The 8 Best Used Sports Cars Under $30,000 (2023)
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Although they’re not as practical as sedans and SUVs, it’s hard to deny that driving a sports car is the best way to enjoy the open road. These vehicles are designed for unadulterated fun on the road and never fail to put a wide smile on a driver’s face. However, when most people think of sports cars, it’s usually because they can’t afford them due to the high price of admission.
That is good news, though. The used car market has many sports cars that are much more affordable than buying brand-new ones. In fact, if you’re willing to shop around, you should be able to find a used sports car for the prize of a new family sedan.
To make it easy for speed demons like you, we rounded up some of the best used sports cars under $30,000 in 2023. Let’s check it out!
1. 2017 Ford Mustang GT
Like the Dodge Challenger, the Ford Mustang GT is known as a brute of a car with an affordable price tag. Although many enthusiasts don’t consider the Mustang GT a genuine sports car, it was given a much-needed visual update and made it look more like a sports car. You get 435 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque for the price, making it an actual performance car. The Mustang GTs have always been reasonably-priced, even when brand-new, so it’s an excellent place to search for the best used sports cars under $30,000.
With a $30,000 budget, you can get a used 2017 Ford Mustang GT Fastback with 30-50k mileage.
2. 2012 Porsche Boxster
The 2012 Porsche Boxster is an easy sports car to recommend due to its very fun-to-drive personality – it truly is a driver’s car. Take your pick from the sublime handling and steering, powerful engine options, top-notch PDK transmission, and excellent interior. On top of the superb driving experience, the 2012 Boxster offers a driver-oriented cabin with premium interior materials and large gauges. If you’re in the market for a top-notch roadster, the 2012 Boxster is always a solid choice.
There are few listings for a used 2012 Porsche Boxster, but they’re out there for less than $30,000 and have good mileage.
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3. 2020 Mazda Miata RF
You can’t list the best used sports cars under $30,000 without mentioning the Mazda Miata – the benchmark of affordable sports cars. The Miata RF doesn’t fail to deliver a considerable helping of driving fun, thanks to its eager driving dynamics, nimble handling, and rev-happy engine. The RF model (retractable fastback) differs from the conventional Miata by offering a hardtop roof that opens and closes like a Targa. In terms of performance, the 2020 Miata RF produces 181 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque and offers a 0-60 mph acceleration in 6 seconds. It’s an immensely satisfying roadster, even for the most demanding enthusiasts.
There are plenty of listings for a used 2020 Mazda Miata RF between $23,000-$29,000.
4. 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe
The 2016 Chevrolet Camaro ranks as one of the top models in its class, and it’s easy to see why. It offers thrilling road performance, agile handling, and powerful but efficient engine options. If you opt for the high-performance SS model, you’ll be treated to a 6.2-liter V8 engine that cranks out a beastly 455 horsepower and a hairraising 0-60 mph acceleration in under 4 seconds. As a large sports car, the 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS does feel heavy and oversized and has questionable outward visibility. However, it’s an excellent performance machine for the money.
You should find a used 2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe at this budget with 50-80k miles.
5. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
The legendary Chevy Corvette has everything you’ll want from a sports car – a glorious mechanical soundtrack, superior handling and braking, and an incredibly smooth ride. Seriously, Vette enthusiasts will tell you that its engine sound alone is worth the price tag. The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is a 6th-gen model equipped with a standard 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces 430 horsepower. The 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is a great all-around sports car with enough cargo space for a long road trip.
The 2012 Corvette is one of the best used sports car market deals, so you’ll have to dig around for a model under $30,000.
THE BEST TWO-SEATER CARS
If you’re in the market for a speedy two-seater, we’ve got you covered. Check out our list of the best two-seater cars on the market today.
6. 2014 BMW Z4
When shopping for a used sports car, most people don’t look towards the BMW Z4. So don’t make the same mistake because the 2014 BMW Z4 is a handsome convertible with the performance to match. The Z4 is an elegant convertible that surprisingly provides ample seating for two with top-quality materials that you can expect from a BMW. Although it’s not the best-in-class in handling and agility, the Z4 still offers an enjoyable driving experience with the standard 240-hp four-cylinder engine.
A used 2014 BMW Z4 should cost $22,000-$26,000 for a relatively low mileage unit.
7. 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack
The Dodge Challenger is the king of retro American muscle cars, thanks to its old-school styling and tremendous engine power. The Challenger Scat Pack houses a 6.4-liter V8 engine capable of 485 hp and 475 lb-ft of torque – a notch lower than the crazy 707 hp Challenger Hellcat. As expected, the 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack delivers a potent drive and handles better than expected for a heavy car.
A used 2016 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack under $30,000 can be relatively harder to find since it’s popular, but they’re out there.
8. 2017 Subaru WRX
The 2017 Subaru WRX is the only standard AWD for this list of the best used sports cars under $30,000. The 2017 WRX offers 268 hp and a 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds, which is competent enough for an engaging drive and a daily driver. Being all-wheel drive, you don’t have to hibernate your WRX during winter and icy road conditions.
A used 2017 Subaru WRX just below $30,000 should get you a model with outstanding mileage.
WHAT TO DO IF A DEALER REFUSES TO CANCEL EXTENDED WARRANTY
Car buying can occasionally be frustrating, especially if you’re purchasing your vehicle through a dealership. We’re here to tell you how to navigate a situation in which a dealer refuses to cancel your extended warranty.
Get a Curated List of the Best Used Cars Near You
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