Sports cars for under $25,000 don’t usually mean brand new, but there are a lot of great used options that deliver thrills without breaking the bank. Whether you want sharp handling, open-top driving, or raw muscle, thereās something for most tastes. Here are some of the best picks, what makes them cool, and what to watch out for.
What Makes a Good Sports Car for This Price
Before the list, some quick criteria to help you judge:
- Good performance: fun acceleration, decent handling
- Reliable enough: maintenance & repair costs manageable
- Parts availability: easier if itās a popular model
- Style / driving feel: because part of the fun is feeling like you drove something special
Top Picks
Here are some of the top used sports cars you can realistically find under $25,000 in 2025, and why theyāre awesome:
| Car | What makes it great | Things to watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Mazda MX-5 Miata (2019-2021, maybe earlier) | Light weight, joyful handling, convertible fun, great reliability. Many drivers say this is one of the purest roadsters under that price. iSeeCars+2Cars&Horsepower+2 | Not a lot of power, small trunk, tight cabin. If used, check for rust, soft top condition, suspension wear. |
| Subaru BRZ (2019-2021 etc.) | Rear-wheel drive, good balance, more modern interior than older sports cars under $25K, a great driverās car. iSeeCars+2Cars&Horsepower+2 | Less torque, especially down low. The engine revs, but in city driving that might be less fun. Also watch for maintenance on older models (tires, brakes). |
| Chevrolet Camaro (convertible or V-6 trims, older model years) | Muscle feel, strong looks, decent power for the money. If you get a V-6 or maybe used V-8, itās got presence. iSeeCars+1 | Fuel economy is worse, insurance higher. Convertible models need more care. Older ones might have higher miles so watch service history. |
| Ford Mustang (EcoBoost or V-6, used) | Mustang is an icon. You can get a lot of fun from a used one under 25K, especially with turbocharged four-cylinders (if you donāt need a V-8). Cars&Horsepower+1 | Larger, less nimble than smaller cars. Also, depending on the year, interior and tech may be dated. Maintenance on performance parts (tires, brakes) can cost. |
| Nissan 370Z (used older ones) | Raw driving feel. V6 engine, rear-drive, a bit old school which means mechanical simplicity. If you want āunfilteredā sports car vibe, this is a strong pick. Cars&Horsepower | Older car, so parts wear and maintenance matter. Fuel economy is weak. Interior tech might be behind. Also, visibility, ride comfort may suffer vs newer cars. |
Honorable Mentions
These are cool options if you can find a good deal, or willing to stretch a little, or accept some trade-offs:
- Toyota 86 / Scion FR-S (older years) ā similar space to BRZ.
- BMW Z4 or Porsche Boxster if you catch a steal and maintenance history is clean (but these usually cost more in upkeep).
- Maybe a muscle car-leaning sedan if you want more passenger space.
How to Shop Smart
When buying a used sports car under $25K, here are tips to avoid regrets:
- Check maintenance records. Performance cars may have been driven hard.
- Inspect wear & tear. Look at tires, brakes, suspension; especially important in older / convertible models.
- Bring someone who knows cars or pay for an inspection. Hidden problems (frame, rust, leaks, prior accidents) can hit you later.
- Consider insurance + fuel costs. Even a ācheapā sports car can hit you with high ongoing expenses.
- Test drive with purpose. Check acceleration, cornering, braking, cabin noise, comfort.
Final Thoughts
If I were picking one: the Mazda MX-5 Miata is hard to beat for the price. It might not win in raw horsepower, but in driving enjoyment and reliability, it delivers a lot. If you want a more aggressive look or stronger power, a used Camaro or Mustang might be more your style (with the wisdom to expect higher upkeep).
