If you want a cheap, fun car, you might only have so many options. Furthermore, finding a new or gently used example with an intact warranty can be tricky. However, if you’re willing to shop around, you can find one of these six fun cars with starting prices of less than $30,000, like the 2022 Mazda MX-5. 

• Chevrolet Camaro
• Fiat 124
• Mini Cooper S 
• Mazda MX-5
• Subaru BRZ
• Ford Mustang 

How much is a 2022 Chevrolet Camaro?

A 2022 Chevrolet Camaro has a starting manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) of $26,395. That’s right; for less than $30,000, you can buy a fun muscle car. However, don’t think you’ll be snagging a big displacement V8. Instead, you’ll be buying one of Chevrolet’s 2.0L inline four-cylinder variations with a respectable 275 horsepower. 

Is the Fiat 124 a Mazda?

The Fiat 124 is a sharply styled convertible roadster with Italian flare and badging. However, its produced alongside the MX-5 in Japan. That may not be such a terrible thing, considering the reputation for reliability once held by European roadsters. Better yet, the 2020 model started at $26,885, and you can find an example for cheap today. 

Is the Mini Cooper S a fun car for less than $30,000?

With a starting MSRP of just $27,750, the Mini Cooper S is a fun car with a lot of attitude for not a lot of money. In addition to cost-effectiveness, the Mini manages 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway from its 2.0L four-cylinder engine. Furthermore, your fun car can be even more fun with a six-speed manual transmission! 

How much is a 2022 Mazda MX-5?

A 2022 Mazda MX-5 has a starting MSRP of $28,665. Mazda’s great roadster holdout is a fun little car with nearly 30 mpg combined and an optional manual transmission. Furthermore, what the MX-5 lacks in horsepower, it makes up for in convertible sun-soaked good times. Considering you can get one with a factory warranty for this amount is a testament to what makes the MX-5 a mainstay. 

How much does a 2022 Subaru BRZ cost?

A new 2022 Subaru BRZ has a starting MSRP of just $28,990, which puts it in striking range of the Mazda MX-5. Although you won’t get a BRZ with a convertible top like the MX-5, you will get an entirely different animal. The 228-horsepower 2.4L Boxer engine and six-speed manual transmission are difficult to beat for someone looking to enjoy their drive. Also, for those who didn’t like the styling of previous model years, the 2022 sports a simple, athletic look sure to satisfy your fun car itch. 

Is a Ford Mustang a fun car for less than $30,000?

If you want horsepower on a budget, you can get a 2022 Ford Mustang EcoBoost for a starting MSRP of $28,865. You’ll get a 310-horsepower 2.3L inline four-cylinder engine for that money. If that wasn’t enough, you could get your pony car as a convertible or a coupe. Finally, if you want an analog experience, the EcoBoost offers a six-speed manual transmission. 

If you’re willing to spring beyond that $30,000 mark, TrueCar says you can get the 330 horsepower engine option in your Mustang EcoBoost. 

Which of these fun cars should you buy? 

All of these cars have a starting price below $30,000. However, with fees, registration costs, and other unforeseen expenses, they can rise above that mark. Still, you’ll be getting a fun, quick car to enjoy how you see fit. 

Scroll down to the following article to read about other car bargains!