The best used sports cars for under $20k
(and how to find them)
Nissan 350z by Vauxford - CC BY-SA 4.0
Sports cars are meant to do one thing: put a huge smile on the face of the driver. These unique vehicles used to be playthings of the rich and famous, but nowadays you can pick up a fantastic sports car for less than $20k – and you can even find one that is reliable and holds its value extremely well.
From V-8 powered muscle cars to lithe roadsters, these are the best used sports cars for under $20k on the market today.
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2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Average used list price: $20,386
Savings vs. price when new: $8,654
Horsepower: 155
Torque: 145 LB FT.
Curb Weight: 2332 - 2381 pounds
0-60 Time: 5.9 seconds
There is no more pure sports car on the market than the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Since being introduced in 1990, the Miata has won the hearts of enthusiasts the world over with its combination of athletic handling, peppy engine, and open-top style.
For 2016, Mazda completely redesigned the venerable Miata but brought the roadster back to its roots by lowering curb weight and increasing power while also upgrading the interior and offering a slew of special editions to boot.
The MX-5 holds its value well and also falls into the “above average” category for perceived reliability, which is among the highest in the class.
Bottom line: if you’re looking for an affordable sports car that will put a smile on your face as you hit the gas, there’s no better choice than a Mazda MX-5 Miata.
2015 Nissan 370Z
Average used list price: $21,539
Savings vs. price when new: $13,374
Horsepower: 332-350
Torque: 270-290 LB FT.
Curb Weight: 3232 pounds
0-60 Time: 4.9 Seconds
The 370Z is an oldie but a goodie, impressing drivers with positively thundering power and thrilling handling characteristics. This rear-wheel drive, 2 person sports car is available in both coupe and convertible configurations.
While it’s not the most luxurious or quiet, the sports car goods are what make the 370Z an awesome choice, especially for the money. Reliability is an above average 3.5 out of 5 and prices regularly fall in the sub-$20k range.
The Z is also an awesome starting point for a customized tuner car, just in case 0-60 in 4.8 seconds and handling that feels like it’s on rails isn’t enough for you.
With prices hovering right around the 20k mark, it’s hard to find something with more bang for your buck than the 370Z - and we love it.
THE BEST USED LUXURY CARS ON THE MARKET
Buying a used or CPO luxury car is one of the smartest buys you can make - you can get a lot of car for not much money. You can pick up a three-year-old luxury car for about half of what you’d pay new. Check out this list of the best used luxury cars on the market to find the best deals.
2016 Toyota (Scion) FR-S or 2016 Subaru BR-Z
Average used listing price: $20,913
Savings vs. price when new: $6,575
Horsepower: 200-205
Torque: 151-156 LB FT.
Curb Weight: 2817 pounds
0-60 Time: 6.2 Seconds
This FR-S and Subaru BR-Z are sister vehicles produced under a joint partnership between Toyota and Subaru. These 4 seat, 2 door sports cars were designed to bring smiles to drivers that appreciate a super-light, agile handling vehicle.
A flat or “boxer” 4 cylinder engine that sits low in the chassis provides ample power and aural thrills.
The interior is basic but extremely functional and can technically fit 4 people - although the rear seats are best left for short drives.
Reliability is 4.5⁄5 which falls into “best in class” for affordable sports cars.
There are vehicles that are faster or more luxurious, but there’s nothing that blends sportiness with daily-use functionality quite so well.
THE BEST USED SUVS UNDER $10,000
We looked into price, reliability, features, and more to create this list of the best used SUVs under $10k on the market today. Take a look - some of the best used SUVs have gone mostly overlooked or forgotten.
2015 Chevrolet Camaro
Average used list price: $20,847
Savings vs. price when new: $10,058
Horsepower: 275 - 455
Torque: 295- 455 LB FT.
Curb Weight: 3339 - 3760 pounds
0-60 Time: 5.4 to 4.0 Seconds
A list of the best sports cars wouldn’t be complete without a muscle car or two. When it comes down to it, there is no muscle car that masquerades as a sports car better than the 2015 Camaro.
This monster puts down some incredible numbers from its selection of engines. A high revving V-6 and thundering LT3 V-8 are available, both excellent engines.
From mild to wild, the Camaro impresses in every configuration with a European style handling/ride balance, unique interior and expressive styling.
If you can afford it, you’ll want the SS model which allows the Camaro to hit 60 in a blistering 4.0 seconds and gives you a satisfying engine roar. The Camaro even pulls a best in class 4.5 / 5 for reliability, further cementing it at the top of the heap.
The easiest way to find nearly-new sports cars for sale
Once you decide on which sports car is right for you, check out CoPilot Compare, the search engine for nearly-new cars. We’ll only show you cars 5 years or younger with low mileage and high CPO availability.
We search the inventories of all dealerships in your area, both online and in-person, then create a personalized list of best-buys that match what you’re looking for.
