A new 2026 Toyota Camry begins at $29,100, providing an intriguing reference point for car buyers looking for their next sedan. The Camry certainly provides road warriors with respectability, fuel economy, and basic comfort, but there are a number of other used sports cars at this price point that deliver a little more punch and a different type of excitement. These cars include rear-wheel-drive roadsters, turbo German coupes, high-horsepower V6 cars, and more.

The best sports car for less than a Camry starting price is not necessarily the one with the most horsepower. A light body, crisp steering, manual gearboxes, and well-thought-out chassis tuning can be enough to make a car fun. Car age and model year can be important as well, as can used prices, which vary from one generation to the next. From cheap Japanese roadsters to German performance coupes to Porsche sports cars, there are a lot of interesting options.

1. 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata ND2 Lightweight Roadster Performance

For those who cherish lightweight sports car work, the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata ND2 is one of the most compelling options. Mazda reworked the 2.0-liter four-cylinder to pump out 181 horsepower and a 7,500 rpm redline on the roadster, resulting in a more lively run. The automaker was mindful of previous faults in engine performance for this car but maintained the quick steering ratio and tiny footprint that made the Miata a perfect blast on the road. With a used-market average of $24,171 nationwide, it is well below the base price of any new Toyota Camry.

Mazda MX-5 Miata Key Features:

• Updated ND2 generation delivers improved engine performance
• 2.0-liter engine produces 181 horsepower
• Engine revs up to 7,500 rpm
• Nationwide average used price reaches $24,171
• Lightweight construction supports responsive everyday handling

What makes the MX-5 Miata so compelling is how the car quickly reacts to the driver’s requests, rather than pumping out incredible quantities of horsepower. Its size and chassis make it easy to handle through roads full of twists and turns, while also being less restrictive thanks to the open roof. On the flip side, the revised powertrain delivers a more potent performance across the rev range, making acceleration more fun and enjoyable. Buyers also get a sticker price that provides more flexibility for maintenance and other ownership expenses, making the 2019 MX-5 Miata an appealing sportscar for drivers who want a pure driving experience.

2. 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth Italian Style and Turbocharged Character

Abarth is very different in personality, yet shares the roadster architecture of Mazda MX-5. The Abarth version makes a statement with Italian styling, a different exhaust note, and a more showy appearance than Mazda’s image-leaning design. Power is from a turbocharged 1.4-liter Multi Air four-cylinder engine good for 164 horsepower, aided by turbocharging to boost torque. According to the Cars.com market-specific data, the cars listed for an average of about $15,819 nationally. Buyers seeking an inexpensive way to enjoy some open-air motoring need only pony up just over the annual market average for the Camry not too shabby.

Fiat 124 Spider Abarth Highlights:

• Turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder engine
• Engine produces 164 horsepower
• Shared underlying architecture with Mazda roadster
• Nationwide average price sits around $15,819
• Distinctive exhaust adds expressive driving character

Abarth version injects fun into lightweight roadster recipe The turbocharged motor propels the car in an entirely different way than the naturally aspirated Miata, and the styling gives the car a true Italian flair. The exhaust note also helps make the car an engaging experience for those who love a little bit of attitude. As for cost, the average used-market pricing on the car is pretty low compared with our cap of $29,100, leaving you some room to get this affordable and fun little number in your driveway. Your love for the open air and great road presence should make this roadster a great fit.

3. 2018 Subaru BRZ A Balanced Rear Wheel Drive Coupe

If you’re someone who wants a hardtop, performance-oriented sports car and none of the alternative options listed above are what you’re looking for, the first-generation 2018 Subaru BRZ may be the car for you. Offering 205 horsepower through the manual gearbox, this model was updated in 2018 and has only improved over time. Unlike rivals that seek to be the quickest in a straight line, Subaru’s focus in designing the BRZ was to have a lightweight construction that maximizes a low center of gravity while creating chassis dynamic. The nationwide average used price for a 2018 Subaru BRZ is about $21,423 in the cars.com data.

Subaru BRZ Performance Highlights:

• Refreshed first-generation sports coupe design
• 2.0-liter boxer engine produces 205 horsepower
• Manual transmission delivers engaging driving involvement
• Nationwide average used price reaches $21,423
• Low center of gravity supports handling balance

Handling is the Subaru BRZ’s strong suit, and it will appeal to those drivers who like precise steering and responsive chassis behavior. Because it is light and has relatively little horsepower, it also doesn’t need to be turbocharged to keep the driver involved. Acceleration isn’t stellar and rear seat room is limited, but the overall experience will be loveable by the true sports car enthusiast. With exterior dimensions that will fit easily in tight urban parking spots, the 2018 Subaru BRZ is a great option for those who need an inexpensive sports car that is fun, sporty, and rear-wheel-drive.

4. 2016 Scion FR-S ZN6 Affordable Sports Car Enjoyment

ZN6 is another great cheap lightweight, rear wheel drive sports car option with its mechanical sibling, the Subaru BRZ. This coupe embodies the same idea of balanced handling and fun-to-drive as powerful engines are not necessarily prioritized by the company here. A 200-horsepower powerplant, a low driving position, and a neat little body make the FR-S Base a fun car for winding roads. The supplied Cars.com figures show the average used buying price in the US to be around $14,444 which makes it a fun and cheap car to own relative to a new Toyota Camry.

Scion FR-S Main Features:

• 2016 FR-S Base model offers affordability
• Engine produces approximately 200 horsepower
• Rear-wheel-drive layout supports balanced handling
• Nationwide average used price sits around $14,444
• Low driving position enhances sports car feel

Price This is one of the top reasons why the FR-S may appeal to some: the money saved compared to the nearest competitors. This is due to the low average price to own, where this aspect opens up the potential to buy some quality performance tires, routine maintenance, or a very clean example. The reduced weight of the chassis and the RWD drivetrain, coupled with the fact that it shares an intimate mechanical relationship with the BRZ, may make it appealing to some who want a truly driving-centric sports car, all without having to spend a lot of money.

5. 2015 BMW M235i F22 Turbocharged German Coupe Performance

The 2015 BMW M235i F22 unites German muscle and performance power with a sticker price that, while not super cheap, is still significantly less than what you’d pay for a new Toyota Camry. Its turbocharged, 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine churns out 320 horses with 330 pound-feet of torque, for a quick-responding, compact coupe. Unlike the larger and more costly M models BMW rolls out each year, the M235i just about hits the sweet spot of high-performance driving fun and the ability to make it work every day. Its average used vehicle value across the country is about $19,850, using the Cars.com figures for the given time period, with RWD.

BMW M235i Key Specifications:

• Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine
• Engine produces 320 horsepower
• Torque output reaches 330 lb-ft
• Nationwide average used price around $19,850
• Standard rear-wheel drive supports engaging handling

The BMW M235i is best of both worlds, it offers significant performance in a handy and comfortable compact coupe package. With a powerful inline-6 engine, rear-wheel drive and a high-quality interior, it offers a level of daily-driver refinement, yet the used-market pricing is a compelling option for buyers seeking to experience German engineering without the sticker shock of a new German luxury car. Maintenance will still need to be budgeted thoughtfully and safely, but BMW M235i can be a surprisingly efficient, quick and refined daily-drivable machine.

6. 2016 Audi TTS 8S All Wheel Drive Performance and Premium Comfort

The 2016 Audi TTS 8S is an attractive coupe that delivers modern technology and the highest quality of materials in its cabin, as well as reassurance when driving in various conditions. At 201 horsepower under its hood, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is turbocharged, and the all-wheel-drive system is exactly what you’d expect from what the manufacturer offers as Audi’s starting point with its quattro all-wheel-drive system, giving the coupe much-needed confidence that it’s not going to be at a disadvantage, no matter what the conditions. The TTS’ average used-market price across the country is around $25,219.

Audi TTS Important Features:

• Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine
• Produces an impressive 292 horsepower
• Standard quattro all-wheel-drive system
• Nationwide average used price reaches $25,219
• Digital cockpit provides modern cabin technology

Unlike many other front-wheel-drive sports cars, the TTS can be quite fun to drive thanks to its quattro system that emphasizes traction. Its potent engine makes for a lively ride, while its luxurious cabin offers a high-quality space for a daily driver. The digital cockpit not only offers a contemporary feel, but also makes the cabin’s interior look more high-tech. Its relatively small size and aggressive design also set it apart from the run of the mill used performance coupes. If a new-car buyer is looking for refinement and tech with confident handling, the 2016 Audi TTS is a compelling choice among midsize sedans.

7. 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R Spec Affordable V6 Muscle

This is a sporty coupe that offers a great deal of engine punch for the money. It’s from Hyundai’s last generation of rear-drive sports cars, and it is equipped with a naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine with 348 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The coupe’s sporty styling and big engine give it an entirely different character from smaller Japanese coupe roadsters and European coupes. Its average nationwide used-car price, based on the Cars.com metrics provided, is about $12,616, making it the best choice here for buying a true high-powered car but leaving plenty of wiggle room under your $29,100 budget.

Genesis Coupe Performance Highlights:

• Naturally aspirated 3.8-liter V6 engine
• Engine produces 348 horsepower
• Torque output reaches 295 lb-ft
• Nationwide average used price around $12,616
• Rear-wheel-drive layout supports sporty performance

The Genesis Coupe is designed to emphasize straight line speed and fun performance at the rear wheels. Since the naturally aspirated V6 engine makes good power without forced induction, and the exhaust note is very rich, it makes for an extremely enticing package. The interior may not be as refined as that of a more expensive European luxury sport coupe, but it’s more than enough when compared to the amount of horsepower you get for the money, and that is a fact that’s made even more significant by the great low average used price of the model, and of the model. Any savvy driver who just wants loads of plain old power out of his or her car should take the 2015 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R Spec into consideration.

8. 2008 Porsche Boxster 987 Mid-Engine Sports Car Experience

What you get a true mid-engine sports car for less than the price of a new Toyota Camry. This Porsche Boxster 987 generation is powered by a mid-mounted 2.7-liter flat-six producing 245 horsepower that delivers the fine Porsche driving character. It has a mid-engine layout that helps deliver the well-balanced weight ratio and the steering that affords the direct input that Porsche sports cars are known for. The Cars.com-supplied data shows it’s about a $26,220 nationwide average price. The Kelley Blue Book supplied fair purchase prices range from the low $20,000s up to the low $30,000s and differ by trim and condition.

Porsche Boxster 987 Features:

• Mid-mounted 2.7-liter flat-six engine
• Engine produces 245 horsepower
• Balanced chassis supports responsive handling
• Nationwide average used price around $26,220
• Direct steering enhances driver involvement

Overall, the driving experience of the Boxster is easily distinguishable from the usual front-engine sports coupes. The mid-engine position of the Boxster gives the car superb balance when cornering, and the flat-six engine brings a unique sound and feeling to the table. The steering helps the Boxster become a driver’s car rather than just an ‘amazing’ number counter, and buyers who can fine tune the car to their liking will be enjoying a true sports car such as only Porsche can make. Buyers should not buy without a good history of maintenance, but the 2008 Porsche Boxster 987 is an excellent introduction to the mid-engine Porsche.

9. 2012-2016 Porsche 981 Cayman and Boxster Premium Mid-Engine Driving

The 2012-2016 Porsche 981 generation introduces the Cayman coupe and the Boxster roadster, which offer both fun and functionality for drivers with more modest budgets. These 981 cars are especially appreciated by motoring enthusiasts, thanks to their excellent mid-engine dynamics, and well-calibrated chassis tuning. The average 981 prices in the USA currently sit between the $30,000 and $40,000 mark (which is a bit more than what you would pay to buy a new Toyota Camry), although the more enthusiastic buyers might need to realize their driving dreams will cost them a bit more. However, these modern Porsche sports cars are highly regarded and both variants deliver the thrill of driving combined with the refinement expected from a premium sports car.

Porsche 981 Generation Highlights:

• Available as Cayman coupe and Boxster convertible
• Mid-engine layout supports balanced chassis dynamics
• Combines everyday usability with sports car performance
• Average selling prices range from 30,000-40,000
• Highly regarded among Porsche enthusiasts

One of the most compelling reasons to want one of these cars is that it’s ideal for drivers who want a sports car that’ll work well on both the daily driver roads and more challenging routes. The overall chassis tuning is much closer to what has made Porsche such a popular choice among driving enthusiasts than many of their rival marques. It’s available as a hardtop or a convertible, and with a few prospective owners having to be mindful that servicing, maintenance, and parts replacement often come with an authentic Porsche price tag, it’s well worth paying a little more for one.

10. 2012-2016 Porsche 981 Cayman and Boxster

The 2012-2016 Porsche 981 is also an appealing choice for enthusiasts interested in a higher-performance sports car that delivers a more interesting driving experience. This latest generation of the renowned Porsche 911 is available in coupe and convertible body styles. Like the original, it offers everyday usability along with a number of well-engineered mid-engine dynamics. With a well-balanced chassis and ability to deliver very precise handling, this edition of the Porsche 981 is especially appealing to drivers who love to attack winding roads. And because it features the engine located behind the driver (rather than in front of it), this generation of the 911 offers a now-familiar Porsche approach to dynamic driving. 

Porsche 981 Generation Highlights:

• Available as Cayman coupe and Boxster convertible
• Mid-engine layout supports balanced driving dynamics
• Naturally aspirated flat-six engine options
• Average selling prices range from 30,000-40,000
• Combines everyday usability with premium sports car performance

Average selling prices in the US market fall in the region of 40,000 which may require means to extend beyond the Toyota Camry’s 2017 starting price of $29,100. The 981 generation is distinctive for how it offers the handling and road feel of a sports car along with a relaxed and refined feel. The mid-engine placement provides just the right feel on twists and turns. Drivers can opt for a roof or no roof with the Cayman versus the Boxster, and they can select from a range of engines and trim levels so prices and capabilities will depend on the model.