These Budget

Feb 11, 2024

​​​​​​​On this list, we have some cool new and used, yet fun-to-drive sports cars for gearheads on a budget.

Cheap and fun-to-drive sports cars aren't all that common these days: only a handful of icons remain as the go-to machines that gearheads can turn to satiate their adrenaline needs. Yes, of course, expensive EVs and hypercars are all the rage right now but what about the folks on the lower end of the price spectrum?

In this list, we take a look at some of the cheap yet fun-to-drive cars under $35,000, first or second-hand, that can provide for that very requirement just talked of.

We produced list using data from sites like Edmunds, Kelley Blue Book, and manufacturers' official websites.

One simply cannot go wrong with a Miata. Throughout the decades, this little drop-top has so much been the love of gearheads that it’s basically a cult classic at this point. Available only in either of two open-top configs, the Miata is the staple machine for any adult’s fun time. Since its introduction in 1989, the MX-5 has been iteratively improved and the new ND generation is better than ever. Powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder churning out a peppy 181 hp to the rear wheels, which becomes even sweeter when one factors in the featherlight 2,400 lbs. of mass. This magnificent power-to-weight ratio gives the Miata a 0-60 mph time of just 5.7 seconds, which is almost supercar territory in itself. That powerplant is mated to a 6-speed manual or automatic gearbox, needless to say, which configuration this roadster should be enjoyed the most in. Coupled with a chassis tuned towards smile-inducing performance, the Miata is one of the go-to cars gearheads choose when the fun is what they’re looking for, especially under a budget, as this little sports car can be bagged for as little as $29,000 new, or about $25,000 used for a low mileage used example.

0-60 mph

5.7 seconds

Top Speed

143 mph

Curb Weight

2400 lbs

Horsepower

181 hp

Torque

151 lb-ft

Layout

4-Cylinder

Related: 10 Reliable Sports Car Alternatives To A Mazda Miata

The new Toyota GR86 is one of the very few options to go for if getting a fun-to-drive car is your priority. Tributing the AE86 Corolla, the modern guise of the erstwhile GT86 is a light, quick, and packed daily driver that also makes sure to satisfy the owner of their purchase. Of course not as practical as, say, a 4-door Corolla, but the 4-cylinder 2.4-liter NA pot makes the GR86 sprint from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.4 seconds. That’s attributed to the fact that this powertrain dumps all of its 228 hp to its rear wheels, and while mated to a 6-speed manual, this pocket rocket is all but boring. Its sharp steering is even more improved, and the 2,838 lbs. curb weight goes leaps and bounds in making this a car well chuckable into corners. Starting at an estimated $30,000 for the 2024 model, this is a well-distinguished contender for a budget-friendly beginner sports car.

0-60 mph

5.4 seconds

Top Speed

140 mph

Curb Weight

2,838 lbs

Horsepower

228 hp

Torque

184 lb-ft

Layout

4-Cylinder

Related: Why The Toyota GR86 Is The Perfect Drift Car From The Factory

Steeped in a legacy of performance, the 370Z stands as a testament to Nissan’s commitment to driving thrills. Beneath its sculpted hood is a 3.7-liter V6, pushing a robust 332 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. Paired with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic, the 370Z brisks from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, delivering an adrenaline-packed ride. Enthusiasts have always flocked to the 370Z for its raw, unfiltered driving experience – a trait that has solidified its status as a beloved fan favorite. The Nissan 370Z remains a beacon of driving pleasure and a cherished gem among performance aficionados, especially the ones on a budget, as this Edmunds listing shows that a pretty respectable mileage 2016 model can be bagged for as low as $26,000.

0-60 mph

5.3 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph

Curb Weight

3,232 lbs

Horsepower

332 hp

Torque

269 lb-ft

Layout

V6

Honda’s foray into the small, sporty iconic cars involved the legendary S2000, known for a similar catalog of characteristics of the cars in this list, and some more. The S2000 still continues to captivate enthusiasts with its blend of engineering prowess and driving exhilaration. At the heart of this roadster lies a Japanese masterpiece – a high-revving 2.2-liter inline-4 engine, making 237 hp and 162 lb-ft of torque. What makes this engine even more meritorious is an 8,200 RPM redline for the AP2 iteration, delivering a symphony that is sure to tingle one’s senses. Paired with a nimble and lightweight chassis, the S2000’s mix of dynamics made it an easy fan-favourite through the years, and not burning a deep hole in the pocket. One can find a 2005 example at around $33,000, and for that money, it’s a hard bargain.

0-60 mph

5.9 seconds

Top Speed

144 mph

Curb Weight

2,910 lbs

Horsepower

237 hp

Torque

162 lb-ft

Layout

Inline 4-cylinder

Owing to their depreciation, a 2017-2019 Challenger SXT can be had for as low as $20,000. Now, for that money, a relatively newer Challenger seems like a good deal, albeit perhaps a V6. A low mileage 6-cylindered muscle is toward the upper end of the spectrum of availability, which would, at last, suffice the buyer’s superficial bragging rights. Pair it with a 6-speed manual and an option for AWD or RWD, the SXT becomes a cool buy on a tight budget, or for someone who just wants to get into the rabbit hole of purebred American muscle.

0-60 mph

8.1 seconds

Top Speed

153 mph

Curb Weight

3,885 lbs

Horsepower

305 hp

Torque

268 lb-ft

Layout

V6

The Subaru BRZ boasts a captivating blend of engine specifications, nimble driving characteristics, and a peppy powertrain that makes sure smiles per mile remain at a high. Enthusiasts across the entire automotive spectrum have lauded the capabilities of this little coupe, even more so being on a budget. A joint venture between Toyota (the GR86 is basically the same car) and Subaru, the same 2.4-liter flat 4 fire breather sends a satisfyingly enough 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels, and with a near-50/50 weight distribution, this car has been able to bag a significant cult following for itself over the years. Although the numbers may be humbled by sports cars of this day and age, it's the $29,000 price tag that makes this an attractive entry point for enthusiasts on a tight budget.

0-60 mph

5.4 seconds

Top Speed

140 mph

Curb Weight

2,835 lbs

Horsepower

228 hp

Torque

184 lb-ft

Layout

4-Cylinder

Not talking about its newer SUV reincarnation of course, but the fourth and final generation of the film-famed Mitsubishi Eclipse GT with the V6 should definitely be up on someone's buying list, provided a good enough example is spotted. Pricing first, mostly spick-and-span Eclipse can be had for as low as $11,000, thus deserving a mention on our list. Albeit one could also find a 4-cylinder for perhaps half the price, any petrol-sniffing gearhead could opt for two extra pistons, because, why not? With the 3.8-liter V6, you get 263 hp's worth of natural aspiration sending power to the rear wheels. Pop in a manual gearbox and hooliganism is ensured. It's a car from the land of the rising sun, so reliability shouldn't be the biggest of concerns.

0-60 mph

5.8 seconds

Top Speed

124 mph

Curb Weight

3,609 lbs

Horsepower

263 hp

Torque

262 lb-ft

Layout

V6

Definitely not the best to come out of Affalterbach's lines, but for the price of $26,000, who wouldn’t want a screaming V8 under their hood? The 2006 SLK55 AMG made 355 hp and 376 lb-ft torque, in a footprint mostly comparable to a Miata, thus earning a creditable position on our list. It may be two decades old but its exterior looks otherwise as the timeless design has aged like wine. A fairly underrated coupe, the 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V8 claims a hefty 4.3 seconds 0-60 mph time with a quarter mile of 12.7 seconds. All of this grunt does come at the cost of a chunky 3,455 lbs and associated numbness in the driving connection. At the time, this characteristic didn’t sit well with the market, thus the SLK’s fate. But considering the price tag, if you could bag a well-maintained example, the joy of a V8 and a relatively small size is enough for some driving fun.

0-60 mph

4.3 seconds

Top Speed

180 mph

Curb Weight

3,455 lbs

Horsepower

355 hp

Torque

376 lb-ft

Layout

V8

The Corvette needs no introduction: it's often considered to be among the pinnacles of American sports cars, and the C4 generation is no exception. Under its iconic silhouette, the 5.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 pumps out a respectable 300 hp and 340 lb-ft of torque to its rear wheels, via a 6-speed manual or a 4-speed auto, but you’re better off with the former. This sports car can scamper to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, with its pure driving pleasure aiding in its appeal. The timeless design is accompanied by pop-up headlamps, which are undoubtedly cool and the death of which is mourned by all. A well-kept piece can be found in the neighborhood of $20,000, thus being a great choice for a pocket sports car.

0-60 mph

5.3 seconds

Top Speed

158 mph

Curb Weight

3,516 lbs

Horsepower

300 hp

Torque

340 lb-ft

Layout

V8

Audi’s entry-level two-seater, the TT is a great choice even new. Now discontinued and bowing out with a TT RS edition, a second-hand example can give its driver a sense of dynamism that not a lot of other cars can provide. Under its potent shell lies a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, making 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. All of this grunt makes the TT sprint to 60 mph in a respectable 5.3 seconds. The TT effortlessly captures the essence of a sports coupe, thus earning its place as a beloved favorite among automotive connoisseurs who cherish both its impressive performance credentials and its ability to ignite the senses on every journey. One can have a medium mileage 2016-2017 TT for as low as $29,000, making it a really well-defined choice for a cheap pocket rocket.

0-60 mph

5.3 seconds

Top Speed

155 mph

Curb Weight

3,186 lbs

Horsepower

220 hp

Torque

258 lb-ft

Layout

Inline 4-cylinder