Over the last five years, many fast cars with great features like powerful acceleration, superb handling, swift braking, and so on have flooded the market, making it easy for car enthusiasts to purchase them without breaking the bank. Every good driver who knows their worth knows that they don't have to drive an expensive, exotic sports car to tear up the race track in this era and age. And that means fun behind the wheel can come as cheap as $15,000, or even less.

This general depreciation results from the reduced demand level and the high maintenance costs of most of these used high-end fast cars. Surprisingly, even driver-focused cars like the iconic BMW M3 depreciate with time. Nowadays, if you are good at poaching for good car deals online, you can get great deals on performance cars that will provide an incredible feeling of satisfaction in the long run. We did the research on your behalf to give you the fastest cars under $15,000.

UPDATE: 2024/04/09 21:17 EST BY DENNIS KARIUKI NJOKI

Used car prices fluctuate every year, which is why we've updated this list to reflect the latest pricing for all models included. We've also swapped slower cars for even faster cars you can buy for under $15,000 in 2024.

How We Got Our Model Selection: HotCars analyzed all performance cars on the used market, filtering for models under $15,000 according to KBB's fair market price and an acceleration time of under 7.0 seconds according to the respective manufacturer estimates. Where the manufacturer didn't provide the acceleration time, we referred to reliable sources like Zero60times, Fastestlaps, and Automobile-catalog. The listed models were ranked from the slowest to the fastest according to their acceleration times.

21 2012 Mazda MX-5: 0-60 In 6.7 Seconds ($11,066)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Mazda and Zero60times)

The 2012 MX-5 is part of the Third Generation Mazda MX-5 car that gives fantastic competition to the wild Honda S2000. However, it puts out moderate power and sports a simple design that gives its competitor, the Honda S2000, a run for its money.

Apparently, it's also more affordable than the Honda S2000, going at a cheap price of $11,066. The 167 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine will prove plenty in the Miata's lightweight chassis.

20 2014 Ford Fiesta ST: 0-60 In 6.5 Seconds ($7,166)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Ford And Zero60times)

While a new Ford hot hatch or SUV may seem enticing, finding a used model can have a few benefits. First, in the Fiesta ST's case, the value of older models has decreased significantly. Second, no one suspects a Fiesta to sport the kind of power the ST puts down.

With 197 horsepower sent through a six-speed manual, the Fiesta ST is ready for the track. For around $7,166, you can find a Ford Fiesta ST to start modifying or beating up at the track. It can hit 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and boasts a top speed of 130 mph. With some proper tuning, it can be even faster.

19 2011 BMW 328i: 0-60 In 6.5 Seconds ($7,580)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From BMW)

If you follow the trend, you'd have noticed how the BMW 3 Series gets outrageous praise from gearheads. This is because BMW builds better small luxury sedans than most of its competitors. At this point, you can guess that this model represents one of the times when BMW was on top of its game.

It's safe to say that this car has everything a driver could ever want, from an exceptional engine and rear-wheel drive system to a manual transmission. With the optional Sport package, it also reaches a top speed of 150 mph, thanks to the engine's maximum power of 230 hp at 6500 rpm. With an estimated price of about $7,580, you can land this four-door sedan with an interior that will "wow" you in every way.

18 2008 Mazda RX-8 Touring: 0-60 In 6.0 Seconds ($6,815)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Mazda)

The 2008 Mazda RX-8 Touring would make you happy with a budget of about $7,000 since it has unique features that'll get your attention. It sports a 1.3-liter rotary engine that can produce a maximum of 212 hp at 8,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 159 lb-ft at 5,500 rpm. This model uses a six-speed transmission, and it has a low center of gravity.

The rear-hinged doors that can open up the side of the vehicle permit an adult-friendly entrance and outlet. Although not as fast as other performance cars on this list, the RX-8's acceleration time of under 6.3 seconds is enough to make it one of the fastest cars for under $15,000.

17 2010 Ford Mustang GT: 0-60 In 5.6 Seconds ($14,654)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Ford and Zero60times)

If a V8 engine with the capacity to produce over 300 hp and maximum torque north of 300 lb-ft is your target, along with a $15,000 budget, the 2010 Ford Mustang GT is your best bet. This car uses an incredible 4.6-liter V8 that can be backed up with a five-speed automatic or five-speed manual transmission.

If that doesn't make you happy, wait until you know that this car benefits from some of the best aftermarket support in the world. That means the Mustang can be transformed into your desired wild beast with readily available upgrades. But even without performance upgrades, the 2010 Mustang can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, earning it a spot on our list of fastest cars for under $15,000.

16 2010 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 Coupe: 0-60 In 5.5 Seconds ($6,910)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Hyundai)

In 2010, the Hyundai Genesis coupe did an excellent job making the list of affordable sports cars, and this is because it had two performance-focused engines. The first engine is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that can produce a maximum power of 212 hp.

The second engine is a range-topping all-aluminum 3.8-liter V6 that gives out an impressive maximum power of 306 hp and a maximum torque of 266 lb-ft. Hence, with a budget of about $10,000, you can brag about a fantastic fast sports car that covers 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds.

15 2009 Nissan 370Z: 0-60 In 5.5 Seconds ($13,381)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Nissan And Zero60times)

The Nissan 370Z was all-new for 2009, replacing the outgoing 350Z. Compared to the latter, the 370Z was larger, more powerful, and featured a higher-quality interior. It also proved a more thrilling sports car as it carried on with the tradition of the Nissan Z nameplate.

With the latest Z car going for over $40,000, the 2009 370Z is a worthy consideration as used examples go for about $13,381 today. For that price, you'd be getting an equally fast sports car capable of accelerating from 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds, thanks to the 332-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine under its hood.

14 2012 Audi TT: 0-60 In 5.3 Seconds ($13,729)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Audi)

This German car is one excellent speed demon that can still tear up any race track any day and time. The car's beauty is that it ranks among the best fast, cheap cars under $15,000, as you can comfortably pick up the keys of a used 2012 model for about $13,729. This all-wheel-drive car runs on a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that generates 211 horsepower with a torque of 258 lb-ft. And with all that, it hits a maximum speed of 130 mph.

13 2008 Saturn Sky Redline: 0-60 In 5.2 Seconds ($10,907)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From General Motors)

This 2-door roadster with an FMR layout was produced by General Motors from 2006 through 2010. The unfortunate thing that caught up with this admirable machine that uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine was financial trouble. The good news is, with a budget of about $11,000, you can get this excellent car that can produce a maximum of 260 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque.

If you're particular about body kits, this car won't disappoint you. The Saturn Sky Redline has an aggressive body kit with a stiffer suspension system. It has a top speed of 141 mph.

12 2008 Nissan 350Z: 0-60 In 5.2 Seconds ($12,360)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Nissan And Zero60times)

The 2008 Nissan 350Z is a car with remarkable performance, considering its affordable price. The 2008 Nissan 350Z is an upgrade of the first Datsun 240Z, which aided in recuperating the category of cheap, fast sports cars in the 1970s. The 2008 Nissan 350Z is the perfect follow-up for the Datsun 240Z's mission.

This car has a 3.5-liter V6 engine, which generates 306 horsepower – very impressive for an entry-level sports cars that trade power for affordability. The beauty of this car will make you mistake it for a concept car because it can still stand as a modern-day car. To top it all off, this Japanese sports car can be yours for about $12,360.

11 1997 Chevrolet Corvette: 0-60 In 5.1 Seconds ($13,467)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Chevrolet)

The 1997 Chevrolet Corvette C5 is a true American V8 sports car with a surprisingly cheap price tag. You will love this car whether you're a drag race fan or a backroad driving enthusiast.

The 175-mph car is powered by a 5.7-liter V8 engine that generates 345 horsepower with 350 lb-ft of torque. The Corvette C5 will reach 60 in the space of 5.1 seconds. The best part? The '97 Corvette averages $13,467 on the used market.

10 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution RS: 0-60 In 5.0 Seconds ($14,771)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Mitsubishi)

The Mitsubishi Evolution, popularly known as the Evo, is one of Mitsubishi's most iconic performance cars. The Evo is among the most coveted Japanese cars to date, boasting a successful motorsport pedigree in the World Rally Championship. Surprisingly, unlike other iconic Japanese cars like the Supra, the Evo is incredibly affordable today, especially earlier generation models.

With a budget of under $15,000, you can get a used 2004 Evo RS that comes with the same turbocharged 2.0-liter 4G63 inline-four engine. However, unlike the standard model, the RS deletes features like air conditioning, ABS, locks, and rear spoiler. It adds structural reinforcement and a helical limited-slip differential. Basically, you'd be getting a fully-fledged track car for under $15,000.

9 2008 Audi S8: 0-60 In 4.9 Seconds ($10,131)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Audi)

The 2008 Audi S8 has a V10 engine that outputs a whopping 450 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. This German machine has a body crafted out of 17 sheets of metal, making the body quite tough and durable, giving it a curb weight of 4,500 pounds. This weight doesn't stop it from hitting 60 mph in under 5 seconds, which is incredibly fast for a luxury sedan.

The Audi S8 sports the same V10 engine as the Lamborghini Gallardo. Despite this, the S8 costs a fraction of the Gallardo's price. Therefore, driving and handling a car like this is a great steal. Used 2008 examples have an average price of around $10,000.

8 2011 Audi S4: 0-60 In 4.9 Seconds ($11,274)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Audi)

The fourth-generation Audi S4 replaced the previous V8 with a more compact supercharged V6. Although this didn't sit well with many fans of this performance luxury sedan, the 3.0-liter V6 proved a worthy replacement as it was faster and delivered better fuel economy than its predecessor.

Also, without two extra cylinders, the V6 engine sat farther back from the front axle, helping the S4 achieve a balanced weight distribution of 55 percent front/45 percent rear. The engine produces 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, enough for an acceleration time of under 5.0 seconds in the 2011 S4. Used examples of this luxury sedan cost about $11,274 today.

7 2006 BMW M3: 0-60 In 4.8 Seconds ($14,783)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From BMW)

Coming in at number seven is this fantastic E46-generation BMW M3 offered in America between 2001 and 2006. With about $14,788, you can get one of the most iconic BMW performance cars ever built. The M3 doesn't just woo you with its interior comfort. It goes a step further to make your heart pump faster with its 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine.

The BMW M3 is certainly everything you've dreamed of with your budget in mind. This engine can produce a maximum power of 333 hp and crowns all this up with an acceleration time of 4.8 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. It's easily one of the fastest cars for the price. To get the best out of the M3, it's best to use the six-speed manual gearbox because it's more enjoyable to drive than the automatic.

6 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STI: 0-60 In 4.7 Seconds ($13,827)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Subaru And Fastestlaps)

You don't have to spend over $15,000 for a Subaru WRX STI, as a used 2009 model costs about $13,827. This beast has an all-wheel-drive system and a compact boxer engine with significant power output.

This baby has a turbocharged 2.5-liter engine that generates 305 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. The Subaru WRX STI's lightweight 3,300-lb body contributes to its 155-mph maximum speed, even though it has a small engine.

5 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS: 0-60 In 4.7 Seconds ($12,714)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Chevrolet)

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS is a formula automobile with a coupe body design and a rear-wheel-drive system. This car has a powerful 6.2-liter V8 engine with up to 426 horsepower. With this, the beast jets from 0-60 mph in a scant 4.7 seconds, making it an incredibly fast muscle car.

However, you have to be patient when finding the Chevrolet Camaro SS for purchase because the production of the Chevrolet Camaro SS was halted for some time. Thus, the number of car models was limited and rare to find at some point. But if you're patient enough in your search, you could get one below $15,000 that'll be worth every penny.

4 2013 BMW 750Li xDrive: 0-60 In 4.6 Seconds ($12,548)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From BMW)

The BMW 7 Series received several upgrades in 2013, including the updated iDrive electronics interface, Bang & Olufsen sound system, and LED headlights. However, the most significant upgrade was under the hood, where the 750's turbo V8 received a power increase and improved fuel economy.

That means the 750Li could make 445 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque. This, combined with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system, propelled the luxury SUV from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. Today, you can collect the 2013 750Li with a budget of about $12,548, making it one of the fastest luxury sedans you can get for under $20,000.

3 2006 Cadillac CTS-V: 0-60 In 4.6 Seconds ($13,473)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From General Motors)

Cadillac's CTS-V was first sold in 2004, and the entire first generation is incredibly affordable today. In fact, one of the most refined model years, 2006, offers a hint of luxury along with a powerful 400-horsepower engine.

2006 Models can go for as low as $10,000 and offer a sunroof, bucket seats upholstered in leather, and a Bose sound system. The LS2 engine is a gas-powered 6.0-liter V8 mated to a six-speed manual transmission. It's the ultimate affordable luxury performance sedan. Although they may be difficult to track down, they are incredible performance bargains thanks to the car's 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.6 seconds, making it one of the best fast cars under $15,000.

2 2007 Mercedes-Benz S600: 0-60 In 4.5 Seconds ($10,641)

Performance Specs

(Performance Specs Sourced From Mercedes-Benz)

The 2007 Mercedes S600 is the perfect car for any passionate gearhead. This car is an ideal blend of a big car and a bigger engine, and that's why it can reach a maximum speed of 155 mph (or 180 mph without the factory limiter). Thanks to its 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.5 seconds, the 2007 S600 easily earns a spot on our list of the fastest cars available for under $15,000.

Apart from being a speed demon, the Mercedes S600 bathes the driver in comfort, as the car seat helps to massage your back when you're on the wheels. It has a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that generates 510 horsepower. Amazingly, you can get this car for around $10,641, depending on its condition and mileage.