Best Used Sports Cars That Are Still a Joy to Drive Today

If you want excitement without paying new-car prices, the used sports car market is the perfect place to start. These models offer sharp handling, strong engines, and timeless driving enjoyment all while delivering great value for your money.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Ahh, the Miata. You knew this was coming, right? It’s basically the go-to answer for “fun car” no matter the question. Light, simple, and just ridiculously good to drive. Not fast in a drag-race sense, but honestly, it doesn’t need to be. You hug corners, top down, grinning the whole time. A used one? You can snag a solid ND model for around $22,000, maybe less if you’re lucky. And it never gets old. People say “Miata is always the answer” and yeah, they’re kinda right.

Ford Mustang GT

The Mustang… now that’s just pure attitude. The V8 rumble, the way it slides a little when you gas it you feel it, you know? It’s not perfect, the ride’s a bit rough, and the interior’s kinda plasticky unless you get newer ones. But for around $30K, you get 450 horsepower of pure noise and fun. And the aftermarket scene? Endless. Not gonna lie, you might end up spending more on tires than gas, but man, what a good time.

Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86

These two are basically twins same car, different badge. Rear-wheel drive, light, manual, simple… it’s everything a proper sports car should be. They don’t have crazy power, like 200-ish hp, but the balance? Chef’s kiss. You can drift it, autocross it, daily it. It’s forgiving, playful, and it teaches you how to drive well. Used ones float around $20K, and they’re worth every penny for how pure they feel.

Porsche Cayman

Alright, if you want a little more sophistication with your side of fun, the Porsche Cayman’s the move. Mid-engine, perfect balance, sharp steering it’s what driving dreams are made of. Even older 987 or 981 models feel timeless. You’ll probably spend around $40K, maybe $50K for a clean one, but that drive feel? You can’t fake it. The only downside is, like… maintenance. Porsche money isn’t Miata money, unfortunately.

Chevrolet Corvette (C6 or C7)

So, the Corvette. I mean, yeah, everyone jokes about old dudes in Hawaiian shirts driving these, but once you get behind the wheel? Different story, man. The power, the handling, the sound it’s raw but refined. C6s are going for around $28K–$35K, and honestly, dollar-for-dollar, it’s probably the best performance deal on the road. And yeah, you’ll get looks. Some approving, some… confused. Still worth it.

BMW Z4

This one’s like the chill cousin of the sports car world. Little fancy, little flirty, tight drive feel but comfy enough for daily use. The Z4 flies under the radar, but honestly, it’s kind of a gem. You can find good used ones from the early 2010s for $20K or so. And that straight-six engine? Smooth as butter. It’s more “wine and sunset drives” than “track day madness,” but honestly, that’s part of the charm.

Nissan 370Z

The Nissan 370Z still looks mean, even after all these years. Short wheelbase, fat rear tires, big V6… it’s an old-school bruiser. You can toss one around corners and it just feels gritty, mechanical, no nonsense. Used prices hover around $25K for good ones, maybe less if you don’t mind some miles. The clutch is heavy though like leg-day heavy. But it’s worth it.

Audi TT

Not gonna lie, the Audi TT doesn’t get enough love. It’s stylish, zippy, and feels way more premium than you’d expect for around $25K used. It’s like this mix of sportiness and cozy kind of a weekend getaway car that just happens to handle. Quattro all-wheel drive means it grips even in bad weather, so you can actually drive it year-round. Looks great, feels tighter than you’d guess, and people still turn their heads.

Dodge Challenger R/T

Okay yeah, I know this one’s more muscle than sports car, but man, it’s fun in its own way. You start it, it growls. You floor it, it roars. The R/T’s got that 5.7-liter V8 sound that never gets old. It’s heavy, sure, not exactly nimble, but the way it pulls is addictive. Around $30K for a decent used one, and you get to live out your “Fast & Furious” fantasies without completely breaking the bank.

Honda S2000

The S2000. Legend. It’s basically that one perfect car Honda made and never quite repeated. 9,000 RPM redline, precise gearbox, razor-sharp handling. It’s a car you have to drive, not just sit in. Used ones cost a small fortune now, though like $30K to $40K for good condition. But that engine sound? Worth every cent. It’s pure, mechanical joy that modern cars just can’t replicate.