Skip to main content

Summer is around the corner, and snagging one of the cheapest sports cars or convertibles to tick your boxes might be your top priority. Don’t fret; a $25,000 budget might be all you need to snag the keys to a serious summertime ride. Check out five of the best affordable sports cars to hit the road this summer, like the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata, 2014 Ford Mustang GT Convertible, and 2006 Chevrolet Corvette C6. 

What is a good cheap sports car?

The market is full of good, affordable sports cars. Here are some of the best options among the cheapest sports cars under $25,000.

  • 2018 Fiat 124 Spider
  • 2019 Subaru BRZ
  • 2014 Ford Mustang GT Convertible
  • 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata
  • 2006 Chevrolet Corvette C6

A fun, exciting vehicle under $25,000 doesn’t have to be a catastrophic compromise. For instance, summertime drivers who want a convertible with pedigree can seek out a tenured model like the iconic Chevrolet Corvette or venerable Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, that same budget also covers a modern, fun ride like the 2019 Subaru BRZ or 2014 Ford Mustang GT. 

Is the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider one of the best of the cheapest sports cars under $25,000?

The 2018 Fiat 124 Spider wears an attractive exterior aesthetic with the familiar and inviting Fiat 124 nameplate from the roadsters of yesteryear. However, the 124 Spider is a product of the Mazda plant in Hiroshima, Japan. As a result, the Fiat model has similar predicted reliability to the dependable MX-5 Miata.

Of course, the 124 model that performance fans will want is the Abarth, a sharper, faster version of the now-discontinued Fiat roadster. According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), the 164-horsepower 2018 Fiat 124 Abarth has a fair purchase value of around $22,581. 

The 2019 Subaru BRZ is one of the cheapest new sports cars to tackle your summer drives

The pre-facelift 2019 Subaru BRZ boasts some of the finest driver’s car credentials on the modern market. The 205-horsepower BRZ offers a characteristic 2.0L flat four-cylinder engine with a standard six-speed manual transmission for spirited driving. Moreover, the 2019 BRZ has a fair value of about $22,146. 

A dark 2019 Subaru BRZ sports car shows off its simplicity and quickness among the cheapest performance cars.
2019 Subaru BRZ | Subaru

What is the price of a Ford Mustang GT 5.0 Convertible?

Depending on the year, a Ford Mustang GT Convertible with a 5.0L Coyote mill could be under $25,000. For instance, the 2014 Ford Mustang GT from the S197 generation with a drop-top has an average value of around $20,890.

Better yet, with a 2+2 layout and a 420-horsepower V8 engine, the Mustang model is a solid option for nearly any sports car shopper.  

A red 2014 Ford Mustang GT, the cheapest V8 sports car in the model's lineup, flashes 5.0 badges.
An S197 Mustang GT | Tiffany Rose, WireImage

The 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the cheapest sports cars you can snag for under $25,000

The Miata nameplate acts as an acronym for fans of the Mazda model; owners will tell you that “Miata is always the answer” in the sports car segment. Beyond the cheeky commentary, the adage isn’t far from the truth. 

A 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata shows off its convertible sports car profile.
2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata | Mazda

For instance, the 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata is among the best convertibles under $25,000. While the Miata’s 181-horsepower might not make it the fastest of drop-top options, the model’s value, standard technology, and good looks make it a solid summertime ride.   

How much is a 2006 Chevrolet Corvette C6?

A 2006 Chevrolet Corvette from the C6 generation has a fair value of $24,048. That’s not an awful ask for a 400-horsepower sports car with a manual transmission option and a 0 to 60 mph time in the low four-second range.

A white Chevrolet Corvette C6 parks in a large lot.
C6 Corvette | General Motors
Related

Stick Shift Sports Cars for 2023: Row Your Own Gears