15 Reliable Sports Cars That Won’t Break The Bank
Something about the roar of a finely tuned engine, the precision of a well-engineered chassis, and the adrenaline rush of acceleration makes sports cars a dream for many. However, the high price tag often associated with these dream machines can be a harsh reality check. So, here are some reliable used sports cars that can offer the thrill you crave.
2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS
You probably remember the 2010 Camaro SS’s memorable appearance in the Transformers movies as Bumblebee, which set its status as a pop culture icon. It has a 6.2-liter V8 engine cranks out an impressive 426 hp, which takes the car to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. With a maximum speed of 155 mph, there is no slouch in the speed department either.
2007 Pontiac Solstice
The 2007 Pontiac Solstice is a sports car that holds a special place in automotive history as one of the last models produced by Pontiac before the brand was discontinued in 2010. With its sleek curves and aggressive stance, this roadster was designed to be a fun and affordable sports car for an engaging driving experience at a fraction of the cost of its competitors.
2016 Scion FR-S
Also known as the Toyota GT86, this car was developed in collaboration with Subaru and is known for its superb chassis dynamics and rear-wheel-drive layout. These features make it a favorite among purists. While it’s not the most powerful sports car, the FR-S makes up for it with its lightweight construction, precise steering, and near-perfect weight distribution.
2014 Porsche 981 Boxster GTS
Porsche enthusiasts often praise the 2014 Porsche 981 Boxster GTS as one of the finest due to its enhanced performance and features. Thanks to its mid-engine layout, the Boxster GTS is perfectly balanced, making it one of the best-handling sports cars on the market. It has a 3.4-liter flat-six engine that produces 326 hp.
2009 Dodge Challenger
Channeling the spirit of the classic American muscle cars of the 1970s, the 2009 Dodge Challenger features a bold, retro-inspired design and an array of powerful engine options that produce up to 425 hp. This car made a famous appearance in the Fast & Furious franchise, driven by Vin Diesel’s character, Dominic Toretto, mainly for its brute force and classic style.
2017 FIAT 124 Spider
The 2017 FIAT 124 Spider brings a touch of Italian flair to the affordable sports car market. It combines the Miata’s brilliant chassis with a turbocharged Italian engine and pays homage to the original Fiat 124 Spider from the 1960s and 70s with its retro-inspired design, including a front grille and round headlights that echo the original.
2009 Audi TT
With a sleek, minimalist design and advanced engineering, this car has become a symbol of sophisticated driving pleasure. One of the standout features of the 2009 TT is its distinctive, Bauhaus-inspired exterior, characterized by smooth curves and clean lines. In addition, its Quattro all-wheel-drive system creates perfect traction and stability.
2008 BMW Z4
This car shows BMW’s commitment to driving pleasure. It is designed to offer an exhilarating open-top driving experience as it captures the essence of a classic sports car, with a focus on agility, precision, and pure driving dynamics. The Z4 offers a range of engines, the most popular being the 3.0-liter inline-six, producing 255 hp.
2017 Ford Mustang
As one of America’s most iconic muscle cars, the 2017 Ford Mustang perfectly blends modern performance and classic style. The aggressive stance and unmistakable design make it a symbol of American automotive culture. Notably, the engine options range from the efficient 2.3-liter EcoBoost inline-four to the mighty 5.0-liter V8 in the GT model.
2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse
The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse may not be the fastest car on the road. Still, its unique character and reliability make it an appealing option for drivers looking for a stylish and affordable coupe. It offers—a 2.4-liter inline-four and a 3.8-liter V6. While the V6 model offers decent acceleration, the front-wheel-drive layout and softer suspension make it better suited for comfortable cruising.
2009 Honda S2000
Despite its affordable price, the 2009 Honda S2000 has earned legendary status among driving enthusiasts. Thanks to its lightweight design and rigid chassis, it’s often considered one of the best-handling sports cars ever made. It features a 2.2-liter inline-four engine that produces 237 hp, but what sets this engine apart is its ability to rev up to an astonishing 8,000 RPM.
2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The 2017 MX-5 Miata’s formula is simple but effective—a lightweight chassis, rear-wheel drive, and a responsive engine, all wrapped in a stylish and compact package. This result is a car that offers pure driving pleasure and a level of reliability that is hard to beat. It accelerates to 60 mph in around 6 seconds with a top speed of 135 miles per hour.
2003 BMW M3 Convertible
Known for its perfect blend of power, precision, and luxury, the 2003 M3 Convertible is a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate its driving dynamics and top-down experience. Under the hood, the 3.2-liter inline-six engine produces 333 hp. The interior combines luxury and sportiness with leather upholstery, supportive M-specific seats, and high-quality materials.
2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai, traditionally known for its economy cars, made a bold statement with the Genesis Coupe with a rear-wheel-drive layout, powerful engines, and aggressive styling at an affordable price point. The 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe surprised many with its performance and value and proved that Hyundai could compete with more established sports car brands.
2013 Nissan 370Z
The 2013 Nissan 370Z continues the legacy of the Z-car with a potent combination of performance, style, and value. Thanks to its muscular design, powerful V6 engine, and rear-wheel-drive layout, the 370Z is a true sports car that delivers engaging driving. It features a 3.7-liter V6 engine, which produces 332 hp and propels the 370Z to 60 mph in 5 seconds.