The 10 Coolest Cheap Rear-Wheel Drive Cars
There's nothing more engaging to drive than an accessible rear-wheel drive car. It can even be argued that cheaper used cars are more fun to drive than focused, higher-performance cars, as the limits of grip are lower, so you can push the boundaries of the car at lower, safer speeds.
We certainly like to think so, so here's a list we've compiled of cheap, cool sports cars that are easy on the wallet too. You can easily find examples of all for less than $20,000, and in most cases, even less than half of that.
We have collected data from sources such as Hagerty and Bring A Trailer, to bring you these 10 cool rear-wheel drive cars that won't break the bank.
10 BMW Z3
Starting Used Price: $11,000
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The BMW Z3 was a successful attempt by the German manufacturer to build a compact but luxurious sports car. Featuring key ingredients to a great sports car, such as powerful 6-cylinder engines and rear-wheel drive, it's no wonder that the Z3 proved to be incredibly popular, and is still revered by driving enthusiasts today.
Pricing
Trim Avg. Used Market Range Original MSRP 2.5i $11,000 to $15,000 $31,300 3.0i $13,000 to $18,000 $37,700 M Roadster $15,000 to $25,000 $45,635
The Z3 has been far too cheap for far too long, and as such, the best examples are now rising in price. Cheaply maintained examples are best avoided, as it'll cost more to put them right than it would to buy a nice one in the first place. A solid 3.0i example would be our choice, as the engine is a real gem, but it's considerably cheaper than the wide-arched M roadster.
Related: 10 Cars We Wish Featured Rear-Wheel Drive
9 MGB Roadster
Starting Used Price: $18,700
Trade Classics
This quintessential sports car is proof that you don't need driver aids and high power outputs to have fun behind the wheel. An MGB makes do with 95 horsepower, has a low-slung seating position, and is a real treat to drive down a twisting country lane, thanks to a low curb weight and thin tires.
Pricing
Trim Avg. Used Market Range Original MSRP MGB Roadster $14,000 to $23,000 $1,170 MGB GT $11,500 to $21,000 $1,270
Prices vary hugely, but the pick of the bunch would be a pre-1973 chrome bumper model, as they're sweeter to look at and better embody what a classic sports car should be. Thanks to a worldwide following that is dedicated to keeping these cars on the road, plenty of great examples still exist, so prices are fairly stable. This is one of the most accessible classic sports cars from the 1960s.
8 Nissan 240SX
Starting Used Price: $8,000
Bring A Trailer
Japanese sports cars have never been hotter or more desirable, with some like the Supra and all Skyline models soaring exponentially in price. Luckily, fan favorites like the handsome 240SX are still available for tempting money – and we think it's tough to beat these stylish '90s coupe for the money. The driving characteristics of these cheap Nissans are predictable and enjoyable, so it's no wonder that drifters love them for cheap builds.
Pricing
Trim Avg. Used Market Range Original MSRP S13 $8,000 to $15,000 $14,755 S14 $14,000 to $25,000 $18,359
Whether you opt for an S13 or S14 model, it's really all down to personal preference. Some will prefer the late '80s styling of the S13, while the more distinguishable face of an S14 will appeal to others. Prices are not drastically different between them, for examples in good condition, and there are plenty of half-finished projects out there for cheap as well!
7 Triumph TR6
Starting Used Price: $15,000
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This British brute is a product of the late 1960s, but really took hold in the '70s with the addition of 'modern' fuel injection, along with a few other mechanical tweaks. The often-overlooked TR6 has roughly 50% more power than the MG we looked at previously, so will surely prove to be a bit more of a handful when pushing down your favorite back roads.
Pricing
Trim Avg. Used Market Range Original MSRP TR6 $15,000 to $35,000 $4,095 TR6 PI $18,000 to $42,500 $5,295
Prices between good and great examples have huge differences, with immaculate and concourse examples fetching even more than our chart here would suggest. It is still possible to get a solid and reliable example for below $20,000, even with slight performance and reliability tweaks, like electronic ignition. Collectors will covet low-mileage original examples, so these will fetch a significant premium, alongside restored cars.
6 Mercedes-Benz SLK
Starting Used Price: $10,000
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A period competitor to the aforementioned BMW Z3, this stylish Mercedes-Benz also combines performance with luxury in a dinky package, allowing for a premium rear-wheel drive sports car. The short chassis makes for a snappy handler, while a range of exciting engines means it's a proper performer.
Pricing
Trim Avg. Used Market Range Original MSRP SLK 230 $10,000 to $16,000 $38,900 SLK 32 AMG $15,000 to $25,500 $54,900
The SLK 230 makes for a superb cut-price rear-wheel drive sports car, with a surprising amount of power, thanks to the supercharged 2.3-liter engine. If your budget allows, the SLK 32 AMG is in another league altogether, pushing just over 350 horsepower through the rear wheels; that makes for a properly exciting ride that will surprise some much more modern machinery.
Related: 10 Rear-Wheel Drive Cars That Excelled At Rallying
5 BMW 3 Series (E36)
Starting Used Price: $4,500
Bring a Trailer
The E36 is a little more practical than other options, and versatile too, as it can take the form of a coupe, convertible, sedan, or touring, so it's perfect for all applications. All models are rear-wheel drive and make for really rewarding drives. No wonder gearheads love them for drift builds!
Pricing
Trim Avg. Used Market Range Original MSRP 318i $4,500 to $7,000 $22,900 325i $6,000 to $10,000 $29,900 328i $7,000 to $12,000 $33,900
Prices range hugely here, with M-sport coupes fetching much more money than low-spec sedans, even if they have the same engine under the hood. Take some time to consider which body style will suit your budget and lifestyle the best, and then pick the cleanest example you can afford; once again, there are plenty of projects out there to pick from too, if you fancy a challenge.
4 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Starting Used Price: $3,800
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The most successful sports car of all time, how could we possibly ignore the mighty Miata? Some limited editions and even restored models will catch the eyes of collectors, and command top money, whereas base models in average condition are available for much less. Perfect weight distribution, a fun level of power, and drop-top motoring ensure the Miata will forever be an excellent entry-level sports car.
Pricing
Trim Avg. Used Market Range Original MSRP Sport $3,800 to $6,000 $26,830 Club $5,400 to $10,000 $30,290 Grand Touring $10,000 to $15,000 $32,590
Early NA models do fetch a touch more than the subsequent NB models, despite sharing the same mechanicals. So, if you're on a budget, consider opting for a 1999 to 2003 model, as these will likely be the cheapest of the bunch. We love the earlier style with pop-up headlights, so would always try to stretch for an NA model.
3 Nissan 350Z
Starting Used Price: $8,000
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Perhaps you'd like a more significant powerplant in your cool rear-wheel drive car, and that's not only understandable but also accessible, with the often underrated and overlooked Nissan 350Z. Rising to fame with appearances in the Fast And Furious franchise, alongside Need For Speed too, the 350Z is a true icon of the early '00s and deserves your consideration.
Pricing
Trim Avg. Used Market Range Original MSRP Base $8,000 to $14,000 $26,809 NISMO $15,000 to $30,000 $38,070
Prices are definitely on the up for these Nissans, so don't sleep on them. It won't be long before finding a sub $15,000 example in good condition takes a lot longer than it currently does in 2023. Later models have small improvements both cosmetically and mechanically; however, there's no need to ignore early cars, if that's all your budget allows for.
Related: Why Rear-Wheel Drive Cars Are The Most Fun To Drive
2 Ford Mustang Fox-Body
Starting Used Price: $5,000
Bring a Trailer
Fans of Americana need not worry, as it's not all about European or Japanese cars, naturally, some homegrown heroes offer plenty of smiles per gallon with rear-wheel drive. The Fox-body Mustang is a cut-price entry ticket into classic muscle car ownership and is a super cool coupe for not much cash. For many now, these Fox-body cars are becoming truly desirable, and make for a great alternative to the new euro-centric models.
Pricing
Trim Avg. Used Market Range Original MSRP LX $5,000 to $12,000 $10,670 GT $6,000 to $15,000 $16,215 Cobra $10,000 to $25,000 $19,895
The rule here is to buy the best example possible, and ideally an original model, as this will likely prove more reliable and cheaper in maintenance too. Some significant models will be frustratingly expensive, although there's plenty around for under the $20,000 price point and a good selection under half of that, too.
1 Mazda RX-8
Starting Used Price: $7,000
Mazda
The last rotary-engined sports car from Mazda, the RX-8 has a mixed reception in the car community, although no one can argue that a well-sorted example is a real treat to drive, thanks to perfect weight distribution and a decent chunk of power.
Pricing
Trim Avg. Used Market Range Original MSRP Sport $7,000 to $10,000 $26,975 Touring $8,300 to $12,000 $31,640 R3 $10,000 to $18,000 $32,820
The later R3 is a handsome beast, and much more desirable, although if it's just cheap rear-wheel drive thrills that you're after, then an early model will do the job just fine. Reliability is not the strong point here, so make sure you buy an enthusiast-owned example with good service history, they're cheap enough to shop around and make sure you get the right one.
Source: HotCars
