$30,000 may not be a lot for a new sports car, but it will fetch some truly stunning examples on the used market.
Of all the different categories of vehicles on sale, sports cars are the most engaging and driver-oriented. These cars provide the driver with an outlet, whether this is in the form of a hobby, the social aspect of an owners club, or simply the enjoyment gained from a drive.
Sports cars tap into the soul of their owners and consequently become treasured objects greater than the sum of their parts. There is no need to spend vast sums of money on such a car, there are plenty of examples both new and used offering something different. For the fairly modest budget of $30,000, there is plenty of choice on the market.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the best handling and driver-focused sports cars on the market. With a $28,665 starting price, it is relatively affordable too. The car has an almost perfect weight distribution, with a near 50:50 split. For those who enjoy the dropped top experience, the convertible body style will certainly appeal.
The fastest version available is the 187-hp 2.0-liter GT Sport Tech. In this trim, 0-60 mph takes 6.5 seconds, and the top speed is 136 mph.
The Maserati GranSport Coupe is a seriously elegant and refined-looking vehicle. The car was designed by renowned Italian design house Pininfarina.
One of the major selling points was a 4.2-liter, Ferrari-derived V8 engine. This unit produced 399 hp, with 0-60 mph taking 5.2 seconds. The car could then go on to a 177 mph top speed. 2009 examples with this engine can be bought for around $30,000, this 65,000-mile example is on the market for $31,885.
As a brand-new car, the Toyota GR86 is exceptionally great value for the money. Like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, this car is in many respects focused on the driving enthusiast. The car offers great handling, and being rear-wheel drive, the GR86 is a lot of fun.
The car is kitted out with a 234-hp, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder boxer engine. 0-62 mph takes 6.3 seconds when the six-speed manual gearbox is selected. The all-new, second-generation car is on sale for just under $29,000, representing great value for money.
Originally released in 1996, one of the car's main selling points was its price point. The Boxter was the cheapest way into the Porsche lineup. The car seated two and was set up in a mid-engined configuration. The second-generation car was released in 2005, and in 2008 received a mid-life facelift.
As standard, these cars came fitted with a 2.9-liter engine matched with a six-speed manual gearbox. Producing 255 hp, 0-60 mph took 5.3 seconds, and the car had a 163-mph top speed. 2010 models can be bought for just over $30,000, like this 59,000-mile example.
Sporting a controversial design at launch, the Bentley Continental GT has really grown into its looks. The current generation cars remain relatively unchanged from the original, having undergone refinement rather than redesign. Consequently, those opting for an early model car will look significantly wealthier than the car's price tag would suggest.
The first generation car entered production for the 2003 model year. At launch, the Continental was fitted with a twin-turbocharged, 6.0-liter W12. The engine produced 560 hp, allowing for a 0-60 mph time of 4.8 seconds, and a 198 mph top speed. According to Hagerty.com, a good condition 2005 example is worth around $32,500.
Released in 2016, the Fiat 124 Spider was a modern-day interpretation of the original 1960s car. The car had a powerful and sporty design, instantly drawing the attention of gear heads.
The car shared a lot in common with the excellent Mazda MX-5 Miata that has already been featured on our list. The 124 was powered by a 160 hp, turbocharged, 1.4-liter, four-cylinder engine. Today, the car can be bagged for around $25-30,000. This 2018 example with just 5,597 miles on the clock can be picked up for $27,990.
The second-generation E89 BMW Z4 was produced between 2009 and 2016. A particularly notable feature of this car was its folding hardtop, the previous model was available as either a soft-top convertible or a fixed hardtop coupe. The most powerful model in the line-up was the sDrive35is, which produced 335 hp from a 3.0-liter, twin-turbo inline-6.
2012 examples such as this, can be picked up for just under $30,000. Fitted with a middle of the range sDrive28i, 241 hp is generated from a 2.0-liter inline-4, with 0-60 mph taking 5.7 seconds.
Aston Martin began selling the DB7 for the 1994 model year, its production run lasted until 2004, and during this time around 7000 examples were made. In 1999, a "Vantage" version was released, this car had 420 hp at its disposal. The 5.9-liter V12 found under the hood enabled a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, and when mated to a manual gearbox, a 186-mph top speed.
High production volumes mean the DB7 can be picked up for a bargain these days. According to Hagerty.com, a good condition 2002 model currently commands a $27,600 valuation.
The fifth generation of the Chevrolet Corvette entered production in 1997 and was manufactured until 2004. The high-performance version of the car was known as the Z06 and featured an uprated version of the standard car's 5.7-liter V8. Producing 405 hp, the Corvette will reach 60 mph in 4 seconds flat.
To increase performance over the standard car, a number of weight savings were made. The car utilized a titanium exhaust, a lighter battery, and thinner glass among other changes. A good condition 2004 model year car can command a $25,600 according to Hagerty.com.
The Jaguar XKR was released in 1998, and production of the first generation car ran until 2006. Under its hood, a 370 hp supercharged V8 could be found. Bond fans will no doubt remember the car for its role in the 2002 film Die Another Day, where it was involved in a chase across the ice.
Today, these cars can be picked up for around $20,000 according to Hagerty.com. However, those looking for the best examples should look to spend more than this, with some quality examples like this selling for between $30,000-35,000.
Benjamin has always had an interest in all things automotive. He is a keen follower of Formula One, and is particularly enjoying watching the rise of George Russell and Lando Norris. He is most knowledgeable about modern cars, but is learning more and more about classics. Currently based just North of London.
