Sports cars are the reason why many of us car enthusiasts fell in love with cars in the first place. They look good, sound great, and provide an exhilarating driving experience. However, many sports cars are often out of reach due to high prices. Additionally, some sports cars need extra love to keep running, so any additional ownership costs will inflate already high prices.
Not everyone is made out of money. A new car is often out of reach, but when sports cars hit the used market, they can offer a price that makes the average person able to afford it. There are expensive used cars, but then there are good deals. These ten cars offer sports car fun at $20,000 or less.
10 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the most well-known and best of the JDM sports cars. This classic two-seater offers a variety of trims featuring convertibles in soft and hard tops, a lightweight frame, and almost 200hp of untamed fun!
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a long-time classic JDM sports car that keeps giving. Used models are cheap to maintain, and excellent examples are less than $20,000! Not to mention, the gas mileage is impressive, and many have manual transmissions to keep the roadster feel alive.
9 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is a classic sports car that needs no introduction as a long-time muscle car. In fact, the Mustang is one of the most well-known sports cars in history, fitted with either a V6 or a V8 engine and rear-wheel power.
The Ford Mustang must cost a fortune with such pedigree and attributes, right? Not at all; some great examples such as this Related: Here's How Much A Classic 1966 Ford Mustang Is Worth Today
8 Nissan 370Z
The modern incarnation of the Nissan Z, the 370Z, features a 3.7L 6-cylinder engine that pushes 350hp to the rear wheels. The Nissan 370Z sits two and handles like it's made for speed.
The Nissan 370Z has several trim options, including the track-inspired NISMO trim. Additionally, the 370Z boasts plenty of aftermarket performance parts, and best of all – used prices under $20,000.
7 Dodge Challenger
New SRT Hellcat trims of the Dodge Challenger may start well north of $20,000, older models and lesser trims can provide a classic sports car with American muscle. At around $20,000, the Dodge Challenger offers cool at an affordable price.
The most common trims feature the V6 engine and the SXT trim badging. Though not the top-end Hellcats, these Dodge Challengers still provide an excellent sports car with low miles. Further, you can find trims with AWD making them a blast to drive in the snow!
6 Scion FR-S
Originally part of the Toyota GT86 project, the Scion FR-S is a sporty coupe released as a sporty coupe for the brand in hopes of winning over some younger sports car fans.
Despite being from a younger brand, the FR-S doesn't skip out on the fun, and for less than $20,000 the FR-S is a great option! Further, the Scion FR-S is a sports car at its core with a 0-60 in 6 seconds and a standing quarter-mile in 14 seconds!
5 Subaru BRZ
Produced in joint partnership with Toyota to produce the GT86, the Subaru BRZ was born. Intimately related to the Scion FR-S and the 86, the Subaru BRZ features styling and performance that mirrors the JDM twins.
Subaru's only RWD entry features a responsive sports car ride without the fancy sports car price. Examples below $20,000 can fill the garage, and this sporty coupe has plenty of aftermarket accessories!
4 Mazda RX-8
Though Mazda killed off the RX-8 and we wait patiently for a new rotary engine sports car entry, the RX-8 is a solid entry sports car that not only is cheap to find but with the suicide doors and aftermarket part selection ripe for modifications!
The Mazda RX-8 is the evolution of the RX-7. Though not as iconic as the RX-7, the RX-8 looks good and is a ton of fun to drive. Additionally, the RX-8 won't break the bank with prices much lower than $20,000!
3 Mini Cooper Roadster
Mini has been attempting to find a place as modern cars have evolved to feature either crossover SUVs or luxury sedan styling. This leaves the Mini Cooper in a weird position. Despite attempting to carve out a niche, the Mini Cooper Roadster offers a distinctly British style in a sporty package.
More aggressive than the standard Cooper, the Cooper Roadster features a convertible, a fantastic 1.6L 4-cylinder turbo engine, and examples are pretty affordable! This used sports car is sure to provide a load of fun!
2 BMW Z4
A sports car list is almost incomplete without the BMW Z4. The Z4 is the luxury brand's sporty two-seater model. It is quite the stylish two-seater to boot with luxury interior components and retractable soft and hardtop convertible options! Powered by the same inline-6 as the Toyota Supra, the Z4 pushes up to 382hp!
While new models of the BMW Z4 can be very pricy, older models can be found for a fraction of $20,000! This beamer is quick and dripping with class, making it one of the best sports cars on the market!
1 Audi TT Coupe
The 2+2 coupe styling is well-known, and the TT Roadster takes this styling to a convertible level. Available as an AWD model, the TT uses its 230hp to power it through any situation.
Sporty lines, luxurious interior, and the Audi name make the TT one of the best sports cars on the market. Plus, low-mileage models can be found for less than $20,000!