speed automatic

You’ll find yourself with a 1.3-liter Renesis twin-rotor engine that pushes out between 197 and 238 hp. The front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout is perfect for real drivers, and the fact that it just loves to scream and shout its way to a redline of 9,000 rpm, you’re certain to have a huge smile every time you drive it. You can shop around for early models, or treat yourself to a near perfect 11,000-mile 2004 Mazda RX-8 six-speed for a slightly bigger outlay.

3 Mercury Marauder

Estimated Used Price: $9,000

Black V8-powered 2003 Mercury Marauder
Mecum

Despite coming as a surprise to most, this bulky American sedan is actually one of the best cheap American cars that people love transforming into sleepers. The Marauder shares the same platform as the police-standard Crown Victoria but packs significantly more punch, courtesy of its 302 hp 4.6-liter V8. That beating heart still has so much more to give, though, and interested parties should consider the amount of power they can actually extract from this sleeping beast.

Mercury Marauder Engine Specs

Engine

4.6-liter all-aluminum DOHC V8

Power

302 hp

Torque

318 lb-ft

Drive Type

RWD

Transmission

4-speed automatic

The Marauder is already a great performance car to buy used when stock, but put in a couple of grand towards upgrading that V8 and you could truly break hearts on the drag strip. This should be no problem either, given that mid-2000s Marauders tend to go for under $10,000 in great condition.

2 Infiniti G35

Estimated Used Price: $13,500

2006 Infiniti G35 Coupe red sports car
Infiniti

The 2003-2007 Infiniti G35 Coupe is one of the most underrated and affordable grand tourers you can buy used. It's a great entry model in this segment, with all the luxury and performance qualifications it needs to compete, and compete well. It’s not uncommon to see G35s being astutely lowered to within an inch of tire wall remaining, and tuned to the point that NOS is essentially pouring out of the exhaust tips.

Infiniti G35 Specs

Engine

3.5-liter V6

Power

280-298 hp

Torque

260-270 lb-ft

0-60 MPH

5.7 seconds

Drive Type

RWD

Transmission

6-speed manual; 5-speed shiftable automatic

The G35 boasts the same VQ35 V6 as the Nissan 350Z, which allows it to produce 280 hp as stock. More impressive still is its 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 5.7 seconds, which is quick by today’s standards. The main difference between the 350Z and the G35, though, is the fact that the latter offers a more luxurious interior. Despite not being as appealing to tuners as its cousin, a 2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe six-speed for around $13,500 seems a bargain well struck for those that want a niche car with bucket loads of potential. If you're looking for something cheaper, you can get a clean model for $10,000 or less.

Related: 10 Cheap Sports Cars That Look More Expensive Than They Are

1 Dodge Neon SRT-4

Estimated Used Price: $9,000

2003 Dodge Neon SRT 4
Dodge

On the outside, the Dodge Neon SRT-4 looks like it has the potential to be a stylish, compact car. Despite being simple in design, it does enough to garner some curb appeal. There’s an upshot to this car, though, and it all has to do with what tuners see in it. The 220 horsepower that comes from the SRT-4 makes it a full-fledged sports sedan, leading to a popular reputation among tuners.

Dodge Neon SRT-4 Engine Specs

Engine

Turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four

Power

225 hp

Torque

240 lb-ft

Drive Type

FWD

Transmission

5-speed manual

It offers a subtle body that looks like it’s ready for extreme modifications, and the best part is how uncommon these are. We fail to understand why, given, every aspect about a used Neon SRT-4 points towards it being the perfect car for this list — none more so than its price tag. Mint 40,000-mile 2005 Dodge Neon SRT-4s can be had for a smudge over $9,000, and that’s awfully tempting in this day and age.