Winter is almost over, and it’s time to shift your focus to summer driving. If you’re in the market for a used ride, you may be assuming that it’s best if you opt for an SUV. After all, the weather in Colorado can be unpredictable, and this segment of vehicles can be relied on year-round. Sure, you might have to dish out a bit more money, but there’s no denying this segment’s reliability.
However, there’s no reason why you have to settle for an SUV. Instead, you should shift your focus to the upcoming months. In other words, you should be pursuing a sports car for the spring and summer. Of course, this might be easier said than done, especially if you’re pursuing a used vehicle. However, you’d be surprised to see how many logical used sports cars actually make for logical and affordable targets.
Below, we’ve explored some of our favorite used targets, with some of these options pricing below $10,000. Take a look at the list, and you’ll have a lot more clarity when you’re ready to start shopping for used cars…
Nissan 350Z
This particular nameplate is arguably the closest you can get to an actual luxury vehicle in this particular segment. After all, the car is one of the most elegant offerings in the entire class, with the sleek design and smooth curves contributing to the overall classiness.
Of course, the Nissan 350Z is also a sports car, so it shouldn’t be all that shocking that the accompany engine also manages to crank out a whole lot of power. The incredible 3.5-liter V6 engine delivers close to 300 horsepower, and this power won’t be compromised despite the climbing age. Plus, whether you pursue a version with the five- or six-speed automatic transmission, you can anticipate one of the smoothest driving experiences out there.
Ultimately, if you pursue a version of this nameplate that lands between 2002 and 2009, you should be able to secure a favorable deal. Thanks to the fact that the Nissan 350Z was generally pretty affordable in the first place, you shouldn’t have to dish out more than $10,000 for this particular ride.
Mazda RX-7
We’re going back away here, as we’re specifically focusing on the Mazda RX-7 that was released between 1979 and 1985. The nameplate was one of the most popular sports cars at the time, and this popularity certainly has waned over the years.
Equipped with an incredibly powerful engine (including the mighty 13B engine in the 1984 and 1985 variations), a live rear axle, and the always-reliable MacPherson struts, you can expect an athletic commute. While you may have some apprehensions about a 30-year-old vehicle’s ability to maintain its power, you can take confidence in the fact that Mazda’s sports cars are among the most reliable in the class.
Of course, despite the fact that the vehicle is aging, it is still a bit of a commodity, so you shouldn’t expect to secure this car for anything less than $10,000. However, assuming the mileage on the odometer isn’t through the roof, you should be able to rely on this car for at least half-a-decade.
Honda S2000
Honda has a reputation for having stellar reliability and dependability, so it shouldn’t be a shock that their popular sports car earned a spot on this list. Produced between 1999 and 2009 (and poised to make an eagerly-anticipated comeback), the Honda S2000 has proven to be a phenomenal used target.
The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that’s lingering under the hood may look unassuming, but it still manages to crank out an impressive 250 horsepower. Sure, these numbers may drop a bit due to age. However, you can rest assured that the engine won’t require many irritating trips to the mechanic.
Depending on the year and mileage, you may have to dish out around $12,000 for the Honda S2000. However, if you do come across a diamond in the rough, you might be able to secure it for less than $10,000.
Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
This car brand is generally known more for their luxury than their athleticism, which makes it even more impressed that their Cadillac CTS-V Coupe is one of the most sought-after used sports car targets. The vehicle manages to pump out a practically unmatched 556 horsepower from the supercharged V8 engine, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a faster sports car sitting on a used dealership’s lot.
Of course, since it is a Cadillac, drivers can also anticipate unmatched elegance from the ride. We’re specifically eyeing 2011 and 2012 versions of the nameplate. Therefore, the car is still relatively new, and the accompanying technologies and amenities should still be rather modern.
Of course, this is still a Cadillac we’re talking about here, so you’ll arguably have to pay more for this used car than you would for a generic new ride. Some used Cadillac CTS-V Coupes are listed for more than $40,000, so start counting your change if you want to target this particular ride.
Mitsubishi Eclipse
This may be one of the sleekest options on this list, as the renowned Mitsubishi Eclipse’s exterior truly emphasizes the car’s sportiness. The curved head lights, smooth hood, and sharp angles make for one of the most eye-pleasing rides on this list. Of course, since it’s listed as a sports vehicle, the car is also plenty powerful. The 3.8-liter V6 engine manages to crank out 263 horsepower, while the 3.0-liter V6 delivers an impressive 200 horsepower. Regardless of what variation you land on, you’ll be able to keep up with all of your fellow drivers on the highway.
The vehicle hasn’t been made since 2012, and there are several generations that you could opt for. In other words, you’ll get a better bang for your buck if you opt for one of the older variations of this nameplate. The more-powerful versions of the Mitsubishi Eclipse can sell for more than $10,000, while the 200-horsepower variations can sell for less than $5,000.
