Finding a truly fun to drive performance car under $10,000 may seem impossible at first, but the used-car market is all about giving enthusiasts options on a budget. Older sports cars, many of which have already seen their biggest depreciation swings, can still be obtained cheaply and will require less power to deliver plenty of thrill. For the time and money invested, a lightweight design and sharp handling and steering can be just as exciting and rewarding as a performance car with triple digits horsepower. A fresh feeling of connection to the road can be achieved without spending a ton of money, even if the brand of the car may be a few years old.

To the enthusiast, it’s the emotional connection these cars provide with the driver and the road that make them so appealing. Naturally aspirated power plants, turbocharged engines, rear wheel drive, all-wheel drive, hydraulic steering and relatively simple mechanicals all combine to make these older performance cars some of the most enjoyable to own and drive. From light-weight roadsters to rally-inspired sedans, these six can all be had for about $10,000.

1. Mazda Miata (NA and NB, 1990-2005)

Every conversation about accessible sports cars has to start with the early Mazda Miata. The NA and NB Miatas tip the scales at just over 2,300 pounds, balance their weight almost exactly on all four wheels, and pack just enough punch (116 to 142 horsepower, depending on the model year) that they don’t get hot on the straights. Instead, the Miata makes its powerslide through the corners fun, and the steering and chassis feedback invites you to grab that power. These engines are widely known to outperform 200,000 miles on the clock if properly maintained, and the simple mechanical design makes them easy to repair at home – and parts are plentiful.

Mazda Miata Strengths:

• Roughly 2,300-pound curb weight
• Near-perfect weight distribution
• 116-142 horsepower depending on year
• Naturally aspirated engine durability
• Extensive community and parts support

As you’ll find with most cars that are more than 20 years old, the biggest issue with an early Miata may not be the engine or drivetrain but body integrity. Rust is a concern, especially in the rear rocker panels and frame subframes. A healthy running Miata with rotted chassis subsystems can have a bottomless devaluing factor, so check around the outside of the car before committing to a purchase as a clean, rust-free Miata will make a far better starting point. It is a combination of weight savings, responsive control feedback, and simple mechanics that gives the NA and NB Miata its endearing personality.

2. Toyota MR2 (SW20, 1991-1995)

The second-generation MR2 is a mid-engined exotic in a very affordable package. Brought home at around 2,700 lbs., the SW20 thrusts its powertrain to an all new central location directly behind the driver, giving it a brief moment of high rotation as well as cornering balance with one wheel on each side of the bend. From a driving perspective, it’s very different from front-engined sports cars, even if the naturally-aspirated 2.2L models can be downright lively on a canyon road thanks to a very short drive ratio and a short wheelbase. Add a turbo engine into the mix, and you get a lot more go, but the mid-engine architecture means that lift-off oversteer is very real and driver input is required.

Toyota MR2 Driving Character:

• Around 2,700-pound weight
• Mid-engine configuration
• Naturally aspirated 2.2-litre option
• Turbocharged performance available
• Strong cornering balance

Why you should buy a SW20 Condition is a big factor when considering a MR2. Old or poorly maintained cooling systems are the root of many engine problems, and more so on a turbo car as well as older suspension components dulling the chassis ‘edge’. So ensure to look for documented servicing, and expect suspension refreshes when buying a SW20. If taken care of, a well-sorted MR2 is an incredibly charismatic mid-engined proposition, with layout, weight distribution and small proportions giving it a deep, exotic feel no longer solely reserved for exotic performance cars.

3. Honda S2000 (AP1)

Paying less than $10,000 for a Honda S2000 (somewhat obviously) means a lot more miles in your future and extreme patience in your efforts to find the proper car. AP1’s 2.0-litre F20C engine is naturally aspirated with 240 horsepower and the 9,000 RPM redline is what has turned the AP1 into the iconic car that it is. The stiff chassis, razor-sharp shifter, high-revving, minimal-slit engine and high-revving nature is the whole reason that you bought the car in the first place. This is a roadster that takes corners like no other and is a perfect example of a pre-electronic era of performance car ownership.

Honda S2000 Performance Features:

• 2.0-litre F20C engine
• 240 horsepower output
• 9,000 RPM redline
• Rigid chassis structure
• Precise manual transmission

Older AP1 models may require the valves to be adjusted and differential mounts and suspension bushes replaced. Because of its performance bias, a buyer should really be wary of any example which has been abused or tracked excessively. A well-maintained and cared-for S2000 is an exciting roadster because the vast majority of its appeal comes straight from the engine, gearbox, steering and chassis. Its high-revving nature makes it a very different proposition to more affordable lower-revving turbo performance cars and a compact roadster body ensures that the driver is able to be truly engaged with the driving experience.

4. BMW 3 Series (E36 328i and 325i)

E36 3 Series isn’t a real corner carver, but the superb chassis balance and mechanical feedback make it a one of the most enjoyable performance choices around the $10,000 affordable range. The eight and 325i offer silky inline-six engines making about 190 horsepower, and the great handling behind makes an engaging drive. RWD keeps this sporty family car well balanced and smooth gas delivery gives it a high-speed character, and although the E36 has more weight than a lightweight roadster, the hydraulic steering and well-honed damping keep it nimble and straightforward on twisty road rides. The chassis reacts to deliberate and precise driver inputs and with it you can hold road speed through turns yet still get the four-door practicality.

E36 Performance Qualities:

• Around 190 horsepower
• Smooth inline-six engine
• Rear-wheel-drive layout
• Hydraulic steering system
• Practical everyday configuration

Don’t go for the cheap one either, as old mechanical wear and tear (parts such as the cooling system or suspension bushes and rear subframe mounting points) can be a pain to live with in future. Luckily, parts are relatively cheap, and the E36s large community of DIY’ers means most jobs have been documented to help future owners. Get it right and a good E36 can be a very useful daily useable with road and driving dynamics that enthusiasts are after in an older car.

5. Mazdaspeed Miata (NB)

The Mazdaspeed Miata combines the nimbleness of the lightweight NB roadster with official turbocharging to upgrade the typical Miata performance in an exciting direction. The turbocharged engine makes around 178 hp and has a wide torque curve that makes the turbo version of the Miata feel significantly more powerful in most situations. The main performance increase is present in the middle of the rpm band, where you feel a decent shove on the way out of corners without torching the light, fun rear-drive chassis. The steering feels light and direct, as always, holding onto the Miata tradition.

Mazdaspeed Miata Highlights:

• Factory turbocharged engine
• Roughly 178 horsepower
• Broad torque delivery
• Lightweight rear-drive chassis
• Communicative steering response

Buyers should consider the vehicle’s prior maintenance history; heat-management bits, ageing fuel delivery components and worn motor mounts should all be checked. The resale market is also filled with cars with rolling roach-in-a-bag’s, so you should look for one with an unmolested engine and cosmetic areas, such as the engine bay and interior. The increased power and torque from bolting on a turbo also means that it’s best to avoid heavily-modified cars and buy a well-maintained Mazdaspeed Miata.

6. Subaru WRX (2002-2005 “Bugeye”)

The oldest “Bugeye” Subaru WRX retains a rugged, rally-heritage personality that sets it apart from many modern performance cars. The turbocharged 2.0-litre EJ205 engine develops 227 horsepower and interacts with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system to provide reliable traction and torque-laden acceleration throughout a broad spectrum of driving conditions. Its appeal extends beyond sheer speed. The all-wheel-drive chassis inspires confidence on uneven asphalt, twisty roads and in inclement weather, and the boxer engine imparts a unique mechanical presence. While the steering response isn’t as precise as that of a light sports car, the chassis ability can help you go fast through corners with assurance; four doors and a practical rear seat area make it more versatile.

Subaru WRX Advantages:

• Turbocharged 2.0-litre EJ205
• 227 horsepower output
• Symmetrical all-wheel drive
• Strong traction and acceleration
• Practical four-door configuration

The main consideration when looking at a Bugeye WRX purchase is the vehicle’s provenance. Many have been abused, driven hard or unprofessionally prepared before sale, so compare the engine compression and make sure you’ve got an investment in a regularly serviced car. The ugliest Bugeye WRX from the outside can be a more complex proposition without a good mechanical record, whereas a original or lightly prepared version offers a good package of performance and practicality. The bump of turbo power, four-wheel-drive grip, rally-bestowed humour and usefully sized cabin makes the Bugeye WRX a quite individual performance choice in the $10,000 region.