The best handling cars you can buy today are often super expensive, track-focused sports cars. Cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 RS and the BMW M2 CS are fantastic handling cars but come with six-figure price tags.

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Looking through history, good handling characteristics often ensure that the car in question becomes a desirable classic. The BMW M3 (E30) is a prime example of how handling can boost the value of a car. However, there are a good amount of cheap vehicles that offer excellent handling for a price that doesn't break the bank.

In this list, we came up with 10 of the best-handling sports cars you'll easily buy for $20,000, with stated prices referring to models in excellent condition.

10 Ford Fiesta ST (Mk 7): $18,000

Ford Fiesta ST
Via Ford

The Fiesta ST Mk7 was introduced in 2012 and featured brilliant FWD handling in a genuinely practical car. The Fiesta ST is not overly fast, but it doesn't really need to offer incredible speed because the performance and handling are so on point.

Ford Fiesta ST Wide Body
via Pinterest

One of the more modern sporty cars a person can buy for under $20,000, this car will have modern features like sat-nav, air-conditioning, and remote locking. And with such a small yet busy engine, this car will be an economical car to run, even if driven spiritedly.

9 BMW M3 (E46): $20,000

BMW M3 (E46
Via BMW

Introduced in 1998, the E46 generation M3 is considered by some enthusiasts to be the best M car ever made. With a balanced, well set-up chassis and RWD drivetrain, the car has all the ingredients to be a fine sports car. Add in one of the finest straight-six engines ever produced and this car is a performance bargain.

BMW M3 (E46
Via: Carscoops

Prices are on the up for these iconic M cars, however. Faster models like the hardcore CSL and fettled CS have long gone from the realms of most enthusiasts but the standard models are fine options. Enthusiasts tend to avoid the dim-witted SMG transmission and the slightly wobbly convertible model, instead choosing the manual coupe variant.

8 Mazda Miata (Mark 2): $10,000

Mazda Miata NB
Via Wiki

No discussion of cheap great handling sports would be complete without a discussion of the Mazda MX-5. In any generation, this sports car offers fabulous RWD handling in a small, economical roadster package. And with this car being the best selling roadster of all time, there are plenty to choose from.

2003 NB Mazda Miata
via carsot.com

Original, pop-up headlight sporting NA models are rising in value as rust claims bad ones and clean models get rarer. Later NB models offer the same handling dynamics and are substantially cheaper to buy. Still be aware of rust, although it isn't as bad as the NA.

7 Porsche Cayman (987): $19,000

Porsche Cayman 987
Via Youtube

The first mid-engined coupe built by Porsche, The first generation Cayman was based on the second generation Boxster. With famed Porsche handling dynamics, the Cayman was a nearly unbeatable sports car, capable of challenging cars much expensive than it.

Porsche Cayman 987
Via Porsche Club of America

Thankfully many Caymans have been cared for and build quality is generally top tier. The optional PDK is an awesome addition but any gearbox is good. The only issue with these is the premium customers will pay for any spare parts.

6 Saturn Sky: $13,000

Saturn Sky
Via: GMAuthority

Released in 2007, the Saturn Sky has 260bhp thanks to a turbocharged engine. A rebadged and restyled Pontiac Solstice, it was a real highlight of the Saturn range when launched. The car is grippy and offers a fine RWD handling as time goes on.

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Saturn Sky
via Turnology

Despite not being overly fast with a 125mph top speed, this vehicle is still worthy of purchase due to its amazing handling skills and good looks. The car is a brilliant and unusual sports car for under $20,000.

5 Scion FR-S: $18,000

Scion FR-S
Via: Carscoops

Also sold as the Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ in multiple countries, the Scion FR-S stands for Front Engine, RWD, and Sport. Launched in 2012, the Scion FR-S produced 200 hp and had absolutely spectacular handling, making it one of the purest sports cars anyone could buy. In fact, the naturally-aspirated engine with great throttle response and amazing handling easily made up for the fact that it was notoriously underpowered.

Scion FR-S
Via: Autoblog

The FR-S is an enjoyable car that may have a smaller engine but still packs a punch when needed. Its handling perfectly aids the driver in a fun driving experience. Although small and not exactly practical, the car is something to enjoy and a fine sports car.

4 Honda CRX: $11,000

Honda CRX
Via: Motorious

Made between 1984 and 1991, the Honda CRX was praised for its handling. With a sweet FWD drivetrain in a sporty coupe body, the CRX is an icon of the '80s. The steering is sharp and precise whilst the car is comfortable.

Honda CRX
Via Honestjohn

Although rust can be a factor, buying a CRX is a great way to buy a slice of Japanese classics. The clean CRX can be a tricky car to track down, and may not be the most practical of vehicles, but is definitely worth it for one the best FWD cars ever made.

3 Ford Mustang (Fourth Generation): $11,000

Ford Mustang Cobra
Via: Carscoops

Some generations of Mustangs are not renowned for their handling. Leaf-spring rear suspensions and a focus on power outputs meant that handling was not a priority and they were not particularly fun to drive on corners.

Ford Mustang Cobra
Via: Carscoops

Whilst some examples of this Mustang may be more collector's pieces, the Mustang Cobra can be purchased for reasonable sums of money. With a tuned chassis, upgraded tires, and wheels, the Cobra is a really good-handling track car and can be purchased for reasonable money.

2 Nissan 350Z: $15,000

2008 Nissan 350Z
via youtube.com

The Nissan 350Z was released as a sports car in 2002. The vehicle was fast and very popular with buyers in the early 2000s thanks to an awesome 3.5-liter V6 engine. The car was also truly brilliant with refined handling. Grip and handling are key aspects of the 350Z, and when you combine them with the powerful engine it becomes awesome to drive.

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Nissan 350Z Orange
Via Nissan

Sadly, the car is not exactly economical fuel-wise which means that it can be expensive to run. Cheap to buy now, there are issues with brittle interior plastics and rust is starting to show itself on some but it is one of the best handling and fastest sports car for under $20,000.

1 Dodge SRT-4: $11,000

Dodge SRT-4
Via: Motor1

Launched in 2003, the Dodge SRT-4 was powered by a 230bhp (although often disputed as being more) and had a top speed of 153mph. The handling on the SRT-4 was brilliant thanks to a refined FWD set-up. The SRT-4 also had good weight distribution, aiding overall control.

Dodge SRT-4
Via: Carscoops

Finding an SRT-4 unmodified can be difficult making finding a good one hard. Also despite the Neon base, this car is not the easiest to use every day with its harsh ride and compromised dynamics. This car would be the perfect 'fun' car for someone who wants a sweet-handling car that is slightly unusual.

NEXT: These Are The 10 Best Handling FWD Cars Ever