The Best Cheap Sports Cars

Driving a sports car is a statement – in a world obsessed with generic-looking SUVs, a sports car stands out, unashamedly flaunting high performance, breathtaking style, undeniable cool or a mixture of all three. They project an air of exclusivity and expense, even if they’re actually affordable. That’s why a used sports car is a great idea, whether you’re looking for driving thrills or simply want to pose.

The quintessential sports car has a sleek, coupe silhouette or a convertible top that lets you feel the wind through your hair (weather permitting). It should also make you feel at one with the road when you fancy a spirited drive, and there are plenty of brilliant, affordable options out there – here we list our top 10 picks of the best sports cars.

1. Toyota GT86 (2012-2021)

The Toyota GT86 was built for one thing: the pure joy of driving. It set the groundwork for its more recent GR86 successor, but is much cheaper to buy used. What will you be missing out on? Well, the GT86 is less powerful with around 200bhp compared to the GR86’s figures sitting more around the 230bhp mark, but many prefer the looks of the GT86 and most buyers will have just as much fun with the lower power figure.

The Toyota GT86 is a modern classic that feels like an old-school sports car in all the best ways. Its light body and rear-wheel-drive setup make it incredibly fun on a winding road. Because they were reasonably priced when new, used models offer amazing value, and Toyota's reputation for reliability is a big plus – early models were recalled for a few issues, however, so check these have been sorted. Toyota has a tool to check if the GT86 you’re looking at has any recalls outstanding, which you can use here. New sports cars are getting rarer, too, and we reckon the GT86 has done all the depreciation it will ever do – prices only go up from here.

Best Features:

• An incredibly engaging and fun driving experience.
• Refreshingly affordable to maintain.
• A great option if you fancy a track day.

Things to Consider:

• The interior materials are more functional than fancy.
• The back seats are best reserved for bags, not people.
• These cars encourage spirited driving, so check for signs of a hard life.

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2. Mazda MX-5 (2005-2015)

As the old car-lovers' adage goes, "the answer is always MX-5" (or 'Miata' as it's known in the US). There are many good reasons for that – the original MX-5 was inspired by classic British sports cars, but has since become a true classic itself, and known for fantastic reliability, light weight, and a driving feel that connects you directly to the road.

The third-generation model (2005-2015) is a sweet spot, balancing fun-to-drive feel while still being an absolute bargain compared to its most recent successor. Its manual gearbox is a joy to use, and you have a choice of 1.8 or 2.0-litre engines. Finding a well-loved one is easier than you might think, and it was updated multiple times during its 10-year run.

Best Features:

• Lightweight and surprisingly easy on fuel.
• Simple to look after and maintain.
• Plenty of choice on the used market.

Things to Consider:

• It's a cosy two-seater, so pack light.
• The smaller 1.8-litre engine can feel a little leisurely.
• Some interior plastics feel a bit basic.

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3. Porsche Boxster (1996-2004)

Ever dreamed of owning a Porsche? The first-generation Boxster makes that dream surprisingly achievable. It offers a taste of real premium feel and performance at a price that won't make you wince – that was its whole ethos as an accessible Porsche when new, and on the used market, it's even more of a steal.

With its engine in the middle and a drop-top roof, it’s a proper driver’s car. You can find early models that are starting to look like modern classics. Just be sure to give the folding roof a good test, and a full service history is handy because while it may be cheap to buy, it won't be cheap to fix.

Best Features:

• Amazing handling and performance.
• A timeless design that still looks sharp.
• Perfect for making the most of a sunny day.

Things to Consider:

• As with any premium brand, maintenance can add up.
• Older models might show their age, so look for one that's been cared for.
• That complex folding roof needs a thorough check.

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4. Audi TT (2006-2014)

The second-generation Audi TT is where iconic style meets modern comfort. Because Audi tends to make subtle styling tweaks to its lineup, rather than big controversial changes, it’s a car that still looks fantastic despite its age, even when parked up next to the latest model.

With a great line-up of engines, from an efficient 1.8-litre to the seriously potent TTRS, there’s a TT to suit everyone. It’s a stylish and surprisingly affordable way to get into a premium sports car.

Best Features:

• Comfortable and very easy to drive.
• The interior feels high-quality and well-built.
• A wide range of engine choices.

Things to Consider:

• A full service history is your best friend here.
• Quattro all-wheel-drive models can be hard on their tyres.
• The high-performance versions will cost more to run.

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5. Toyota Celica (1999-2005)

If the Toyota GT86 is still a little out of your ballpark, the Celica might be enough to fill that sports-car-sized space in your life. Though it's front-wheel drive, rather than sporting the nimbler rear-wheel-drive setup you get in the GT86, the Celica is a charming coupe that combines sharp looks with a reputation for being almost bulletproof. It’s usable everyday, too, thanks to its low running costs and two small rear seats you can put to use in a pinch.

It’s responsive, fun to drive, and a great choice if you’re looking for an enthusiast’s car on a tight budget. It offers a lot of style and driving pleasure for the money, but prices might start creeping up soon as examples start to disappear from the roads and nostalgia-fuelled demand starts to grow.

Best Features:

• Famously reliable and low-cost to maintain.
• A stylish and distinctive design.
• Genuinely fun to drive.

Things to Consider:

• Rear passenger space is quite limited.
• As an older car, it might need a bit of extra love and attention.
• It's front-wheel drive, which might not be to some enthusiasts' tastes.

6.Mercedes SLK (2011-2016)

The Mercedes SLK brings a touch of class to the affordable sports car world. The SLK is a refined and comfortable choice with a premium feel that's less geared to out-and-out driving enthusiasts.

Its standout feature is the folding metal hardtop, which makes it feel like a cosy coupe in winter and a breezy convertible in summer – just check it works first otherwise repairs could be expensive. As with the Boxster, make sure to go for a well-maintained example, because upkeep is costly – you have been warned.

Best Features:

• A refined and comfortable ride.
• A high-quality and luxurious interior.
• The versatile hardtop is great for British weather.

Things to Consider:

• That clever roof can be expensive to fix, so check it carefully.
• The diesel engines are a bit noisy and don't quite suit the car's character.
• Other sports cars offer more driving involvement.

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7. BMW Z4 (2009-2016)

The BMW Z4 is a stylish and comfortable roadster that’s perfect for long, scenic drives. Like the SLK, its folding hardtop adds a layer of practicality, and a range of excellent engines means there’s plenty of choice. It’s a great all-rounder for touring and enjoying the open road.

Best Features:

• Very comfortable and refined, especially on motorways.
• Excellent build quality you can feel.
• A brilliant car for weekend trips away.

Things to Consider:

• Folding the roof down does eat into the boot space.
• It's more of a comfortable cruiser than a sharp-edged sports car.
• The styling might not appeal to everyone.

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8. Toyota MR2 (1999-2007)

A mid-engined sports car for the price of a regular hatchback? Yes, please. The Toyota MR2 is a little marvel that offers a thrilling and unique driving experience. The engine is in the middle, just like in the Porsche Boxster, but unlike that car it comes with Toyota reliability and maintenance costs.

Though it's not the most powerful sports car, its lightweight design and sharp handling make it feel really agile on the road. While the previous generation cars have already shot up in value, this third-generation model is still a bargain entry into a very special kind of motoring.

Best Features:

• Superb handling thanks to its mid-engine layout.
• Reliable and easy to maintain.
• A truly unique and fun car to own.

Things to Consider:

• There's almost no storage space.
• The cabin feels very dated and plasticky by modern standards.
• The styling isn't the most glamourous.

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9. Nissan 370Z (2009-2021)

While new sports cars may be downsizing their engines and using clever turbocharged or hybrid systems to make more power, the Nissan 370Z is one of the last affordable sports cars with a frankly huge engine for the money.

Its big 3.7-litre V6 delivers performance and a fantastic soundtrack, helping it stand out. Because it was produced for such a long time, there are plenty of examples available on the used market, and Nissan even made a convertible version if you're a fan of top-down motoring.

Best Features:

• A powerful and characterful engine.
• A bold, aggressive design.
• Usually well-equipped as standard.

Things to Consider:

• The steering and clutch are quite heavy.
• It’s not the quietest car for long journeys.
• The driving position feels high for a sports car.

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10. Honda S2000 (1999-2009)

The Honda S2000 is a legend, and rightly so. Its high-revving 2.0-litre VTEC engine is a masterpiece, delivering incredible performance that just begs you to squeeze everything you can out of it. Despite that, it’s famously reliable and offers a driving thrill that few other cars can match, especially at this price.

The downside is that everyone else know it, too, so you'll pay more than you might expect from a car that was made to be affordable. That said, the interior feels well built and driver-focused, even if it doesn't feature plush materials or even much storage space (you don't even get a glove box).

Best Features:

• An absolutely incredible engine and performance.
• Reliable and relatively low-cost to maintain for what it is.
• An iconic design that has aged beautifully.

Things to Consider:

• Finding clean, unmodified examples is getting harder.
• The cabin is snug, especially for taller drivers.
• It's not the cheapest used sports car, but it should hold its value.

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Things to Consider When Buying a Cheap Sports Car

• Reliability: Always check the service history. A car that’s been loved and looked after is always a better bet.
• Repair Costs: Sports cars can have pricier parts. It’s wise to budget for potential repairs so there are no nasty surprises.
• Insurance: Premiums can be higher, so get a few quotes before you commit. It helps you know the full cost of ownership.
• Driving Layout: Rear-wheel drive often gives you that classic sports car feel, while front-wheel drive can be more forgiving and practical in bad weather. Think about what works for you.