10 Best Used Performance Cars Under $15,000 According to Autotrader
New car prices have yet to level off, but you can still find good deals on used cars if you know where to look. When it comes to finding some of the best used performance cars out there, Autotrader has some good deals for around $15,000.
One of the best used performance cars is the 2010 Audi TT
Autotrader says the 2010 Audi TT was the cream of the crop back in the day. It looks expensive, but you can find one for under $15,000 these days. It has an upscale interior and comes equipped with the Quattro all-wheel drive system that really ups the ante for buyers. Keep an eye out for a gently used Audi TT to make your daily drives more exciting.
Try to find the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro if you can
The 2012 Chevrolet Camaro might not be the most obvious choice on this list, but you can find it within budget. As one of the best used performance cars for under $15,000, the Chevrolet Camaro will forever turn heads. The fifth-generation Camaro offers buyers a fun ride, a performance-based build, and a price that can’t be beaten. Be sure to get a pre-purchase inspection to make sure it is worth taking home.
The 2011 Dodge Challenger is one of the best used performance cars
Feeling Fast and Furious? The 2011 Dodge Challenger will get the job done. Autotrader says it is “old-school cool with its retro styling and muscular performance.” It also has a reasonably sides backseat and enough legroom for people like Vin Diesel, so it will definitely fit you and your passengers. The base V6 engine might not sound the most exciting, but it beats most similar sedans.
Looking for a 2013 Ford Mustang?
Sure, you can find the Ford Mustang pretty easily. But now, buyers can find the 2013 Ford Mustang for under $15,000. That makes it one of the best used performance cars on the market. It balances performance, style, value, and fun in one two-door package. Spend $15,000 on the Ford Mustang and throw another $5,000 in over the next few years to make it the perfect enthusiast car.
The 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the best used performance cars
If you are interested in the 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata, you better jump on it. The Miata is quickly becoming an enthusiast pick which is driving the price up. It isn’t the biggest car on the market, but it is fun, lightweight, and under $15,000 (for now). If you can find one with a manual transmission, it makes it even more fun.
Three doors or five doors, the 2015 Mini Cooper S is under $15,000
The 2015 Mini Cooper S is tiny but mighty. Autotrader says it has “distinct British styling and go-kart-like handling.” The 2015 Mini comes with a three-door coupe style or a five-door hatchback style, giving buyers options. The S trim is also more desirable. See what you can find in your area or plan your next road trip to bring home a Mini Cooper S.
Don’t forget about the 2011 Nissan 370Z
That’s right; the 2011 Nissan 370Z is actually on a list of the best performance cars under $15,000. The Nissan 370Z is definitely fun to drive and comes in a convertible or regular body style. The standard V6 engine still gets the job done and works well with the chassis that has evolved from the 350Z.
A luxury used performance car option is the 2003 Porsche Boxster
As far as Porsche goes, the 2003 Porsche Boxster is a budget-friendly buy from the performance brand. The Boxster is luxurious, fast, and fun to drive as a mid-ending performance car. If you can find one for under $15,000, jump on it. A pre-purchase inspection is a good idea for this sports car, too.
Look for the 2013 Scion FR-S if you can
The 2013 Scion FR-S is one of the early examples of the Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ crop. It is getting easier to find one of these options for under $15,000, so jump on one if you find it. The FR-S is now the Toyota 86, which means even more bargains in store for the old version. Autotrader says it “boasts sharp styling, agile handling, and responsive steering.” The FR-S is one of the best-used performance cars on the market.
A super-fun hot hatch, look for the 2013 Volkswagen GTI
Never underestimate the power of the 2013 Volkswagen GTI. As a fast, fun, and practical hatchback, the GTI can do it all. It was one of the originators of the hot hatch trend, and you will see these cars at the track, sometimes testing the limits. Find the GTI with the six-speed manual transmission, if possible.
So when it comes down to it, peruse Autotrader for some of these used performance cars to see what is out there. If all else fails, you can plan a road trip to hit some of the best roads in America in your new car.