7 Surprisingly Fun Cars - That DON'T Cost a Fortune!

Most people will overlook these affordable enthusiast cars- either because they come from an unexpected brand, or are simply underrated in the sports car community. But each of these seven cheap first cars have some hidden secret. Whether it's a Yamaha-tuned 8k-RPM Lotus engine, or an evil sport edition with blacked-out badges. These best cheap sports cars for car guys are a great way to have fun on a budget. They're surprisingly fast cheap cars that almost anyone can afford!

🔵REMEMBER TO LIKE AND SUBSCRIBE🔵

[the.squidd]

I once rented a Fiat Abarth and had a blast driving it, plus girls thought I was so cute in my little espresso car.

[matthewjones]

I love my abarth. Another mention could’ve been the Saab 9-3 aero

[Matin_M]

Came for the V40 in the thumbnail because I have a C30 and I was very pleasantly surprised at the C30 entry! They're great fun indeed, in fact, the ST225/XR5's engine is borrowed from the C30 T5! I plan on AWD swapping mine with parts from an S40 or V50 since they use the same cassis!

[FalconDroppings]

I can testify that the 2ZZ-GE is by far one of the best engines ever. Here in Australia we have the Corolla Sportivo. I had a black 2003 one (seen in pfp) that took daily abuse and provided me with some of the best fun i've ever had in a car. I miss it more and more every day.

[flowride]

The Fiat: good luck on the $6k that you've suggested. Even high mileage versions have gone up considerably in price. I can attest, though-they are FUN. I owned one and regret selling it.

I also own a Solstice GXP. Extremely fun but could use some suspension & brake upgrades.

[goracks]

Best kept secret for 30+ yo enthusiasts… The Ecoboost Ford Flex or MKT. want an awd rocket that can transport you, all your stuff, and room for 7 in under 5.9 seconds (stock) for under $20k? You can even get heated seats and a fridge in back, or a wooden steering wheel or heated steering wheel. I loved these things. But look for one that’s had the turbos, timing chain and water pump replaced as those are big jobs on that engine.

[waynemangan]

I remember reading the reviews of the VOlvo C30, seeing it at the new car show as well and wanting it, even thinking it was a bargain of a crafted machine campared to WRX or the copetitors at the time, and unique 5cyl. I think it may have been the only 3 door hatch in the U.S. besides VW. I'd see one around my neighborhood all the time in blue. I could not afford a 30k car at the time, but was also pretty happy with my 07 Si, but the C30 was the grown up tuner hatch. Shoot, I should find one now....sweet 5cyl

[asianinashed]

Fun fact: the corolla xrs, matrix xrs, and vibe gt stopped offering the 2zz after 2009 and they were replaced by the 2.4 in the camry.

Only giving them 150-160 hp

[christopherwhitley]

You forgot the Nissan Sentra V Spec. Love that thing. Light fun to drive and had a helical limited slip differential.

[mrqz]

ive had my abarth for 5 years and its been amazing, only issue ive had is having to change the front axles a couple years ago. i drive it hard every day and its never left me stranded

[Neptune]

The abarth is fun, the c30 is great (if you can deal with the outdated interior and moderate reliability) and I’ve always loved the solstice

[kashifa]

I didn't realize the detuned engine in my '03 corolla could be built/tuned to even go to 8.2k rpm

[bobcantstandzyobitz]

A friend had a 2002 Celica GTS. Not a super fast car but great sounding engine and fun to drive, stick shift, of course.

[nischalrana]

The Vibe GT is the real steal. Toyota parts, GM price and better build quality than the Matrix due to the NUUMI plants better automation.

[diede]

The modding community for the 500 Abarth over here in Europe is really active. It is not uncommon to see Abarths pushing beyond 300 hp without reliability issues. The myth that modern FCA products are unreliable is nonsense anyway.

[ath]

I bought a 2007 Solstice GXP a few years back. It was fun but ridiculously cramped and not fun on long trips. I traded it in for an 07 Corvette and it feels like a land yacht in comparison. I freakin love my vette!

[sabersz]

I love the C30. I currently have a Ford Fiesta in bright green (Celebration Edition) but a C30 was the one I was originally looking at. I still do want one, they have that thicc rear end, and I love the large window design.

[lancemannion]

Not that you'll have a very easy time finding one, but if you're going to go for a Mazda MX-6 you're better off going for a Probe GT. Arguably better looking car. Plus you have the utility of the hatchback. Definitely not overpowered cars but a very sweet V6 and the handling was sublime (well, for fwd!) And I can't believe you would put a Fiat Abarth above a Fiesta ST!? But if you drive these two cars back-to-back you will get the fiesta. Quicker, more room, more tunable, and far more reliable! And yes, the C30 is awesome!...but the secrets out. No longer 'cheap!'

[poonbandit]

One of the regulars at the shop I work at has an LS3 swapped Pontiac solstice, it is an absolute riot to drive.

[devonjardine]

I couldn't find an XRS at the time but I got a manual XR Matrix, his name is Igor, and he is more fun than my 06 Lancer ralliart. Plus I ditched him twice at the ski resort and when he got pulled out he was smiling and looking pretty. My little tank.