While remote-working car shoppers don’t have to concern themselves with a commute-friendly daily driver, many of us still have to drive every day. However, nobody said daily drivers have to be boring; these five exciting, fun coupes and convertibles could be your ticket to workday whimsy. Check out some commute-friendly vehicles like the Chevrolet Corvette C5, BMW Z4, or the venerable Mazda MX-5 Miata.  

Can you use a sports car as a daily driver?

Depending on the model, a sports car can make an exciting daily driver. As long as you don’t move furniture for a living, one of these models could add smiles to your commute. 

• Jaguar XK (X150)
• Mercedes-Benz SL (R107)
• BMW Z4
• Mazda MX-5 Miata
• Chevrolet Corvette C5

How much does a Jaguar XK cost?

Commuters who want an elegant, striking grand tourer (GT) need look no further than an X150-generation Jaguar XK. KBB says that a 2007 XK with an orchestral 300-horsepower 4.2L V8 has a fair value of around $15,275. 

However, fans who want more snarl from their big cat can opt for an XKR or post-facelift X150 with a 5.0L mill. Specifically, the Aston Martin-fighting 5.0L XKR produces 510 horsepower from its supercharged V8. Still, I recommend getting a pre-purchase inspection with any luxury sports car; a PPI we conducted on a pre-facelift Jaguar XKR X150 revealed around $5,000 of faults. 

Is an R107 Mercedes-Benz SL a sports car you can drive daily?

If you don’t need speed or a back seat, you’d be hard-pressed to find a daily driver as elegant as a classic R107 Mercedes-Benz SL. With a handsome quad-headlight fascia, leather seats, and a lazy, sing-songy V8, a 380SL, 450SL, or 560SL could be your ticket to sun-soaked commutes. 

Moreover, the R107 SLs pack a traffic-friendly automatic transmission as standard equipment and a 90-lb removable hard top for winter months. Of course, the newest R107 models are 34 years old, so getting the vehicle inspected and regularly serviced is a must.   

Is BMW Z4 hardtop a good car?

The BMW Z4 offers multiple generations of two-door roadsters. Prior to the 2019 model, the BMW Z4 E89 offered a hardtop convertible variant with daily driver credentials. Moreover, fans can snag a 2009 BMW Z4 35i for around $17,608 with average mileage.  

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the last words in commute-friendly sports cars

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the last remaining roadsters of its kind. With a starting price of around $29,115, a new 2023 Mazda MX-5 is an affordable sports car. Moreover, the latest MX-5s have a traditional soft-top convertible and an RF retractable hardtop model.  

Is it worth buying a C5 Corvette?

While the C7 and C8 Chevrolet Corvettes skirt the lines of affordability, the C5 is a bona fide performance bargain. Moreover, with a removable roof panel, a choice of an automatic or manual transmission, and a 345-horsepower 5.7L LS1 V8, the C5 Corvette is a must for drivers who want a Swiss Army Knife of a sports car. 

While none of these vehicles have excessive storage volume, they make up for it with sharp handling and dynamic driving experiences. Still, if you don’t have to transport large amounts of cargo daily or don’t have any need for spacious back seats, these vehicles could spice up your drives.