There are plenty of fascinating vehicles available for $30,000, ranging from fully loaded everyday cruisers to
top-rated sporty compact cars for less than $30K
At this price range, the world truly becomes yours for the taking. Nevertheless, we chose to overlook practical considerations and aimed to find the finest used options available.
sports cars
and
muscle cars
Under $30K, so our preference leans towards models with high output, manual transmissions, and stylish two-seater designs.
This piece examines ten of the most stylish sports cars presently on sale under $30,000. The prices were obtained from Kelley Blue Book; however, all details and statistics come directly from manufacturers when feasible. Listings are ordered based on present value, starting with those offering the best bang for your buck.
2005 BMW Z4 3.0i Roadster
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $8,689
The least expensive used sports car we have listed is priced more than $20,000 below our $30,000 threshold, coming in at just over this amount.
BMW’s first-generation Z4
We aren’t holding back since we’re dealing with the more potent 3.0 Si variant, powered by a
silky-smooth inline-six engine
, generating 230 horsepower along with 232 lb-ft of torque. Customers had the option to select between two types of six-speed gearboxes: one designed for automatic operation and another configured for manual use with three pedals. In both cases, the engine’s output was directed solely to the rear wheels.
2009 Nissan 370Z Coupe
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $12,147
One of the finest pre-owned sports cars available for less than $30k is unquestionably the
Nissan 370Z
– A sports coupe equipped with a V6 engine, featuring a manual transmission and rear-wheel drive, which has both an appealing appearance and superior sound quality. Even though it started production more than 15 years ago, the bold styling of the 370Z remains contemporary, and considering this,
present trend towards smaller four-cylinder motors
This charming Nissan outshines many of its contemporary models. According to KBB, a budget slightly above $12,000 should be enough to find a good specimen from the first production year.
In 2016, the Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring was released.
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $15,119
The list would not be comprehensive without including at least one Miata, so we have chosen to highlight the 2016 model. It marks the debut of the ND generation, featuring sleek lines and compact dimensions, closer to the essence of the original design rather than the previous iteration.
preceding NC gen
. This is far from the fastest sports car featured, with only a 1.5- or 2.0-liter four-cylinder to choose from, but thanks to the Mazda’s legendary crisp handling and open-top driving experience, it’s likely one of the most rewarding sports cars to drive under $30,000 right now.
2008 Jaguar XKR Convertible
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $18,093
It’s time to concentrate on one of the finest.
luxury sports cars
Under $30K, this model features a robust and supercharged 4.2-liter V8 engine delivering an impressive 420 horsepower. Despite being nearly two decades old, its classic and timeless design remains fresh without looking outdated. That said, some modern conveniences like infotainment systems have become somewhat dated over time. Nonetheless, these aspects won’t concern you once the top is down and the roaring V8 fills each summertime journey with excitement—plus, Kelley Blue Book estimates it at about $18,000.
2013 Audi TTS
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $18,353
The 2013
Audi TTS
is yet another attractive choice for an affordable sports car in 2025, despite
The nameplate is no longer available now.
This all-wheel-drive sports car remains just as pertinent today as when it first debuted. Although this compilation doesn’t include any 4-door sports cars priced below $30k, the TTS offers the advantage of having four seats—though the backseats are best suited for small children. Conversely, the convertible version accommodates only two people, making the coupé a more versatile choice.
KBB provides a fair purchase price of just under $18,500, which makes the TTS immensely affordable when compared to how much a new sports car would set you back. Plus, thanks to only sporting a 2.0-liter engine, running costs are really quite affordable, further boosting the Audi’s appeal.
2008 Maserati GranTurismo
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $18,748
Enthusiasts who value reliability might quickly mention that this Italian coupe isn’t among the top picks when considering affordable sports cars under $30K. However, due to its eye-catching styling and Ferrari-sourced V8 engine, it stands out as particularly distinctive. The powerplant in question is a naturally-aspirated 4.7-liter unit producing 405 horsepower along with 339 lb-ft of torque, enabling the Maserati to sprint from zero to sixty miles per hour within roughly five seconds. Similar to the mentioned XKR and TTS models, you could acquire this Maserati at around $18,000; however, anticipate having substantial funds set aside for anticipated upkeep expenses.
2022 Toyota GR86 Premium Coupe
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $24,986
It’s hard to ignore the immense value-for-money which Toyota manages to offer with its entry-level sports car – even the
2025 Toyota GR86 looks like a bargain
Thanks to its Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just $30,000, this option seems quite affordable; however, purchasing a pre-owned version might offer greater value. Although opting for a 2022 model would save you roughly $5,000, choosing it allows you to get the high-end Premium trim level featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, Alcantara/leather upholstery, enhanced audio equipment, and a stylish ducktail rear wing.
2020 Subaru BRZ tS Coupe
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $26,660
It would be rude to feature the GR86 and then exclude the
Subaru BRZ
, as both share a platform and powertrain, meaning it can be hard to decide between picking up one or the other. Cosmetic tweaks are the main differences between the two, although
The BRZ comes with the sought-after tS trim option.
, which comes with a unique set of benefits. The tS trim – which stands for ‘tuned by STI’ – comes equipped as standard with Brembo brakes, upgraded suspension, and uniquely trimmed sports seats, among a few other performance-focused updates.
2010 Porsche Cayman S
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price: $28,778
Anyone looking to secure
one of the finest athletic cars for sedan lovers
Under $30k, someone might prefer a used Panamera, but for those who can manage with just two seats, the 2010 model could be an option.
Porsche Cayman
The S version can easily fit your budget at the recommended purchase price of $28,778 according to KBB. While a basic Cayman might cost less, the S offers an extra 55 horsepower over the standard model’s 265 hp, making it quite worthwhile for those looking for more power. The interior is stylishly appointed and comes equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox, ideal as a fun getaway car for the summer months.
2012 Porsche Boxster S
KBB Fair Purchase Price: $29,964
Although the Cayman is alluring, for the complete sports car experience, the
2012 Porsche Boxster S
It could be the preferable option because it provides that essential feeling of wind blowing through your hair. Aside from removing the roof, the distinctions between the Cayman and Boxster S are minimal – both feature the same naturally aspirated 3.4-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, producing a substantial 310 horsepower delivered directly to the rear wheels. However, you might not have much leftover for upkeep expenses, as Kelley Blue Book advises setting aside approximately $29,964 for maintaining one of these older Boxster S models.
Source:
BMW, Audi, Porsche, Maserati, Jaguar, Subaru, Toyota, Mazda, Nissan,
Kelley Blue Book
