Buying a sports car doesn’t have to be expensive though and there are some pretty exciting cars to choose from in the used market. If all you care about is having a great driving experience and not so much about badges or high-end features, you’re still spoiled for choice for less than $20,000. Whether you’re after zippy turbocharged four-cylinder hot hatches, American muscle, or just a great all-around modern performance car, the used market has great options to find a good driving experience for less money. On top of that, depreciation has helped many once-expensive cars come down in price over the last couple of years.

Browsing engine specs, transaxles, performance data, and used vehicle availability, it becomes clear there is no shortage of options at that price point. From nimble lightweight roadsters to turbocharged European sedans capable of reaching high speeds comfortably, there is likely a model to suit almost any enthusiast’s style. An economical hot hatch will satisfy everyday needs and still pack a punch on a twisty road. If more conventional power is your preferred route, classic American V8 muscle cars with their raw power provide you with plenty of history and enjoyment for many years to come.

1. 2007 to 2011 Honda Civic Type R

8 Honda Civic Type R Honda 0-60: 6.6 seconds Average used price: $15,553 Highs: The nerd you meet in the pub who turns out to be the best mechanic you’ve ever met Lows: No mechanical sympathy required The Type R is born of high engineering standards, comes at a reasonable all-in price of $15,553, and is also the most powerful of the bunch with an enthusiastic 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, K-series engine, which provides 201 hp at 7,800rpm and 142 lb/ft at 5,600rpm. It’s not just a fast engine with big numbers that you can take to bits and make faster; it’s a reliable, moddable powerplant with bags of character and responds well to basic upgrades. The next gear is where the magic begins; a slick gearbox gets the power to the tarmac, bringing the engine very close to the driver, accelerating from 0-62mp/h in 6.6 seconds; good for a civilised trip to work, and explosive for those Saturday blasts.

Honda Civic Type R Highlights:

• 201 horsepower four-cylinder engine
• Six-speed manual transmission
• 0-62 mph in 6.6 seconds
• Average price of $15,553
• Practical performance-focused sedan

It’s the mix of everyday utility and spirited performance that makes this Civic so attractive. You have the four-banger, a manual transmission and a platform with decent modification options without exceeding the $20,000 limit. Its success in balancing daily responsibility with fun on the weekend makes it a versatile purchase. The K-series engine, in particular, has always been a favourite among enthusiasts and makes this Civic Type R a compelling option for a driver who wants something useful with a little enthusiasm instead of an expensive sports car.

2. 2003 to 2009 Nissan 350Z

Nissan 350Z: Supporting the 350Z is its own Z-car lineage, but the car still offers serious performance for the sedate average used car price of $16,839. Produced from 2003-2009, this rear-wheel-drive coupe was meant to inspire pure driving joy and therefore had a minimal interior with two buckets and limited curb weight below 3,500 pounds. The driver-oriented set-up includes plenty of powertrain for quick acceleration at high RPMs, but the base model, primarily built from 2003-2006, receives a 3.5-litre V6 that produces a healthy 287+ horsepower. The later VQ35HR V6 gets you to the 306-horsepower mark, but all versions are eager to accelerate at elevated RPMs and don’t mind revving high, and the car is very popular with enthusiasts and SCCA track racers for the solid V6 performance.

Nissan 350Z Performance Highlights:

• Rear-wheel-drive sports coupe
• 287-plus horsepower early models
• 306 horsepower later models
• Average price of $16,839
• Strong aftermarket support

The 350Z gives up quite a bit of practicality with just 2 seats, but you do get a proper sports car configuration with RWD, plenty of V6 power and a tight cockpit that keeps the driver locked in and focused on what they’re doing. A popular used model for those that want to take their car to the track or put some aftermarket modifications into it, the 350Z offers some serious performance and sports car character for under $20,000 for those who need rear seats that are less than practical.

3. 2004 to 2007 Cadillac CTS-V

First-generation CTS-V (2004-2007) Cadillac aimed to take the fight to European performance sedans in the first-gen CTS-V, which managed to maintain a uniquely American personality. Offered at an average used value of $19,746, the 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V is for those looking for a boxy aesthetic coupled to a huge V8 powertrain and either a coupe or sedan for greater access to performance. 2004-2005 models run a 5.7-litre LS6 V8 taken from the C5 Z06 Corvette, while the second year makes use of a 6.0-litre LS2 V8 engine, both offering the option of a Tremec six-speed manual gearbox, returning a more connected drive to the one who’s behind the wheel. The rear diff may not take too kindly to flogging it time and time again, but otherwise there is little to go wrong.

Cadillac CTS-V Highlights:

• Rear-wheel-drive performance sedan
• 5.7-litre LS6 V8
• Later 6.0-litre LS2 V8
• Optional Tremec six-speed manual
• Average price of $19,746

The CTS-V offers something other than a cheap sportscar, which is sort of what’s already been done with a V8, in the form of a more sophisticated sedan body. The boxy design and the American styling cues set this car apart from the European sport sedans it was designed to take on. For those who want V8 noise and power without sacrificing the utility of a sedan, the early CTS-V can be a pretty attractive package, especially with the Corvette C6 derived engines and the manual transmission option.

4. 1984 to 1996 Chevrolet Corvette C4

C4-generation Chevrolet Corvette twelve years’ worth of reasonably priced V8 sports car performance, averaging out at roughly $20,000 to acquire with some sales dragging down as low as $2,750. Each one delivers a 5.7-liter (or 350 cubic-inch in American notation) V8 engine. So, you’ve got access to all the model years you like, along with the time-honoured V8 corvette motivation. It’s all in a nimble, low slung body with sporty proportions and handling you can put through its paces, and plenty of dealer and aftermarket support to find replacement parts and performance components.

Chevrolet Corvette C4 Highlights:

• Twelve-year production run
• 5.7-litre 350 V8
• Average price around $20,000
• Lowest sales near $2,750
• Strong aftermarket support

The C4 offers an ideal entry point into the world of classic American sports cars. Its low weight, low ride height and V8 are the basics of what any aspiring coupe enthusiast would be happy to have in their garage without the price tag of the latest high-performance cars. Plus, the C4’s broad accessibility makes it a popular choice for owners looking to work on or improve their cars. Whether your thing is cruising or working on the car in your garage or the race track, the C4 has a lot to offer.

5. 2008 to 2015 Mazda MX-5

Roadster: 2015-2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata A resurgence of sporty roadsters has made high horsepower and big torque less important than traditional roadster appeal: light weight and sharp dynamics. The current MX-5 holds the title as the best-selling roadster of all time and the third-generation Miata emphasizes those core appeal points. We estimate its used average price at $15,385 with an average weight of 2,500 lbs, which means it’s a handful, not a barge. Its slightly diminutive size and tail-happy chassis are the most enjoyable features of the roadster that’s propelled by a 160-hp 2.0-litre engine for all the off-the-line action needed to keep pace with traffic and dash quickly from 30-70 mph.

Mazda MX-5 Highlights:

• Around 2,500-pound weight
• 160-horsepower 2.0-litre engine
• Two-seat convertible layout
• Average price of $15,385
• Sharp chassis feedback

Despite the size of the engine, the MX-5 proves big power doesn’t mean big performance. The low weight of this fun Japanese roadster helps it perform with precision, agility and as an extension of the driver’s wishes, making the experience all about the way the car feels as it carves a line down the road, rather than ripping up the pavement in a straight line. The two-seater is far from practical but its practicality isn’t important; if more toys per dollar is your thing, this is the roadster for you at less than $20k.

6. 2007 to 2013 BMW 335i

The E90-generation BMW 335i is the benchmark for budget sports sedans with high-performance turbocharged inline-six power. This car has a 2009-used average of 302 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque with a curb weight of 3,362 pounds. Its intercooled twin-turbo setup gives this luxury sports sedan rapid acceleration, enabling it to run well with much pricier machinery, and having a twin-turbocharged N54 engine makes this one of the most tunable affordable sports sedans available. Inexpensive, simple modifications for around $1,500 can boost horsepower to 500, and that makes it a magnet for enthusiast potential; however, prospective owners will have to keep an eye out for oil leaks, turbocharger issues, and significant premium service.

BMW 335i Performance Highlights:

• 302 horsepower inline-six
• 295 lb-ft of torque
• Twin-turbocharged N54 engine
• Up to 500 horsepower modified
• Average price of $15,400

European style and high-end looks with a swappable powertrain is the 335i in a nutshell. Its factory turbo four-cylinder makes impressive power, and the tuning ability of the 335i allows anyone to make serious power. Planning for ownership costs are the buying point here performance and luxury will both add to the costs. But all things considered, the 335i, in good shape, is a fine combination of European lines, performance in a tunable package, and value, all for less than $20,000.

7. 2004 to 2009 Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf Your hot-hatch dreams have come true in the Volkswagen Golf. The Mk6 golf type R models cost an average of $17,149 and go up to 200 horsepower, which is more than enough to get you going, and its short wheelbase and five-door design make it practical as a daily driver. The Golf’s responsive chassis is just as comfortable in a congested city as it is on a twisty road, and its relatively compact dimensions allow you to get it parked in a jiffy without sacrificing much of the fun factor. If you’re wondering which model years to buy, the Golf does lack some of the recent diesel engines that later models have, which were linked to emissions scandal at one point, but the gasoline performance models have a great combination of more European driving style and the ability to park it in a tight parking space.

Volkswagen Golf Highlights:

• Average Type R price $17,149
• Up to 200 horsepower
• Practical five-door layout
• Short wheelbase handling
• Useful cargo capacity

What makes the Golf a stand out is that you don’t have to compromise daily practicality for the superior performance that a hot hatch offers. The five-door body style and available hatch backs mean it’s easier to live with than a lot of performance car rivals even if the under two-meter width helps to keep it friendly around town, the short wheel base and sharp handling will appeal to enthusiasts. The petrol variants of the performance models bring together practical hatchback functionality with true European hot hatch appeal, keeping it good value for money.

8. 2006 to 2010 Dodge Charger

The sixth-generation Dodge Charger Mopar Fan It was the year that American muscle car sedans returned and the Dodge Charger offered a roomy, practical muscle car with a V8. With a used-market value averaging around $20,783, standard engine offerings were a 190-horsepower 2.7-litre V6 or a 250-horsepower 3.5-litre V6, although a muscle car enthusiast would shop for the V8 Dodge versions built by Street and Racing Technologies of Dodge. The Daytona R/T and SRT-8 had in excess of 350 horsepower from their Hemi engines and further reinforced the personality and aggression of the rear-wheel-drive Charger. With its muscular exterior, generous interior and powerful Hemi engine, the eight-cylinder models are definitely for muscle car fans.

Dodge Charger Performance Highlights:

• Modern American muscle sedan
• Over 350 horsepower V8
• R/T Daytona performance model
• SRT-8 Hemi-powered version
• Practical four-door configuration

The Charger depicts affordable performance in a new way by packing muscle car power in a larger sedan. Instead of facing the dilemma of having to choose between a friendly, daily driver or V8 muscle, you get four doors, a large interior, and that rumbling American V8 sound and vigor. Its distinctive exterior styling makes that statement clear. For drivers seeking V8 passion in a reliable, cool sedan, the early Charger is the gateway to 21 st century U.S. muscle performance.

9. Ford Mustang GT

American muscle, brought to a low price used-car market by the fifth-generation Ford Mustang GT. The 412 horsepower, 390 lb-ft turbo 5.0 L V8 resulted in the Mustang GT accelerating from a 0-60 mi/h time of 4.6 seconds and reaching a top speed of 155 max speed so in a nutshell with a feature-rich price of under $20,000 you got decently high-performance straight-line power from a muscle car. The car was even supported by an additional automotive ecosystem of factory replacement components and aftermarket upgrades that would make ownership of the Mustang GT really enjoyable while the cars’ retro looks still excite engine’s fear and fury-packed frequency.

Ford Mustang GT Highlights:

• 5.0-litre V8 engine
• 412 horsepower output
• 390 lb-ft of torque
• 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds
• 155 mph top speed

Although the Mustang GT is a powerful car, it is also fairly affordable and backed by a large ownership network. Replacement parts and customization tools are readily available for sale to all Mustang owners, so owners don’t have to worry about the same issues as other European sports cars spare parts are available, and aftermarket options are always numerous. Plus, the ‘Stang GT’s iconic styling and American V8 engine make it a familiar muscle car recipe.

10. Chevrolet Corvette C5

C5 Chevrolet Corvette Produced between 1997 and 2004, the C5 Chevrolet Corvette is one of the most significant performance options in the used market, with clean vehicles often coming in under $20,000 and even less than $15,000. Under the incredibly sleek fiberglass body is a 5.7-liter LS1 V8 providing 350 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. With a fairly modest weight to power ratio, the C5 offers impressive performance, with the car capable of going 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, and has a factory top speed of 175 mph. The LS1 engine design has an incredible amount of aftermarket support with capable modifications capable of four-figure horsepower numbers, making the C5 one of the best performance bargains on the market.

Chevrolet Corvette C5 Highlights:

• 350-horsepower LS1 V8
• 350 lb-ft of torque
• 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds
• 175 mph top speed
• Often below $15,000

The C5 has sports-car styling and serious V8 performance, while still being priced to keep used models within reach. The lightweight construction allows the 350-horsepower LS1 to accelerate quickly, and the styling is clean enough to make the C5 look good in five years’ time. The aftermarket is another area that adds to the C5’s appeal, because the LS1 platform is flexible enough to be seriously tuned. To those who want a car that can combine excellent performance with attractive styling and plenty of potential for aftermarket modifications, the C5 is probably the best deal out there, all while remaining well under $20,000.