10 Used Sports Cars Nobody Regrets Buying
There's nothing worse than buying something you desire, only to find out it doesn't meet your expectations once you've spent your money; in most cases, such as with a new item of clothing or a fancy gadget, you can simply return it. Unfortunately, gearheads don't have that option when it comes to used cars.
Some sports cars can leave drivers longing for more, whether they're too expensive to maintain or just plain disappointing to drive. That's why it's important to do your homework first, and we've been through multiple customer reviews, reliability reports, and test drive write-ups to narrow this list down to 10 of the best used sports cars available on the market today. Take a read-through and consider which would suit you the best, the one thing we can guarantee is you'll never regret buying any of the below cars – provided you find a clean and well-maintained example.
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10 You Can't Go Wrong With A Mazda Miata
Photo by Kareem Girgis
When shopping for an affordable used sports car, there's no better place to start than the Mazda Miata; with over a million examples sold it's by far the most successful two-seater sports car of all time, and it's not hard to see why either.
Whether it's the classic NA that appeals, or you prefer the modern refinements of the later NC and ND models, the Miata has kept its recipe for greatness simple since its inception in 1989. A rev-happy inline-4 can be found in each and every model, the latest of which is a 2.0-liter unit that produces 184 hp and is best coupled with the manual gearbox for maximum driving pleasure.
A lightweight chassis, 50/50 weight distribution, and superb suspension set-ups complete the popular Japanese package – it may not be the quickest or most exclusive sports car, but it's one that will keep you smiling each time you take it out.
9 The Triumph TR6 Is A British Classic
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Stepping back in time a little further and the classic sports car market has some real gems to offer, such as this British brute, the Triumph TR6.
This Karmann-designed straight-six roadster is arguably the last true sports car that Triumph released before British Leyland took over and things went downhill – the TR6 is the culmination of many successful decades for the British manufacturer. A 2.5-liter lump sits up front, powering the rear wheels with 150 horsepower and in the middle owners will find a plethora of leather and wood – exactly what you'd expect.
Prices are on the rise now, following the TR5, but nice examples are still available for reasonable money – buy yourself a clean and well-maintained example and the ownership experience is bound to be enjoyable.
Related: 10 Classic Cars With The Most Notorious Engines
8 A Chevrolet Corvette C5 Will Never Disappoint
Mecum Auctions
We've looked at both a Japanese and a European sports car so far, so let's keep it diverse and consider an all-American icon – the 2000s Chevrolet Corvette C5.
The one thing that's not in short supply with a Corvette is always raw power, the C5 Z06 for example punches out a supercar-scaring 400 horsepower – making this arguably the best bang-for-buck sports car on the used market today.
What's more, parts are plentiful, and they're simple to work on too, which means ownership of this American sports car is much more affordable than you may first think.
7 Driving Enthusiasts Love The Porsche Cayman
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While the Corvette may offer raw performance, the Porsche Cayman offers a more focused driving experience much better suited to winding back roads and track days too, if that's your thing.
Don't just take our word for it, verified owners rate the 981 Cayman very highly and can only sing its praises, whether it's the base 2.7 model or the hotter S and R variants. These nimble sports cars offer everything the legendary 911 does, including superb heritage and an upmarket interior, but for a fraction of the price, which is likely why driving enthusiasts love them so much, and should consider adding owning one if looking for a used sports car.
6 Toyota's GT86 Provides Simple Satisfaction
Toyota
Entry-level sports coupes don't come around all too often, which is probably why the Toyota GT86 proved to be so popular when it was first launched in 2012. Fast-forward 11 years, and these striking sports cars are an absolute bargain that guarantees satisfaction to gearhead owners.
A 2.0-liter flat-four engine is found up front, pushing out just shy of 200 horsepower which makes for a lively drive thanks to the low curb-weight of just 1,235 kg – plus the suspension is set up specifically for enjoyment on winding back roads, so the cornering ability is superb on these stylish Toyotas.
If it's an affordable used sports car with immaculate handling characteristics that you're after, then you'll never regret putting your money down into one of these!
Related: 10 Reliable Sports Cars That Are Known For Their Low Running Costs
5 The Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG Is A Surprising Sports Car
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Arguably the best period for sports car production was the late 1990s and early 2000s, before safety regulations led to increased crumple zones, with led to heavier and bulkier cars. One gem from this earlier period is the Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG, which is a supercharged 3.2-liter V6 pocket rocket, with a formidable 354 horsepower hidden away.
Thanks to the reserved bodywork and diminutive size, nobody apart from fellow Mercedes enthusiasts will ever suspect you have so much power lurking under the hood, so you'll enjoy the surprised look on other gearheads' faces when you storm away in the little two-seater.
For sub-$20,000 the SLK32 really is a superb little package, and while they do need regular servicing and maintenance to keep them in top condition, we think they're definitely worth it, and you're unlikely to ever regret owning one.
4 BMW's Z3 M Roadster Is A Modern Classic
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While we're on the topic of German modern classics, here's another diminutive two-seater that hides a big secret under its hood – although the voluptuous curves of the M Roadster certainly hint at what's lurking beneath.
Borrowed from the superbly successful E36 M3 is a screaming 3.2-liter six-cylinder that produces just under the numbers of the SLK above, with 321 horsepower. That's still a huge number for such a little car, and it all goes straight to the rear wheels, when laid down on the tarmac, the little Z3 propels from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds, and like the SLK will carry on to a limited 155 mph.
Prices are rising for these models, so act quickly if you fancy making it your used sports car purchase this year, or you may find yourself priced out of this option.
3 Old-School Cool With The Sunbeam Tiger
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Bite-sized sports cars with big engines have been around far longer than the above two modern classics though, as this devilishly handsome Sunbeam Tiger is keen to prove. Equipped from the factory with either a 260 or 289 Ford V8, 4-speed manual transmission, and a live rear axle, these '60s brutes are often nicknamed the poor man's Cobra, and it's one of Britain's best-kept sports car secrets.
The Tiger is so much more than that though, it's not a cheap Cobra but a complete sports car of its own; twice as powerful as the earlier 4-cylinder Sunbeam Alpine, in series 2 guise this mighty sports car has almost 220 horsepower on tap – and of course being a vintage Ford motor, the tuning capabilities are endless if you want more.
With an average selling price of roughly $50,000 on Bring A Trailer, you could have a whole fleet of these before you even come close to the asking price of an original Cobra!
Related: 10 V8-Engined Sports Cars That'll Last For Years
2 Everybody Loves The Dodge Viper SRT-10
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If it's serious muscle power you need from a sports car though, you really do need to be looking towards America for your upcoming purchase – and the iconic Dodge Viper can 'one-up' every V8 sports car out there.
Famously equipped with a monster 8.3-liter V10 (even 30 years on, that displacement figure still sounds crazy!) that produces 500 horsepower, the Dodge Viper SRT-10 will never disappoint when it comes to brute force. That's the same as two early Sunbeam Tigers and an NA Miata combined!
Back in 2006, Dodge was able to offer this beast for considerably under $100,000 at MSRP, which means they're still very affordable today. Here's a sweet example we found that recently sold for just a smidge over $50,000.
1 It's Impossible To Regret Owning A Honda S2000
Honda
The truth is though, to be able to buy a sports car that will never bring feelings of regret, it needs to be a true all-rounder; it's no good having buckets of power but terrible handling characteristics, or endless reliability but no style or technology inside – a truly ideal sports car will have it all.
The Honda S2000 then is our crowned king. Not only does it turn on a dime and scream all the way to 9,000 rpm, but it also looks smart, has the benefit of Hondas' infinitely reliable V-TEC system, and it's also well-equipped – all of which will make it an absolute dream to live with.
The asking price for sports car perfection? Just $30,000 will net you a superbly presented and immaculately maintained example, so there really is no good reason not to make this your used sports car purchase of the summer. Trust us, you won't regret it!
Source: HotCars
