10 Best Used Sports Cars Under $30,000

Cars have gotten expensive these days as recent world events have shaken the auto industry upside down. Chip shortages led to a situation of low supply and high demand. This meant that used car prices went up while dealerships charged ridiculous markups over the MSRP of brand-new models on sale. Now, the situation has since improved. However, we aren’t out of trouble yet as cars are still more expensive than they used to be.

So, the natural response to the above problem is to find affordable models that provide the thrill of driving for a relatively low price. With that in mind, we compiled a list of the 10 best-used sports cars for under $30,000.

Based on online reviews and the market’s interest in these cars, we present to you a list of 10 sports cars that remain relatively affordable in an expensive world. Prices for these vehicles were gathered from Edmunds

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2008 Audi TT

Average Used Price: $10,000

The Audi TTS is a bit of a different choice. From the outside, and on paper, the now discontinued Audi sports car looks similar to the Boxster. However, its drivetrain is completely different. The TT is a front-wheel drive car. Of course, the quattro option exists (which adds AWD), but even its AWD system is front-wheel drive biased. The way it works is by sending power to the rear wheels only when detecting a lack of traction.

Performance

This means that the Audi has completely different driving characteristics than those of the models listed above. If you push it, the TT usually responds with under-steer which is safer, but less fun than the typical oversteer experienced in a rear-wheel drive car. That being said, the TT is a quick and fun sports car that can also serve as a daily commuter if space isn’t a priority.

2007 Porsche Boxster

Average Used Price: $20,000

You might be surprised to find a Porsche in a list of sports cars under $30,000 but we are pleased to inform you that used Boxsters aren’t too expensive. The Boxster S comes equipped with a 3.4-litre flat-six engine that sings the characteristic Porsche melody while also being mounted low inside the car thanks to its flat piston layout.

Performance

Now, this is a Porsche, so you would expect it to handle incredibly well and you would be right. The Boxster is agile and responsive making top-down drives incredibly special. Furthermore, the great thing about the Boxster is that unlike the 911, its engine is in the middle. Therefore, many would argue that its handling characteristics are just as good or even superior to its bigger brother. Sure, it doesn’t have the character of the 911, but its lower price and amazing driving characteristics make it a very appealing choice.

2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350

Average Used Price: $23,000

The Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 utilizes a powerful 3.5 liter V-6 that produces 300 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. Of course, the SLK offers a retractable hardtop which is a big plus here as it provides an open-air driving experience.

Performance

Inside, you’ll find a well-designed cabin featuring leather seats but not much technology compared to modern-day Mercedes vehicles. This car is now 13 years old; therefore keep in mind that although fast, this isn’t a hard-core sports car but more of an open-top cruiser.

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2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Average Used Price: $24,000

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is one of Hyundai’s first efforts to enter the performance-oriented vehicle segment. The Genesis coupe is equipped with a powerful 3.8 liter V-6 generating up to 348 horsepower which is put to the ground through the rear wheels. Its sleek and very Korean-looking exterior design is complemented by an interior that is sporty but also relatively comfortable.

Performance

It is safe to say that Hyundai has done well with the Genesis Coupe as it is often seen in car meets and drift events meaning that it has been adopted by the car community. Modifications for it are available so if you decide to get one, you will also be able to personalize it relatively easily. The Genesis name would eventually become Hyundai’s luxury brand.

2015 Subaru BRZ

Average Used Price: $24,000

The Subaru BRZ is an old-school sports car sold in the modern-day market. As you may be aware, the BRZ won’t set any records when it comes to all-out speed. Its 2.0-liter Boxer engine produces decent power, but many would argue that the vehicle is down on torque.

Speed, however, was never the point of this vehicle. The BRZ was made for cornering, and specifically to put a smile on your face while cornering. Its boxer engine provides the ability to be mounted low inside the vehicle which puts the vehicle’s center of mass lower to the road; therefore, improving handling. Of course, the BRZ is rear-wheel drive and can definitely get tail-happy if you want it to.

Performance

The BRZ also features an endless array of modification availability making it the perfect car for enthusiasts. Unlike the SLK and the Z4, the BRZ is perhaps a more bare-bones and focused sports car. It may not be as fast, but its handling abilities and aftermarket support make it a better option for those who like to hit the track.

2002 Honda S2000

Average Used Price: $25,000

The Honda S2000 (2000-2003) serves as a tribute to the golden era of sports cars, providing a raw and genuinely exhilarating driving experience. It is an incredible vehicle and could perhaps be used to characterize the title of a sports car. It isn’t the fastest, but that isn’t the point. As soon as you hop inside you are greeted with a curved dashboard that solely focuses on the driver.

Fire up the 2.0 four-cylinder v-tec mini race motor and go for a drive to quickly realize what the essence of driving is. The engine revs to 9,000 rpm and the car is extremely light and tail-happy. This is a car you need to drive with all your skill as a single mistake can have you parked in a ditch.

Performance

What is even more impressive is the fact that the S2000 is also reliable and relatively economical. Also, thanks to V-tec normal city driving feels civilized and relatively comfortable. If you want, this is a car that could be daily driven.

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2014 Lexus IS 250

Average Used Price: $25,000

The IS 250 prioritizes smoothness and comfort. It is a luxurious sedan that also happens to be relatively sporty. The only transmission available is a six-speed automatic making it the perfect choice for a daily driver. Of course, being a Lexus sedan, the IS 250 is rear-wheel drive; therefore, it can put a smile on your face if you need it to.

Performance

The vehicle also includes safety features like pre-collision and lane departure alerts, making it a secure choice that will also cost less to insure. The IS250 is the perfect choice for anyone who needs a reliable, elegant, and comfortable vehicle that can also be fun every once in a while.

2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Average Used Price: $25,000

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the car that changed roadsters forever. Before it, the roadster segment was mostly occupied by British vehicles that weren’t easily usable as daily vehicles because of a lack of comfort, and in some cases, reliability. The MX5, however, proved that a roadster can be fun, reliable, and relatively comfortable. Therefore, it instantly captured the hearts of car lovers all over the world.

Performance

Now, the all-new model is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine which paired with the small size and foldable soft-top of the Miata leads to a great driving experience. On the inside, it features a driver-centric cabin equipped with modern amenities. However, its small size means that it is cramped for tall adults.

2015 Nissan 370Z

Average Used Price: $28,000

The Nissan 370Z is a rare beast these days. Not many of them have been sold but this doesn’t mean it isn’t a good choice for anyone interested in a sports car. In fact, some would argue that it is one of the last old-school Japanese sports cars.

Performance

The 370Z features a 3.7 litre V-6 engine that produces a respectable amount of power which moves the relatively small 370Z in a spritly manner. As far as the interior goes, once you step inside you will be greeted with a well-designed (but very Japanese) cabin that emphasizes driver engagement. The 370Z is a sports car, but it could easily function as a grand tourer as it is larger and more spacious than most other vehicles on this list.

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2010 BMW Z4 35I

Average Used Price: $30,000

The BMW Z4 combines luxury and performance, offering a driving experience that is both fun and refined. Under the hood one can choose between a variety of engines with one of the most desirable units being the 3.0L turbocharged inline-six, delivering up to 300 horsepower. As you would expect from a BMW six-cylinder, it is silky smooth while also producing a good amount of power. It is also a tunable motor; therefore, you can definitely get more power out of it if you wish.

Performance

The Z4 also offers a retractable hardtop and it sits on a rear-wheel-drive platform making it a good alternative to the MX5 and the SLK. Just like SLK, this isn’t a full-on sports car. It is more of a blend between luxury and fun cruising. So, if you want a car that is all about handling and performance, this may not be the best option.