Top 5 BEST Cheap Reliable New Cars That Are Fun And Sporty

Top 5 best affordable sports cars you can buy in 2024. Want an affordable and reliable car that's fun and sporty? These are the best sports cars and performance cars you can buy for under $40k brand new. Some include the 2024 Volkswagen GTI, 2024 Honda Civic Si, 2024 Subaru WRX, 2024 Toyota GR86, 2024 Subaru BRZ, and 2024 Mazda MX-5. If you are looking to buy one of the best performance cars, sports cars and not sure which one to buy, make sure to watch this video.

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With over a decade of experience as a professional car buyer and auto consultant, Shari Prymak has helped thousands of consumers with their car buying needs. Car Help Corner provides honest, objective, consumer advice with all aspects of car buying and car ownership. For more professional advice, check out Car Help Canada, become a member, and subscribe!

[bobrad]

I've had 2 Miatas and am now on my second GR86. The Miatas were the most fun to drive, but I had to give them up because my walker (I'm 91) wouldn't fit in the car. The GR86 is more track ready; all I had to add were some track brake pads and an oil pan baffle. I track the car a few times a year, mostly time trials and hill climbs with some Track Nights in America thrown in. Let me recommend TNiA, you get 100 minutes of seat time at the track for about $200. That works out to about 30 miles per dollar.

[lionlamb]

My choice would be the Mazda 3 - a basic yet fun to drive 4 seater.
As usual, this presentation wins everyone for its practicality and personal experience of the products. Thank you VERY MUCH!

[gabenager]

I have a 2021 Mazda 3 hatch, it’s my first car, and I can say that this man is speaking nothing but the truth, it’s so much fun to drive, and the 6 speed manual that it comes with is a rare spec, but so worth it

[wilfs]

Have owned 8 Mazdas, 4 of which were Mazda 3s, looking for my second MX-5 at the moment . No unscheduled maintenance or breakdown on any of them. Daily driver is the Mazda CX-30, son has a CX-5.

[soapa]

Just nabbed myself a ‘03 R53 Cooper S for $3500. 86K miles, decently maintained, and already had Koni Shocks. These things are so fun and the supercharger whine is addicting.

[billyrock]

Mazda’s sweet spot in this video.

Mazda 3 specifically 👑 🥇
Miata #1 convertible 🥇

👍 🇯🇵

[Detris]

Such a shame Mustangs became so expensive that they aren't really affordable anymore... otherwise they would make my version of this list 100%.

[robertgravel]

Great choices, all of them. I will buy a car in the fall and it will be a toss up between the Mazda 3 and the GTI. I’ve owned a 2021 GLI and it was such a nice car to drive but, yes, expensive to maintain 😮

[jeganv]

I bought the BRZ. I'm now 10 years in the BRZ/86 platform. Driving is a joy and the only boring aspect is the ownership experience in that nothing really goes wrong. If anything I see the mechanic for only two things, maintenance or modifications.

[sammyt]

The Mazda 3 is the only one I'd consider from that group; it's a better compromise in terms of fun vs practicality than the other car I would also have considered if it weren't a 2-seater; the Mazda Miata. The rest of the cars have reliability issues (transmission and/or engine) that would make me steer far clear of them.

[craigo]

If you only have one vehicle, I think the Civic is the way to go. Good handling, nice ride, some fun and should be dependable if you like to keep a car for more than a couple of years. Glad you mentioned the GTI and all the "problems" that might come with it. It's fun as long as you are aware.

[Steve_in_NJ]

Great list Shari. Too bad I can no longer drive any type of sedan or coupe. At almost 65 years young, I need my SUV Crossover to be able to slide into the driver's seat without having to crouch down.

[codincoman]

Fully agree.
Mazda is by far the best balance between fun/sportiness, low TCO and reliability.
Unfortunately you do not have Suzuki in North America... Suzuki Swift Sport is a nice cheap alternative for some.

[mrzombier]

Given how much Civic hatch prices have gone up, the SI seems to be in a sweet spot given its MSRP.

[spritual_enlightenment]

I understand there are two spots for Mazda, but they are not my picks due to skimpy interior space. Where is Corolla GR by the way? Or is it not reliable?

[CDeez-bhsg]

Is the Honda Sport as reliable as the Honda SI?

[sokratzmmf]

Mazda 3 interior is too claustrophobic with little headroom. Mazda also needs a major design update.

[looneynes]

I have a Miata, but before purchasing it was also considering the GR86. I would have gotten the Toyota except having a convertible for me made the choice a no brainer.

[islanddon]

"MIATA: Winner and still champion...in this comparo and in my own heart. I've owned one, and LOVED it. It's he most slick and sophisticated handling car in this $40k class. Everything works smoothly and almost fluidly. I owned a 97 Miata, but the love affair continues, even though we've parted.😢

[atl]

I would pick an Integra A-Spec with the technology package.