Thrilling Drives On A Budget

Owning a supercar that delivers speed, style, and more surprises can make your neighbors jealous. The best part? You don't need to be a millionaire to own one.

Nissan GT-R (Used)

The GT-R isn't called "Godzilla" for nothing. Resold for $53,000, this sports car has a twin-turbo V6 with 565 horsepower and tech-savvy all-wheel drive. Breaking Nürburgring records? This beast is built for those who like to roughen up.

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Mazda MX-5 Miata

For $30,000, the Miata brings 181 horsepower and a driving experience that feels like pure fun. Its 50/50 weight balance makes it a dream in the corners. Plus, the fact that it's the best-selling two-seater of all time seals the deal.

Shadman Samee, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Porsche 911, 996 Model (Used)

Water-cooled engines caused a stir when the 996 dropped, but Porsche fans know a deal when they see one. For $40,000, you're getting 320 horsepower, rear-engine handling, and the badge that turns heads everywhere. There's no better deal than this one when it's a Porsche.

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Hyundai Genesis Coupe (Used)

Here's a rear-wheel-drive, 348-horsepower coupe that's under $25,000: the Hyundai Genesis Coupe. It's no surprise that the car snagged a SEMA "Best Sport Compact" award. You get power, style, and a price that won't scare you—it's a hidden gem.

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Mercedes-Benz SLK (Used)

The SLK brought retractable hardtops to the convertible world and didn't stop there. Add in turbocharged engines and a luxury interior, and you've got a stylish roadster for less than $30,000. Small but mighty, this car is known to deliver big.

IFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Ford Mustang EcoBoost

Turbocharging made a comeback with the EcoBoost Mustang, and it's been a hit. With 315 horsepower, sharp styling, and a $32,515 price tag, it's a Mustang for the modern driver who still loves a little heritage flair along with comfort.

Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Audi TT (Used)

When a car gets displayed in the Museum of Modern Art, you know it's more than special. We're talking about the Audi TT. Savor the iconic design, turbocharged performance, and Audi's Quattro system—an all-around winner at $35,000 for a resale model.

ilikewaffles11, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Jaguar F-Type (Used)

The F-Type took the world by storm as Jaguar's first true sports car since the E-Type. A gently used model, starting at $50,000, comes with a supercharged V6 or V8. The looks are jaw-dropping, with the kind of exhaust note that gives goosebumps.

Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lexus RC

Reliable, refined, and ridiculously fun to drive, the Lexus RC starts at $44,660. Its silky 3.5-liter V6 and top-tier interior make it feel like a daily luxury. It's safe to say that this supercar's dependability won't leave you stranded anytime soon.

Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Subaru BRZ

Subaru ditched its all-wheel-drive roots to bring us the rear-wheel-drive BRZ. It was a good decision. You need $28,595 to get the car, which has razor-sharp handling, a low center of gravity, and enough fun factor to make every drive an adventure.

The359, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

Toyota GR86

Car and Driver loved the GR86 so much, they put it on their "10 Best Cars" list. At $28,400, it's got 50/50 weight distribution, a lightweight build, and 228 horsepower to make it a driver's dream—best for both track days and winding roads.

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Chevrolet Corvette C6 (Used)

The C6 Corvette, with its roaring 6.2-liter V8, pumps out over 400 horsepower and rockets from 0-60 mph in under 4 seconds. And it achieved a Nürburgring lap in under 8 minutes. That's right, a pre-owned C6 at $30,000 can hang with the big boys.

IFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

BMW Z4 (Used)

Convertible freedom meets German engineering in the BMW Z4. A previously owned model is priced under $40,000 with turbocharged engines, sharp handling, and a retractable hardtop for some extra style. Fun Fact: The BMW Z4 is approved by Mission: Impossible.

M 93, Wikimedia Commons

Nissan 370Z (Used)

If drifting is your thing, the 370Z should be on your radar. Its 332-horsepower V6, sleek design, and rear-wheel drive make it a blast on the track or the road. Best part? You can snag one for under $30,000.

Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Lotus Evora (Used)

You get a supercharged V6 and featherweight chassis with the Lotus Evora. This supercar is all about precision and track-ready dynamics. For a pre-owned model at $50,000, the Lotus Evora is a rarity for purists who want connection over convenience.

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Chevrolet Camaro LT1

The LT1 doesn't just look tough—it packs a 455-horsepower V8 that goes from 0 to 60 mph in mere 3.9 seconds! At $35,000, the LT1 is a muscle car without the madness. Enthusiasts admire the classic styling with modern performance.

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BMW M2

Small in size but big on performance, the BMW M2 earned Top Gear's Coupé of the Year. Its turbocharged inline-six produces up to 453 horsepower in the Competition model, delivering breathtaking acceleration. Expect razor-sharp handling at $62,200 for a brand-new model.

Alexandre Prevot, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Dodge Challenger R/T

Sales of the Challenger made waves in 2021 by outselling the Mustang for the first time in over a decade. The 2023 Challenger R/T now brings a 375-horsepower HEMI V8, classic muscle car styling, spacious interiors, and customizable options at $39,940 onward.

IFCAR, Wikimedia Commons

Infiniti Q60

The Infiniti Q60 starts at $43,325. It offers up to 400 horsepower with a twin-turbo V6 in the Red Sport 400 trim. The Q60 was a finalist for the 2017 North American Car of the Year, proving it's got the skills to match the looks.

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Maserati GranTurismo (Used)

A Ferrari-derived V8, Italian curves, at $50,000? The GranTurismo has all the makings of a dream car if you buy it from a previous owner. It's as comfortable on long trips as it is blasting down a highway and always looks fantastic doing it.

Mick, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Alfa Romeo 4C (Used)

The Alfa Romeo 4C isn't here to coddle you—it's built to thrill. Its carbon-fiber chassis keeps it lightweight, and the 1.75-liter turbocharged engine cranks out 237 horsepower for blistering acceleration. At $45,000 used, this raw, unfiltered sports car delivers a driving experience you won't forget.

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Aston Martin V8 Vantage (Used)

Aston Martin's best-selling model, the V8 Vantage, gives you Bond vibes for approximately $45,000 to $60,000. There is a naturally aspirated V8 that roars with authority, and its hand-built luxury makes it a statement car for anyone who wants sophistication with speed.

Darren, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Audi S5 (Used)

With a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 pushing 354 horsepower and Quattro all-wheel drive, the Audi S5 delivers serious speed and cornering grip. For a resale model at $30,000, it's a stealthy performer hitting 0-60 mph in under 5 seconds, all while keeping you wrapped in luxury.

Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Porsche Boxster (Used)

The Porsche Boxster basically saved the company in the '90s, and it's easy to see why. There's a mid-engine layout and a flat-six engine that deliver handling and performance that still feel fresh today. Save around $30,000 and make it yours.

Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (Used)

Don't think of the ZL1 as just another Chevrolet—it's a true muscle car, a supercharged V8 monster with 650 horsepower! At $50,000, it's a performance bargain that won MotorTrend's "Best Driver's Car" title. Power, poise, and practicality in one.

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