Contrary to what you see on TikTok and Instagram, sports cars aren’t only for the obscenely wealthy and trendily dressed. In truth, there’s a sports car for just about any budget, with all of the fun, vigor, and driver engagement you’re after.
Here are 10 of the best used sports cars on a $10,000 budget.
1. 2008 Audi TT
Timeless style, available all-wheel drive (AWD), and a choice of coupe or convertible body styles make the 2008 Audi TT not only one of the most practical options but one of the most flexible. On our budget, you should be able to find all-wheel-drive examples with your choice of manual or automatic transmission and magnetic damping. If you have trouble finding one in your price range, look for a 2005-2006 model.
See used Audi TT models for sale
2. 2011 BMW 1 Series
The 2011 BMW 1 Series, also available in both coupe and convertible forms, is another excellent German option, but in this case, with rear-wheel drive (RWD) and, in its 135i form, a potent 300-horsepower turbocharged inline 6-cylinder. Even if your budget prefers the 128i’s turbocharged 4-cylinder, you’ll still get 230 hp and plenty of fun.
See used BMW 1 Series models for sale
3. 2012 Chevrolet Camaro
American muscle crossed with the convenience of a relatively modern car — what’s not to love about the 2012 Chevrolet Camaro? For less than $10,000, you’ll have your pick of 323-hp V6-powered coupe or convertible models, as long as you stick to the LS and LT trims.
See used Chevrolet Camaro models for sale
4. 2011 Ford Mustang
If your preferred flavor of American muscle comes with a blue oval rather than a bow tie-shaped badge, you’ll love the 2011 Ford Mustang. With a 305-hp V6, classic pony-car style, and improved handling, the 2011 Mustang is as capable as it is retro.
See used Ford Mustang models for sale
5. 2012 Honda Civic Si
The Honda Civic might not seem like a natural competitor to the cars above and below, but the 2012 Honda Civic Si belongs here not for its pedigree or its brute force but for its combination of driver-centric finesse and everyday usability. In addition, you might be able to find a 2013 model in this price range.
See used Honda Civic Si models for sale
6. 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
You may have forgotten about Hyundai’s short-lived rear-drive sports coupe, but the enthusiast world hasn’t. The 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a great example of the line, and it should be available on our budget with your choice of either the 210-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder or the 306-hp 3.8-liter V6. This was a low-volume car, so you may need to expand your search to 2010-2014 models.
See used Hyundai Genesis Coupe models for sale
7. 2011 Infiniti G37 Coupe
For a more refined sporting experience, the 2011 Infiniti G37 range — both coupe and sedan — is within reach of our $10,000 budget. A 325-hp 3.7-liter V6 provides the motivation and soundtrack, while rear-wheel drive and an available 6-speed manual transmission deliver driver engagement.
See used Infiniti G37 models for sale
8. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata is a legend among sports cars, and the 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is another great example, with the top-down, lightweight sporting purity of a classic British roadster but the reliability and comfort of a modern Mazda. As the saying goes, if you’re an enthusiast, the question is not whether you’ll buy a Miata but when.
See used Mazda MX-5 Miata models for sale
9. 2007 Nissan 350Z
Overlooked and underloved, the 2007 Nissan 350Z is an excellent example of the range, with a 306-hp 3.5-liter V6 engine under the hood, a standard 6-speed manual transmission, and rear-wheel drive only. Look no further if you’d like a Corvette but want something reliable and affordable on our budget.
See used Nissan 350Z models for sale
10. 2008 Pontiac Solstice
Speaking of Corvette, the 2008 Pontiac Solstice is something like a compact Corvette — or what one would be if it were a Pontiac. While the brand is gone, the Solstice remains a very fun-to-drive car, with Miata-like power and balance in a strikingly styled package.
See used Pontiac Solstice models for sale
Best Used Sports Cars on a $10,000 Budget
- 2008 Audi TT
- 2011 BMW 1 Series
- 2012 Chevrolet Camaro
- 2011 Ford Mustang
- 2012 Honda Civic Si
- 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
- 2011 Infiniti G37 Coupe
- 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- 2007 Nissan 350Z
- 2008 Pontiac Solstice
As someone who wants a sports car under 10k that’s reliable and fast with good luxury I thought Nissan 370z would be a nope but dope starter but any thoughts on a used 2001 Chevrolet corvette? I’m a 16 yo they go for under 10k and oh my goshy ya yatzee them vettes be looking twilight sexy and v8 under hood 370+ hp???? Insanity at most
What your thoughts on the 2008 volvo c70 t5 convertible and price range with 178k miles
I just don’t see a V6 Camaro with that awful interior being a wise investment. If it is even a 1SS LS3 V8 that would raise prices to 18/20k.
nothing here but boulevardiers and pony cars;
please call back when you find a real sports car;
The SC430 is NOT a sports car, guys.
I have owned two Miatas, 1991’s and then bought a red 2002 Audi TT, loved it but then found a silver 2001 Audi TT with really low miles, that’s my car now!
I agree with Ross Hill, if one can find a Lexus SC 430 in good condition for $10,000 or less.
I believe you made a big mistake leaving off the Lexus SC 430