Best Used Sports & Performance Cars for Under $30k
Get An Everyday Sports Car Or Weekend Warrior For Less Than $30k
Many used sports cars are more expensive than ever
In the last few years, the prices of used sports cars have gone through the roof. Still, several exciting sports cars are out there if you're on a tight budget. From front-wheel-drive to modern roadsters, we rank the best sports cars you can buy with $30k or less.
About Our Selections
Nowadays, it's not rare to see sports cars that have doubled or tripled in value in a few years. Social media and YouTube have helped spread the word about which sports cars are hot, which contributes to prices becoming less accessible each year.
For instance, in 2020, you could still get your hands on a second-gen, unmodified Toyota MR2 Turbo for less than $10,000. Today, you will be lucky to see one in similar condition for less than $15,000. However, there are still many legitimately exciting, high-performance models that, because they don't get the same enthusiast praise, are less sought-after and thus more affordable.
These sports cars under $30K not only pack a punch, but some can give the more "cool" and expensive cars a run for their money.
Ford Mustang
The greatest all-American icon
What Makes It Special
Starting off big with the greatest all-American icon, the Mustang. In continuous production since 1964 as the original American sports car, the good ol' Mustang offers a lot of options within the budget.
Having said that, the amount of money will buy you a classic first-gen Mustang with the venerable 289 V8. On the other hand, if you prefer something a bit more modern but still traditional, you can go with a low mileage 5.0 Foxbody with 5-speed manual transmission.
Finally, 21st-century Mustangs also fit the bill, where you can go for a low mileage SVT Cobra just under the $30,000 mark. Finally, a 2007-2009 Shelby GT500 will get you the most bang for your bucks, bringing 500 horsepower to the table, courtesy of a supercharged 5.4-liter Modular V8.
Did You Know?
The Ford Mustang's launch in 1964 was so revolutionary that it essentially created an entirely new category of vehicles known as "pony cars." Characterized by their long hoods, short rear decks, and affordable performance, pony cars quickly became a cultural phenomenon.
The Mustang's instant success inspired competitors like the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Pontiac Firebird, all aiming to capture the same spirit of sporty, accessible performance that the Mustang introduced to the market.
BMW 2002tii
Nimble European wonder
What Makes It Special
If you're inclined towards something more straightforward, more nimble, and European, a classic three-box BMW 2002 2-door sedan might be the sports car you're after. Powered by a 2.0-liter, 128-horsepower fuel-injected M10 inline-four and with 4-speed manual transmission, but also weighing just 2,262 lb, the 2002tii was the car that really put BMW under the spotlight during the early 1970s.
While pristine examples have witnessed quite a price bump over the last few years, there's still a market for sub-$30,000 BMW 2002 Tii, but chances are you'll have to settle for a post-1973 facelifted model with a blacked-out grille and rectangular rear lights.
With or without round taillights, the BMW 2002 Tii is what engaging driving should be all about: unbothered by any numbers and statistics and focused on a wholesome experience of genuinely belonging to the roads beneath you.
Did You Know?
The 2002tii was one of the key models that helped establish BMW's reputation as a maker of sporty, driver-focused cars and laid the groundwork for the brand's now-famous "Ultimate Driving Machine" slogan.
The "tii" in 2002tii stands for "Touring International Injection," highlighting its use of a Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system. This system was cutting-edge technology in the early 1970s and provided the 2002tii with improved power, throttle response, and fuel efficiency compared to its carbureted counterparts.
Datsun 280Z
As good as 1970s import motoring can get
What Makes It Special
The third Datsun Z-car is as good as 1970s import motoring can get. Back when American power succumbed to the 1973 oil crisis, Datsun produced the perfect answer in the shape of the 240Z. Fast forward almost half a century, and this car is witnessing a surge in value precisely due to its historical prowess, leaving latecomers with one of its indirect successors, the 280Z.
The 280Z might not be as attractive as the primordial 240Z due to some imminent changes and federal bumpers. On the other hand, it also had 170 horsepower, 2.8-liter fuel injected straight six, and optional five-speed manual transmission.
On the classic sports car market, $30,000 will get you a well-kept example in original or subtly modified condition, and if you're lucky, you can even get your hands on a more scarce five-speed one too.
Did You Know?
The Datsun 280Z, introduced in 1975, played a crucial role in keeping the Z car legacy strong in the face of stricter U.S. emissions and safety regulations that emerged in the mid-1970s. It featured a fuel-injected 2.8-liter inline-six engine, which was a significant technological advancement at the time.
The adoption of fuel injection demonstrated Datsun's (now Nissan) commitment to blending performance with modern technology, helping the 280Z stand out in an era when carburetors were still common in many sports cars.
Chevrolet C4 Corvette ZR1
All-American muscle and style
What Makes It Special
The C4 famously brought power to the Corvette nameplate, and as the ultimate example of its generation, the ZR1 got a Lotus-designed 5.7-liter, 375-horsepower LT5 V8. Mated with a six-speed manual transmission, the 32-valve powerhouse was potent enough to propel the ZR1 Corvette to speeds north of 175 MPH.
Needless to say, the C4 ZR1 was a generation-defining sports car, not only for America but the whole world. More importantly, it made America's original sports car back on par with its competitors and even cars from the highest automotive echelons.
Truth be told, not many ZR1 Corvettes can be found within the price range. Yet, every now and then, a decent example pops out for that money, and you better act quick as the C4 ZR1 Corvette will only rise in value in the next few years.
Did You Know?
The C4 Corvette ZR-1 earned the nickname "King of the Hill" during its development, thanks to its groundbreaking performance and engineering.
Introduced in 1990, the ZR-1 was the fastest and most powerful Corvette ever made at the time, with its 5.7-liter LT5 V8 engine producing 375 horsepower (later increased to 405 hp).
Mercedes-Benz R129
When Mercs were cool
What Makes It Special
A plush Benz convertible exclusively offered with an automatic transmission might not perfectly fit the sports car formula. Still, the R129 generation 500 SL is a phenomenal driver's car even without three pedals in its footwell.
The 5.0-liter dual overhead camshaft, 32-valve M119 V8 is a work of art with 322 horsepower on tap, more than enough when you decide to do more than cruising. When it comes to pricing, $30,000 will get you a low mileage example from a reputable dealer, but you can get a decent one for way below that mark.
When it comes to the 500 SL, parts and labor could be very costly, so our advice is to search for the cleanest example and reap all benefits of 1990s German (over)engineering.
Did You Know?
It was the first production car to come with an automatic roll bar that would deploy in just 0.3 seconds if the car sensed a rollover, providing added protection for occupants. The R129 also came with integrated seatbelts in the seats and offered optional electronically adjustable suspension, setting new standards for safety and luxury in convertible sports cars.
The R129 was one of the first convertibles to feature a fully automatic power-operated soft top, which could be raised or lowered with just the push of a button.
BMW E24 635 CSi
Hard to find but worth it if you do
What Makes It Special
A successor to the legendary BMW E9 coupe had big shoes to fill, and it did more than well, as the E24 was a product of a new blossoming BMW. The new coupé shared underpinnings with the 5 Series sedan and Paul Bracq's design ditching the pillarless feature.
Due to the ongoing fuel crisis, the North American version wasn't on par with cars sold in Europe, so the car you should be after is the 1988 to 1989 635 CSi. The punchiest non-M variant for the American soil was powered by a 3.4-liter M30B35 straight-six and packing 208 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. Alternatively, if you're in for a comfier ride and a grand touring experience, the 182 horsepower M30B34-powered luxurious L6 will do you just fine.
Given that the original 6 Series was produced from 1976 all the way to 1989, primarily thanks to the demand from the US market, there's a decent number of them all across America. Moreover, colossal price discrepancy means you'll stumble onto pristine low mileage examples way above our mark, yet that also means there's a lot of them priced below it as well.
Did You Know?
The BMW E24 635 CSi was one of the first BMW models to feature an on-board computer, a cutting-edge technology at the time of its introduction.
The E24 635 CSi gained fame on the race track, particularly in European touring car championships. It became a dominant force in motorsport, achieving notable success in events like the European Touring Car Championship (ETCC), where it won several titles in the 1980s.
Maserati Coupe GT
Italian style and sound in one beautiful package
What Makes It Special
Finding an affordable Ferrari is impossible in this day and age, with prices of prancing horses from Maranello skyrocketing in recent years. But what if we told you there's an attainable Ferrari-powered sports car under $30K?
Maserati Coupe GT uses the 4.2-liter F136 R, a powerhouse jointly developed by Ferrari and Maserati and a close relative to the screaming V8 you can find in the F430. In this coupé, though, it is placed upfront, while a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automated manual transaxle gives it a near-perfect weight distribution.
If you're not afraid of high maintenance bills, this Maserati is a stylish 385-horsepower grand tourer that's a blast to drive and noisy in all the good ways. Definitely a worthy contender for making our best sports cars under $30K list.
Did You Know?
The Maserati Coupé GT features a naturally aspirated 4.2-liter V8 engine that was developed in collaboration with Ferrari, giving it true Italian sports car pedigree. This engine produces 385 horsepower and delivers a thrilling, high-revving experience with a distinctive exhaust note, making it one of the most exciting aspects of the car.
Honda S2000 AP2
One of Honda's most iconic sports cars
What Makes It Special
JDM collector cars are somewhat of a new concept compared to established classics from the domestic or European markets. Still, some cars are worthy of both driving and collecting for investment purposes, and Honda S2000 is just a perfect example, with prices of the first generation already crossing the $50,000 mark.
That leaves us with the AP2 generation produced from 2003 to 2009, featuring an enlarged 2.2-liter inline-four and six-speed manual transmission. Sadly, due to increasing the displacement via increasing the stroke, this engine had its redline set lower at 8,000RPM, yet it produced the same 237 horsepower.
Though not as rev-happy as the original one, the S2000 AP2 is a car worth considering as it's still a rewarding driver's car, especially for ones preferring open-top motoring.
Did You Know?
The Honda S2000 AP2, introduced in 2004, featured a larger 2.2-liter engine (F22C1) compared to the original 2.0-liter engine (F20C) in the AP1 model. While the AP2’s engine produced a similar peak horsepower of around 237 hp, the increase in displacement provided more torque (162 lb-ft compared to the AP1’s 153 lb-ft) and improved low-end power.
Dodge Challenger
Muscle car that stood the test of time
What Makes It Special
The longest-running start of the muscle car revival has been around since 2008 and has endured numerous tweaks, culminating in the 840-horsepower SRT Demon.
On the more practical side of the spectrum, which is pretty much everything below this street-legal dragstrip behemoth, Dodge Challenger can be a rewarding modern American sports car.
When it comes to pricing, sums in the neighborhood of $30,000 will get you a recent low mileage model R/T, R/T Plus trim, boasting the 5.7-liter HEMI with 375 horsepower, 404 lb-ft of torque, and 6-speed manual transmission.
Did You Know?
The Dodge Challenger made headlines when the Challenger SRT Hellcat was introduced in 2015, featuring a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine that produced an astonishing 707 horsepower.
The Dodge Challenger first debuted in 1970 as a direct competitor to the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro, cementing its place in the "pony car" segment.
Lotus Elise
The most fun car money can buy
What Makes It Special
The quintessential modern Lotus is one of those cars every enthusiast needs to experience at least once in their lifetime. Provided you don't search for any practicality, and you've also come to terms with the lack of creature comforts, the Lotus Elise could be your next sports car for more than just that one life-altering drive.
The Elise revived Lotus founder Colin Chapman's philosophy of adding more lightness, so this charming mid-engined sports car is devoid of any unnecessarily heavy features like electric windows and is entirely driver-focused.
Behind the spartan cabin is a modest 1.8-liter DOHC Toyota four-cylinder, and while that sounds pedestrian, believe us, it isn't. The engine's got Yamaha-designed heads and variable valve timing, rating it at 189 horsepower. Pair that up with 6-speed manual transmission, stiff chassis, and curb weight of 1,896 lb, and you'll get a truly exceptional sports car.
Did You Know?
The Lotus Elise is famous for its incredibly lightweight design, which is a core aspect of the car's philosophy. The original Elise, introduced in 1996, weighed just around 1,600 pounds (725 kg), making it one of the lightest sports cars in the world.
The Lotus Elise was named after "Elisa Artioli," the granddaughter of Romano Artioli, who was the Chairman of Lotus and Bugatti at the time of the car's launch.
BMW E46 M3
The perfect sports car
What Makes It Special
Now at a very similar price point, the E36 and E46 generation M3 are among the hottest modern classics on the pre-loved sports car market, and we've decided to go for the latter. The reason behind that is pretty simple: the US-bound E36 didn't offer as much as its European counterpart, while the E46 was the same on both sides of the Atlantic.
Powered by the revvy 3.2-liter S54 straight-six and preferably mated with five-speed manual transmission rather than paddle-shifting SMG automated manual, the E46 is arguably the best all-round M car there is.
While low mileage examples will pass the $30,000 mark, you'll be able to find well-cared examples in the neighborhood of $20-$25,000 both in coupé and convertible body styles.
Did You Know?
The E46 M3 is powered by the legendary 3.2-liter inline-six engine known as the S54, which produces an impressive 333 horsepower. This engine is naturally aspirated and can rev up to an exhilarating 8,000 rpm, making it one of the highest-revving engines ever fitted to a production BMW at the time.
The E46 M3 was the first generation of the M3 to be offered with a convertible variant, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the thrilling performance of the M3 with the added excitement of open-top driving.
Porsche Boxster S or Cayman S (987)
Nobody does it better and these are two of their best
What Makes It Special
Some years ago, we would have gone with the Porsche 996 Turbo. Still, as this Mezger-engined 911 is getting increasingly difficult, if not impossible, to get below the $30,000 mark, the affordable Porsche sports car you should go after is the 987 Boxster S or Cayman S.
The 987 generation was in production between 2004 and 2012, and you'll be able to find both pre and post-2009 facelift models within the price limit. Starting from the 2007 model year, the 987 was powered by a 3.4-liter engine producing either 295 or 310 horsepower, depending on whether it was a model from before or after the mid-cycle revision.
The pair of mid-engined Porsches offer completely different driving dynamics than the 911 but are paired with that famous 6-cylinder boxer sound.
Did You Know?
The 987 Boxster S and Cayman S feature a 3.4-liter flat-six engine that shares much of its architecture with the Porsche 911 (997) of the same era. This engine produces up to 295 horsepower in the Boxster S and 295-320 horsepower in the Cayman S.
The mid-engine configuration gives the 987 generation Boxster S and Cayman S a driving experience that rivals more expensive sports cars, making them some of the best-handling vehicles in their class and solidifying Porsche's reputation for engineering excellence.
Chevrolet Camaro
A lot of choice across many generations
2018 Chevrolet CamaroWhat Makes It Special
As it was with the Mustang, the Camaro also offers a wide array of cars below $30,000.
From the classic IROC-Z F-Body cars to contemporary interpretations of the classic 1st generation silhouette, there are plenty of V8-powered Camaros to choose from.
If you're going for a modern Camaro, the sixth-generation 2SS will be the closest to the price limit, but for maximum power, you can also find a fifth-generation ZL1 with 580 ponies coming out of a 6.2-liter supercharged V8.
Did You Know?
Before the Chevrolet Camaro was officially named, it was internally referred to as the "Panther." In fact, Chevrolet executives even created a special "Panther" badge for the car during its development. However, just before its launch in 1966, Chevy decided to change the name to Camaro
Subaru WRX STi
A rally legend with lots of street cred
What Makes It Special
As the only four-door car on the list of best sports cars under $30K, Subaru WRX STI is indeed in a league of its own, and its peculiarities don't end here. Compared to other entries, the WRX STI might lack collector value at this moment, but what can't be denied is its sheer performance.
The VA generation manufactured from 2014 was the first to be offered as a standalone model, although it was still based on the Impreza chassis. The bodywork, though, was thoroughly revised, as well as vital mechanics. To top it off, the WRX STI got a 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four putting out 305 horsepower, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission, and Subaru's trademark parallel all-wheel drive.
Subaru's rallying credentials made the Impreza an absolute rallying legend, leading to some Impreza-based WRX STI models commanding six-figure sums. For our budget of $30,000, though, you can get a stock WRX STI with less than 50,000 miles on the clock, making it a decent enough candidate to be included in the best sports cars under $30K list.
Did You Know?
The Subaru WRX STI’s creation was directly inspired by Subaru's dominance in the World Rally Championship (WRC) during the 1990s and early 2000s. The WRX STI’s combination of all-wheel drive, turbocharged power, and rally-bred technology was developed to provide a road-going version of Subaru's rally cars.
The boxer engine design contributes to a lower center of gravity, enhancing the WRX STI's handling and making it exceptionally agile, especially in challenging road or rally conditions.
Audi TTS
Sexy and stylish
What Makes It Special
Courtesy of hot hatchbacks, compact sports coupés are a dying breed of sports cars, but Audi holds this niche segment alive thanks to the TT. The original Audi TT caused a revolution when it showed up in 1998. Due to its Bauhaus-influenced looks, it is now universally regarded as one of the most successful automotive designs of the late 20th century.
In its third generation, a current Audi TTS hits way above the budget, but that leaves us with the TTS produced from 2008 to 2014. The sporty variant of the Audi TT was powered by a pumped-up 268-horsepower 2.0-liter TFSI four-cylinder paired up with 6-speed manual transmission or six-speed S-Tronic. At the same time, the torque is distributed to both axles via the Haldex-type Quattro system. In addition to bumping the power, Audi's engineers revised other internals, fitting the TTS with larger and more efficient brakes, Audi Magnetic Ride, and ESP as standard.
On today's second-hand sports car market, sums close to $30,000 can get you a later model both in roadster and coupé body style, and the general rule of thumb is to go for a well-kept low mileage example and enjoy this street-legal go-kart to the fullest.
Did You Know?
The first-generation Audi TTS (based on the Audi TT Mk2) was among the early models in Audi's lineup to feature the S Tronic dual-clutch transmission as standard.
Unlike the standard Audi TT models, which were available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations, the older generations of the TTS came standard with Audi’s famous Quattro all-wheel-drive system.
