Finding an affordable sports car can be challenging, but you can get an iconic model for $10,000 or less. These cars offer thrilling performance and eye-catching looks.
Options include the agile Toyota MR2 Turbo and the popular Honda Civic Si. These cars are well-engineered and surprisingly affordable, making them great for enthusiasts on a budget. Whether you want a classic or a fun daily driver, there are plenty of choices. Explore this list to find a car that matches your style and speed needs without breaking the bank.
Porsche 944
- Years: 1982-1991
- Highlights: While not as iconic as the 911, the 944 offers a balanced chassis and decent performance for the price.
- Average Price: $5,000 – $10,000
Mazda MX-5 Miata (NA/NB)
- Years: 1990-2005
- Highlights: Known for its lightweight design, exceptional handling, and reliability. The earlier models (NA) are especially iconic with their pop-up headlights.
- Average Price: $5,000 – $10,000
Honda Prelude
- Years: 1988-2001
- Highlights: The Prelude is known for its handling and reliability, with some models featuring the innovative 4WS (four-wheel steering) system.
- Average Price: $3,000 – $7,000
Datsun 280Z
- Years: 1975-1978
- Highlights: A classic Japanese sports car with a straight-six engine, known for its timeless design and strong enthusiast following.
- Average Price: $6,000 – $10,000
Dodge Stealth R/T
- Years: 1991-1996
- Highlights: The R/T model features a twin-turbo V6 engine and all-wheel drive, offering strong performance and a distinctive look. It’s a close relative to the Mitsubishi 3000GT.
- Average Price: $6,000 – $10,000
BMW E36 3 Series
- Years: 1990-1999
- Highlights: The E36 M3 might be out of budget, but the 325i or 328i models offer a sporty driving experience with solid German engineering.
- Average Price: $3,000 – $8,000
Ford Mustang (4th Generation)
- Years: 1994-2004
- Highlights: The SN95 models are affordable and offer V6 or V8 engines. They are a staple of American muscle cars.
- Average Price: $4,000 – $9,000
Chevrolet Camaro (4th Gen)
- Years: 1993-2002
- Highlights: Similar to the Mustang, the Camaro offers V6 and V8 options and is a classic American sports car.
- Average Price: $4,000 – $9,000
Nissan 300ZX (Z32)
- Years: 1990-1996
- Highlights: Known for its sleek design and powerful V6 engine. The twin-turbo models might be more expensive, but non-turbo versions can be found within budget.
- Average Price: $6,000 – $10,000.
Toyota MR2 (SW20)
- Years: 1990-1999
- Highlights: This mid-engine sports car offers excellent handling and a unique driving experience. The turbo models are more expensive, but non-turbo versions are affordable.
- Average Price: $5,000 – $10,000
Pontiac Firebird (4th Gen)
- Years: 1993-2002
- Highlights: Similar to the Camaro, the Firebird offers a range of engines and classic American muscle car styling.
- Average Price: $4,000 – $9,000
Acura Integra
- Years: 1990-2001
- Highlights: Known for its sporty handling and high-revving engines. The GS-R models are particularly sought after.
- Average Price: $3,000 – $8,000
BMW Z3
- Years: 1996-2002
- Highlights: A small, stylish roadster with a range of inline-4 and inline-6 engines. Known for its fun driving experience and classic BMW handling.
- Average Price: $6,000 – $10,000
Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX
- Years: 1990-1999
- Highlights: The GSX model features all-wheel drive and a turbocharged engine, making it a favorite among tuners and enthusiasts.
- Average Price: $6,000 – $10,000
Mazda RX-7 (FB/FC)
- Years: 1978-1991
- Highlights: Known for its rotary engine and lightweight design. The FB and FC models are affordable and offer a unique driving experience.
- Average Price: $5,000 – $10,000
Chevrolet Corvette (C4)
- Years: 1984-1996
- Highlights: Offers V8 power and classic American sports car appeal. The C4 is known for its performance and relatively low cost of entry.
- Average Price: $5,000 – $10,000
Audi TT (First Generation)
- Years: 1998-2006
- Highlights: A stylish and compact sports car with turbocharged engines and available all-wheel drive. Known for its distinctive design.
- Average Price: $5,000 – $9,000
Subaru Impreza WRX (Early Models)
- Years: 2002-2005
- Highlights: Known for its turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive, the WRX is a rally-inspired sports car with strong performance.
- Average Price: $7,000 – $10,000
Volkswagen GTI (MK4)
- Years: 1999-2005
- Highlights: A hot hatch with a turbocharged engine and sporty handling. The MK4 GTI is known for its practicality and fun-to-drive nature.
- Average Price: $4,000 – $8,000
Honda Civic Si
- Years: 1999-2005
- Highlights: Known for its high-revving VTEC engine, sporty handling, and reliability. The Civic Si is a favorite among enthusiasts for its tunability and practicality.
- Average Price: $4,000 – $8,000
Ford Probe GT
- Years: 1989-1997
- Highlights: The GT model features a V6 engine and sporty styling. It’s known for its affordability and decent performance for the price.
- Average Price: $3,000 – $6,000
Chrysler Crossfire
- Years: 2004-2008
- Highlights: A collaboration between Chrysler and Mercedes-Benz, the Crossfire features a unique design and shares many components with the Mercedes SLK. It offers a blend of American and German engineering.
- Average Price: $5,000 – $9,000
Toyota Celica GT-S
- Years: 2000-2005
- Highlights: The GT-S model is known for its high-revving engine and sporty handling. It’s a lightweight and nimble car that offers a fun driving experience.
- Average Price: $4,000 – $8,000.
Honda S2000 (Early Models, High Mileage)
- Years: 2000-2003
- Highlights: Renowned for its high-revving engine and exceptional handling. Early models with high mileage can sometimes be found within this budget.
- Average Price: $8,000 – $10,000
Mercedes-Benz SLK (R170)
- Years: 1996-2004
- Highlights: A compact roadster with a retractable hardtop, the SLK offers a blend of luxury and performance. It’s known for its stylish design and solid build quality.
- Average Price: $5,000 – $9,000.
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