Surprisingly Cheap And Cool Sports Cars That Don’t Cost A Fortune

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few years, you will have noticed that the prices of both new and used cars have been soaring exponentially. This is hitting the pockets of nobody harder than car enthusiasts, who are shelling out more than ever before, to acquire their dream sports cars.

Before you give in and look for a cheaper hobby though, perhaps you should reconsider, and read on to discover our favorite budget performance cars. Whether you need a sporty sedan, a two-seater drop-top, or a sleek coupe, we have found something for everyone.

There’s more good news too, everything is available under $35,000, and that’s the new price! So no need to fear high repair bills or unreliable used cars, these attainable sports cars promise all the fun that faster models do, but for a fraction of the price.

11 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Starting Price: $28,050

Yes, this is the obvious answer, and it may seem a dull choice to many, but is there really a better place to start with, than the mighty Miata? Well, over a million examples have been sold, making this diminutive roadster the most successful two-seater sports car of all time; can all those people really be wrong?

Performance

The engineers at Mazda have worked their magic to keep the new Miata feather-light, just like its popular predecessors. As a result, the fizzy little 1.5-liter engine under the hood needs only develop a humble 132 horsepower to provide plenty of smiles per mile.

Related: The Best Cheap Sports Cars For Affordable High-Octane Fun

10 2023 Toyota GR86

Starting Price: $28,400

Following on from the fantastically popular Toyota GT86, this new model has a familiar silhouette, but sleeker lines. This gives a modern, but still sporting appearance, which keeps gearheads coming back to Toyota’s entry-level performance car.

Performance

There’s so much to love on this little Toyota! A surprising 0 to 60 mph time of 5.4 seconds can be achieved, thanks to an impressive 228 horsepower from the turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and lightweight construction. Those who have experienced the GR86 first-hand comment on the tail-happy handling when on the limit, which sounds like incredible fun if you ask us!

9 2023 Subaru BRZ

Starting Price: $29,615

It’s obvious then, that the brother-from-another-mother Subaru BRZ must also feature, as one of the best bargain sports cars available in 2023. Sharing the same major components as the Toyota above, driving enthusiasts on a budget should definitely give the BRZ a go.

Performance

The styling is really all that separates the BRZ from the GR86, although a few suspension tweaks here and there have been installed, so it would pay to test drive both if you’re in the market for some cheap thrills. These stylish coupes aren’t just quick off the mark either, with 140-mph top speeds, the BRZ and GR86 will outrun most of the competition.

8 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Starting Price: $32,515

Something to get excited about, the all-new 2024 Mustang has all the right ingredients to make a seriously tempting sports car. If it goes anywhere near as well as it looks, this boosted coupe is set to disrupt the sports car market in 2024.

Performance

While the V8 models will clearly give more performance, the EcoBoost still puts out an impressive 315 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than enough oomph to embarrass most cars on the road, and surely enough to get yourself into some trouble on the track, too.

The recently announced Mustang GTD proves that Ford has some confidence in the handling abilities of the new Mustang, so fingers crossed that this entry-level EcoBoost can provide the thrills necessary for a budget sports car.

7 2023 Chevrolet Camaro 1LS

Starting Price: $27,795

GM always has an answer to every move of Ford, and to counter the impressive performance of those EcoBoost engines, Chevrolet offers this – the 2.0-liter turbocharged Camaro. Once again, sure, given the choice we would all take a 700 horsepower supercharged V8 model, but for less than $28,000, is the Camaro a great alternative to those on a stricter budget?

Performance

A 0 to 60 mph time of 5.4 seconds and top speed knocking on the door of 150 mph would suggest that yes, a 4-cylinder Camaro is absolutely still worth your careful consideration! Perhaps the best bang-for-buck available right now, the Camaro 1LS deserves to be near the top of your list, when looking for cheap and fun-to-drive sports cars this year.

Related: 10 Cheap Sedans With Seriously Powerful Engines

6 2023 Subaru WRX

Starting Price: $30,605

The return of Subaru’s WRX is a happy sight for gearheads and driving enthusiasts everywhere; Subaru just is not complete without a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive Impreza completing their line-up. This is set to be the last WRX of its kind, escaping EV tech thus far, so give it a go before it’s gone for good.

Performance

Performance is down on previous STi models, but then again, it is only the WRX, with no STi model on the way, apparently. A shame, for sure, but this 271-horsepower, all-wheel-drive, aggressively styled sports sedan sure looks like it could put a smile on any gearhead’s face, and all for just a smidgen over $30,000.

5 2023 Hyundai Elantra N

Starting Price: $32,900

We don’t blame you for not thinking of Hyundai when considering a fun to drive daily with sporting credentials, but the Korean firm is doing all it can to change your outlook. Across Europe, Hyundai has been launching hot hatchbacks, all adorning the ‘N’ designation; whereas America has been blessed with the Elantra N.

Performance

Forget everything you knew about Hyundai, because this $33,000 sedan can crack 60 mph in sub 5 seconds, will continue on past 150 mph, and has the best part of 300 horsepower under the hood! They may be the new kids on the sports car block, but Hyundai certainly is giving performance enthusiasts some food for thought in 2023.

4 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Starting Price: $30,530

Arguably the ultimate daily driver for average gearheads, the Golf GTI is super-reliable, has space for all the family, and guarantees miles of smiles down your favorite country roads. Famed for nimble handling plus a perfect balance of comfort and performance, it’s hard to look past the beloved GTI.

Performance

Half a century has passed since Volkswagen first gave us the Genesis hot hatch, and the recipe is still pretty much the same for this latest generation of Golf GTI. The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine produces a healthy 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque; that’s more than enough for having fun on a regular basis, but not so much that you’ll find yourself in trouble.

3 2023 Honda Civic Si

Starting Price: $29,895

Unless you’ve got considerably deeper pockets, or a fancy second-hand model without the safety blanket of warranty (and outdated tech inside), a Type-R is somewhat out of reach. Not to worry, the Si still offers a fun level of performance, without breaking the bank.

Performance

Most others featured in the article here today will walk past the Civic on track, either in a straight line or on the corners, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t have fun here. A modest 200 horsepower ensures the Civic has more punch than most sedans out there, plus it’ll be loaded with tech too, which will help keep things interesting when sporty driving isn’t possible.

Related: 10 Cheap Sports Cars For The Everyday Enthusiast

2 2023 Acura Integra

Starting Price: $31,300

Much the same, this stylish Integra is based upon the Civic, delivering the same 200 horsepower to the front wheels. At a snippet over $30,000, if you’re shopping for something fun to use regularly, is the new Integra worth considering?

Performance

The answer is yes; the Acura has a stiffened-up chassis, which should translate to excellent road holding and great cornering abilities. The Type-S would be the gearheads’ pick of the bunch, but at over $50,000, the lesser base models will have to suffice.

1 2022 Volkswagen Jetta GLI

Starting Price: $30,995

This striking sedan has so much going for it, most notably the funky styling, which includes aggressive bumpers with red highlights. This detail hints at the performance that lies beneath, and luckily, it’s not just a marketing gimmick.

Performance

That’s right, this often overlooked little sedan has a thumping 228 horsepower under the hood, making it a superb alternative to the Golf GTI. Ideal then, if you prefer the style and practicalities of a sedan, but still want trusty Volkswagen underpinnings. Acceleration is brisk, with the 0 to 60 mph time painfully close to sub 6 seconds, and we expect this playful amount of power will have you smiling from ear-to-ear around the corners, too.

Cheapest Fun Sports Cars In 2023