Many enjoy the idea of having a luxury sports car, but many can’t afford the hefty price tag. However, there could be hope that you can get that luxury sports car you always dreamed of for an affordable price. According to U.S. News, some of the best used luxury sports cars are all Porsche models. And they are under $30,000.

These rankings are based on contemporary reviews, crash scores, and reliability ratings. These cars received the highest marks for performance, interior, and reliability, which put them on top. 

2014 Porsche Boxster 

The 2014 Porsche Boxster sits near the top of U.S. News’ sports car rankings due to its excellent handling and performance. It also offers a well-styled and appointed interior, practicality, and decent fuel economy. But what helps set it apart from other luxury sports cars are its reasonable ownership costs and outstanding reliability.  

Two flat six-cylinder engines provide great performance and fuel economy of up to 31 mpg on the highway. The base model makes 265 hp, while the S gets an added 50 hp for a total of 315 hp. Both engines can be equipped with a precise six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic gearbox.  

The Boxter has one of the best ride and handling combinations of any sports car, thanks to its mid-engine layout. Prices range from about $41,000 to $51,000 depending on the trim level, features, mileage, and condition. 

2012 Porsche Boxster 

According to U.S. News, the Porsche Boxster was all new for 2012, ranking just behind the 2014 Boxster. It scores highly based on an evaluation of 22 data elements the company uses from various sources. 

Like the 2014 Boxster, the 2012 model comes with a choice of six-cylinder engines and either a six-speed manual or seven-speed PDK automated manual. The PDK transmission is practically flawless, offering lightning-quick gear changes and perfectly matching the flat-six engine. 

The interior is well appointed and features large, easy-to-read instrumentation. Comfortable, supportive seats and premium interior materials make the Boxster a comfortable place to be. Complaints are relatively minor but center on wind noise and poor quality of the standard four-speaker stereo. A used 2012 Boxster ranges between $24,000 and $36,000 in price, depending on options.   

2012 Porsche Cayman

For those who would prefer a coupe alternative to the Boxster, Porsche has you covered with the 2012 Cayman. It sits just behind the 2012 Boxster in U.S. News’ rankings and offers a quieter ride and slightly more cargo room, up to 14.5 cu-ft overall. 

The Cayman shares all of the good bits from the Boxster, including engines, transmissions, and well-appointed interiors. It shares the Boxster’s performance with quick acceleration and excellent, well-balanced ride and handling. It also shares fuel economy numbers with EPA ratings of 20 mpg city and up to 29 mpg on the highway, among the best in the sports car class.  

Drawbacks are similar to the Boxter as well, with limited standard features and a smaller interior than some of its competitors. Prices are also comparable, ranging between $25,000 and $34,000.  

Should You Buy a Used Porsche Boxster or Cayman for your next used luxury sports car? 

If you love sports cars, very few things match taking on out on a two-lane road. The sound of the engine, precise gear changes, communicative steering, and handling that dances among all the dips and curves. It’s not about raw power or top speed. It’s about poise and balance and the feel of the car working with you. Few modern cars do this as well as the Porsche Boxster and Cayman.

There are faster cars. Cars that are roomier with larger trunks and more cup holders. Cars that are more luxurious, or cost less, or get better fuel economy. But as a sports car doing sports car things, it’s hard to go wrong with a used Boxster or Cayman.