The Buying Guide to Cheap Cars for Enthusiasts

 The Buying Guide to Cheap Cars for Enthusiasts

In today's car market, it is really hard to find a car that offers driving pleasure without overburdening the budget. In this article, we are going to introduce some cheap cars for enthusiasts that can balance performance, price, and practicality. Whether you are looking for a passionate driving experience, or finding a trustworthy partner to deal with heavy daily commuting, this guide can take you through practical and useful advice.

Toyota GR86 / Subaru BRZ

These twin sports cars are ideal for sports-driving enthusiasts. Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are essentially the same cars but with different brands and details.

Price: Starting at about $28,000

Performance Highlights:

  • 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, output 228 horsepower
  • Rear-wheel drive, providing precise handling
  • 0-60 mph acceleration time of about 6 seconds
  • 6-speed manual transmission (automatic transmission option is also available)

These two models provide drivers with pure driving pleasure. The lightweight body design and low center of gravity make it perform well in corners. Although the rear seat space is limited, it is an option worth considering for singles or young couples who pursue driving pleasure.

Volkswagen GTI

As the latest generation of the Golf GTI, this hot hatchback continues to maintain its reputation as a 'civilian supercar'.

Price: Starting at about $30,000

Performance Highlights:

  • 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, output 241 horsepower
  • Front-wheel drive, equipped with limited-slip differential
  • 0-60 mph acceleration time is about 5.9 seconds
  • Available 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission options

GTI strikes an excellent balance between sporty performance and daily practicality. The spacious interior space and flexible cargo capacity make it an ideal all-round model. The exquisite interior and advanced technology configuration also add a lot of appeal to this car. Want to buy cheap fast and reliable cars, and that is it!

Mazda3 2.5 S Carbon Turbo

The turbocharged version of Mazda3 provides a great choice for buyers who seek luxury and sporty performance.

Price: Starting at about $33,000

Performance Highlights:

  • 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, output up to 250 horsepower (using 93 octane gasoline)
  • All-wheel drive system standard
  • 0-60 mph acceleration time is about 5.6 seconds
  • 6-speed automatic transmission

The Mazda3 Turbo becomes attractive with its exquisite interior and excellent driving dynamics. The all-wheel-drive system provides additional traction and stability, making it an ideal choice in all weather conditions. Although the price is slightly higher, it is still a great value considering its near-luxury brand quality and performance.

Hyundai Elantra N

Speaking of the best fast affordable cars, as a new member of the Hyundai N series, the Elantra N brings an exciting choice to the compact sedan market.

Price: Starting at about $32,000

Performance Highlights:

  • 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, output 276 horsepower
  • Front-wheel drive, equipped with electronic limited-slip differential
  • 0-60 mph acceleration time is about 5.3 seconds
  • 6-speed manual or 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission optional

Elantra N impresses with its strong power output and sporty chassis tuning. Features such as the unique N mode and overdrive button further enhance its sporty attributes. At the same time, it retains the practicality of Elantra, providing spacious interior space and rich technology configuration.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

As one of the top-selling lightweight roadsters on the market, the Miata still contains magic for driving enthusiasts. Here are some features you may want to know.

Price: Starting at about $27,000

Performance Highlights:

  • 2.0-liter four-cylinder naturally aspirated, 181 horsepower
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • 0-60 mph acceleration time about 5.7 seconds
  • 6-speed manual transmission (automatic transmission option also available)

The reason why the Mazda MX-5 Miata is becoming more and more popular is its lightweight construction and perfectly balanced chassis. Although the Mazda MX-5 Miata may not be the quickest car compared to other brands, it provides unmatched driving engagement with drivers. Representing one of the best cheap cars for enthusiasts, a variety of Mazda MX-5 Miata models are available to choose from.

Subaru WRX

WRX has long been a top choice for performance enthusiasts, and the new generation model continues this tradition.

Price: Starting at about $30,000

Performance Highlights:

  • 2.4-liter turbocharged horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine, output 271 horsepower
  • Standard full-time four-wheel drive system
  • 0-60 mph acceleration time about 5.4 seconds
  • 6-speed manual or CVT automatic transmission optional

With great practicality, WRX is known for its great performance in all weather. Equipped with an all-wheel-drive system, it achieves great grip that makes it fantastic even when the weather gets worse.

Volkswagen Jetta GLI

As the sporty version of the Jetta series, the GLI provides an attractive option for buyers who seek the perfect combination of sedan practicality and sporty performance.

Price: Starting at about $27,000

Performance Highlights:

  • 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, output 228 horsepower
  • Front-wheel drive, equipped with limited-slip differential
  • 0-60 mph acceleration time is about 6.1 seconds
  • 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission optional

Jetta GLI inherits the sporty genes of GTI but presents it in a more mature sedan form. It provides a spacious interior and a comfortable ride while maintaining exciting driving dynamics. Compared with GTI, GLI generally provides better value because it has similar performance but a lower price.

MINI Cooper S

MINI Cooper S provides a personalized choice for drivers who are pursuing unique styles and flexible handling. Price: Starting at about $28,000

Performance Highlights:

  • 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, output 189 horsepower
  • Front-wheel drive
  • 0-60 mph acceleration time is about 6.5 seconds
  • 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission optional

As a representation of the 'old fast cars for cheap', the MINI Cooper S is known for its retro design in a classic style and has kart-like handling. This fast small car is perfect for city dives because of its high-standard interior finish with rich technology configuration and atmosphere of luxury.

Chevrolet Camaro

As one of the representatives of American muscle cars, the Camaro provides a relatively affordable option for fans who pursue strong power and classic American performance.

Price: Starting at about $25,000 (base model)

Performance Highlights:

  • A wide range of engine options are available, from a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (275 horsepower) to a 6.2-liter V8 (455 horsepower)
  • Rear-wheel drive
  • 0-60 mph acceleration time of about 5.4 seconds (V6 version)
  • Availability of 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission

I think there is not much to say about Chevrolet Camaro. THE Chevrolet Camaro! As far as it's known to all, this small quick car is popular for its strong power output and excellent handling performance. The basic four-cylinder turbocharged version can offer an exciting driving experience, not to mention the higher-end V8 version.

Honda Civic Si

When it comes to the ace of Honda's performance range, the Honda Civic Si stands out from the cars relying on its sporty driving, especially for some young buyers.

Price: Starting at about $27,000

Performance Highlights:

  • 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, output 200 horsepower
  • Front-wheel drive with limited-slip differential
  • 0-60 mph acceleration time of about 6.8 seconds
  • Only available with a 6-speed manual transmission

The Civic Si inherits the reliability and fuel economy from the Civic's regular version while bringing in more powerful power delivery and sharper handling. It's great as a middle ground between daily practicality and sporty performance. Distinct sporty exterior design and interior details also make it visually appealing. For those looking to be able to do their weekday commutes and weekend track days with one car, the Civic Si is quite an attractive choice.

Conclusion

In this practical buying guide to cheap cars for enthusiasts, you can find many exciting options on the market within an affordable price range. Whether you are a fan of pure driving pleasure, or you are just looking for a daily car that is able to balance well between performance and practicality, the above fast vehicles can meet your needs. There is an old saying that 'the best car is always the one that suits you best.' With such sufficient research in this article, you can find the perfect car that brings you a smile every time you start it up. So take action to do a test drive today!

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