There was a time when these sports cars were the dream. Posters on bedroom walls. Screensavers. The kind of cars that made you slow down just to watch them drive by. Back then, owning one meant you made it. Status, speed, and serious street credit.
Fast forward a few years… and now some of these once-iconic performance cars are selling for the price of a basic used sedan. Yep, we’re talking real sports cars with V6 and V8 engines, rear-wheel drive, turbocharged power, and legit 0-60 times — all sitting quietly in the affordable used car market.
So what happened? Depreciation hit hard. Maintenance costs scared buyers off. And newer models stole the spotlight. But for smart shoppers looking for cheap sports cars, affordable performance vehicles, or even future classic car investments, this is where things get interesting.
If you’ve been hunting for a budget-friendly sports car that still delivers horsepower, style, and driving fun without wrecking your finances, you’re gonna like this list. Let’s dive in.
Sports Cars That Are Available for Ridiculously Low Prices
Sports cars always look expensive. Fast engines. Sleek designs. High-performance vibes. But here’s the thing most people don’t realize — car depreciation hits hard. And when it does, even once-coveted performance cars can turn into budget-friendly deals on the used car market.
A lot of these rides were dream machines not long ago. Now? They’re sitting at surprisingly low resale prices. If you’ve been hunting for an affordable sports car, cheap performance car, or even a future classic car investment, this list might surprise you.
Fiat 124 Spider
The Fiat 124 Spider looks like money. Sharp curves. Turbocharged engine. Smooth convertible feel. But resale value? Not so great.
This sporty Italian roadster can lose up to 30% of its value in just a few years. That’s rough for the first owner. But amazing for used car buyers. If you want a cheap convertible with solid performance and eye-catching style, this one’s a steal right now.
Lotus Elite
The Lotus Elite was once a big deal in the performance car world. Lightweight fiberglass body. Sharp handling. Real engineering flex for its time.
Now? It’s one of those undervalued classic cars that collectors quietly scoop up. Prices on the second-hand market have dropped big. For anyone looking at vintage sports cars or alternative classic car investments, this one deserves attention.
Toyota Celica
The Toyota Celica used to be the cool kid of the ‘70s. Sporty look. Reliable engine. Fun driving feel.
Now you can find some models for just a few thousand dollars. That’s cheaper than most modern economy cars. If you want an affordable classic car with low maintenance costs and strong reliability ratings, the Celica is an easy entry into vintage car ownership.
MG MGB
The MG MGB is pure old-school British charm. Simple engine. Open-top fun. Timeless design.
Millions were made, which keeps prices low today. You can still find one around $5,000. Parts are easy to get. Insurance is reasonable. If you want a budget classic sports car that feels authentic without wrecking your bank account, the MGB makes sense.
Mazda MX-5
The Mazda MX-5 — aka the Miata — is proof you don’t need huge horsepower to have fun. Lightweight body. Rear-wheel drive. Super responsive handling.
Used models are crazy affordable right now. Low ownership costs. Great fuel economy. Cheap insurance. It’s one of the smartest buys if you’re searching for a reliable used sports car with real driving excitement.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI
The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI was once a poster car for rally fans. Turbocharged engine. All-wheel drive system. Serious performance specs.
But this generation depreciated fast compared to newer Evo models. That means lower resale prices today. If you want an affordable turbo sports sedan with real motorsport DNA, the Evo VI delivers big performance without the luxury car price tag.
Porsche 924
Who doesn’t want a Porsche sitting in the driveway? The Porsche 924 is one of the cheapest ways to make that happen.
It was once labeled “entry-level,” but that’s exactly why it’s such a smart buy now. Clean used models can sell for under $5,000. That’s wild for a German sports car. You get classic Porsche styling, solid handling, and strong brand value without luxury car prices. For anyone searching for an affordable Porsche or budget-friendly classic sports car, this one’s hard to ignore.
Aston Martin Vantage
The Aston Martin Vantage screams luxury performance. 0–60 in about 3.5 seconds. Aggressive stance. Serious grand touring energy.
And here’s the crazy part. Some used Vantage models dip below $20,000. That’s exotic car territory at used sedan pricing. Sure, maintenance costs and insurance premiums can be high. But if you’ve been hunting for a high-performance luxury car or an affordable exotic sports car, this is one of those rare opportunities.
BMW Z4
The BMW Z4 has that loud throttle and sharp steering that just feels right. New ones cost serious money. But early 2000s models? Way cheaper.
You still get rear-wheel drive, strong engine performance, and that premium German feel. On the used car market, it’s one of the best value sports cars out there. If you want a luxury convertible without crazy monthly payments, the Z4 makes a lot of sense.
Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace isn’t your typical sports car. It’s an all-electric performance SUV. But it moves fast and feels premium.
With production ending, resale values dropped hard. That means you can grab a luxury electric vehicle with advanced tech, fast charging capability, and strong acceleration for way less than its original MSRP. If you’re looking at used EV deals or affordable luxury electric cars, this one’s a sleeper pick.
Audi S6
The Audi S6 is basically a business sedan with a wild side. Twin-turbo V6. Quattro all-wheel drive. Clean executive look.
It doesn’t shout like some rivals, so resale prices stay lower. Older models can land under $20,000. For buyers wanting a high-performance luxury sedan with AWD and premium features, the S6 is a quiet bargain.
Maserati GranTurismo
The Maserati GranTurismo looks expensive. Sounds expensive. Feels expensive.
That roaring V8 engine and hand-stitched leather interior once came with a massive price tag. But like many exotic performance cars, depreciation hits hard. Used prices have dropped big. If you want an Italian luxury sports car with real presence, without paying six figures, the GranTurismo might be your ticket.
Ferrari 488 GTB
The Ferrari 488 GTB originally stickered around $245,000. Not exactly cheap. But here’s the twist — some used models are now close to 50% less.
That’s serious supercar depreciation. You still get a twin-turbo V8 engine, mid-engine layout, insane 0–60 times, and that exotic car status. For buyers hunting a discounted Ferrari or high-end luxury performance car, the used market finally makes this dream feel kinda possible.
Acura Integra
The Acura Integra hits that sweet spot between performance and practicality.
Brand new, it’s around $30,000. Used models can dip under $10,000 depending on the year. That’s affordable sports car territory. You get strong reliability ratings, solid fuel economy, and sharp handling. If you want a daily driver that still feels quick and fun, the Integra is a smart buy.
Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ is one of the best beginner sports cars out there.
Lightweight body. Rear-wheel drive. Low center of gravity. Older pre-owned models are now super affordable on the used car market. Insurance costs are reasonable too. If you’re stepping into the performance car world for the first time, the BRZ gives you real driving fun without scary monthly payments.
Morgan Super 3
The Morgan Super 3 looks like something from another planet. Three wheels. Open cockpit. Aviation-inspired design.
It’s not practical. At all. But prices have softened enough to tempt serious enthusiasts. For anyone chasing a unique sports car investment or a weekend toy with real personality, this one stands out in a sea of boring crossovers.
Lamborghini Aventador
The Lamborghini Aventador is pure fantasy. Roaring V12 engine. Aggressive aerodynamics. Wild performance specs.
The base MSRP was sky-high. But like many exotic cars, it can depreciate nearly 40% within five years. That creates real opportunities in the luxury used car market. If you’ve been eyeing a V12 supercar with massive horsepower, patience can pay off big here.
BMW 8-Series
The BMW 8-Series was once a top-tier grand tourer. Early models even packed a V12 engine, which helped shape modern performance cars.
Today, resale values have dropped hard. That’s good news for buyers wanting a luxury coupe with premium features and serious engine power. It’s one of those undervalued German performance cars flying under the radar.
Ariel Atom
The Ariel Atom is basically a street-legal race car. No real body panels. Exposed chassis. Crazy acceleration.
Some used models now sit under $30,000. That’s wild considering the power-to-weight ratio and track-ready performance. For thrill-seekers wanting a lightweight performance car or weekend track toy, the Atom delivers pure, raw speed without exotic car pricing.
Maserati Ghibli
The Maserati Ghibli proves a sports car vibe can come in a luxury sedan package.
It’s sleek. It’s loud. It’s very Italian. The catch? Maintenance costs and repair bills scare people off. That fear tanks resale value. Which means you can grab a high-performance luxury sedan for way less than its original MSRP. If you’re okay with premium car maintenance, the Ghibli is a serious bargain in the used luxury car market.
Jaguar F-Type
The Jaguar F-Type looks like a proper movie-star sports car. Two doors. Two seats. Available 5.0-liter V8 engine that sounds insane.
Depreciation hits hard on luxury performance cars. That’s good news now. Used prices have softened big time. If you want a V8 sports car with aggressive styling and that famous crackling exhaust note, the F-Type gives you exotic vibes without Ferrari money.
Aston Martin DB9
The Aston Martin DB9 has been turning heads since 2004. Long hood. Clean lines. Iconic V12 engine.
Older models from 10–20 years ago now cost a fraction of their original price. That’s grand touring luxury at used SUV pricing. For buyers wanting an affordable exotic car with real prestige and handcrafted interior quality, the DB9 feels like a cheat code.
Toyota GR86
The Toyota GR86 is one of the best-value sports cars right now.
Top speed around 140 mph. Lightweight chassis. Rear-wheel drive setup. And the price? Way lower than most performance coupes. It’s affordable, reliable, and cheap to insure compared to high-end rivals. If you want real driving fun without a huge car loan, the GR86 nails it.
Infiniti Q50
The Infiniti Q50 is one of those underrated performance sedans.
Turbocharged engine options. Comfortable interior. Smooth ride. Some say the brand lacks prestige, and that keeps resale prices low. But for budget-conscious buyers looking for a used luxury car with strong horsepower and modern tech features, the Q50 is quietly a smart deal.
Alfa Romeo 166
The Alfa Romeo 166 has that old-school Italian flair enthusiasts love.
Sharp handling. Elegant styling. And now? Some clean second-hand models sell for under $5,000. That’s entry-level pricing for a European luxury sedan. If you want character, style, and a bit of classic car charm without spending big money, the 166 is a hidden gem on the used car market.
Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica
The Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica is basically Lamborghini turning the volume up even more.
Naturally aspirated V10 engine. Sharp aerodynamics. Super engaging drive. And here’s the kicker — around 30% depreciation in just three years. That’s a big drop in supercar pricing. For buyers watching the exotic car market, this kind of value shift opens the door to owning a near-new V10 Lamborghini without paying full MSRP.
Alpine A110
The Alpine A110 doesn’t try to be flashy. It just drives insanely well.
Lightweight body. Mid-engine balance. Over 150 mph top speed. Because it shares some Renault components, ownership costs stay lower than most exotic performance cars. If you want precision handling and real driver engagement without supercar insurance rates, the A110 is a seriously smart pick.
McLaren 650S
Calling the McLaren 650S “cheap” sounds crazy. It’s got upward-hinged dihedral doors and a twin-turbo V8 that launches like a rocket.
But depreciation hits hard. Some owners see close to $90,000 in value loss. That’s brutal for them. Amazing for used supercar buyers. If you’re hunting for a high-performance exotic car with serious horsepower and head-turning design, the 650S is way more attainable than people think.
Ferrari California
The Ferrari California is often called the entry-level Ferrari.
It does 0–62 mph in under 4 seconds. Hardtop convertible. Classic Ferrari badge. Compared to other models in the lineup, it’s more affordable on the used luxury car market. If you’ve always wanted that prancing horse logo in your garage, the California is one of the most realistic ways to make it happen.
Audi TT
The Audi TT has always been the stylish one in the Audi lineup.
Turbocharged engine options. Compact sports coupe design. Super fun on twisty roads. Because there are so many on the market, resale values stay low. For buyers looking for a cheap used sports car with premium interior features and solid German engineering, the TT is a low-cost entry point.
Toyota MR2
The Toyota MR2 is one of the most affordable mid-engine cars ever made.
Second and third-gen models usually land between $10,000 and $20,000. That’s serious value for a mid-engine sports car with sharp handling and strong reliability. If you want a fun weekend car that won’t destroy your savings, the MR2 is hard to beat.
Maserati Quattroporte
The Maserati Quattroporte looks like it belongs outside a five-star hotel.
Top speeds near 200 mph in some trims. Plush leather interior. Strong engine options. But high maintenance costs scare buyers, and that crushes resale value. For shoppers willing to handle premium car servicing, this luxury performance sedan is surprisingly affordable right now.
Bugatti Veyron
The Bugatti Veyron was once the ultimate hypercar flex.
Quad-turbocharged W16 engine. Record-breaking top speed. Multi-million dollar status symbol. It’s still insanely expensive, let’s be real. But depreciation on certain models has shifted the exotic car market more than people expected. For ultra-high-net-worth buyers watching hypercar investments, even small price drops at this level are massive.
Bentley Continental GT
The Bentley Continental GT isn’t just about luxury. It’s a proper grand touring performance machine.
Massive W12 or twin-turbo V8 engine. Hand-stitched leather. Smooth but crazy fast on the highway. The wild part? Depreciation hits these hard. Early models on the used luxury car market can cost less than a brand-new SUV.
Yes, maintenance costs and repair bills can be high. But if you want Bentley prestige, serious horsepower, and that executive-level presence without paying six figures, this is one of the best high-end car deals out there.
McLaren GT
The McLaren GT mixes supercar speed with actual comfort. And that combo is rare.
Top speeds over 200 mph. Twin-turbo V8 engine. Lightweight carbon fiber chassis. But because it sits in a niche luxury sports car category, resale values have softened. That’s great news for used supercar buyers.
If you want exotic car performance, modern tech features, and grand touring comfort in one package, the McLaren GT might be one of the smartest depreciated supercar investments right now.
