Whether you’re looking for a nearly new sports coupe or convertible or a modern classic, there’s something on this list for you. Refinement, power, and precision are all on display here, with V8s, 6-cylinders, 4-cylinders, and even a few turbos lurking about. All models on this list default to rear-wheel drive (RWD), and all but one offer a manual transmission, meaning there’s plenty of opportunity for engagement and skill development for the enthusiastic driver.
Here are 10 of the best sports cars you’ll find on a $30,000 budget.
1. 2018 BMW 2 Series
The 2018 BMW 2 Series is a fun-to-drive coupe (or convertible) even in 248-horsepower base 230i form, but our budget should afford the M240i and its upgraded 335-hp output. Although xDrive all-wheel drive (AWD) is available, our budget—and sporting dynamics—will likely prefer the rear-powered model.
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2. 2019 Chevrolet Camaro
Once a muscular pony car, the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro has evolved into a genuine sports car, capable of hanging with many of the world’s best. Our $30,000 budget puts the SS Coupe and Convertible within reach, packing a 455-hp 6.2-liter V8, rear-wheel drive, your choice of automatic or manual transmissions, and magnetic ride control suspension. Shopping tip: Track-minded buyers will want to look for models equipped with the 1LE package.
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3. 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
The next-to-last year of the sixth generation, the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is a fully sorted, extremely capable performance coupe (also available as a convertible) with a 430-hp 6.2-liter V8, immense grip and braking, a balanced suspension, and your choice of a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission or a paddle-shift 6-speed automatic.
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4. 2018 Ford Mustang
Like the Camaro, the 2018 Ford Mustang’s bandwidth far exceeds its spirited forefathers. There’s still plenty of giddyup, of course, as our $30,000 will buy a Mustang GT with the 460-hp 5.0-liter V8. But in addition to the power, the Mustang now has the finesse and handling you want in a sports car. Shopping tip: Look for models equipped with the optional MagneRide dampers to get the widest breadth of comfort and performance.
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5. 2008 Honda S2000
The 2008 Honda S2000 is nearly old enough to vote, but it remains one of the purest, most pared-down performance cars you can buy. As an AP2 (second generation) S2000, the 2006 and onward models got an upgraded 2.2-liter engine with an 8,800-rpm redline and more torque than the original 2.0-liter engine offered in pre-2004 models. Shopping tip: You must learn stick-shifting to drive the S2000, as it’s only available with a manual transmission.
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6. 2018 Infiniti Q60
For a touch of luxury in addition to power and sporty handling, the 2018 Infiniti Q60 offers value the Germans can’t compete with. Our budget affords the top-spec Q60 Red Sport 400, sporting a 400-hp twin-turbocharged V6 engine, your choice of RWD or AWD, and a balanced, agile chassis. Shopping tip: If you’re a steering feel purist, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere, as the Q60 uses a steer-by-wire system that’s good but not performance-oriented.
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7. 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The question for a sports car enthusiast is not “Will I own a Miata?” but “When will I own a Miata?” Why? Because the Miata is the quintessential sports car, which has made it one of the best-selling sports cars in history. The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a great choice, being nearly new and packed with the latest performance and safety tech. Shopping tip: If you prefer the looks and hardtop of the RF, you can look for 2020 models on our budget.
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8. 2019 Nissan 370Z
Distantly related to the Infiniti Q60 above, the 2019 Nissan 370Z trades luxury and refinement for greater sportiness. A 332-hp 3.7-liter V6 powers most variants of the Z, although the track-tuned NISMO version gets a higher-revving version of the engine rated for 350 hp, as well as upgraded suspension, brakes, aero, and aesthetics. No matter which version you choose, you’ll get automatic rev-matching on manual transmission models. Shopping tip: To get the NISMO variant on our budget, you may need to go back to the 2017 or 2018 model years.
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9. 2013 Porsche Boxster
It’s rare to recommend a convertible version of a car that’s also available as a coupe to sports car enthusiasts, but if you don’t need the hard roof of the Cayman, the 2013 Porsche Boxster’s flat 6-cylinder engine is best appreciated with the top down. The wind-in-your-hair sense of speed also adds to the Boxster’s sensory appeal, although, to be honest, the chassis balance and steering feel are plenty for most.
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10. 2023 Toyota GR86
The latest member of the Subaru-Toyota sports car collaboration, the 2023 Toyota GR86 is as balanced and joyous to drive as the Miata but in a slightly larger hardtop coupe package with 2+2 seating. This makes it a more practical choice if you need your fun car to pull double duty as your daily driver. Shopping tip: Look for the Premium trim to gain some key safety and convenience items if you plan to drive your GR86 every day.
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Best Used Sports Cars on a $30,000 Budget
- 2018 BMW 2 Series
- 2019 Chevrolet Camaro
- 2012 Chevrolet Corvette
- 2018 Ford Mustang
- 2008 Honda S2000
- 2018 Infiniti Q60
- 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- 2019 Nissan 370Z
- 2013 Porsche Boxster
- 2023 Toyota GR86
Almost all of these cars are more than 30k
I have a 2015 mustang convertable with the 6 banger. More than enough for me and the 8 months you get to drive it, I snuck it out as late a mid December last year. Wear a hoodie and turn up the heat. I turns more heads in Decemeber than July.
I’m currently looking for a corvette, but will have to wait, everyone is asking $
3000-5000 higher priced than they should be.
It is the best value though.
I’ll take 10 Shelby 500’s for under 30,000🤣🤣😂
I’ve been watching Corvette’s for over a year now looking for that “right” one. I’ve yet to find a 2010 ‘Vette for under $30k unless it was a base model and had over 100k miles on.
It seems Corvette owners think their’s is worth anywhere from $3k – $10k more than Edmunds, Kelly, NADA, Hagerty, etc. indicate they are.
So far in the last year, I’ve found one that met my requirements at a fair price and that was a 2004 model from a private seller in my state of MI. The several others that met my needs were priced far above their real value.
Your article may be correct with the other vehicles listed, but I find it not so true when it comes to the Corvette.