Best Sports Cars Under $30,000 on the Market

It's not a secret that I'm a huge fan of sports cars, especially those that somehow manage to be affordable. I drive a sports car, and many people (including myself) have found that sports cars are the most reliable used cars on dealership lots.

They're pretty, they offer a decent amount of power, and driving in a sports car always makes you feel like a movie star. The truth is that they are luxury cars, but luxury doesn't necessarily mean expensive. Sometimes, you can find a bargain sports car if you know what to look for.

For fellow sports car lovers who enjoy saving money, a little research may be needed to find the perfect car for your budget. This list of the best new sports cars under $30,000 is a great place to start researching what your next car should be.

The Mazda MX-5 Miata

This is an obvious choice, if there ever was one. Time after time, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is ranked as one of the best sports cars under $30,000 on the market. It's easy to see why, even if you don't know much about cars.

Along with being a top-rated convertible that's regularly called one of the most reliable sports cars on the road, the MX-5 Miata is known for being one of the most fun cars to drive. This is the kind of car that turns heads, and also makes you grab every opportunity to feel the wind in your hair.

The Subaru BRZ

Subarus have definitely become the gearhead's car of choice in recent years, and that's why it's not surprising that a Subaru managed to make the cut on this list of the best sports cars under $30,000.

Elegant and powerful, the Subaru BRZ coupe is one of those sports cars that offers a lot of pep in its motor with a slick, compact body. What really makes the Subaru BRZ such a fan favorite is its excellent handling and luxury amenities. Not too bad for a bargain!

The Toyota 86

Many gearheads will tell you that the Toyota 86 bears a very striking resemblance to the Subaru BRZ—and really, they wouldn't be wrong in that sense. Both cars are known for having superb handling that grips the road, and for having engines that purr.

As many fans of Toyota can tell you, cars from this brand are made to last and are remarkably fuel-efficient. This 2 by 2 car starts off around the $25,000 mark, which makes it one of the best sports cars under $30,000.

Oh, and if you do want a drop top, don't worry. Rumors have it that the 86 will eventually roll out with a convertible option in the next couple of years.

The Ford Fiesta ST

If you aren't exactly looking for a traditionally "pretty" sports car, but want the zippy handling of a classic sports car, then look no further than the Ford Fiesta ST. Boasting 197 horsepower and a cute hatchback design, many people who have a Fiesta feel like it's a party in a car.

Great handling and decent amenities make this a hit with bargain hunters. Also, since it begins selling at around $21,000 for a basic model, it also happens to be one of the bargain-friendly sports cars under $30,000 on this list.

The Ford Focus ST

If you're looking for a car that more closely toes the line between sports cars and muscle cars, you might want to check out the Fiesta's sister model—the Ford Focus ST. Sure, it may have a sports car body and good steering, but with 252 horsepower, it definitely packs a more powerful punch than the Fiesta.

It's a beefier Fiesta, and for those who can't quite decide whether they want a muscle car or a sports car, it's a great go-between. More impressively? It's not much pricier than the Fiesta, making it one of the most affordable sports cars under $30,000 on dealership lots.

The Fiat 124 Spider

Admittedly, Fiat doesn't have a track record for making reliable cars. In fact, they're the name associated some of the most unreliable used cars currently on American markets. However, we're going to play Devil's advocate and say that the Fiat 124 Spider is actually a pretty great car for its price tag.

It's beautiful, has an easy-to-work convertible ragtop, can offer up to 35 miles per gallon, and also has a lot of Mazda Miata parts included in its design. So, in terms of reliability, you do have a lot you can count on with the Fiat 124 Spider. Overall, it's one of the better sports cars under $30,000 to come from an affordable car line, and we can't hate on that.

The Subaru WRX

The Subaru WRX is one of those cars you either love or hate. Most people love its amazing steering, fast acceleration, ample amenities, and overall great driving experience. Some, though, may find the exhaust noise to be a bit much—as well as the bad reputation it has with police.

Either way, we can't help but feel like the Subaru WRX is one of the best cars in its class. It's a sports car that drives like a race car, and has an incredibly good reputation among car fiends. Most importantly, it's known for being an all-weather vehicle in a category that's often "summer only."

Needless to say, it's an affordable status symbol—if ever there was such a thing.

The Ford Mustang

Okay, I realize this is a classic muscle car line, but lately, Ford Mustangs have gotten a lot of followers among sports car aficionados as well. We need not explain why it's got a reputation as one of the best muscle cars ever made—it's powerful as all hell.

A typical Mustang offers a lot of amenities and a lot of luxury. It also looks like a Batmobile, which is kind of awesome. The thing about Mustangs, though, is that there is such a thing as too powerful of an engine for some drivers. If you can handle its beefiness, then by all means, you should call this one of the best sports cars under $30,000.

The Chevrolet Camaro Coupe

Much like Ford Mustangs, Chevy Camaros are famously muscular cars—and they're basically a vehicular slice of Americana. That being said, certain affordable Camaro trims could definitely be considered sports cars, and that's precisely why we're calling them some of the best sports cars under $30,000.

The specific trim we want to point out is the Chevy Camaro Coupe, one of the most elegant cars you'll find in its class. It's got a body like a Corvette, but keeps the horsepower reasonable for regular day-to-day driving. (Even so, 275 horsepower is nothing to sneeze at.)

The MINI Cooper Convertible

If you're looking for a car that's so cute, you'll want to put it in your pocket, look no further than the MINI Cooper Convertible. Regularly cited as one of the best subcompact sports cars under $30,000, the MINI Cooper Convertible is equally great for urban and rural environments.

Racecar steering, a peppy engine, and a delightful drop top make this car one of the best to drive if you love having a lot of fun in the sun.