10 Used Sports Cars With Proven Engines And Bargain Prices
There are some affordable brand-new sports cars out there right now. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is still going strong in its fourth generation. A Ford Mustang, for example, has a starting MSRP of $34,990, with the GT featuring the 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 coming in at just under $50,000. We don’t necessarily mean to say that these are bargains, but it’s still possible for you to own something fun and not break the bank entirely.
If new isn’t your style, or you don’t want to take the massive depreciation hit as soon as the tires hit the streets, then maybe a secondhand sports car is your better bet. That’s where this list comes in. We are going to suggest a few recent and a few not so recent sports cars that not only have great engines but also great prices.
Models are listed in ascending order based on top speed, from the lowest to the highest.
10
Toyota 86
Top Speed: 140-145 MPH
The Toyota 86 is now referred to as the Toyota GR86. This two-door coupe has always been affordable since it launched. The last year for the 86 badge was in 2020, and it had a starting MSRP of $28,055. The top of the line only cost $31,585. When it launched here in the US, Scion was still in existence and the 86 wore an FR-S name badge. It also currently shares basically the same parts with Subaru’s BRZ.
The initial generation came with a 2.0-liter Boxer-style engine with an output of between 200 and 205 horsepower. You can currently pick up a base 86, according to KBB, for $17,700. That seems like a bargain for a car with a 53/47 weight distribution. The GR86 makes more power but costs a bit more.
9
Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB)
Top Speed: 140-153 MPH
While the first generation NA is considered to be the most iconic variant of the MX-5 Miata, the NB is more like the “middle child” so to speak. This generation came out for the 1999 model year and lasted until 2005. The iconic pop-up headlamps also had to be axed due to pedestrian safety regulations. The NB already came out the gate swinging with 140 horsepower with the original engine as opposed to the original NA’s 116.
They were all powered by a 1.8-liter in-line four-cylinder engine in the States. A later variant, the Mazdaspeed Miata, had a turbocharged version that made 178 horsepower. While that might not sound like a lot of power, it did only weigh between 2,249 and 2,524 pounds. It’s also one of the only ones on this list that carries a 50-50 weight distribution for perfectly balanced handling and all-around fun. Kelley Blue Book has an average pricing value of between $6,900 and $8,100 depending.
8
Ford Mustang GT (SN197)
Top Speed: 145-155 MPH
While the SN95 Ford Mustang brought the pony car into the new millennium, the SN197 helped make it what it is today. This coupe brought the heat and revived it for a new generation of Mustang owners. It featured technology such as color-changing and personalized lighting. Even cooler is the two different generations of naturally aspirated V8s it came with.
The first V8 engine it came with was a three-valve 4.6-liter V8, offered from the launch year in 2005 up until 2010. This made only 300 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque. Then came the legendary Coyote V8, which is a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter monster that gets between 412 and 420 horsepower and 390 pound-feet of torque. Depending on the year, mileage condition, etc., you can pick up an SN197 for between $6,000 and $25,000. You could even pick up a Shelby GT500 for the low, if you know where to look.
7
Nissan 350Z
Top Speed: 155 MPH
The Nissan 350Z was the modern answer to the “Z” family after the Nissan 300 ZX in the 1990s. This is powered by a 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6 that goes by the name of VQ35DE. It comes either with a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission. You can also get it in a coupe or a convertible, and in five different trims in total for the first model year, including a Performance trim that offers Brembo brakes and a rear spoiler.
According to Kelley Blue Book, a 2009 350Z can cost anywhere between $8,900 and $9,500. The first-year pricing is interesting, as the Performance coupe has an asking price of $5,300, but you could also spend up to $10,700 on the Touring. If you meet in the middle with a 2006 model, you’ll spend anywhere between $7,950 and $11,000 on the Touring.
6
Nissan 370Z
Top Speed: 155 MPH
The Nissan 370Z is what came after the 350Z and is the much more aggressive, tighter version. Super impressive is the VQ37VHR’s ability to reach 7,500 RPM without breaking a sweat. This V6 is situated in a front mid-engine layout (FM Platform) with a rear-wheel-drive drivetrain for the best weight distribution possible.
Other performance features include magnesium paddle shifters and SynchroRev Match capabilities. The hood, doors, and hatchback are all aluminum for maximum weight savings. A first year 2009 370Z will set you back about $12,900 for the base and $15,450 for the Touring, according to KBB.
5
Infiniti G37 Coupe
Top Speed: 155 MPH
The Infiniti G37 Coupe is a luxury sports coupe that was in production from 2008 to 2013. It’s technically just a luxury version of the Nissan 370Z as it shares the same 3.7-liter V6 offering an incredible 330 horsepower. The Infiniti has a longer wheelbase than the Nissan, comes in either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, and even has an optional six-speed manual.
The G37 comes in four different trim levels and even a performance model called the IPL or Infiniti Performance Line. This includes a high-flow exhaust, more horsepower, aero bumpers, and a gorgeous red-stitched interior. These cost anywhere between $7,000 and $11,000 depending.
4
Chevrolet Camaro SS (Fifth Gen)
Top Speed: 155 MPH
When the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro returned to the scene after eight years out of production, it was, well — quite an event. It was reintroduced at the Detroit Auto Show, but excitement swelled over the Transformers movie cameo.
The Chevrolet Camaro SS is the sportier variant that boasts a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8. It comes with GM’s Active Fuel Management — not that it did much to help — but it also comes with a fully independent rear suspension. For a 2010 Camaro SS, according to KBB, it will set you back between $14,430 and $15,880.
3
Modern Dodge Challenger R/T
Top Speed: 155 MPH
The modern Dodge Challenger came back to challenge the competition in 2008, with a final call for the 2023 model year. It received a refresh for 2015 with LED running lights and a Uconnect infotainment system. The infotainment system is secondary, however, when it comes with a 5.7-liter HEMI V8.
Transmissions range from a six-speed manual to an eight-speed automatic. There are also a few variants of Challenger R/T models, like the Standard, and the T/A. As there are many years to choose from, the price can vary wildly from $12,000 all the way up to $30,700 depending.
2
Porsche Boxster S (987.2)
Top Speed: 170 MPH
Porsche appends a “.2” to any of its models that receive a refresh, and the 987.2 got just that treatment. The initial generation came with an IMS bearing issue that plagued these cars for an extended period of time. This also affected the 911s of the same generation. This Boxster generation, on the other hand, doesn’t come with this issue.
This small but mighty flat-six engine (MA1.21) in the Porsche Boxster S features a direct fuel injection system that maximizes efficiency and power. It also comes with launch control. This convertible roadster from 2010 costs between $19,000 and $19,900, according to KBB.
1
Chevrolet Corvette (C5)
Top Speed: 175 MPH
The C5 Chevrolet Corvette was produced for the model years 1997 to 2004. This generation looked like a modernized version of the C4. It ditched the boxy nature of the C4 for a more modern, rounded look. It had an improved design with a hydroformed frame and better placed parts like the transmission to help improve handling. It comes in either a coupe or a convertible variant and this generation helped usher in the 50th anniversary in 2003 for the iconic sports car.
The Chevrolet Corvette has always been considered to be a more affordable sports car. At launch, you could pick one up for $41,650. Today, that is roughly equivalent to the price of a new Stingray. However, you can now pick up a 2002 Coupe for $19,000, according to Kelley Blue Book. That’s certainly reasonable for a thoroughbred V8. You could even get the more powerful Z06 hardtop for around $26,000 for the same year.
Sources: OEMs, KBB, Car and Driver
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