You made it! Wealth is not defined by money, fame, and extravagance. Most ultra-wealthy people aren't splurging on the latest Ferrari. But luxury sports cars are fun to have around. Doing a little hooning once in a while doesn't hurt anyone. The used car market is great for purchasing sports cars that won't break the bank.
There is a negative impression of it, though. The minute you drive off the lot, everything will fall apart, leaving you with a lemon and an insane repair bill. Swindling used car sales agents probably doesn't help that case. You want something reliable and comfortable and not too outdated.
Updated August 2023: We have updated this list of reliable used sports cars that are high on performance and comfort with new entries. New adrenaline-pumping toys can burn huge holes in your wallet. If you are in the market for a cool new, used-performance car that is practical, too, this is the list to look at.
Reliability means it won't be at the mechanic 24/7, where you won't get to drive it. Comfort means it won't break your back and will be fun to ferry you around on longer trips. Here are some comfortable and reliable used sports cars that will put a wide grin on the face without breaking the bank.
The used car prices, reliability data, and all other information in this list are obtained from Classic.com, J.D. Power, RepairPal, CarEdge, CarComplaints, and the NHTSA.
11 2016 BMW M235i - $28,000
Floating in a foreign sports car on massage seats. This is you driving a BMW. The M235i's twin-turbo N55 makes just under 322 hp. It's got all the luxury you expect from BMW. It's not as insulated as a 5-series. It also doesn't cost 5-series money. You won't have to "Whip Earl Simmons" for maintenance money. BMW fixed many issues from the previous gen N54 with the N55. Depreciation also means you can pick this sports car up for under $30k.
Reliability
The M235i is one of the most reliable sports cars from BMW. According to Bimmerpost.com, there are claims of owners owing M235is with over 150,000 miles on the odometer. Consumer Reports lists the 2 Series model of this era as the "most reliable sporty car".
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $968 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: 13,780 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Year To Buy Used: The M235i BMW has been rather impressive regarding ownership. But among the lot, it is best to avoid the older 2014 models and the newer 2020 and 2021 models, as it is part of an NHTSA recall.
10 2018 BMW M2 Competition - $50,000
This was the first-ever BMW M2 Competition model. In 2018, it replaced the standard M2 and showed us that the cheapest BMW M car can be much wilder. The performance was bumped up to 405 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque by adding twin turbochargers to the familiar 3.0-Liter inline-6 of the BMW M2 coupe.
The result was a wicked and compact Bimmer that does 0-60 mph in under 4.5 seconds. As per classic.com, a used 2018 BMW M2 Competition is priced at around $50,000. This is a very inexpensive way of experiencing M fever.
Reliability
Despite being a lot fiercer than the base M2, the M2 Competition still has a strong reliability rating. In fact, the S55 inline-6 engine is a very reliable engine and is devoid of any issues. Consumers have given the 2018 M2 Competition an impressive 5/5 rating, as per Cars.com.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $968 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $14,300 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 1 (NHTSA)
- Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2021 BMW M2 Competition is the worst year to buy used as it has the highest recalls, investigations, and complaints
9 2016 BMW 640i - $36,000
So you're looking for a sports coupe. The 640i should be one of the first on your list. It's got the tried and tested twin-turbo N55 making 315 hp. Higher models of this car also have good engines. This generation M6 is reliable. Those will cost a fair bit more, though. Of course, BMW interiors are some of the best on the market, so you're guaranteed to drive in ultra-luxury.
Reliability
Proper maintenance with an oil change every 5,000 miles and a few tweaks is ample to keep the 2016 BMW 640i as smooth as butter for years to come. A used 2016 BMW 640i can be had for as low as $25,000. The 640i is known for its gasket issues, but it is not something major. People love the 2016 640i, and the F13 packs one of the most reliable engines in a BMW 6 Series.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $962 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $19,312 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2012 BMW 640i should be avoided as it has the highest recalls and complaints among the third-gen BMW 6-Series coupe models.
8 2015 BMW Z4 sDrive35i - $32,000
Pure driving pleasure. Z4 power! BMW put a 302 hp twin-turbo N54 in the sDrive35i. Blah, blah, BMW iDrive is the best infotainment system. Yes, it has an amazing interior and exterior. It's also the last year for the E89, so it won't be in the shop all the time. BMW fixed all the kinks.
Opting for this model means more money for maintenance and modifications. You will want to make them. The N54 can take them and will push 400 hp with bolt-ons.
Reliability
The 2015 Z4 is an impressive convertible sports car. As per the NHTSA, there are no recalls nor investigations, but just two complaints. Its twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine is a smooth operator, and there are no major issues. The only downside with this Bimmer is its high 10-year maintenance cost.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $895 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $13,999 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2003 BMW Z4 is the worst model to buy used as it is plagued with serious maintenance issues. The major problem with the 2003 Z4s is steering malfunctioning.
7 2017 Audi S5 - $30,000
A magic twin-scroll turbo carpet. We go with this generation, as it ditched the unreliable supercharger of the previous generation. Audi is essentially the luxury wing of Volkswagen. You benefit from cheaper shared components while getting plush interiors and powerful engines. The S5 makes 349 hp from a 3.0-Liter twin-scroll turbo V6. It's one of the cheaper sports cars for $30k.
Reliability
The 2017 Audi S5 has an above-average reliability score. As per the NHTSA, there are no investigations or complaints for the 2017 S5. Little to no issues, and a sensible average yearly maintenance cost, make this fast Audi breezy to live with.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $987 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,094(CarEdge)
- Recalls: 1 (NHTSA)
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2013, 2014, and 2015 MYs of the Audi S5 should be avoided as issues like suspension problems, electrical issues, and turbocharger faults are more prevalent here (CarComplaints)
6 2015 Audi TT - $20,000
Don't tie yourself down. That's the TT philosophy. The interior is small but ultra-luxurious. It's got the reliable EA888 shared with the MK7 VW Golf GTI. Low boot space reduces usability, but you don't need that anyway. This is the first year of the third generation. Meaning the infotainment and design is somewhat modern. You could opt for a later facelift TT coupe, but the internals are the same for around $10,000 more.
Reliability
According to Iseecars.com, there are a lot of 2015 Audi TTs on the road with over 150,000 miles. Reliability is held in high regard for this sporty Audi coupe. The base models are prone to few problems as they are much simpler than the wilder AWD Audi TTS models.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $924 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $9,644 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2001 Audi TT is the worst year to buy as it is plagued with various issues from early on. The 2008 TT should also be avoided as it has the most complaints. (CarComplaints)
5 2019 Lexus LC 500 Convertible - $80,000
Redline perfection. The burbling at high revs and between shifts is insane. Lexus' interiors are also top-class. Infotainment, not so much. Toyota always seems to be a generation behind in design and speed. They focus more on reliability and tried-and-tested technology.
That does have its benefits. You can drive this V8 sports car for the next millennium. These cars are notorious for retaining their resale value, so purchasing one will not be cheap. It is one of the most comfortable sports cars on the market.
Reliability
Lexus is one of those few automakers that has managed to put reliability, luxury, and sporty appeal on the same page. The Lexus LC is a fine example of the same, and the 2019 LC 500 is the cheapest way to experience it. A new 2024 Lexus LC starts with an MSRP of $99,050. These futuristic Lexus grand tourers rarely depreciate. Also, the maintenance costs of a Lexus LC are surprisingly cheap. JD Power rates the LC 500 at 86/100 for reliability; US News has also rated it highly at 8.3/10.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $650 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,786 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 3 (NHTSA)
- Worst Year To Buy Used: N/A (CarComplaints)
4 2017 Lexus RC F - $50,000
If you want a Lexus that's a little quicker, the RC F has you covered. A 5.0-Liter V8 makes around 467 hp. It utilizes the Atkinson Cycle to reduce fuel consumption at cruising speeds. So you get Prius-level fuel economy in a luxury coupe. It is a Lexus, so you can't hope for German luxury depreciation to pick up one for cheap. However, you will get an LFA-like coupe with a luxury interior.
Reliability
Like the Lexus LC line-up, the RC F also has an impressive balance of performance, luxury, and reliability. The 2020–2022 models suffered a minor recall concerning a missing weight capacity on the tire label. But the prior models (including the 2017 model) were squeaky clean in terms of reliability.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $551 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $7,786 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 1 (NHTSA)
- Worst Year To Buy Used: N/A (CarComplaints)
3 2020 Toyota GR Supra - $50,000
Finally, a new Supra. Oh, wait, it has a BMW engine and interior. Although this decision caused an uproar among Supra purists, it might be for the best. The infotainment is a re-skin of iDrive, one of the best systems on the market. The B58 is one of the few straight-six engines on the market. With years of refinement behind it, it's one of the most reliable BMW engines. They aren't cheap, but you can pick one up used for just under $50k.
Reliability
Despite being a very new sports car with a lot of BMW DNA, the 2020 Toyota GR Supra has managed to impress in terms of reliability and ease of usage. Apart from a few model years with excessive oil consumption (very few in the 2020 model years), there are no other major issues that owners have come across with the new Supra.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $561 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $4,950 (est.) (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 7 (NHTSA)
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2021 Toyota Supra is the worst year to buy used because it has the most complaints. Excessive oil consumption is the most troublesome problem in 2021, Supras. (CarComplaints)
2 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E400 - $30,000
Pure speed. That's what a modern Benz offers. A twin-turbo V6 makes 329 hp and bucket-loads of torque. The drive is somewhat disconnected and not as dynamic as other coupes. However, you might like that if you're looking for a highway cruiser.
The interior is somewhat last-gen, but that also reduces the price. You can pick one up for under $30,000. Gasoline-powered engines in this generation are also some of the most reliable on any luxury car. This engine is meant for a high boost.
Reliability
RepairPal rates the 2016 Mercedes E400 at 4/5. This is impressive and gives it an edge over luxury sports coupes, especially the Germans. There have been certain instances where the 2015 E400 has been a headache. But those are once-in-a-blue-moon cases.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $788 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $11,224 (CarEdge)
- Recalls: 9 (NHTSA)
- Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2006 Mercedes-Benz E400 is the worst year to buy used as it has the most complaints registered. This Merc also has high repair costs and early onset of major problems like balancer shaft failure. (CarComplaints)
1 2009 Nissan 370Z - $25,000
DK from the Fast And Furious: Tokyo Drift did give the Nissan Z a sinister appeal. Besides the fact that it can drift gloriously, the Nissan 370Z is an impressively well-balanced car. The 2009 model is powered by a 3.7-Liter V6 that churns out 332 hp and does 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds. A used 2009 370Z can be had today for as low as $10,000, as per Classic.com.
Reliability
Nissan and reliability can never go wrong. The 2009 370Z proves the same. This 14-year-old sports car still impresses with its ease of usage and low complaint ratio. The 2010 370Z would have been a killer deal as it is available for under $20,000. But Car Complaints has rated it the worst model year to buy used.
- Avg. Yearly Maintenance Costs: $541(RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Costs During First 10 Years: $6,157(CarEdge)
- Recalls: 0 (NHTSA)
- Worst Year To Buy Used: The 2010 Nissan 370Z is the worst model to buy used as it is plagued with a serious steering lock issue. (CarComplaints)