Cars hold different meanings for different people. While some treat their vehicles merely as transportation from one location to another, others view them as extensions of their lifestyle and a reflection of status.
If you belong to the latter camp, you likely imagine cruising in a chic, athletic car that mirrors your personal style.
But if you’re working with limited funds, you might assume you’re stuck with ageing runarounds and practical family sedans forever. Fortunately, it’s possible to chase that automotive dream — even on a tighter budget.
Below are several reasonably priced sports cars to think about. All prices are the manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the base trim.
Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport: $24,915
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is among the most iconic sports cars you’ll spot on the streets. Produced continuously since 1989, it has cultivated a loyal fan base thanks to its modest price and sporty looks.
The MX-5 Miata was created from Mazda’s ambition to build a light-weight roadster that would recapture the spirit of British sports cars from the ’50s and ’60s. Now in its fourth generation, it still carries an attractive price and boasts an impressive highway fuel economy of 35 miles per gallon with the optional automatic gearbox.
For 2017, the Mazda MX-5 Miata includes LED headlights and taillights, aluminum panels on the hood and trunk, cruise control, push-button ignition and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. It also comes standard with Bluetooth and USB ports to keep your devices charged.
Additionally, the MX-5 Miata made Car and Driver’s 10Best list (2017 marked the 16th time) and earned an Edmunds.com Top Rated Convertible designation. Experts agree the MX-5 Miata offers a lot of value for the price.
Subaru BRZ: $25,495
The Subaru BRZ is a strong player in the affordable sports coupe category. Subaru teamed up with Toyota to develop a budget-friendly sports car to rival models like the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
In the U.S., Subaru markets the car as the BRZ, while Toyota offers a slightly tweaked sibling called the 86. Both versions are powered by Subaru’s boxer engine, renowned for its dependability. The Subaru BRZ generally costs less than the Toyota 86 despite being essentially the same car.
The 2017 Subaru BRZ comes standard with LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, simulated leather dash accents and Subaru’s STARLINK infotainment system with a 6.2-inch display. The pricier Limited trim (MSRP $27,645) adds leather seating, dual-zone climate control and fog lights, among other upgrades.
The Subaru BRZ received top “good” ratings in most Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crashworthiness evaluations. Standard safety gear includes an advanced frontal airbag system, side-curtain airbags and a LATCH child-seat anchor system.
Chevrolet Camaro: $25,905
The Chevrolet Camaro has been produced nearly continuously since 1966, making it one of the oldest-running models on this list. Originally intended to compete with the Ford Mustang, the Camaro has forged its own enthusiastic following.
By 2018, the Camaro entered its sixth generation, becoming lighter and more agile. The base model includes a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivering 275 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque — impressive figures for an entry-level price.
Standard amenities include SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Chevrolet’s MyLink infotainment with a 7-inch touchscreen, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a rearview camera.
The Camaro also features Chevy’s Teen Driver system, which enables you to restrict certain vehicle functions and set customized profiles to promote safer driving among novices. It even generates a progress report so you can monitor how a new driver is performing and help guide them toward improvement.
Ford Focus ST: $25,075
The Ford Focus ST stands out from the other entries: instead of a coupe or convertible, the Focus ST is a sporty hatchback equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine that produces up to 252 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.
Standard features include Ford’s ST-tuned sport suspension for improved handling, cloth sport seats with ST branding, Ford SYNC infotainment, a backup camera and a leather steering wheel.
With the rear seats folded, the Focus ST provides up to 43.9 cubic feet of cargo space, and the hatchback layout makes loading luggage or groceries easier than in a coupe or convertible. Rear-seat legroom measures 33.2 inches, adequate for most adults on shorter trips but possibly snug for taller passengers.
The 2017 Ford Focus earned an overall 5-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for strong crash-test performance.
Affordable Alternatives
If none of the new models above fit your budget, consider hunting for a used example. You may not get the latest gadgets of a brand-new car, but you can often obtain more performance and features for your money.
When buying a used vehicle, do your homework and have a qualified mechanic perform a comprehensive inspection before you commit. Another option is certified pre-owned cars from dealerships — these units typically include limited warranties and other manufacturer-backed benefits.
Whether you prefer a nimble roadster or a quick hatchback, affordable sports cars exist and are waiting for you to take them out for a spin.
Jordan Meyers has covered the automotive beat for several years and still finds torque a tricky concept. If pressed to choose among the cars above, Jordan would pick the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
