With new car shortages, many are turning to the used market for sports cars. There are plenty of options too, including several used sports cars under $30,000. But if you’re looking for the best used sports cars on the market, iSeeCars selected four, in particular, that stand out.

iSeeCars names the Ford Mustang Coupe the best used sports car

• iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.4
• Reliability Score: 8.5
• Retained Value Score: 8.2
• Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $44,636

The Ford Mustang Coupe landed at the top of iSeeCars’ list for best used sports cars. Overall, the Mustang received an 8.4 out of 10 rating. The used Ford Mustang Coupe also earned an 8.5 out of 10 for reliability. 

Data from Repair Pal shows this is warranted: Mustang owners report an average of 0.2 visits to the repair shop per year. Annual repair costs and maintenance are a bit higher than average, with $789 compared to the average of $652 for all vehicles. But most problems are not severe. In fact, Repair Pal reports the probability of a severe or major issue needing repairs is at 14%, close to the 12% average for all vehicles.

An average Ford Mustang can make it to 200,000 miles. With proper maintenance, it can likely go even longer. CarComplaints shows the most common problems reported are on the paint or body. Corrosion on the hood is the most common, as well as paint blistering. The model years with the most problems reported, per CarComplaints data, are 2015, 2012, and 2007.

iSeeCars also gave the Mustang an 8.2 out of 10 on retained value as it retains its value over five years more than other sports cars. The average used price for a three-year-old model is listed at $44,636. Additionally, iSeeCars put the Mustang at the top of its best sports cars of 2022, ranking for both new and used cars. U.S. News also named the Mustang the best sports car of 2022.

What’s the next-best option if you don’t want a used Ford Mustang?

• iSeeCars Quality Score: 7.5
• Reliability Score: 8.0
• Retained Value Score: 7.0
• Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $40,151

If the Mustang doesn’t fit your budget or isn’t your preferred option, there are other options. iSeeCars listed a used Camaro as a runner-up and even gave it a 7.5 out of 10.

The Chevrolet Camaro gets a slightly lower reliability score than the Mustang at 8.0 out of 10. Numbers from Repair Pal show the average annual cost of repairs and maintenance is lower than the Mustang at $585 on average at a similar rate of 0.2 repair shop visits per year. But repairs needed are typically more severe, with a 17% probability of severe or major issues. 

If you are looking for a used Camaro, data from CarComplaints shows the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has the most reported problems, followed by 2013 and 2014. Engine problems are the most common, specifically premature timing chain wear. 

The Camaro gets a much lower retained value rating than the Mustang, at 7.0 out of 10. The three-year-old used car price is $40,151 on average, 10% lower than the Mustang. It’s more affordable to purchase but will be less valuable on the resale market than the Mustang. The 2018 Camaro is a good option if you’re looking for more modern technology with power at an affordable price. 

The best used luxury sports car is the Porsche 911

• iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.5
• Reliability Score: 8.5
• Retained Value Score: 8.5
• Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $157,510

iSeeCars named the Porsche 911 the best used luxury sports car on the market. It predictably comes at a higher price than the other sports cars with an average price of $157,510.

iSeeCars points to the variety of engine and trim options as one of the main attractions of the 911. With more than a dozen in total, there’s something for every type of luxury sports car driver.

The used Porsche 911 gets an 8.5 out of 10 for reliability. Data from CarComplaints backs that up with only 10 total complaints that have been reported since 2008. But the data from Repair Pal tells a slightly different story. 

Overall, the Porsche 911 gets two out of five stars, well below the 3.5-star average. The average annual repair cost is $1,072, more than $300 higher than average for luxury midsize cars and $400 higher than the average for all vehicles. 

Data shows Porsche 911 owners head to repair shops nearly 0.5 times per year, higher than the average for all vehicles of 0.4 but lower than the luxury midsize car average of 0.6. But those visits can be costly: Repair Pal data shows 22% of repair visits are for severe or major issues.

iSeeCars gives the 911 an 8.5 out of 10 for retained value as well. The 911 has one of the lowest depreciation rates on the market. A used 911 is a great cheap sports car but can come with a few notes ahead of purchasing. But if you buy a relatively new model, you can expect it to stay worth more than $100,000 for a while.

What’s the next best used luxury sports car after the Porsche 911?

• iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.5
• Reliability Score: 8.6
• Retained Value Score: 8.5
• Average 3-Year-Old Used Car Price: $112,208

If a used Porsche 911 is not your top choice, but you still want luxury and power, iSeeCars recommends the Chevrolet Corvette. It’s close with both cars getting an 8.5 out of 10 overall.

The Corvette gets a slightly higher score for reliability at 8.6 than the 911. It has more problems reported on CarComplaints, with more than 92 over the last decade. At more than $45,000 less for the three-year-old used car price average than the 911, iSeeCars touts the Corvette’s value in the luxury sports car segment. It offers great acceleration, power, and a “sleek and upscale interior.” 

When it comes to repairs, a used Corvette is a better choice than the 911. Repair Pal gives the Corvette three out of five stores for overall reliability. Data shows that the average annual repair costs are $737 – higher than the average, but lower than the 911. Repair frequency is lower at 0.27 per year, but severe repairs are also high at 22%. 

As far as retained value, the Corvette gets an 8.6 out of 10. iSeeCars data from a used car price study shows the Corvette had the biggest price increase from April 2020 to April 2021 at 33.9%. If you’re getting a used Corvette, it’ll likely stay valuable at a rate not too far from the 911.