The mailbag returns with a question about sexy wheels. What are some top budget sports cars that might be affordable? As always, I love to help, so send me an email with your weird car questions.
Question
Hey Mike–
I’m wondering about the cars you review – are they always fully loaded?
I was looking for a sports car (my first), but I don’t kno (sic) if I can get one with everything in it. Anything you think I should look at? My budget is less than $50, and I want a new car.
– Eric
Answer
Eric asks a vague question that I’m probably going to give an unexpected answer to. First, yes, mostly every press car is fully loaded. That’s as it should be, because it lets me test every feature.
But he raises a good point – money. You see, money doesn’t exist in the world of Machines With Souls. Nice isn’t it? How you afford the car is up to you, I simply tell you if they are good.
But having purchased enough, I know that not every option makes it into the car. So let’s go shopping by thinking big, but ordering small. Here are some of my top budget sports cars that Eric can consider. Oh and, let’s keep it to sports cars – not coupes, like a BMW 2 Series. And rear-wheel drive too – no front-wheel sneaking in.
We want style with substance, after all.
#5 – The Subaru BRZ
Let’s start small with the Subaru BRZ.
The good news is that the BRZ has all the important bits to make a good sports car. Rear-wheel drive, an excellent chassis, and a boxer engine offer more than a Mitsubishi Eclipse ever did. Plus, with a starting price of $30k, it’s well under Eric’s budget. Even the tS, with its worked-over suspension and brakes, comes in at around $36,000.
The problem with the BRZ is that it might not be premium or exciting enough. And though it’s not a bad-looking car, it won’t exactly draw eye balls, will it?
#4 – The Toyota Supra Base
Blaspheme!
I suppose Toyota offered a four-cylinder in a Supra because…why not? The Z4 has one, so the work was done. Plus, Supras have always had a history of base engines.
But some things you do get are Supra looks, something the BRZ doesn’t offer, and an excellent chassis. Coming in at $47,000, it’s cheaper by some $10,000 over a six-cylinder variant.
There’s just one problem – Toyota discontinued the base Supra for 2025. However, I’m sure there are a few left on the lots.
#3 – Ford Mustang GT
The Mustang can start as low as the BRZ if you opt for the four-cylinder, but for $45,000, you can get yourself a 480-horsepower V-8 GT model. That’s a ton of power for the price. There’s also the option of a manual or automatic, something the Supra doesn’t offer in base trim.
And this isn’t like old Mustangs – new ones can handle, and don’t look like a rental car inside. With the Camaro killed, the Mustang is the only V-8 muscle car left that’s attainable on a budget.
And if you’re thinking that the Mustang breaks my rule of no back seat, you’d be correct. But I’m hoping you’ll let it pass, because it’s not a useful back seat, and come on…480 horses…
#2 – The Nissan Z
Yes, I know. I’m not a big fan of the basic Z. But hear me out.
First, for $44,110, you get a 400-horsepower turbocharged V-6 with either an automatic or manual transmission. You’re only in a four-cylinder Supra for that.
There’s only one suspension, unless you opt for the NISMO variant. Missing are bigger wheels, brakes, and a limited slip differential, but you still get LED headlights, Apple CarPlay, sport seats…everything you need to have fun. Plus they all look the same – no fancy body bits on more expensive models.
The Z has always punched above its weight, and there’s plenty here to have fun on a budget.
#1 – Chevrolet Corvette
Mike, you can’t even follow your own rules.
I know Eric has a hard stop at $50,000, but since hopefully more than just Eric will read this, allow me to propose something.
The E-Ray is great. The Z06 is really great. But because they are so good, the regular Corvette gets lost. It’s a helluva car.
For $69,995, you get a mid-mounted V-8 with 495 horsepower, a Dual-Clutch transmission, and a limited slip differential. There’s also LT1 power seats, a ten-speaker Bose Stereo, and some nice color choices. Dare I say that $70,000 is cheap?
You can and probably should option this car with the Z51 Package, but you don’t need to in order to enjoy the experience. And before you say “That’s still expensive”, remember that the cheapest Porsche Boxster is still starting at nearly $80,000. I can tell you which I’d rather have.
There aren’t many budget sports cars left
There just isn’t – no one is buying them. There are two reasons. First, it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy, meaning people buy less, so fewer are made, and thus people buy fewer still.
Second, sedans. SUVs too. They provide sports car performance and in many cases style, without the impractical aspect or added expense. Want proof? In 1997, a BMW E36 M3 sedan reached 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. That same year, a Toyota Supra Turbo could achieve the feat in 4.6 seconds.
Fast forward to today. A BMW M3 sedan will hit 60 in 2.8 seconds. Only the Corvette can hit that mark for the price. Otherwise, you need to bring a lot more money.
And to be honest, cars like the Supra and Z are built on platforms shared with much heavier cars, so you’re not seeing as much of a handling benefit because they weigh nearly the same.
There’s always the Miata (slow), but beyond that, time might be running out for what is still my favorite car category.
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