Fast, fun, and affordable — you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy an exciting ride. Whether you’re looking for a weekend cruiser or a daily driver with attitude, there are plenty of sports cars out there that blend performance and value for under $30,000.
Here are 10 exciting options that prove you can enjoy speed, style, and driver-focused dynamics without paying supercar prices.
1. 2018 Audi TTS Coupe
Average Price (Used): $29,948
Sleek, turbocharged, and all-wheel-drive — the Audi TTS Coupe hits all the right notes for a performance car with luxury appeal. Powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-four that pumps out 292 hp, this compact coupe rockets from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. Quattro AWD keeps it planted, while inside, Audi’s Virtual Cockpit gives it a high-tech edge.
Key Specs:
- Engine: 2.0L turbocharged I4
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Horsepower: 292 hp
- 0–60 mph: 4.6 seconds
2. 2018 BMW M240i xDrive Coupe
Average Price (Used): $29,763
The M240i xDrive is a refined beast. Under the hood lies a 335-hp inline-six paired with BMW’s sharp xDrive AWD system. This coupe offers blistering performance (0–60 in 4.2 seconds) while maintaining a daily-driver-friendly comfort level.
Key Specs:
- Engine: 3.0L turbocharged I6
- Drivetrain: AWD
- Horsepower: 335 hp
- 0–60 mph: 4.2 seconds
3. 2024 Subaru BRZ Premium
Average Price: $29,442
Pure driving joy — that’s the mission of the BRZ. With rear-wheel drive, a naturally aspirated flat-four engine, and crisp handling, the BRZ delivers balance over brute force. It’s a lightweight corner carver that still feels modern, especially in the Premium trim.
Key Specs:
- Engine: 2.4L flat-4
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Horsepower: 228 hp
- 0–60 mph: 6.1 seconds
4. 2018 Nissan 370Z Touring Sport Roadster
Average Price: $29,341
For a drop-top with classic sports car muscle, the 370Z Roadster is a standout. Its 3.7L V6 pushes out 332 horsepower, paired with a limited-slip differential and performance brakes in the Touring Sport trim. It’s a bit old-school, but in all the right ways.
Key Specs:
- Engine: 3.7L V6
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Horsepower: 332 hp
- 0–60 mph: 5.0 seconds
5. 2014 Porsche Cayman Coupe
Average Price: $29,264
Yes, it’s from 2014 — but the mid-engine Porsche Cayman still feels special. With superb handling, a 2.7L flat-six engine, and timeless styling, it’s the kind of car that makes every drive feel like a track day.
Key Specs:
- Engine: 2.7L flat-6
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Horsepower: 275 hp
- 0–60 mph: 5.7 seconds
6. 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport
Average Price: $28,396
The Miata remains the king of lightweight, back-to-basics driving. Its 181-hp engine might seem modest, but its playful chassis and perfect manual gearbox make every twist and turn a thrill.
Key Specs:
- Engine: 2.0L I4
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Horsepower: 181 hp
- 0–60 mph: 5.5 seconds
7. 2023 Toyota GR86 Coupe
Average Price: $27,984
Toyota’s GR86 builds on the BRZ’s formula with sharp styling and minor performance tweaks. It’s rear-wheel drive, features a 228-hp flat-four, and comes with a limited-slip differential for added cornering grip — a pure driver’s car.
Key Specs:
- Engine: 2.4L flat-4
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Horsepower: 228 hp
- 0–60 mph: 6.1 seconds
8. 2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe
Average Price: $26,902
If muscle is your game, the Camaro SS delivers in spades. Its 6.2L V8 cranks out 455 horsepower and a thunderous exhaust note. Despite the brute force, it’s surprisingly agile for its size.
Key Specs:
- Engine: 6.2L V8
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Horsepower: 455 hp
- 0–60 mph: 4.3 seconds
9. 2023 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Coupe
Average Price: $25,388
No V8? No problem. The EcoBoost Mustang’s 2.3L turbo-four still churns out 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, making it a legit performer. It’s also more efficient and cheaper to insure than the GT.
Key Specs:
- Engine: 2.3L turbo I4
- Drivetrain: RWD
- Horsepower: 310 hp
- 0–60 mph: 5.1 seconds
10. 2022 Hyundai Veloster N
Average Price: $23,805
Don’t let the quirky shape fool you — the Veloster N is a serious hot hatch. Its 275-hp turbo engine, crackling exhaust, and track-ready chassis make it one of the most exciting front-drivers under $30K.
Key Specs:
- Engine: 2.0L turbo I4
- Drivetrain: FWD
- Horsepower: 275 hp
- 0–60 mph: 5.1 seconds
Final Thoughts
These budget-friendly sports cars prove that driving excitement doesn’t have to come with an outrageous price tag. Whether you crave balanced handling, raw horsepower, or drop-top cruising, there’s something here to satisfy every enthusiast without draining your bank account.