Looking for a sports car under $30,000 that looks expensive? Here are nine options:
1. Toyota GR86
- Starts at $28,725 with destination fees
- 2.4-liter flat-4 engine with 228 horsepower and 184 torques
- Best manual transmission around
- Tuned for the racetrack right from the factory
2. Subaru BRZ
- Starts at $29,615 with destination fee
- Similar to the GR86 but easier to find without markup
- Firmer up front and softer in the rear with a sway bar mounted to the unibody
- More competent on city streets and canyons
3. Subaru WRX
- Starts at $30,605 with destination fee
- 2.4-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque
- All-wheel drive makes it good in the winter
- Fast car with lots of aftermarket support for tuning
4. Ford Mustang EcoBoost
- Starts at $28,865 with destination fee
- 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with 310 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque
- 240 pounds lighter than the Mustang GT
- Established tuning community
5. Chevy Camaro LS and LT
- Starts at $26,395 (2-liter turbo engine) or $28,490 (3.6-liter V6) with destination fee
- Most powerful car on this list with 335 horsepower for the V6
- Basic interior but better suspension and driving
Top 5 Sports Cars Under $30,000
If you’re looking for a fun and affordable sports car, there are still options available for under $30,000. Here are the top five:
- Chevrolet Camaro LT1
- Volkswagen Golf GTI
- Honda Civic Si
- Toyota Corolla Apex Edition
- Mazda MX-5 Miata
Chevrolet Camaro LT1
The Camaro LT1 is a great handling car with 335 horsepower, and it’s rear-wheel drive allows for some fun driving experiences. It’s relatively easy to find at dealers and can be purchased without additional dealer markup.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The GTI is a luxurious and sophisticated car that offers great handling and good power. It is powered by a 2-liter engine that makes 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. It features a torque-sensing limited-slip differential, making it a great choice for carving around corners.
Honda Civic Si
The Si is a driver-focused car that is very rewarding to drive and shift. It’s quite a bit cheaper than the GTI and has the biggest trunk in the list, making it a great choice for those looking for a versatile vehicle. Its suspension feels good, and it has an excellent interior design with clean and easy-to-use physical controls.
Toyota Corolla Apex Edition
The Apex Edition is a limited edition sleeper Corolla that features a track-tuned suspension and specially-tuned steering. It returns 36 mpg on the highway and has a stiffer anti-roll bar and special dampers, making it a great choice for those looking to corner really flat.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata is the cheapest convertible you can buy and one of the best-handling cars on the road today. It is the lightest and smallest car on the list, making it a great choice for those looking for a pure sports car. It features a kinematic posture control that helps reduce body roll and rotate the car when cornering.
