The Fastest-Selling Used Sports Cars in the U.S. Are Japanese
Japan has made some of the greatest sports cars the world has ever seen. The current crop of Japanese sports cars seems largely focused on the affordable end of the market. As a result, most manufacturers have seen strong sales figures for brand-new models. However, in the used market, Japanese sports cars dominate in the U.S. iSeeCars reports that the three fastest-selling used sports cars are all Japanese. Two Subarus and a Toyota top the list and sell up to 25 days quicker than the average sports car.
The Subaru BRZ is the fastest-selling used sports car, taking 44.5 days
The fastest-selling sports car is by far the Subaru BRZ, taking an average of 44.5 days to find a new home. While the Subaru BRZ’s $28,845 base price already makes it a compelling purchase, the used market value makes it a bargain. A quick search on Autotrader reveals that used BRZ’s sell for around $16,000. Given the low price point, it is not difficult to see why enthusiasts opt to move quickly to purchase it.
The Subaru BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive sports car powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine. The BRZ’s boxer engine produces just over 200 hp and is available with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. The major draw of the BRZ is its sub 2,800 weight and excellent weight distribution. As a result, the BRZ is a competent vehicle. While the current generation BRZ is no longer in production, a new version is set to arrive by 2022.
The Subaru WRX comes in second, taking 51.5 days
In terms of sports cars, the Subaru WRX is the polar opposite of the BRZ despite sharing similar components. The Subaru WRX is the second fastest-selling sports car taking just 51.6 days to find a home. Strangely enough, the WRX is also one of the fastest-selling new cars at an average of 69.8 days. While iSeeCars did not specify between the WRX and the WRX STI, these sales figures likely include both models.
The Subaru WRX is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 268 hp. The STI variant utilizes a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine generating 305 hp. While the WRX is available with an automatic transmission, a six-speed manual comes as standard. The STI model comes exclusively with a six-speed manual. While a brand new WRX costs around $27,495, used examples sell for around $18,000.
The Toyota 86 comes in third, taking 53.1 days
You are not seeing double. The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are indeed almost identical. The sports car duo is built utilizing the same chassis, engine, and transmission. The major differentiators are in the styling, price, and interior extras. As a result, the used 86’s 53.1 sale time should come as no surprise.
The 86 steps away from the BRZ mainly with its styling. The 86 gets a distinct front bumper and headlight setup that results in a much larger grille than the Subaru. In terms of price, the 86 is quite cheaper than the BRZ, starting at $27,060. The lower price also means that the 86 does not offer all of the performance features available for the BRZ like Brembo brakes and SACHS shock absorbers.
The Subaru BRZ is the sports car we’d buy
For us, the pick of the bunch is the Subaru BRZ. The BRZ is an excellent all-around sports car with tremendous aftermarket support. The BRZ’s smaller front grille also looks more elegant than that of the 86 performance add ons via the Performance Package make the BRZ a no-brainer. In the used market, the price difference between the 86 and the BRZ is marginal, which is why we’d opt for the higher-spec car. If the soon-to-arrive 2022 Subaru BRZ is anything like this current-generation, it is certain to be a sales success.
