Best 4 door sports cars under 10k

In a world where reliability and fuel economy are some of the most important things people look for in their cars, it seems that driving for fun has gone by the wayside.

With so many vehicles pushing the limits in terms of comfort and dependability, it can be difficult to know how you can get a kick out of driving again. This is especially true if you are shopping for a car on a budget and don’t want to break the bank just to have a thrilling experience behind the wheel.

If you’re looking for a car that you can have fun with when out on the road, the good news is that there are plenty of used sports cars available. Many of them can even be found for well under $10,000 and are still in great shape.

By understanding which sporty vehicles are available within your budget, you can make the right choice and get some enjoyment on your commute or running errands around town.

2003 - 2006 Nissan 350Z

The Nissan 350z has long been known as an affordable and athletic sports car that can be purchased by drivers on a budget. For the 2003 model year, the 350z was redesigned from the original 250z, which was introduced in 1970, and updated for the new millennium. The result was a sports car that offered top-tier power and performance for an incredibly low price, which is still low to this day.

The base version of the 350z that is available for under $10,000 features a 3.5-liter V6 engine that puts out 287 horsepower at 6,200 RPM. It comes with a complex chassis that has independent suspension and rack and pinion steering for a quick, responsive driving experience. The styling is just as radical and sporty as it was in 1970 and everything is on-brand for this classic mass-market sports car.

Browse used 2003 - 2006 Nissan 350z listings here.

2001 Ford Mustang GT

When it comes to American-made muscle cars, the Ford Mustang is one of the first names that is going to come up. The 2001 Mustang GT may have the grand touring insignia but it is far from that categorization. With a complete redesign in 1999, the 2001 Mustang GT can still be found for under $10,000 and has many of the features and specs you would expect from a muscle car with such a prestigious pedigree.

The 2001 Mustang GT features a 4.6-liter V8 engine that puts out 260 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. It also has a zero to 60 time of just six seconds and a Quadra-shock rear suspension system, both of which make it inherently drivable and responsive. All of this is covered in styling that is meant to mimic some of the earlier iterations of this classic vehicle, making it a fantastically fun car.

Browse used 2001 Ford Mustang GT listings here.

2002 - 2005 Honda S2000

While Hondas may not generally be known as some of the best-used sports cars, the S2000 stacks up against many of the higher-end automakers of the time in both performance and build quality. The S2000 has many features that you might expect from vehicle brands like Mercedes-Benz rather than the maker of the Honda Civic. With a low profile and an incredibly responsive and fast suspension system, it’s a great option for people who want a sporty vehicle from a famously reliable brand.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine may be small but its increased stroke gives it an output of 240 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. This, combined with its small wheelbase and six-speed transmission makes it a great option for those who want a fast car with a sporty body style.

Browse used 2002 - 2005 Honda S2000 listings here.

1986 -1992 Chevrolet Corvette

The Chevy Corvette is one of the most recognizable and undeniably sporty cars that has ever been made. The late-80s and early-90s Corvette can still be found for well under $10,000 and has the retro styling you would want from a car from that era with a lot of the performance specs you would want from any muscle car.

With a 5.7-liter V8 putting out 245 horsepower through a six-speed manual transmission, there is just as much power as you would expect from a car like the Corvette. The zero to 60 time is just 5.8 seconds for a quick, responsive feel that is enhanced by the Bilstein gas-pressure shocks. If you want a vehicle that has the retro-futuristic look that has become so popular as of late but still has the performance you want from a sports car, this could be a great choice.

Browse used 1986 -1992 Chevrolet Corvette listings here.

2000 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata

For years, the Mazda Miata has been known as an entry-level roadster that was affordable and had some bite to back up its sporty looks. This two-seater sports car has all the styling and the quick, athletic feel that is emblematic of cars in its class. It also has a relatively hefty powertrain and features that you might expect from a car that is well over $10,000 on the used car market.

The MX-5 Miata features a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder with a turbo unit that winds up quickly and puts all the available power at your disposal as soon as you press on the gas pedal. The torque output of 178 pound-feet means it has much more power than its low weight might suggest at first.

Browse used 2000 - 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata listings here.

1997 - 2000 Porsche Boxster S

The Porsche Boxster was one of the more affordable offerings by Porsche and even 20 years later, it still has more performance than its price tag hints at. The higher-powered S version can still be found for under $10,000 and features specs that may be more at home with a much larger, more expensive sports car.

The 2000 Boxster S features a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine putting out 250 horsepower. The interior is incredibly plush and the mid-engine layout means that there is a lot more room than you might expect from a small sports convertible or coupe. People over six feet can easily fit in the driver’s seat and there are enough premium features to make it as practical as it is sporty and fun to drive.

Browse used 1997 - 2000 Porsche Boxster S listings here.

2000 - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Just like the Corvette, the Chevy Camaro SS is a classic muscle car that has always kept the traditions of these vehicles alive and well. You can still find a Camaro SS from 2000 to 2002 for well under $10,000 and they are still offering all the power and performance you might expect. With 17-inch alloy wheels and high-performance tires, this is a car that is meant for the drag strip but can still put it down on the surface streets.

The Camaro SS features a 5.7-liter V8 putting out over 300 horsepower through a six-speed transmission that can run with a low, throaty rumble. The interior is incredibly spartan but is functional enough to be comfortable for longer drives. With a tight suspension and quick handling, this is an incredibly fun car to drive no matter how you are going to drive it.

Browse used 2000 - 2002 Chevrolet Camaro SS listings here.

2008 Subaru Impreza WRX

Subaru may be most well-known for its practical and dependable station wagons and sedans. However, they have also created an amazingly fun-to-drive sports car with the Impreza WRX.

Some people may not consider the WRX a true sports car based on its body style, but to drive one is to believe. With rally-car styling and enough power and acceleration to stand up to most other vehicles in its class, the WRX has been impressing drivers since it was first introduced in 2001.

Featuring a 2.5-liter version of Subaru’s horizontally-opposed four-cylinder engine, the WRX puts out 224 horsepower and 226 pound-feet of torque. The turbocharger delivers the torque at much lower revs, making this a great choice if you want to have the most amount of power available to you right away when you step on the accelerator.

Browse used 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX listings here.

2008 - 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Volkswagen Golf GTI has been one of the most popular sporty hatchbacks available on the market. This is largely due to its relatively high-powered engine and stiff, sporty suspension. You can still find 2008 to 2010 Golf GTIs for under $10,000 and if you’re looking for a car that is incredibly fun to drive, it could be a great choice.

The Golf GTI features a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. While this is not necessarily the biggest engine, its small size allows it to have a zero to 60 time of just seven seconds. On top of this, it also offers a good fuel economy of 21 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

Browse used 2008 - 2010 Volkswagen Golf GTI listings here.

2008 - 2012 Dodge Charger

Dodge’s entry into the modern muscle car space, the Charger, runs on the same platform as the Chrysler 300 but features vintage styling that is reminiscent of a bygone era. Generally, you can find either the four-speed rear-wheel-drive version or the five-speed all-wheel-drive version of the Charger for under $10,000 within the 2008 and 2012 model year range.

The SRT Charger is available with the classic Hemi 5.7-liter V8 that puts out 368 horsepower. While there are smaller engines available, it is well worth the trouble to search for the Hemi. It delivers the kind of power and thrust you are looking for in a muscle car and has the drivability and handling of a much more practical sedan.

Browse used 2008 - 2012 Dodge Charger listings here.

2011 - 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer

The Mitsubishi Lancer may not look like much from the outside but it has responsive and tight handling that you might expect from a much more fashion-forward vehicle. The liveliness of the Lancer is what sets it apart from other compact sedans within its price range. For the most part, you will be able to find a 2011 to 2015 Lancer for under $10,000 and may even be able to find the higher-end ES if you are patient.

While the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine only delivers 168 horsepower and 167 pound-feet of torque, it makes up for this lack of power with its handling and driving feel. The CVT transmission pumps up the RPMs as soon as you hit the gas, making it a fun car to drive. It is a great choice if you are interested in something practical as well as sporty on the road.

Browse used 2011 - 2015 Mitsubishi Lancer listings here.

2012 - 2014 Fiat 500

When it comes to compact sports cars, the Fiat 500 is unparalleled. With an adorable body style and a smaller wheelbase than almost any other car on the market, this is a zippy little car that is incredibly fun to drive. You can also find Fiat 500s in the $10,000 range on the used market, making them very affordable.

Most of the trim levels of the Fiat 500 come with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 101 horsepower and 98 pound-feet of torque. While this may not be the most powerful engine in this category, the small size of the car means this is more than enough get-up-and-go to make for a fun driving experience. With responsive steering and exciting drivability, this is a great, practical sports car that can fit almost any budget.

Browse used 2012 - 2014 Fiat 500 listings here.

2004 - 2006 BMW 325i

The BMW 3 Series is already well-known as an entry-level luxury sports car and if you do some digging, you can find a 2004 to 2006 model for well under $10,000. Not only is the 325i an entry-level luxury car, but it is also one of the best on the market. It has features and comfort to spare plus a little extra in the performance areas, making it a great all-around car.

The 325i has a 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine putting out 184 horsepower. On top of this, it features a four-wheel independent suspension, which offers a classic BMW driving experience. This is a great option for people who want a combination of athleticism and high-quality materials with their sporty luxury sedan.

Browse used 2004 - 2006 BMW 325i listings here.

2003 - 2008 Audi A4

Like the 325i, the Audi A4 is a base-level luxury sedan that has a lot of sporty features and the drivability you might expect from a coupe or roadster. It will also be further under the $10,000 mark, making it a better choice for car buyers on a budget. For its class, this is an incredibly fun-to-drive car that is also very comfortable and easy on the wallet.

The most basic version of the A4 comes with a 1.8-liter turbocharged inline-four putting out 170 horsepower. However, you can also find a 3.0-liter V6, which ups the power to 220 horsepower. The interior of the Audi A4 also lives up to its luxury classification with high-quality materials and contemporary design.

Browse used 2003 - 2008 Audi A4 listings here.

2006 - 2008 Pontiac Solstice

The Pontiac Solstice is as close to a classic British roadster that you are going to be able to find for under $10,000 domestically. The styling and feel are incredibly retro and the performance is enough to bring the whole thing together and make a well-rounded vehicle. This is an incredibly fun vehicle, which is exactly what having a sports car is all about.

The powertrain on the Solstice features a fast-revving 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 177 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. If you want to upgrade to the GXP version, this gets bumped up to 260 horsepower with a zero to 60 time of just six seconds. With very little body roll and an incredibly responsive steering feel, this is an affordable sports car that is fun through and through.

Browse used 2006 - 2008 Pontiac Solstice listings here.

Final Thoughts

While the concept of buying a sports car may seem out of reach for people on a budget, there are all kinds of options available for under $10,000. If you know what to look for when buying a new car for yourself, you can easily find a sporty and fun vehicle that fits within your spending limits. By understanding what is available on the market, you can hit the road and get the wind in your hair without having to spend unnecessarily.

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