Sporty Enthusiast Cars You Can Actually Afford

One of the most frustrating aspects of the automotive industry is that most fun cars are out of reach for the average consumer. While cars like the Mazda Miata or Toyota GR86 still fall way below the average price of a new car, few people can afford to use them as their only car. Sports cars are toys, and companies price them high because they realize they’re a luxury for most folks, but this doesn’t mean your dream of owning something agile and (relatively) quick is out of reach. You just need to be willing to look at vehicles a few years older than you’re probably used to and to do your research to ensure you’re not getting yourself into a money pit.

So what is an affordable enthusiast car? Well, it obviously depends on your budget, but in our eyes, to be able to acquire a vehicle with decently low miles and in good mechanical/cosmetic condition, you’ll most likely have to pay in the ballpark of $15,000, or roughly half the price what the cars mentioned above cost. You can certainly find a gem that costs way less than this, and you can definitely spend a bit more of these to find yourself a particularly clean example, but we feel $15,000 is a reasonable amount to pay for a fun sports car with a lot of life left in it.

1 Mazda Miata NC (2006–2015)

Why It’s a Great Choice:

There isn’t a sports car more honest and inherently enjoyable than a Mazda MX-5 Miata. It’s become the definitive entry-level sports car over the past three decades, and it doesn’t look to be giving up that spot anytime soon, as the company appears committed to its future. While the current ND generation of the roadster may be a bit more money than you want to spend, a slightly used NC model will sit right around this $15,000 range, and offer a fantastic driving experience with a little more cash left in your pocket. The vehicle is a joy, and will teach you all you need to know about making the most of the performance you have.

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What to Watch For:

• Coolant leaks: plastic components get brittle over time, especially when connected to the radiator or coolant expansion tank. Regular inspections and preemptive replacement of these parts will save you headaches in the long run.
• Differential whine: the differential is a known issue on higher-mileage models. Listen for unusual noises from the rear during a test drive to either shave a little bit more off the asking price or to know you need to look elsewhere.
• Soft top wear: the roof is always something to look at with a convertible, although most models of this vintage that have been well cared for should still have a roof in pretty good shape.

2 Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ (2013–2016)

Why It’s a Great Choice:

The Subaru/Toyota twins have been some of the best entry-level sports cars for over a decade now, and although the first generations of the BRZ/FR-S/GT86 cars may not be as powerful or focused as the newer ones, they offer great performance at a much better price. Now, although you’ll be able to find deals throughout the life of the first generations of these models, your best bet for a good deal would be going back to the Scion era, and grabbing an FR-S or a BRZ of the same vintage. Since most of these cars have been owned by people who love to drive them, you’ll need to take your time finding the right vehicle, and don’t be afraid to walk away from a deal if the vehicle doesn’t feel right.

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What to Watch For:

• Fuel pump chirping: Some models exhibit a chirping noise from the high-pressure fuel pump. While harmless, it’s something to be aware of during a test drive.
• Valve issues: High-mileage engines may experience carbon buildup in the intake valves, which can impact performance. Using high-quality fuel and scheduling regular valve cleanings can protect against this.
• Tires and alignment: Many owners push these cars hard, so inspect for uneven tire wear and proper alignment to ensure you’re not just buying a vehicle that’s going to have problems spring up in the near future.

3 BMW E46 330i ZHP (2003–2005)

Why It’s a Great Choice:

Most would agree the E46 generation of the BMW 3 Series is the best one, as it perfectly blends performance and luxury into one of the brand’s best-looking packages of all time. While the M3 Sedan is the most coveted version of the model, another performance variant has become quite popular over the years called the 330i ZHP Performance Package, named after its internal production code. The package, available in coupe, sedan, and convertible body styles, added a comprehensive list of upgrades that not only made the car turn and stop better but also made it a little more powerful and responsive too. It’s a great option if you want something a bit more powerful than the average that’s not going to break the bank.

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What to Watch For:

• Cooling system overhaul: The water pump, thermostat, and radiator are known weak points. Replacing these parts proactively is essential to avoid overheating issues.
• VANOS rebuild: The variable valve timing system can degrade over time, causing reduced performance. A rebuild is a relatively straightforward fix.
• Suspension components: Worn bushings and control arms are common on higher-mileage cars and can impact handling. Check for replacements during your test drive.

4 Porsche Boxster 987 (2005–2012)

Why It’s a Great Choice:

The Porsche 718 Boxster is one of the models that helped to save Porsche by offering a truly accessible Porsche for the masses. The 986 generation shared styling with the 996 911 and thus has always had a love/hate relationship with fans. Fortunately, the second generation followed in the footsteps of the 911 and went back to normal circular headlights in addition to giving it interior tweaks and more power. It was more of a facelift than anything, which had its pros and cons because it had the same great handling, but it also was initially prone to many of the same terrifying problems.

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What to Watch For:

• IMS bearing: Though much less of an issue on 2006+ models, it’s worth confirming if anything has been serviced regarding it, especially if your car has higher mileage. Upgrading to an aftermarket IMS bearing during clutch replacement is a good choice here.
• Oil leaks: Inspect for oil leaks around the rear main seal or valve covers, as these aren’t cheap to repair.
• Suspension components: Check for worn shocks or bushings since these are cars that get pushed hard.

5 Ford Mustang GT (2005–2010)

Why It’s a Great Choice:

If you’re looking for power, then the fifth-generation Ford Mustang (S197) offers classic American muscle car charm with slightly more modern performance. It’s hard to appreciate just how much of a hit this generation of Mustang was now, but it completely revitalized Ford’s most iconic nameplate. Sure, 300 horsepower doesn’t seem like much for a muscle car these days, but you’ll be surprised just how far that can get you, and you’ll have plenty of room left over for tasteful mods to make the most of the platform. Due to this generation being so successful, there are thousands of mods available for this car. Just make sure you don’t go crazy pulling out of any car meets.

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What to Watch For:

• Suspension components: Stock suspension setups may feel soft. Many owners upgrade to stiffer springs or adjustable dampers for better handling, so make sure everything is in order.
• Cooling system: Ensure the cooling system is functioning well, especially on high-mileage cars, because leaks and overheating are headaches you don’t want if you can avoid them.
• Rear differential: Listen for whining or clunking sounds from the rear, which could point to a worn differential.

Sources:
AutoTempest.com