Also referred to as 'exotic cars,' supercars are essentially higher-performance sports cars. Not only do they often come with big engines, but they also usually come with even bigger price tags. While we're fans of high-performance cars, not all of us can manage to reach the sometimes seven-figure asking prices for supercars.
But not all supercars cost an arm and a leg. There is surprisingly a wide range of supercars on the used market that cost less than $30,000. These cars aren't at the bottom of the pile either, they are in good condition (sometimes even in excellent condition). As such, the cars on this list may be high performers, but they are available at a decent price and they are in reasonable condition too. Just expect big running costs.
10 BMW 850Ci ($24,300)
The BMW 850Ci was launched as part of the BMW 8-Series lineup, and it offered a very special engine. Powered by a 5.4-liter V12 engine, it was a bored-out version of the engine used in the BMW 850i. The increased engine size enhanced power significantly, with it producing 322 bhp. This is the model before the famous range-topper — the BMW 850CSi, which is costly on the used market.
The BMW 850Ci is cheap compared to the CSi yet offers similar performance levels. As such, if you want a supercar, looking at buying a BMW 850Ci is a fantastic option, especially considering that it averages at $24,300 on the market. Just be sure to watch out for electrical problems.
9 Aston Martin DB7 Vantage ($28,700)
Another supercar coming with a V12 engine, the DB7 Vantage launched in 1996. The 6.0-liter V12 produced 420 bhp, offering increased power to the DB7 family. Not only was the car powerful, but it was also luxurious, coming with an elegant appeal while offering excellent speed and performance. The 186-mph top speed was great too, making the DB7 a proper supercar.
Averaging at $28,700 for a 1999 model of the DB7 Vantage, we think this is a fair price for such a good engine and for the class that comes with any Aston Martin. Although, buyers should remember that reliability problems can arise and be expensive to repair.
8 Bentley Continental GT ($25,300)
Launched in 2003, the Bentley Continental GT has often been a fan favorite as it came with a nice W12 engine and a fantastic build quality. The engine was two V6 engines welded together, producing a W12. In true supercar fashion, the engine produced a massive 552 bhp and it had a top speed of 197.6 mph. These figures were impressive when new, and they are still impressive nowadays. Its luxury appeal remains, and it is aging very well into the 2020s.
Models average at about $25,300 thanks to hefty depreciation issues. As a popular grand tourer, there are plenty for sale and parts supply is good, and it is still a formidable supercar that is both luxurious and great to drive on the roads.
7 Ferrari Mondial 8 ($23,500)
Considered a complete letdown at the time of launch, the Ferrari Mondial 8 came with a mid-mounted V8 engine and four seats. While it was practical, the Mondial 8 was such a letdown for fans because it was slow for a Ferrari. The car could only go 0-60 mph in 9.4 seconds, and compared to other Ferrari cars, this was very unimpressive.
Many didn't take to its styling either, and it did look quite odd considering the usual styling that Ferrari was and is capable of. However, it still reaches supercar status because of Ferrari's name and builds quality. It is also an easy way to buy a Ferrari as prices for one average at around $23,500. It is definitely a car to consider if you want a cheap supercar.
6 Chevrolet Corvette C5 Z06 ($20,500)
The Corvette Z06 offers a nice performance boost over the standard C5. Coming with a tuned LS1 engine, termed the LS6, the Corvette C5 produced 385 bhp and it was lighter than the previous C4 ZR-1 model. Weighing a total of 3118 lbs, the Z06 saved weight by using thinner glass alongside lighter wheels and a lighter battery.
Models released in 2002 received even more power, coming with 405 bhp. This boost was significant, yet these models are still cheap nowadays. For $20,500, prospective buyers can manage to get a high-performance Z06 without breaking the bank.
5 Lotus Esprit S4 Turbo ($30,000)
The S4 Esprit launched in 1994 and it featured many exterior updates. Coming with a smaller rear spoiler and new wheels, the car also came with performance updates, featuring power steering being used in the Esprit for the first time. Coming with a turbocharged option, producing 264 bhp, this worked well with the lightweight feel of the Esprit.
The restyling and turbo engine enhanced the overall appeal of the Esprit, but it is still available cheaply nowadays. While it is at to top of this list in terms of price, $30,000 for a Lotus Esprit is incredibly good value for a proper V8 supercar.
4 Porsche 911 Carerra 4 ($24,000)
The Porsche 911 996 generation was introduced in 1999 and it brought a water-cooled engine rather than the previously air-cooled engine. Despite the engine being a 3.4-liter engine, it was more efficient than the 3.6-liter engine used previously. The Carrera 4 used the controversial fried egg headlights, which weren't to everyone's taste, and the updates to the car took it away from the traditional 911 driving style - which wasn't necessarily a bad thing.
Its changes may not have been enjoyed by everyone, but it was certainly more refined and pushed the 911 even further up marker. For this reason, the Carerra 4 is a wonderful supercar bargain, costing around $24,000 on average, and it is a great way to own a Porsche.
3 Mercedes SL55 AMG ($26,900)
The Mercedes SL55 AMG is stylish but is also very understated. The AMG division often brings a dollop of extra power, but this car is actually on par with the SL600 in terms of power. The overall package of the SL55 AMG truly reflects why this car is outstanding, with a quick engine response, fantastic handling, and amazing engine noise.
The convertible car is everything you would want in terms of luxury and power, and we can't dispute the abilities of this car. Also being cheap at $26,900, you really can't go wrong in buying an AMG car. However, running costs are high and the car isn't exactly good in terms of eco-efficiency either.
2 TVR Griffith - $29,900
Looking at the TVR Griffith, it is definitely what we would expect when it comes to a supercar. Introduced in 1990, the car looked incredibly futuristic, coming with a spaceframe chassis (the same one that had been used for the Tuscan race car). Not only was it styled beautifully, but its handling and power were great too. The reworked Rover V8 engine was available with a 4.0-liter or a 4.3-liter displacement, producing 240 bhp or 280 bhp respectively.
Being incredibly well-built, it is disappointing that only 600 were made, with the Chimaera taking over from 1993. However, if you can find one, many TVRs are available at just under the price limit of this list, with good examples costing around $29,900, buying one of these iconic cars would be fantastic.
1 Maserati 3200 GT ($29,000)
Originally named the 'Mistral', the 3200 GT was designed to pay homage to the 3500 GT launched by Maserati in 1957. Launched in 1998, the car came with a twin-turbocharged V8 engine which produced 365 bhp. In 2001, the car also came with a multitude of updates, including a new steering system and reduced turbo lag.
The average price for a 3200 GT is around $29,000, but there are plenty of examples that are just below it. Some costing around $27,300 (after exchange rates) are cheap considering the prestige of the Maserati 3500 GT that is in the 3200 GT (but many need to be imported into the US). Despite not being preferred over the Porsche 911, it is a nice Italian car that makes its way onto this list.