While most people look at cars as only a mode of transport, sports car enthusiasts know different. They know that performance track-only and road-legal vehicles don't have any daily driver car features. Sports cars are not built to offer ample seating space for many passengers, they come with small or no cargo space, and they are not among the most fuel-efficient vehicles in the market.
For those who know what it means, a good sports car is the ultimate key to the thrilling, adrenaline-pumping experience of the open road. And while these cars are not ideal for the family and are mostly priced relatively high as new models, many people shy away from them. However, the used car market offers a wide selection of excellent sports cars at relatively fair prices. Dive in for eight of the best available sports cars for under $15,000.
8 2006 Audi TT Quattro – $10,800
The TT is one of the best Audi sports cars ever made. Its original model was introduced in the late-1990s as part of a creative blast by the Volkswagen Group. Fast-forward to 2006, Audi introduced a performance version of the TT, the Quattro Sport, built by the company's high-performance division.
The new TT had its power boosted significantly, and its curb weight cut by 165 lbs. The Audi TT Quattro accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, with a governed top speed of 155 mph. A well-maintained TT Quattro is available for around $10,800. Models in excellent conditions cost anything between $18,000 and $39,000, while project models can be had for only about $5,000.
7 2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS – $13,000
First announced in 1966, the Chevrolet Camaro has lived a good and glorious life. It was one of America's best muscle cars and a stern competitor of the iconic Ford Mustang. Until 2002, the Camaro had evolved through four generations, and at least 5 million people had one in their garage.
The 2002 Camaro SS was quite symbolic. Chevy designed it to commemorate the car's strong heritage. It came with a unique engine that pushed the initial output to 345 horsepower. Although the Camaro returned to the market later, the 2002 model remains an icon in the eyes of many enthusiasts. The used car market has several options of well-maintained Camaro SS models at approximately $13,000.
6 2010 Ford Mustang GT Convertible – $13,000
As far as the American muscle goes, the Ford Mustang is one of the best, the most iconic, and the most adored muscle cars of all time. The car comes in different forms, but the convertible is always a much-loved version.
Having been around for many decades, the 2010 Mustang Convertible came with an all-new exterior design complemented with a world-class interior with well-crafted materials and updated technology. The 2010 Mustang has a mighty V8 powerhouse with enough power and pleasantly sounding exhaust — good for turning heads wherever it goes.
5 2013 Subaru BRZ – $14,950
The BRZ is Subaru's direct competitor of the Scion FR-S. The BRZ was launched in 2013 with a four-cylinder boxer engine that sends 200 horsepower to the rear wheels. It features the option of either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission.
The BRZ is built with a light, comfortable cabin, featuring intuitive and straightforward controls. Thanks to the sharp steering, the BRZ offers a thrilling open road experience, and the minimal body leans in turns. Although it is a bit highly-priced, a good search on the internet reveals a few examples of the 2013 Subaru BRZ available for around $15,000 and below.
4 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T – $15,000
Vehicles go through significant advancements through generations and model years. The 2011 Dodge Challenger was a massive upgrade of the previous model years. Dodge offered the car in various versions with different engine variants.
The base model came equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 with 305 horsepower. Higher trims included the R/T and the SRT8. Powering the R/T model is a 5.7-liter V8 that pumps out a decent 376 horsepower. It comes with an updated suspension and braking system.
3 2006 Nissan 350Z Track – $13,800
Some cars are best suited for specific purposes, like weekend cruises only, home-to-office commute, or the track. The 2006 350Z Track is more than just a luxury sports car; it is the closest model to Nissan's original 240Z. Although the 2006 model was a redesign of the 2003 350Z, Nissan did not sacrifice its muscle performance in favor of luxury.
Offered in a manual and automatic transmission, the 2006 Nissan 350Z Track is one of the most thrilling sports cars that won't break the bank. The manual model comes with a 300-horsepower V6, while the automatic ones produce 287 horsepower from a similar engine.
2 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX TR – $14,400
Subaru has been in the sports car business for ages. Its sports cars are among the best in all aspects; speed, handling, and performance in general. And that's not all. Subaru cars are adored for their ease of modification. The WRX, for instance, is a massive player in the performance car segment. However, many buyers drive it from the showroom straight to a customization shop.
It is because of this fact that Subaru introduced the WRX TR model. The TR stands for "Tuner Ready." It allows the WRX buyers to drive an already tuned sports car without spending a dime extra. The 2006 WRX TR is a beautiful sports car with a price tag of around $14,500.
1 2013 Scion FR-S – $14,238
The Scion FR-S is a powerful performance car powered by a four-cylinder boxer engine sourced from Subaru. Although it comes with seating space for four, only the front bucket seats are suited for adults.
The 200-horsepower boxer engine is paired with a rear-wheel-drive system via either a six-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission. The car features a no-nonsense cabin that's simple enough to allow drivers to focus on the thrilling experience, responsive steering, and agile handling. A used Scion FR-S in good condition can be had for around $14,500.