Top 12 Used Sports Cars That Still Thrill And 5 Unexpected Picks Worth A Look
There’s something magical about the roar of an engine that promises thrills, even when the car isn’t fresh off the assembly line.
I once took a 2006 Porsche 911 for a spin, expecting it to feel outdated. Instead, it felt like I was driving a new sports car with decades of history packed into every turn.
Some used sports cars don’t just hold their own—they get better with age, with their engines fine-tuned and their handling perfected.
A few surprises in the mix are the ones no one expects, making them perfect underdogs in a sea of classic speedsters.
1. Mazda MX-5 Miata
Nothing quite captures pure driving joy like a used Miata. These lightweight roadsters connect you to the road in ways modern electronics-laden cars simply can’t match.
Even older models from the 1990s still hold their charm with razor-sharp handling and the wind-in-your-hair experience that defines what sports car driving should be.
The best part? Reliability that puts many newer cars to shame.
Affordable to buy and easy to maintain, a good Miata proves you don’t need massive horsepower to have massive fun.
2. Porsche Cayman
Mid-engine perfection doesn’t get better than a pre-owned Cayman. These baby Porsches often outshine their 911 siblings with perfect weight distribution and handling that borders on telepathic.
The cockpit wraps around you like a fighter jet, while the flat-six engine sings a mechanical symphony that’ll make you forget about your music playlist.
Previous generations (especially 987 and 981) have become surprisingly attainable entry points into Porsche ownership.
Maintenance costs aside, few cars deliver this level of engineering excellence and driver engagement.
3. Ford Mustang GT
Raw American power never goes out of style! The Mustang GT delivers old-school thrills with its thunderous V8 growl that announces your arrival blocks away.
Fifth-generation models (2005-2014) hit the sweet spot of modern reliability with classic muscle car attitude.
The 5.0-liter Coyote engine in later models packs a serious punch without the premium price tag of European competitors.
Huge aftermarket support means you can easily make your Mustang uniquely yours, from mild upgrades to wild modifications that’ll have you hunting supercars for a fraction of the price.
4. Chevrolet Corvette C6
Supercar performance without the supercar price tag – that’s the C6 Corvette promise. The 2005-2013 generation brought European-rivaling handling to complement its brute American force.
Under that fiberglass body lurks a 6.2-liter V8 that delivers neck-snapping acceleration and a soundtrack that makes Ferrari owners do double-takes.
The removable targa top gives you convertible thrills without sacrificing structural rigidity.
Maintenance is surprisingly straightforward compared to exotic alternatives, making this 400+ horsepower monster a practical daily driver that moonlights as a weekend track weapon.
5. Subaru BRZ
Cornering wizardry comes standard with every BRZ. This lightweight rear-wheel-drive coupe was engineered with one goal: making drivers grin on twisty roads.
The boxer engine sits low in the chassis, creating a center of gravity that rivals exotic machinery costing five times as much.
First-generation models (2013-2020) have now reached tempting price points that make them incredible performance bargains.
While not the most powerful on this list, the BRZ teaches an important sports car lesson – sometimes less is more when it comes to pure driving enjoyment.
6. BMW M3 (E92)
German engineering meets motorsport heritage in the legendary E92 M3. The naturally-aspirated 4.0-liter V8 in this generation (2007-2013) is widely considered one of BMW’s finest creations.
Revving to a stratospheric 8,400 RPM, it delivers a spine-tingling soundtrack that modern turbocharged engines simply can’t match.
Carbon fiber roof, flared fenders, and quad exhaust tips hint at the performance lurking beneath its sophisticated exterior.
While maintenance costs reflect its premium nature, plummeting depreciation has made these M-powered beasts surprising value propositions for the brave enthusiast.
7. Nissan 370Z
Analog driving experiences are becoming endangered species, but the 370Z keeps the flame alive. This rear-wheel-drive Japanese sports car offers old-school thrills with just enough modern conveniences.
The naturally-aspirated V6 delivers linear power and a satisfying growl that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s turbocharged world.
Its stubby dimensions and wide stance create a nimble handler that feels alive in your hands.
With production spanning from 2009-2020, earlier examples have become remarkably affordable entry points into genuine sports car ownership without the reliability headaches of many European alternatives.
8. Audi TT RS
Wolves in sheep’s clothing don’t come much faster than a pre-owned TT RS. Beneath its sophisticated styling lurks Audi’s turbocharged five-cylinder engine – a powerplant with legitimate rally racing pedigree.
The unique engine note alone is worth the price of admission, delivering a distinctive warble that stands out in a world of four and eight-cylinder competitors.
Quattro all-wheel drive means this pocket rocket delivers its substantial power regardless of weather conditions.
Often overlooked by traditional sports car buyers, the TT RS offers supercar-rivaling acceleration in a package that flies comfortably under the radar.
9. Dodge Challenger R/T
Subtlety was never the Challenger’s strong suit – and that’s exactly why we love it! This unabashed muscle car brings 1970s attitude to modern roads with its bold styling and rumbling HEMI V8.
The spacious interior and comfortable ride make it the practical choice among sports cars, capable of actual road trips without compressing your spine.
Early third-generation models (2008-2014) have reached particularly attractive price points for the performance they deliver.
Gas mileage might make you wince, but the smiles-per-gallon rating more than makes up for frequent fuel stops.
10. Toyota 86
Balance over brute force – that’s the Toyota 86 philosophy. Developed alongside the Subaru BRZ, this lightweight rear-wheel-drive coupe prioritizes handling finesse over straight-line speed.
The low-slung driving position and perfectly placed controls make you feel like you’re wearing the car rather than sitting in it.
Its playful chassis allows novice drivers to explore the limits of grip safely while still rewarding experienced hands with precise control.
Reliable Toyota mechanicals mean you’ll spend more time driving and less time waiting for parts – a rarity in the sports car world.
11. Honda S2000
Motorcycle-like engine characteristics define the legendary S2000. Honda’s engineering masterpiece revs to an astounding 9,000 RPM in earlier AP1 models, delivering an auditory experience that borders on religious.
The digital dashboard and perfect shifter transport you back to the early 2000s – when driving engagement mattered more than touchscreens.
Rock-solid reliability means many examples have survived with impressive mechanical integrity despite their high-strung nature.
Appreciating values reflect growing recognition that the S2000 represents the end of an era for naturally-aspirated sports cars.
12. Porsche 911 (996/997)
Automotive evolution in its purest form, older 911s deliver the quintessential sports car experience. The controversial 996 generation (1999-2004) now represents the most affordable entry point into 911 ownership.
The follow-up 997 generation (2005-2012) refined the formula with improved styling and build quality.
Both offer that distinctive rear-engine character that’s been captivating drivers for decades – a balance of everyday usability and weekend track capability few cars can match.
Proper maintenance is essential but rewards owners with one of motoring’s most engaging experiences and surprising practicality for a performance machine.
13. Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Forget what you think you know about Hyundai – the Genesis Coupe changed everything.
This rear-wheel-drive sleeper shocked the sports car establishment with legitimate performance credentials at a fraction of the expected price.
Later models with the 3.8-liter V6 deliver 348 horsepower and a soundtrack that belies their budget-friendly origins.
Massive depreciation has made these Korean rockets absolute bargains on the used market.
Build quality that exceeds many competitors means these underrated gems often survive with fewer issues than their more prestigious counterparts.
14. Infiniti G37 Coupe
Japanese reliability meets luxury performance in this often-overlooked gem. Sharing DNA with the Nissan 370Z but adding refinement, the G37 delivers a compelling blend of comfort and capability.
The silky-smooth 3.7-liter V6 produces over 330 horsepower while the well-appointed interior offers genuine everyday usability.
Available all-wheel drive makes this one of the few sports coupes comfortable in all four seasons.
Massive depreciation has made these luxury performers remarkable bargains – offering 90% of the driving experience of German alternatives at 50% of the ownership cost.
15. Lexus RC 350
Japanese craftsmanship meets sports car excitement in the often-overlooked RC 350.
This striking coupe combines head-turning style with the legendary Lexus reliability that makes ownership a pleasure rather than a pain.
The naturally-aspirated V6 delivers smooth power without the potential headaches of turbocharged alternatives.
Inside, the cockpit wraps around you with materials that shame many European competitors costing thousands more.
Rapid depreciation has made early examples (2015-2018) particularly attractive propositions for buyers seeking luxury sports car experience without luxury sports car repair bills.
16. Volvo C30 T5 R-Design
Swedish thinking turned the hot hatch formula into something uniquely special with the C30 T5 R-Design.
The three-door hatchback combines turbocharged performance with distinctive styling that stands out in any parking lot.
The floating center console and ultra-comfortable seats remind you of Volvo’s luxury pedigree, while the turbocharged five-cylinder engine delivers a distinctive growl and surprising punch.
Safety features that were years ahead of competitors mean this sport compact still feels modern.
Limited production numbers have created a cult following, ensuring this quirky Swede will always turn heads.
17. Mini Cooper S JCW
Go-kart handling isn’t just marketing speak when it comes to the Mini Cooper S John Cooper Works. These pocket rockets deliver driving thrills that make cars with twice the horsepower seem boring on twisty roads.
The turbocharged engine punches well above its weight class, while the distinctive styling ensures you’ll never lose your car in a parking lot.
Interior quirks like the dinner-plate-sized central speedometer and toggle switches create a driving environment unlike anything else on the road.
Surprising practicality makes this pint-sized performer a viable daily driver despite its performance credentials.