5 used sports cars with lots of muscle for little cost
For someone on a budget looking for a new vehicle, one of the best remedies against inflation is to turn to a used model that's a few years old. Of course, some depreciate more slowly than others and may surprise you with their prices, forcing you to make another choice or go back even further in time.
Here, we take a look at five sports cars that give buyers a lot of bang for their buck, especially when it comes to power and performance. Will one of them convince you? In any case, don't fall in love, and never forget to do your homework (history, inspection, RDPRM, etc.) before signing anything.
Subaru WRX
New or used, Subaru's sporty compact has always offered one of the best performance/price ratios on the market. For $15,000 to $17,000, you can get your hands on an early-generation (2015-2021) example with reasonable mileage and enjoy its 268 turbocharged horsepower. For a hatchback instead of a sedan, however, you'll have to go for a 2014 or older (265 hp).
Ford Mustang
The seventh generation of the Mustang carries over the mechanicals from its predecessor (2015-2023). The great thing about Ford's pony car is that you can get solid cavalry under the hood for a modest sum. Purists will still prefer the 5-liter V8, but the V6 that the company dropped in 2018 still reaches 300 horsepower. A 2015 to 2017 model with less than 100,000 km can be found for under $20,000. By the way, you can still find a fifth-generation 2010 Mustang (still V6-powered) for under $12,000.
Chevrolet Camaro
A great rival to the Mustang, the Camaro must also be on this list of sports cars capable of delivering plenty of power at a decent price. The first models of the outgoing generation (2016-2024) may cost a little more, but if you're looking at a 2014 or 2015 Camaro, a budget of $20,000 will be enough to enjoy the 3.6-liter V6 developing 323 horsepower. Coupe or convertible, by the way.
Hyundai Genesis Coupé
For somewhere between $10,000 and $12,000, Hyundai's defunct Genesis Coupe (2010-2016) is available. Warning: a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine was available for a while in addition to the 3.8-liter V6. The second will give you more bang for your buck, producing 306 to 348 hp depending on the model year. Our only regret is that this naturally aspirated block requires premium gasoline.
Infiniti G37
Discontinued in 2013, the Infiniti G range consisted of three models: sedan, coupe and cabriolet. In IPL (Infiniti Performance Line) trim, the latter two feature more dynamic styling and benefit from a 3.7-liter V6 that delivers 348 hp (coupe) or 343 hp (cabriolet). The engine is relatively reliable, unlike other parts of the car. Best of all, you'll pay less than $10,000 for one. But good luck finding one these days...
