There are so many exciting things to do when someone feels like getting their adrenaline rising, but none gets the job done as perfectly as zipping down the street in a head-turning, jaw-dropping luxury vehicle. From the very recent BMW performance machines and American muscle cars to the playful Italian sports cars and classic British luxury cars, the auto market is filled with beautiful vehicles designed to offer the best when it comes to class and style.
Updated May 2022: If you want a cool car that's somewhat affordable, but makes you look rich, you'll be happy to know that we've updated this article. Most of the vehicles featured are priced below $30,000, making them relatively cheap, considering what they offer.
While most of these exotics are unaffordable to all who desire them, all hope isn't lost to the ordinary gearhead who wants to own and drive an expensive-looking automobile. The used car market has a wide selection of exotic and affordable sports cars anyone can afford. Here are 20 of the best cheap sports cars that'll make the average man look rich. Some are brand new from the factory, while others are used.
14 2021 Hyundai Veloster - $19,905
Buying a fast yet affordable sports car seems difficult. However, a good search reveals some surprisingly affordable track day cars — cars that cost less than $20,000 yet can go past the 150 mph mark. The 2021 Hyundai Veloster, for instance, is built to offer a rewarding drive experience thanks to its solid roster of standard equipment. And that's not the best part; the car has a starting price of only $19,905.
The base engine for this car is a 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Models with the Turbo descriptor come with a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 201 horsepower and 195 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels via either a six-speed manual gearbox, a six-speed automatic transmission, or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It might not be the best in the market, but the 2021 Veloster will make a regular guy look like a successful businessperson.
13 2019 Toyota 86 - $20,485
For those in the market for a reliable and affordable sports car, another model to definitely consider is the 2019 Toyota 86. From the showroom, the 2019 Toyota 86 starts at around $27,610, but the used car market offers some excellent models at approximately $20,000. The car features a rear-drive layout and exciting transmission choices. The strong brakes, lively handling, and crisp-shifting manual transmission make the 86 an interesting sports car.
Powering the 2019 Toyota 86 is a 2.0-liter flat-four engine sourced from Subaru. The car comes with various driver-assist features, including hill start assist control and smart stop technology. This is the perfect car for the average American who wants to look loaded. Its maintenance costs, including fuel and general servicing, are pretty manageable.
12 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata - $22,999
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is undoubtedly one of the best choices when hunting for a fast sports car that doesn't deflate the bank account. A brand new model has a relatively affordable starting price of $26,190. However, a smaller budget of around $23,000 brings home a pristine model of a used 2018 MX-5 Miata.
The Roadster is powered by Mazda's 2.0-liter SKYACTIV-G four-cylinder engine, which churns out as much as 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 148 pound-feet of torque. Its estimated fuel efficiency rating is 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway when equipped with the manual transmission. When using an automatic transmission, efficiency is estimated at 26 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.
11 2019 Nissan 370Z - $24,998
The 2019 Nissan 370Z Coupe is another sports car that turns heads wherever it goes. It's an exotic sports auto that offers excellent performance from a potent 3.7-liter VQ V6 engine. The 332 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque give desirable performance stats. With a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission, the 2019 370Z coupe accelerates from 0-60 in under 5 seconds and has a top speed of 155 mph.
The 370Z is also available in a convertible form called the 370Z Roadster. This model is powered by the same potent V6 powerplant and offers the same thrilling driving experience. Only better since there's the feeling of going against the wind at high speeds of 155 mph top speed. With prices ranging from $24,998, the 2019 370Z is a sure bet for a car that elevates class at relatively lower prices.
10 2022 Chevrolet Camaro - $26,395
The Chevrolet Camaro is about the pure joy provided by a simple sports car that looks pretty expensive than it is. The 2022 Chevy Camaro is offered in a coupe and a convertible perfectly engineered to give the drivers lithe handling and a satisfying stick shift. Its base 275-horsepower turbo-four delivers a smooth driving experience, but there is the option of upgrading to the more potent V6 and v8 engines offering the sweet-sounding soundtrack and powerful acceleration.
With a starting price of around $26,000, the Camaro features comfortable and supportive front seats and a relatively user-friendly infotainment system. It is an excellent car for its price, and its driving personality deserves praise.
9 2018 Dodge Challenger - $18,000
Without a doubt, the 2018 Dodge Challenger is one iconic sports car. And it can be had for around $18,000. This price avails a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that readily churns out as much as 305 horsepower and 268 lb-ft of torque. And despite all this power, this sports car enjoys pretty good fuel efficiency with an estimated rating of 30 mpg on the highway.
The Challenger is offered in various engine variants that include the Supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI SRT Hellcat V8 engine, the 6.4-liter 392 HEMI V8 engine, and the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 engine. While these come at higher prices than the base model, the 2018 Dodge Challenger is an excellent sports car irrespective of the trim level.
8 2018 Dodge Charger - $16,950
Another iconic sports car in the Dodge lineup is the 2018 Charger. An excellent sports car engineered to offer a spacious cabin and unrivaled driving performance. Its powerful engine options and driving dynamics make the 2018 Charger one of the best and most affordable sports cars to make the average person look rich.
The 2018 Dodge Charger is equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 300 hp and 264 lb-ft of torque. Available engine options include the 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI SRT Hellcat V8 engine, 392 HEMI V8 engine, and the 5.7 HEMI V8 engine. The 2018 Charger also has several available comfort and convenience features, including heated and ventilated seats, dual-zone temperature control, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel.
7 2018 Ford Focus ST - $23,351
For those in the market for a sports car that is also a bit more practical, one of the best choices would be the 2018 Ford Focus ST. This one comes with a turbocharged 2-liter I-4 EcoBoost engine that readily delivers 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with the only available transmission, a six-speed manual transmission.
This sports hatchback has a fuel economy of 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, giving it a combined efficiency rating of 25 mpg. This hot hatch offers excellent performance stats. 0-60 mph takes 6.3 seconds, and the top speed is 155 mph. And with prices for a used model ranging between $16,088 and $23,351, the 2018 Ford Focus ST is definitely the perfect vehicle for those who want to show up at a red carpet event but can't afford the high-end expensive sports ride.
6 2019 Ford Mustang - $21,900
Prices for a used 2019 Ford Mustang range from under $20,000, but most people can't really tell it from the more expensive models just by seeing it on the road or parking garage. As a result, the sports car will make anyone who drives it look pretty rich. Also, the Mustang features the aggressive styling of a performance muscle car that clears says I'm expensive.
Although it was a little expensive while new at a string price of $26,750 and relatively higher for performance trims, it is perfectly a good idea to get a well-kept 2019 Mustang from the used car market. Under its hood is a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 base engine that readily delivers 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. This power gives the car a quick 0-60 acceleration time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. Clearing the quarter-mile takes only 13 seconds.
5 2020 Kia Stinger - $28,999
The Kia Stinger is an excellent sports sedan that shoots high above the brand's performance cars to compete with entry-luxury sports sedans from Audi and BMW. The difference is that it does this at prices way lower than models from these high-end brands. The car features a well-constructed interior built from excellent materials to offer a comfortable ride. Unlike many cars in its class, the 2020 Stinger comes with comfortable rear seats designed to ensure that the rear passengers experience as thrilling a drive as the driver.
Complementing these comfort features are two engine options that can combine with rear or all-wheel-drive systems. The base is a 2.0-liter engine that does perfectly well compared to its rivals. However, for a blood-pumping experience, the more potent V-6 offers a scintillating experience.
4 2018 Infiniti Q60 - $23,000
With the prices of used 2018 Infiniti Q60 models ranging between $23,000 and $52,995, this one is perfect for the average American as well as the loaded ones - perfect for those in the market for head-turning sports rides.
The 2018 Q60 is powered by a 2-liter I4 turbocharged base engine that readily delivers 208 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. And for a more powerful unit, the 2018 Q60 is available with a 3-liter V6 twin-turbo 300-horsepower engine or a 3-liter V6 twin-turbo 400-horsepower engine.
3 2018 Cadillac ATS Coupe - $24,013
Cadillacs are the perfect rides for displaying wealth. These cars clearly tell the public how wealthy the owners are. And while a new 2018 ATS Coupe would cost up to $65,000, a used model costs between $19,392 and $24,013. Under its hood is a 2-liter turbo engine with 272 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
This car comes with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission with a six-speed manual transmission option. There's also the more powerful version available with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that readily delivers 335 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque.
2 2018 Audi TT Roadster - $23,995
While, on average, the 2018 Audi TT Roadster costs $42,741, a good search in used car showrooms and online ads could reveal a lot of choices selling for less than $25,000. This sports car can easily make heads turn. Under its hood is Audi's 2-liter TFSI four-cylinder turbocharged engine with 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque.
With a top speed of 130 mph and a 0-60 acceleration time of 5.6 seconds, the Audi TT Roadster will readily represent its owner in high-end events.
1 2018 Audi A5 Cabriolet - $25,575
Irrespective of the car, Audis are excellent for wealth display. The best part is that in the used market, they are available at relatively low prices. The 2018 A5 Cabrio, for instance, can be had for only around $26,000.
Under the hood of this convertible is a 2-liter TFSI direct-injection DOHC four-cylinder engine that readily churns out 252 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The 2018 A5 Cabriolet also has a top speed of 130 mph and can easily go from 0 to 60 mph in six seconds.