10 Best Used Coupes On a $10,000 Budget

If you’re shopping for a used coupe on a budget of $10,000 or less, you’re probably looking for an inexpensive toy, something fun, fast, or good-looking. Just remember that of those three attributes, you’ll only get to pick two — or maybe just one — on our budget. Still, some surprisingly good used coupes are out there, even at the bottom of the market. Some of these were not produced in large quantities when new, making them harder to find now. If you have trouble tracking one down, consider looking at different model years.

Here are 10 great used coupes under $10,000 you can find on Autotrader.

1. 2011 Audi A5 

The 2011 Audi A5 is one of the most beautiful coupes of the past several decades, and that alone merits a parking spot outside your house. Add to that the A5’s elegant cabin and quality materials, plus the 2.0T quattro model’s 211-hp engine and all-wheel drive (AWD), and you have a recipe for a fun, stylish year-round coupe. See 2011 Audi A5 models for sale

2. 2012 BMW 3 Series 

A benchmark in the segment, the 2012 BMW 3 Series coupe bears every hallmark of BMW sports cars: nimble handling, a comfortable ride, and refined style. On our budget, the 328i xDrive should be within reach, although those seeking greater sporting purity will skip the AWD in favor of rear-wheel drive (RWD). A 6-speed manual transmission is available, and the 328i models get a 230-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder. See 2012 BMW 3 Series models for sale 

3. 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe

For something visually distinctive as well as sporty and refined, the 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe cuts a unique silhouette. The sharp, defined angles and wedgelike proportions make it seem fast even at rest, and it handles well, even without the barn-storming V-Series treatment. Our budget should swing your choice of RWD or AWD and the upgraded 304-hp 3.6-liter V6 engine. See 2011 Cadillac CTS models for sale

4. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro 

Once strictly a muscle car, the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has outgrown its parentage and matured into an all-around sports car. Still capable of impressive straight-line speed, the fifth-generation Camaro is also nimble and balanced when pressed. Although the V8-powered SS is nearly within reach, the 304-p 3.6-liter V6 is a better fit for our budget. Rear-drive is standard, and a 6-speed manual is available. See 2010 Chevrolet Camaro models for sale 

5. 2009 Dodge Challenger 

The 2009 Dodge Challenger’s retro-inspired styling throws the mind back to the 1970s, but its performance and comfort are notably more modern despite its vintage, now a decade and a half past. Rear-wheel drive with a 250-hp V6, the base 2009 Challenger SE isn’t going to win any races, but it’ll look good not doing it. See 2009 Dodge Challenger models for sale

6. 2009 Ford Mustang 

Splitting the difference between the Challenger’s muscle-car style and the Camaro’s sporty handling, the 2009 Ford Mustang retains its old-school demeanor and solid-axle traits with a 210-hp 4.0-liter V6. On our budget, look for midlevel Premium models with the optional 5-speed manual transmission for maximum engagement. See 2009 Ford Mustang models for sale

7. 2009 Infiniti G37

With a 328-hp 3.7-liter V6, an available 6-speed manual transmission, and your choice of RWD or AWD, the 2009 Infiniti G37 is the big gun on this list, offering more power and performance than just about any alternative. It’s also stylish, and our budget should afford even top-spec trims with bonuses like leather upholstery, Bose audio, and a moonroof. See 2009 Infiniti G37 models for sale

8. 2010 Honda Accord 

The 2010 Honda Accord Coupe might seem like a bit of a staid pick among this list of muscle cars, sporty Europeans, and luxury coupe, but it’s precisely that dependability that makes it a smart choice as well as a fun one. Look for a top-spec EX-L model with leather upholstery and a 271-hp 3.5-liter V6 driving the front wheels — optionally, through a 6-speed manual transmission. See 2010 Honda Accord models for sale

9. 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Often overlooked, perhaps due to its relatively short time on the market, the 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is a good value pick, with both the lighter, nimbler 210-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder model and the more potent 306-hp 3.8-liter V6 model within reach of our budget. Either way, RWD is standard, a 6-speed manual is available, and you’ll have your choice of R-Spec or Track trims, with performance upgrades like a limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, or upgraded suspension. See 2012 Hyundai Genesis models for sale

10. 2011 Mazda RX-8

Some would say no list of fun cars is complete without a Miata, but this list is for coupes only. Fortunately, the 2011 Mazda RX-8 was closely related to the third-generation MX-5 Miata, effectively offering an extended-wheelbase coupe version of the legendary sports roadster. The 2011 RX-8 was the last of the line, and our budget should afford the R3 treatment, which shortens the gearing and upgrades the handling to make the most out of the 9,000-rpm, 232-hp 1.3-liter rotary engine under the hood. See 2011 Mazda RX-8 models for sale

Great Used Coupes On a $10,000 Budget 

1. 2011 Audi A5 
2. 2012 BMW 3 Series
3. 2011 Cadillac CTS Coupe
4. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
5. 2009 Dodge Challenger 
6. 2009 Ford Mustang 
7. 2009 Infiniti G37 
8. 2010 Honda Accord 
9. 2012 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 
10. 2011 Mazda RX-8