Who says you need to remortgage the house just to have a bit of fun behind the wheel? The world of used sports cars is brimming with brilliant options that deliver genuine thrills without sending your insurance premium into orbit. Whether you're after a wind-in-the-hair roadster or a head-turning coupe, there are plenty of choices that prove sporty driving and sensible running costs aren't mutually exclusive.
We've scoured the market to find the very best used sports cars that combine driving excitement with affordable insurance. From lightweight Japanese roadsters to stylish European coupes, every car on this list has been chosen because it offers that magic blend of performance, fun, and wallet-friendly ownership. So if you've been dreaming of a sports car but dreading the insurance quote, read on: you might be pleasantly surprised.
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 Used Sports Cars With Cheap Insurance 2026
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.4 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Really enjoyable to drive, especially the Sport models |
Not quite as sharp to drive as the mk1 and mk2 |
| Affordable to run by sports car standards |
Check carefully for any rust |
| The mk3 is roomier than other MX5 generations |
Hood drainage holes can clog if not cleaned regularly |
The Mazda MX-5 is the quintessential affordable sports car, and this third-generation model is a brilliant example of the breed. It sticks to the classic formula: a two-seater, rear-wheel-drive layout with a choice of a 124bhp 1.8-litre or a punchier 158bhp 2.0-litre petrol engine. While not overwhelmingly powerful, the MX-5's magic lies in its agile handling and the snappy manual gearbox that makes every drive an event. It delivers pure, unfiltered fun without the high running costs or insurance premiums (classifications start as low as group 21) often associated with sports cars, making it a perfect entry point into performance motoring.
Practicality isn't usually a sports car's strong suit, but the Mk3 MX-5 is surprisingly accommodating, with a roomier cabin than other generations and a 150-litre boot. For year-round usability, the Roadster Coupe (RC) model with its folding electric hardtop is a brilliant choice. Running costs are impressively low thanks to excellent reliability (provided it's been maintained), a wide network of specialists, and affordable parts. Just be sure to check for rust and ensure the hood drain holes are clear, and you'll have one of the most rewarding and cheapest-to-insure sports cars on the road.
The CarGurus Verdict: "Whether you're a hardcore driver or are happy just cruising, the third-generation Mazda MX-5 is a joyful, spirited companion. It's not the world's most powerful sports car, but it makes up for that with a sense of intimacy from behind the wheel." - Brett Fraser, contributor
Read our full Mazda MX-5 review
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Irresistibly fun to drive |
A bit cramped for tall drivers |
| Extremely reliable |
Early cars have less safety kit than later models |
| Affordable to buy and run for a sports car |
The boot is small |
The Mazda MX-5 makes another appearance in our list, this time in present-day Mk4 guise, which first went on sale in 2015. It's light, rear-wheel drive, and an absolute joy to drive, in true MX-5 style. Engine choices include a rev-happy 1.5-litre with 129bhp or a more potent 2.0-litre, which was updated in 2018 to produce a punchy 181bhp. Whichever you choose, you're guaranteed a slick six-speed manual gearbox and agile handling. The car's lightweight nature not only makes it feel spirited but also helps it achieve remarkable fuel economy, with many owners reporting well over 40mpg even with enthusiastic driving.
The fact that running an MX-5 won't break the bank is a massive part of its appeal. Insurance groups for the folding-hardtop RF (that's 'Retractable Fastback') version we've gone for here range from 24 to 33, which is actually slightly lower than the equivalent soft-top version, and very reasonable for a sports car. On top of that, annual road tax is low, and servicing costs at both main dealers and specialists are surprisingly affordable. It's a car that delivers all the thrills of a two-seater roadster without the scary bills, making it a smart choice for anyone wanting wind-in-the-hair motoring on a sensible budget.
The CarGurus Verdict: "If you want a two-seater sports car that you can enjoy immensely on a daily basis without scaring yourself silly and spending a fortune to buy it and run it, the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 has much to offer." - Brett Fraser, contributor
Read our full Mazda MX-5 review
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.8%
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 |
This is getting a bit samey now, isn't it? Yet another MX-5 makes our list, and this time it's the Mk2. Insurance classifications start at group 23, making it one of the more accessible options for enthusiasts looking for cheap cover. It's age also means that it's the most affordable MX-5 we've talked about so far to buy. Owners report real-world fuel economy in the high 30s mpg, and its simple mechanicals mean parts are cheap and widely available. The main thing to watch for is rust, particularly around the sills caused by blocked hood drain holes, so a thorough inspection is essential before you buy.
The Mazda MX-5 has always been about the joy of driving, and the second-generation model is no exception. While its engine choices - a 109bhp 1.6-litre or a more potent 138bhp 1.8-litre - might seem modest on paper, the car's light weight of just over a tonne makes it feel wonderfully sprightly. The real magic is in the handling; with pin-sharp steering and an eagerness to change direction, it delivers a pure, unfiltered sports car experience on a challenging B-road. It's a car that proves you don't need huge power to have huge fun.
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
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.3%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.3 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| An absolute hoot to drive |
Not all that fast |
| Surprisingly economical for a sports car |
Hopeless rear seats |
| Good looking |
S-spec cars are very basic |
The Honda CR-Z is a bit of a unicorn in the sports car world, blending a fun-to-drive nature with the sort of running costs that will make your wallet jump for joy: metaphorically speaking, of course. Part of this is down to low insurance groups, which range between 16 and 20 depending on the version, but most of it is thanks to the car's clever IMA hybrid system, which helps it achieve an impressive official fuel economy figure of around 55mpg. Even in the real world, you should see 45-50mpg without trying. For a used sports car, that's a huge win. What's more, its low CO2 emissions mean it costs peanuts to tax, another significant saving. What's more, Honda's reputation for reliability and reasonable servicing costs, plus a timing chain that's designed to last the life of the car, all help contribut to an incredibly sensible ownership proposition.
Don't let the hybrid status fool you; the CR-Z was built to put a smile on your face. It's one of the very few hybrids fitted with a slick six-speed manual gearbox, making for a properly engaging drive. While the 1.5-litre petrol powertrain's 122bhp (or 135bhp in post-2013 cars) might not sound like a lot, the instant torque from the electric motor gives it a welcome boost. The real magic is in the handling, though. With a taut chassis and responsive steering, it zips around corners with real enthusiasm. It's a proper driver's car that just happens to be economical, and with a 382-litre boot, it's even fairly practical, more so than you might think.
The CarGurus Verdict: "As used cars go, the Honda CR-Z seems to have it all sewn up. It's fun, economical, and reliable, which is pretty much a perfect combination." - Ivan Aistrop, senior editor
Read our full Honda CR-Z review
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 don't let its fashionable image fool you into thinking it's all show and no go. This second-generation model is a genuinely rewarding sports car to drive, with sharp steering and excellent body control. Various engines were offered, and you'll need to seek out the entry-level 1.8-litre turbo for the lowest insurance grouping of 30, but the 197bhp 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol is the pick of the bunch, providing a handy uptick in performance, but only a small uptick (between two and four groups) in insurance classification. Fuel costs aren't far off, either, with a respectable return of 30-35mpg.
Audi's fixed-price servicing for older cars means maintenance won't break the bank, either. It's even practical for a coupe, with a 290-litre boot that's made more accessible by a handy hatchback-style bootlid. Fold the small rear seats down, and you have a surprisingly usable load space, making the TT a sports car you can genuinely use every day.
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. You get the sort of looks that still catch the eye, but this is a car with plenty more going for it besides." - Alex Robbins, senior car reviewer
Read our full Audi TT review
CarGurus expert rating: 5 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.6 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 29.8%
Overall CarGurus rating: 4.2 out of 5
| Pros |
Cons |
| Pure driving thrills |
Rust can take hold and be expensive to put right |
| Hood goes up and down easily |
The 1995 1.6 is rather slow |
| Mechanically simple so straightforward to look after |
If you want an automatic, you will have to look hard |
The original Mazda MX-5 was designed to capture the spirit of classic British roadsters but with the added bonus of Japanese reliability. It might be old these days, but partly for that reason, it still represents the epitome of budget open-topped motoring. Running an MX-5 is refreshingly cheap, too. Insurance groupings start at 23, hence its place on this list, and the car's mechanical simplicity and the wide availability of parts mean maintenance isn't a wallet-emptying experience. The main thing to watch for is rust, particularly around the rear wheel arches and sills, so a thorough inspection is essential.
What makes driving the car so special is its lively rear-wheel-drive handling, quick steering, and a slick five-speed manual gearbox that creates a real connection between the driver and the road. The early 1.6-litre engine produced a keen 115bhp, while later 1.8-litre models offered 130bhp. Neither will set speed records, but that's not the point; the MX-5 is all about delivering pure driving fun at sensible speeds, making it a perfect entry into sports car ownership. Practicality is limited, with just two seats and a tiny 125-litre boot, but that's a small price to pay. Plus, a huge community of owners and specialist clubs offer a wealth of knowledge, discounted parts, and even access to even cheaper insurance deals, making this a smart and enjoyable used buy.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The Mazda MX-5 mk1 is a fabulous car to drive. It's spirited, involving, and thrills at all speeds, not just at high ones, so you'll have fun more of the time than you might in a more powerful sports car." - Brett Fraser, contributor
Read our full Mazda MX-5 review
CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.0%
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 is one of those cars that looks far more expensive than it actually is. With its stunning 'double bubble' roof and striking silver arches, it turns heads in a way few other cars at this price point can. It's not all show and no go, either. The 1.6-litre turbo petrol engines, co-developed with BMW, offer either 154bhp or a sprightlier 197bhp, providing plenty of pace for a fun B-road blast. For those covering more miles, the 2.0-litre HDi diesel offers a great blend of performance and economy. And while it's a sleek coupe, it's surprisingly practical, serving up a very useful 384-litre boot.
Here's the best bit: because the RCZ is based on the humble Peugeot 308 hatchback, running costs are refreshingly sensible. This makes it a fantastic entry into sports car ownership without the scary bills. Insurance groups for the mainstream models sit in a very reasonable 27 to 35 bracket, which is great news for your premium. The 2.0 HDi diesel model can return an official 54mpg, while even the petrols are capable of over 40mpg. It's a car that delivers a premium, sporty experience for a distinctly mainstream budget.
The CarGurus Verdict: "The RCZ may not enjoy class-leading driving dynamics, yet it does dish up enough in the way of thrills and excitement, giving few owners cause for complaint." - Brett Fraser, contributor
Read our full Peugeot RCZ review
FAQ
What insurance group are most used sports cars in?
The sports cars on this list generally fall into insurance groups ranging from the low 20s to the low 30s. For example, the Mazda MX-5 Mk2 starts from group 23, while the Audi TT sits a little higher. Choosing a smaller-engined variant of any model will typically place you in a lower insurance group, which translates directly into cheaper premiums.
Are older sports cars cheaper to insure than newer ones?
Generally, yes. Older sports cars tend to have lower values and less powerful engines, both of which contribute to lower insurance premiums. Cars like the original Mazda MX-5 and the Honda CR-Z can be remarkably affordable to insure. However, it's worth noting that some older models may qualify for classic car insurance, which can offer even better rates if you meet the criteria.
What factors affect insurance costs on a used sports car?
Several factors influence your premium beyond just the car itself. These include your age, driving history, annual mileage, where you live, and where the car is kept overnight. Fitting an approved alarm or immobiliser, keeping the car in a garage, and building up a no-claims bonus can all help bring the cost down. Choosing a model with a smaller engine also makes a significant difference.
Is the Mazda MX-5 the cheapest sports car to insure?
The Mazda MX-5 is consistently one of the cheapest sports cars to insure, particularly the earlier generations with smaller engines. The Mk2 with its 1.6-litre engine starts from insurance group 23, making it one of the most accessible options for younger or less experienced drivers. The Honda CR-Z is another strong contender thanks to its hybrid powertrain and low emissions.
Can I get cheap insurance on a sports car as a young driver?
It's more challenging, but it's certainly possible. The key is to choose a model in a lower insurance group, such as a 1.6-litre Mazda MX-5 or a Honda CR-Z. Adding a more experienced named driver to your policy, opting for a higher voluntary excess, and keeping annual mileage low can all help reduce your premium. Some specialist insurers also offer competitive rates for younger enthusiasts.
Are used sports cars with cheap insurance still fun to drive?
Absolutely. Every car on this list proves that affordable insurance doesn't mean a boring driving experience. The Mazda MX-5, in all its generations, is widely regarded as one of the most enjoyable cars on the road at any price, while the Honda CR-Z offers a uniquely engaging hybrid experience. Even the Peugeot RCZ and Audi TT deliver genuine thrills without the financial sting that often comes with sports car ownership.
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 March 2026. Values were accurate at time of publication and should be used as a guide only.
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