10 Cheap Sports Cars That Look More Expensive Than They Are
Sports cars make the world go round for enthusiasts, and naturally so. After all, with their powerful engines, great handling, and most importantly, impressive looks, not only do sports cars provide gearheads with thrills, but they also turn heads everywhere. As such, who wouldn’t want to be in a car that makes everyone take notice? Performance cars today are not just some of the most powerful, but they also pack plenty of luxury, in order to make every occupant feel comfortable. However, these often come at a steep price, one not every one can pay.
Thankfully, time and depreciation make some great sports cars from the past, that are also great on the luxury scale, pretty accessible today. In fact, many of these used cars are actually pretty damn affordable, so ordinary gearheads can still get expensive-looking cars that don’t actually burn a hole in the pocket.
10 2007 BMW Z4 – $13,000
The BMW Z4 was the perfect luxury roadster from the 2000s. Even today, the 2005 Z4 exudes style and impresses with its performance, only now it’s significantly more affordable at around $13,000. The 3.0-liter engine makes 215 hp, and the power-to-weight ratio delivers great performance.
You could even daily the BMW Z4, thanks to its 23 MPG efficiency. As such, riding around in a BMW convertible is only going to make you look rich, and you just might become the envy of the work place.
9 2017 Ford Mustang EcoBoost – $14,000
The Mustang EcoBoost remains a game-changer in the muscle car market. The 310hp inline-four is one of the best inline four-pots in automotive history, and the 2017 model also comes with plenty of modern tech to make the car a comfortable place to be in.
Of course, you’d also be able to boast about being in the ‘Stang club, and if you’re careful enough, you could even exit the company parking lot with a burnout.
8 2018 Cadillac ATS Coupe – $15,000
“He drives around in a Cadillac”. That’s all everybody would be saying as you whip around in a 2018 Cadillac ATS Coupe, not knowing you got it for just $15,000. In its final year, the ATS Coupe cost upward of $65,000, but a used model is barely a sliver of that.
Under the hood sits a 2.0-liter turbo engine that makes 272 horsepower with 295 lb-ft of torque. As a Caddy, of course, the car is a lot more plush and premium than any 2018 car would still be, five years down the line.
7 2017 Toyota 86 – $18,500
The Toyota 86 is inarguably one of the best and most affordable sports cars any starter gearhead could bring home. A new (GR) 86 would set you back by about $30,000, but a 2017 model would cost you just a little over half that amount.
The RWD layout of the 86 makes it an extremely fun car to drive, and the superb handling only makes the entire package sweeter. Perfect for the average Joe who wants to look like they are loaded, the 86 is a pretty affordable sports car you should think about bringing home.
6 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata – $19,000
The MX-5 Miata has been the quintessential sports car for decades now, and the best thing about it isn’t its peppy performance or lightweight chassis, but its affordability.
Even a brand-new Miata is pretty affordable and reliable, but those with a smaller budget could bring a 2018 model for about $19,000 with ease. Armed with 155 horses and 148 lb-ft of torque, the Miata is as efficient as it is fast, returning 26 miles to the gallon in the city and 35 on the highway.
5 2020 Chevrolet Camaro Convertible – $21,000
The joy of driving around in a no-nonsense sports car that looks more expensive than it is perhaps exemplified best by the Chevrolet Camaro. The car becomes even more of a head-turner when you take the top off.
With a 2020 Camaro Convertible, you’d become someone with their hair flying in the wind as you drive around the city or on the interstate. A new convertible Camaro would set you back by around $32,000, but a 2020 model is just as modern, just as eye-catching, and costs around $21,000 only.
4 2017 Audi TT- $21,500
A 2023 Audi TT costs a staggering $51,000. If you have the eye for it, though, you could easily bring one home from the used car market for just a little over $21,000. A true German sports car, the Audi TT is also about as reliable as sports cars get.
The 2.0-liter inline-four engine on the TT makes 220 horsepower, which is more than enough for a car its size. The Germans know how to make an expensive-looking sports car, and that Audi TT absolutely gets it right.
3 2017 Dodge Challenger – $22,000
Here is one iconic sports car, and it doesn’t cost a lot to bring home. For all of $22,000, one can buy a 3.6-liter V6 version of the Dodge Challenger, which makes 305 horsepower with 268 lb-ft of torque.
Despite such impressive power, the Challenger even manages to return 20 miles to the gallon on the highway. Plus, the sound the Challenger makes, even with its V6, paired with its formidable reputation, is bound to make people stop and take notice wherever you go.
2 2018 Infiniti Q60 – $22,500
Infiniti has outdone themselves with the Q60, which is a fantastic sports coupe that delivers great power, impressive efficiency, with premium comfort and looks. Infiniti quotes a price of $42,250 for a brand-new model, but a 2018 model is undoubtedly just as impressive.
For just about half that price, you could find yourself a 2018 Q60, which readily delivers 208 horsepower with 258 lb-ft torque from its 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. Thanks to the premium and sleek looks of the car, it gives off an accomplished vibe.
1 2019 Nissan 370Z – $23,500
Undeniably an eyeball-grabber, the 2019 Nissan 370Z is just as powerful as it is exotic. Excellent performance is delivered from its 3.7-liter V6 engine, thanks to the 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque it makes.
Just three years old and change, a 2019 model is quite modern and comfortable on the inside, while also being able to go from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds. For about $23,500, the 2019 370Z is actually a pretty great and reliable sports car deal on the used market.
Sources: CarGurus, Edmunds
