10 Used Sports Cars That Are Notoriously Reliable Yet Crazy Cheap – TopSpeed

Getting behind the wheel of a sports car is something everyone with a license can enjoy. Carving some canyon roads, stepping on it at a light, or being pushed back into the seat make for some of the most fun you can have with a vehicle. However, not all sports cars are obtainable, and even fewer are reliable to drive for years on end.

For many, the logistics of owning more than one vehicle is tough, but what if you still want a sports car? Luckily, there are a few manufacturers, such as Mazda, Nissan, and Chevrolet, that focus on making reliable sports cars at an affordable price point.

Even still, some cars may start outside your budget when new, but while used, they have now been lowered into a price range you cannot ignore. There may be some cases where you should stay away from these depreciating vehicles, but there are instances where they are still reliable, like the Audi TT.

Throughout this list, we hit on a number of cars that are super reliable, affordable, and downright fun to drive. Whether you are looking for a cheap sports car to tear up the weekends, or a teen looking for their first fun car, we’ve curated this list to meet everyone’s needs. We will get into the data behind their reliability, the current values of the cars, as well as what makes them such great used sports cars.

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10 2009 Audi TT

Average Used Price Range: $7,429 – $9,086

Starting our list, we have the underrated Audi TT. You can pick up a second-generation TT for under $9,000, giving you a punchy turbocharged engine, manual transmission, and nimble handling for a bargain-bin price. While some of these examples might need a bit of upkeep, they still score well in terms of reliability. J.D. Power gives it an overall 72/100 Quality and Reliability score, which is not the highest we will see but still much more than you would expect of the German coupe.

Performance Specifications

Even though you’re missing out on a TT RS and its monster all-wheel drive, the standard TT is still loads of reliable fun for a small sum of cash. Not only do you have the popular 2.0-liter turbo engine, but you get a 6-speed dual-clutch semi-automatic transmission that rips through gears. Squeaking out a sub-7-second 0-60 MPH time and having the suspension to dart through corners makes the Audi TT a proper used sports car option.

9 2007 Pontiac Solstice

Average Used Price Range: $4,829 – $6,440

Hated by many but loved by a few, the most surprising entry on this list is the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP. Early model versions were powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine making just over 170 horsepower. However, in 2007, they released the GXP model, which got a new powertrain from the uber-reliable EcoTec 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder.

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The new upgrade made the Solstice hit an even 260 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. With an ample amount of power, the Solstice GXP became much better to drive, accelerating to 60 mph in about 5.5 seconds.

Performance Specifications

Competing with the likes of Nissan and Mazda for a fun, tossable convertible sports car, the Solstice did not sell the best. But that means now you can pick one up for well under $10,000, making it one of the most affordable and reliable turbocharged convertibles on the market. You can pick up either the convertible, or the coupe, but the coupe will run you a few thousand dollars more. If we had to choose, the convertible gets the win. Who doesn’t like to drop the top?

8 2008 BMW Z4

Average Used Price Range: $9,380 – $11,087

What is usually seen as an upper-class Miata, the BMW Z4, brings another option to the table of open-top motoring on a budget. Beating out the Porsche Boxster for a spot on this list, the Z4 makes it here because of its Quality and Reliability score of 85/100, proving its place among these cheap yet reliable sports cars. Housing a large but smooth 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that is distinctly BMW, the Z4 pulls hard and corners harder.

Performance Specifications

With a lightweight convertible design, the Z4 exudes a sense of playfulness that is lost in other German sports cars. Pair it with a six-speed manual transmission, and you now have a great rival to the Japanese counterparts that dominate the market. Not to mention the interior quality you get over competitors, the Z4 is not only cheap and reliable, but a killer value as well.

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7 2003 BMW M3 Convertible

Average Used Price Range: $7,041 – $9,190

The 2003 BMW M3 Convertible rightfully secures its place on our list as it is celebrated for its reliability. The BMW M3 E46 is a car that instantly captivates the attention of any gearhead with its iconic name. Recognized for its popularity in video games, racing circuits, and the tuner community, the M3 has become a dream car for passionate enthusiasts.

Performance Specifications

Nowadays, a 2003 BMW M3 Convertible can be found for as low as $12,400, offering an affordable yet exhilarating driving experience. Powered by an impressive 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine producing 333 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque, the 2003 BMW M3 is not only budget-friendly but also stands as one of the most reliable BMW cars in the pre-owned market.

With its exceptional combination of power, performance, and dependability, it presents an outstanding option for those seeking thrilling moments on the road without compromising their financial stability.

6 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Average Used Price Range: $11,005-$13,090

Tied for being the newest car on this list, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a surprising entry. Garnering a Quality and Reliability score of 80/100, the Genesis Coupe has been seemingly forgotten by enthusiasts. Falling by the wayside means that now is the time to buy, given that it has an impressive power output from the naturally aspirated V-6. For a touch over $10,000, you get nearly 350 horsepower and a manual transmission, and if you are lucky, you can snag the optioned Brembo brakes.

Performance Specifications

Since the Genesis Coupe was not as popular as some competitors of its time, there was not a huge number to flood the market and lower the price. However, at the current going rate, it is hard to beat the dependability and performance of the Genesis. Cheap is subjective, but for the price they are and the specs they have, we would say it’s one of the best.

5 2014 Subaru BRZ

Average Used Price Range: $9,421-$11,830

Skipping over the first year for the now beloved sports car, the 2014 Subaru BRZ is finally cheap enough to make it worth the performance figures. The updated model is fine and dandy, but the decade-old first generation has its charm for around $10,000. A lower center of gravity from the boxer four-cylinder engine and lightweight driving dynamics make the BRZ feel incredible in the corners. Ball it all up with a Quality and Reliability score of 75/100 from J.D. Power and you get a reliable and cheap alternative to buying a brand new Miata.

Performance Specifications

Although it lacks a bit in terms of torque to give you the kick-in-the-pants feeling of acceleration, the BRZ makes up for it with its simple maintenance and phenomenal handling. Under 2,800 pounds with only 200 horsepower means the BRZ sips gas but carries enough speed to have more fun than you know what to do with. Some will say the 2013 or first-year BRZ is a better choice to save some money, but the valve spring recall cuts the reliability of that model year well below this list.

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4 2007 Porsche Boxster

Average Used Price Range: $10,176-$12,834

The 2007 Porsche Boxster, renowned for its exceptional handling, secures a spot among the top 10 cheap reliable sports cars. With a 2.7-liter H6 engine producing 245 horsepower, the Boxster Base delivers an exhilarating 0 to 60-mph sprint in just 5.8 seconds. Despite its 16-year-old age, this Porsche model remains outstanding and dependable in every aspect.

Performance Specifications

Priced under $13,000, it offers an affordable option for those wanting a reliable sports car. Sharing engines with the Cayman models, including the powerful 295-hp, 3.4-liter flat-six in the Boxster S, packs even more of a punch while retaining reliability. While subtle differences like a five-speed transmission versus a six-speed transmission, the reliability of both trim levels remains among some of the best.

3 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Average Used Price Range: $6,009 – $7,924

It wouldn’t be a list of cheap yet reliable sports cars without a Mazda Miata on it. The third generation or NC Miata is usually seen as the unwanted model due to its heavier weight. However, the NC makes a stand with its increased horsepower and torque figures. Having a purchase price of around $6,000 makes it one of the cheapest on this list, and for a car that will drive 200,000 plus miles without much fuss, it deserves its spot at number three.

Performance Specifications

Even though it is more than 10 years old, the NC Miata gets a Quality and Reliability score of 86/100 from J.D. Power. The only real drawback to the NC Miata is the soft top design, which as we mentioned on the Z4 earlier, can leak over time if it is not taken care of. Overall, the Mazda Miata is one of the best cheap sports cars on the market, no matter the generation.

2 2008 Nissan 350Z

Average Used Price Range: $11,999 – $13,850

Losing a hard-fought second place on our list is the Nissan 350Z. Known for its trumpet-sounding 3.5-liter V-6, the 350Z provides a wonderful driving experience filled with loads of power and enough comfort to drive across the country. Pairing the V-6 with a long gear ratio manual makes for tire-shredding torque to dig out of corners and tall gears to cruise down the interstate at low RPM.

Performance Specifications

Getting a Quality and Reliability score of 82/100 from J.D. Power, the 350Z earns its spot by providing one of the best blends of power, performance, reliability, and value for a sports car. Once a touring car for the weekend cruiser, the 350Z has become a long-standing choice for enthusiasts, and for good reason. It didn’t grab the top spot this time around, but the 350Z is arguably one of the most reliable used sports cars on the market.

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1 2003 Chevrolet Corvette

Average Used Price Range: $8,770-$11,843

Last but not least, to round out our list, we have the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. Surprisingly, the C5 Corvette has dipped below the $10,000 price range, making it an exceptional choice for those wanting a cheap, reliable sports car. Giving you a powerful 5.7-liter V-8 engine, the Corvette makes use of the LS platform to give incredible performance for decades on end.

Performance Specifications

While we don’t have a proper J.D. Power rating for the C5 Corvette, we do have a 4.9-star overall rating from 265 consumer reviews as shown by Edmunds, to back up our claim of it being an incredibly reliable machine. You will see most Corvettes on the market at 150,000 and some examples well over 200,000 miles as the LS engine is able to put out power without fail. With all the performance and reliability you get from the Corvette, at $10,000 or less, it is only right we give it the number one spot on this list.