Fancy a bit of driving fun but don't want to remortgage the house to get it? You're in luck. The used car market is brimming with affordable sports cars that can deliver genuine thrills without breaking the bank. From classic rear-wheel-drive roadsters and muscular coupes to pocket-rocket hot hatches, there's a cheap performance car out there to put a smile on your face, whether you're on a B-road blast or just popping to the shops.
While the idea of buying a cheap sports car can sometimes conjure up images of eye-watering repair bills, our guide focuses on models that blend excitement with a sensible dose of reality. We've picked cars that are not only a riot to drive but also have a reputation for reasonable running costs and good reliability – as long as you buy a well-looked-after example, of course. So, get ready to find your perfect, budget-friendly weekend toy or daily driver.
About this guide
The cars in this guide have been selected to represent the best options currently available. Our recommendations are the result of a unique three-part scoring system that takes into account real-world tests from our team of expert reviewers, ratings from real-life owners who live with these cars every day, and an analysis of market data from CarGurus UK to identify which models offer the highest percentage of good and great deals. This combined approach ensures our list highlights cars that are not only great to own but also good value to buy.
The Best Cheap Sports Cars in 2026
- Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk6
- Nissan 350Z
- Ford Fiesta ST
- BMW 235i Mk1
- Toyota GT86
- Mazda MX-5 Mk2
- Audi TT Mk2
- Peugeot RCZ
- Porsche Boxster 986
- MINI Cooper S Mk1
1. 2009-2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Sensibly and thoughtfully designed inside and out | A bit of a conservative choice |
| Good fun to drive – especially GTI | Reliability concerns, especially DSG gearboxes |
| Decent long-distance refinement | Not the most practical car in its class |
The Mk6 Golf might seem like a sensible family hatchback, but don't be fooled. Lurking in the range are two of the best hot hatches of their era, the GTI and the Golf R. The GTI is the sweet spot, blending 207bhp of turbocharged power with agile, engaging handling that feels light on its feet and more nimble than its more powerful sibling. For ultimate all-weather pace, the 266bhp, all-wheel-drive Golf R is a serious performance weapon. Both offer a proper sports car thrill for a fraction of the price of newer alternatives, making them a savvy choice for a cheap, fast car.
What makes the performance Golfs so appealing is that they wrap their speed in an incredibly usable package. You get the same solid build quality and thoughtfully designed interior as the standard car, meaning it’s a comfortable and refined place to be for the daily commute. It's practical, too, with a 350-litre boot that's more than enough for the weekly shop or a weekend away. This blend of exhilarating performance and everyday usability is what has made the Golf GTI a legend, and the Mk6 is a prime example of why.
The CarGurus Verdict: "While most of the range will maintain your pulse rate at an unremarkable level, the GTI and R versions are held in high regard by thrill-seeking sports car aficionados." - Brett Fraser, contributor
Read our full Volkswagen Golf review
2. 2003-2010 Nissan 350Z
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.9% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Terrific chassis | Cheap interior |
| Brilliant engine | No rear seats |
| Affordable prices | Thirsty |
It’s not every day you find a car that offers the pure, unadulterated sports car experience for the price of a family hatchback, but that’s the Nissan 350Z all over. It’s got all the right ingredients: a brawny 3.5-litre V6 engine up front, power going to the rear wheels, and a slinky two-seater coupe body that has aged remarkably well. It was a genuine rival to Porsches and BMWs when new, and today it represents one of the biggest performance bargains on the used market.
The 350Z is an absolute riot to drive. Its brilliantly balanced chassis means there’s plenty of grip when you want it, but it’s also happy to play the hooligan in a predictable, controllable way. Later cars, from 2007 onwards, are the ones to go for if you can, as they have more power and love to be revved hard. Yes, that big V6 is thirsty – expect 20-25mpg at best – but servicing and parts are surprisingly reasonable, making it much cheaper to run than its premium German rivals. It’s a proper driver’s car that you can actually afford to own.
The CarGurus Verdict: "It’s handsome, it’s fast, it sounds great, and it’s a hoot to drive. And while it’s quite thirsty, your other running costs should be fairly reasonable, especially given it’s one of the more reliable choices among its contemporaries." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Nissan 350Z review
3. 2008-2017 Ford Fiesta ST
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.0% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comfortable and entertaining drive | Not quite as reliable as a Hyundai i20 |
| Excellent Ecoboost engines | Underpowered entry-level 1.25-litre engine |
| Low fuel and insurance bills | So-so build quality |
The Ford Fiesta has long been the go-to choice for drivers who love driving, and for good reason. It delivers a level of dynamic polish that shames cars costing far more, with taut body control, strong grip, and pin-sharp steering that make it a joy on a twisty road. For those seeking a true cheap sports car, the ST model is the one to have. Its 1.6-litre Ecoboost petrol turbo engine and snappy six-speed manual gearbox combine to create one of the best hot hatches money can buy, delivering an engaging and entertaining drive every time.
If the full-fat ST is a bit much for the budget, you’re still well catered for. The Zetec S and ST-Line models offer a similar sporting bent with lower running costs, and the acclaimed 1.0-litre Ecoboost petrol engines strike a fantastic balance between performance and economy. Insurance is another strong point, with most models sitting in low groups, and even the hot ST is a reasonable group 30. With so many available on the used market, finding a well-priced, fun-to-drive Fiesta is an easy task.
The CarGurus Verdict: "There’s a good reason the Fiesta has proven so popular over the years: it’s an excellent small car that’ll keep both your head and your heart happy." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Ford Fiesta review
4. 2014-2021 BMW 235i
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Four different versions to suit different buyers | Not a 'proper' M-Sport car |
| Impeccable interior quality | Convertible is heavier and slower than the coupe |
| Competent handling and a comfortable ride | The 2 Series is quite a pricey used car |
Don't let the family-friendly MPV versions fool you; the real stars of the BMW 2 Series lineup are the sleek Coupe and glamorous Convertible. These are the models that deliver on the promise of a proper sports car experience, complete with a desirable badge and stunning quality. Built on a sporty rear-wheel-drive platform, they offer the classic driving dynamics that BMW is famous for, making them a far more exciting proposition than their more practical, front-wheel-drive siblings.
Under the bonnet, there's an engine for every budget and thrill level. While the more sensible petrols offer a great blend of performance and economy, it's the high-performance models that really get the pulse racing. Look for the M235i or M240i versions, and you'll be rewarded with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine packing well over 300bhp. Combine that power with the car's agile handling and sharp responses, and you have a recipe for one of the most engaging and affordable used sports cars on the market today.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Whichever you choose, you’re assured of impeccable interior quality and a polished driving experience, with sharp handling and a fairly good level of rolling refinement." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full BMW 2 Series review
5. 2012-2021 Toyota GT86
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Raw and engaging character | Noisy at speed |
| Entertaining handling | The engine needs to be thrashed |
| Increasingly affordable to buy used | Cheap and not-so-cheerful cabin |
The Toyota GT86 is a pure, back-to-basics sports car, and that's precisely why it's such a compelling cheap thrill. It sticks to a classic formula: a 2.0-litre, 197bhp boxer engine up front, a six-speed manual gearbox in the middle, and power going to the rear wheels. It’s not about winning traffic light drag races; in fact, it feels noticeably slower than turbocharged hot hatches from the same era. Instead, the GT86 is all about driver engagement and having fun at sensible speeds. Its lightweight chassis and skinny tyres mean you can enjoy its playful, tail-happy handling without needing a racetrack to feel like a hero.
As a used buy, the GT86 has become a proper bargain, with tidy examples available for well under £15,000. That affordability does come with compromises, though. The cabin is a sea of hard, cheap-feeling plastics that can't hold a candle to rivals like the Audi TT, and it gets pretty noisy on the motorway. Practicality is what you'd expect from a small coupe; the rear seats are best used for extra luggage, but the 243-litre boot is surprisingly usable and much bigger than what you'd find in a Mazda MX-5. It's a car for those who value the raw driving experience above all else.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If you’re after a refined, rapid sports car with a tailored interior and refined road manners, then the GT86 isn’t for you. However, if you’re drawn to the more visceral aspects of motoring, then the GT86 will deliver in spades." - Pete Tullin, contributor
Read our full Toyota GT86 review
6. 1998-2005 Mazda MX-5
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.3% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hugely enjoyable to drive | Prone to rust |
| More practical than the mk1 | Hood drainage holes tend to block |
| Lots of distinctive special editions to choose from | Brake calipers can seize and may need replacing |
The Mazda MX-5 is the definitive cheap sports car, and the Mk2 version is a brilliant entry point. It offers a choice of peppy four-cylinder engines, starting with a 109bhp 1.6-litre and moving up to a 144bhp 1.8-litre. While those figures might not sound earth-shattering today, the MX-5’s secret is its feather-light weight of just over a tonne. This translates to a wonderfully nimble and engaging drive, with pin-sharp steering and an eagerness to change direction that will have you seeking out your favourite B-road. It’s a car that proves you don’t need huge power to have huge fun.
As a two-seater roadster, practicality isn't its main goal, but the 130-litre boot is surprisingly useful for a weekend away. The real appeal for a cheap sports car buyer is the MX-5's mechanical simplicity and the wide availability of parts, which makes it relatively easy and affordable to run. However, it's crucial to be aware of rust, particularly in the sills and wheel arches, so a thorough inspection is a must before buying. Find a solid example, though, and you’ll have secured one of the most rewarding and affordable driving experiences on the market.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Purely from a driver’s perspective, the Mazda MX-5 mk2 is great. Its steering is direct, its handling playful, and the sense of connection and control you enjoy from behind the steering wheel is how all true sports cars should be." - Brett Fraser, contributor
Read our full Mazda MX-5 review
7. 2006-2013 Audi TT
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.2 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.2% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Betters the original Audi TT in almost every way | Back seats are very cramped |
| The cabin is stylish and finished to a very high standard | Not as engaging as a BMW 1 Series |
| Sensible running costs for a sporty car | Four-cylinder engines don't sound very sporty |
The Audi TT has always been a style icon, but this second-generation model proves it’s about more than just good looks. It’s a genuinely rewarding car to drive, with sharp steering responses and excellent body control that make it feel invigorating on a twisty road. Most versions come with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers plenty of accessible power, making for brisk progress without a fuss. While front-wheel drive models offer plenty of grip, the ‘quattro’ four-wheel-drive versions provide extra traction and security on slippery British roads, making it a usable sports car all year round.
Step inside and the TT continues to impress with a sturdy, beautifully finished dashboard that feels a class above many rivals. While it’s a coupe, practicality isn’t forgotten; the hatchback bootlid opens up to reveal a 290-litre boot, and you can fold the rear seats down for even more space. For a car with this much performance and style, it’s also surprisingly affordable to run. The popular 2.0-litre petrol can return between 30-35mpg, and with Audi’s fixed-price servicing available, maintenance costs won’t break the bank, cementing its place as a top cheap sports car choice.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The second-generation Audi TT is a consummate all-rounder, and if you’re after a second-hand sporty coupe that doesn’t cost too much, it makes a lot of sense." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
8. 2009-2015 Peugeot RCZ
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 28.8% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Entertaining to drive | Cramped rear seats |
| Surprisingly practical for a coupe | Some reliability issues |
| The RCZ R is very quick | The looks aren't to all tastes |
The Peugeot RCZ delivers a genuinely sporty drive that belies its humble 308 hatchback underpinnings. While the entry-level petrol is fine, the one to go for is the 197bhp 1.6-litre turbo (badged THP200), which gets you from 0-60mph in a brisk 7.4 seconds. It’s the best-handling Peugeot of its era, feeling impressively sharp and involving for a front-wheel-drive car. If you’re really lucky, you might find the rare RCZ R model; fettled by Peugeot Sport, its 266bhp engine slashes the 0-60mph time to just 5.6 seconds, turning it into a serious performance machine.
Let’s be honest, a big part of the RCZ’s appeal is how it looks. With its stunning ‘double bubble’ roof and muscular haunches, it looks far more exotic and expensive than it actually is, and still turns heads today. You might not expect much practicality from a sleek coupe, but the RCZ surprises with a very useful 384-litre boot, which is more than enough for a weekend away. Yes, the back seats are best reserved for bags rather than people, but that’s a small price to pay for a car that offers this much style and fun for the money.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The RCZ may not have class-leading driving dynamics, but it dishes up more than enough thrills and excitement to keep owners happy. If you can find one, the ultra-rare RCZ R version is a proper sports car." - Brett Fraser, contributor
Read our full Peugeot RCZ review
9. 1997-2005 Porsche Boxster
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 16.7% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exquisite to drive | Love-or-loathe looks |
| Plenty available | Patchy build quality |
| Stylish interior | Some expensive potential problems |
This generation of Porsche Boxster, known as the 986, is the car that made owning a piece of Stuttgart's finest an accessible dream. As a pure, two-seat, mid-engined sports car, it delivers a driving experience that is simply exquisite. The classic flat-six engine provides a raw, howling soundtrack right behind your ears, while the beautifully balanced chassis and crisp steering allow you to carve through B-roads with incredible precision. It’s one of the best driver’s cars of its era and remains a true performance bargain.
While the purchase price makes the Boxster a tempting cheap sports car, running costs require a sensible approach. Maintenance can be pricey, and it’s vital to avoid neglected examples, as fixing them can quickly become a false economy. Look for a cherished car with a full service history from a Porsche specialist. Do that, and you’ll have a modern classic that delivers the prestige of the Porsche badge and a thrilling drive, all for a surprisingly modest initial outlay.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Frankly, the Porsche 986 Boxster should be a lot more expensive to buy given its prestigious badge and exhilarating driving experience. The reason it isn’t is the potential for terrifyingly expensive problems to crop up." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Porsche Boxster review
10. 2001-2007 MINI Cooper S
CarGurus expert rating: 3 out of 5 CarGurus user rating: 4.4 out of 5 Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 32.5% Overall CarGurus rating: 4.1 out of 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Characterful retro looks | Poor standard kit |
| Hugely entertaining to drive | Some reliability issues |
| Still plenty of good examples, despite the car's age | Cramped inside |
The MINI Hatch has always been about one thing: fun. Even these early R50 models deliver a driving experience that can shame proper sports cars on a twisty B-road. While the entry-level One and Cooper models are nippy, it's the Cooper S that really earns its place on this list. Its supercharged 1.6-litre engine, initially with 163bhp, provides genuinely quick performance, all accompanied by a distinctive supercharger whine. The handling is sharp and direct, making every journey feel like an event and elevating it far above the typical hatchback experience.
More than two decades on, the R50 MINI is verging on modern classic status, but that doesn't mean it's expensive. Its retro-chic looks have aged brilliantly, and because new buyers were offered a huge range of personalisation options, it's rare to find two that are exactly alike. This individuality, combined with that famously spirited handling, makes it a fantastic and affordable entry into sports car ownership. It’s a car you buy with your heart, and its character will have you forgiving its slightly cramped interior in a heartbeat.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The MINI is a scream to drive and fun to own, and while it may not be the most fuel efficient or spacious, if you click with its character you’re really not going to care." - Brett Fraser, contributor
Read our full MINI Hatch review
FAQ
What should I look for when buying a cheap used sports car?
Always prioritise a car's history and condition over its mileage. Look for a full service history, preferably from a main dealer or a respected specialist. Check for common faults specific to the model you're interested in – for example, rust on a Mazda MX-5 or IMS bearing issues on a Porsche Boxster. Getting a professional pre-purchase inspection can save you a fortune in the long run.
Are cheap sports cars expensive to run?
They can be, but it depends on the car. Models like the Ford Fiesta ST and VW Golf GTI benefit from being based on popular hatchbacks, so parts and servicing are relatively affordable. More exotic cars like a Porsche Boxster will naturally have higher maintenance costs. Always factor in potential costs for tyres, brakes, insurance, and road tax before you buy.
Is a hot hatch a good alternative to a traditional sports car?
Absolutely. Hot hatches like the Golf GTI and Fiesta ST offer a fantastic blend of performance and practicality. They deliver a thrilling driving experience on a twisty road but are also comfortable and spacious enough for daily duties like the school run or weekly shop. For many buyers, they represent the perfect all-in-one solution.
What's the most reliable cheap sports car?
Japanese cars often have a strong reputation for reliability, making models like the Mazda MX-5, Toyota GT86, and Nissan 350Z excellent choices. They are generally well-built and have robust engines, provided they have been maintained correctly. However, any used car's reliability depends heavily on its previous owners and service history.
How much should I budget for a cheap sports car?
The cars on our list can be found for a wide range of prices, from under £5,000 for an older Mazda MX-5 or MINI Cooper S, to over £15,000 for a newer BMW 2 Series or Toyota GT86. A sensible budget would be between £5,000 and £10,000, which gives you access to a wide variety of excellent, well-maintained examples.
Is it better to buy a coupe or a convertible?
This is purely down to personal preference. Convertibles like the Mazda MX-5 and Porsche Boxster offer an unbeatable open-air driving experience on a sunny day. However, they can be less practical and secure than their coupe counterparts. Coupes, such as the Audi TT and Nissan 350Z, often have a stiffer chassis for slightly sharper handling and better year-round usability.
What Makes CarGurus Best Cars Guides Different?
Most car buying websites publish lists of the best cars across a variety of categories, with recommendations generally driven by editorial expertise. Here's what makes our best cars guides different: we combine the insights and verdicts of our team of car-testing experts with other factors that we know matter to buyers - real owner experiences and current market value.
To that end, our expert reviewers come from some of the UK's most trusted automotive publications including What Car?, The Telegraph, Auto Trader, Electrifying.com, and Carbuyer. They put each car through real-world testing, and create detailed reviews noting performance in a range of categories, from practicality and driving manners, to running costs and reliability.
But we don't stop there when it comes to creating our best cars guides; we also analyse hundreds of thousands of used car listings on CarGurus UK to track which models consistently offer the highest percentage of best deals relative to how many are listed for sale. Then we factor in user reviews and ratings gathered on CarGurus to get feedback from people who actually live with these cars every day. Our best cars algorithm then creates a final Overall CarGurus rating that combines expert ratings, user reviews, and the percentage of listings on CarGurus UK rated as good or great deals. This three-way approach reveals not just which cars excel on paper, but which ones deliver satisfaction and value when you're ready to buy.
The CarGurus UK market data in this guide was last updated in February 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
