These Really Cool Classic Sports Cars Are Actually Affordable To Own

Buying a car is a big investment and the average car enthusiast does not want to experiment without any prior knowledge of the market. Anyone with a need for speed knows that modern sports cars can be quite expensive, and those on a budget end up looking for older models with proven longevity. Thankfully, the used car marketplace is filled with several classic cars that offer great performance capabilities as well as loads of fun when driving. However, it is still difficult to choose when so many options are available, which is why it is important to compare the market value of these machines.

This list has been compiled of 10 such classic sports cars that are actually affordable to own so that it becomes easier to make the choice for those looking to purchase a machine that is accessible, yet competent.

10 1988 BMW E28 M5

Current Market Value: $40,776

An average market valuation of $40,776 is by no means ‘cheap’, but considering how reliable and competent the 1988 BMW E28 M5 is, that price tag is more than justified. Capable of catapulting from a standstill to 60 mph in a mere 5.7 seconds, the E28 M5 boasts impressive acceleration for the time it was built in.

Performance

There should be no doubt that the E28 M5 is one of the most reliable BMW cars of all time, with a classic design that can be described as handsome but simple. The 1988 BMW E28 M5 is a great example of how to build a reliable and well-balanced machine.

9 1973 Nissan Datsun 240Z

Current Market Value: $32,016

An awfully long 8.7 seconds to conquer the 60 mph mark is not very fast, and this is because the 2.4-liter inline-6 engine of the Nissan Datsun 240Z makes just 151 horsepower, which is absurdly low by today’s standards. However, these were times when fuel regulations had killed off most high-performance cars, and the 1973 Datsun 240Z became a fan favorite because of its efficiency and reliability. It completely changed the perception of Japanese cars in Europe and America.

Performance

Being a Japanese machine, the Nissan Datsun 240Z is very modifiable and tuner-friendly. This means that a car with such historical significance and value can be further improved in areas like power, and tuned to perfection, like this 278 horsepower restomod of the car. The car is valued at an average market price of $32,016 and is likely to rise in value as years go by, so now might be a good time to invest in it.

RELATED: How The Datsun 240Z Showed Europe And America That Nissan Meant Business

8 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1

Current Market Value: $27,216

One simply does not talk about speed without mentioning the Corvette, and the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1 is an insane performer that leaves many modern cars in the dust, with a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 176 mph. There is so much to love about the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1, for its aerodynamic build, and insanely powerful engine allow it to shoot like a bullet and leave every competitor behind.

Performance

The massive 375 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque that is produced by the engine of this absolutely beautiful car, can take it to the very limit and allow it to enter and exit corners at breakneck speeds. If one considers the average market valuation which is just $27,216 at the moment, it is a steal.

7 1987 Porsche 928 S

Current Market Value: $26,024

The 1987 Porsche 928 S series car is a surprisingly heavy car for its subcompact size. Yet, its performance is enough to beat out most of its competitors from its time. The 928 S is valued at around $26,024 on Classic, and the 5.7 seconds that it takes to reach 60 mph might be the exact time it takes for most Porsche fans to sign a check and write their names down for this car.

Performance

With a powerful engine generating 320 horsepower, this Porsche offers both luxury and competence and an accessible price point, and it easily cements itself on the list of the cheapest used Porsche cars of all time.

6 1994 Toyota MR2

Current Market Value: $22,410

No list of reliable cars would be complete without at least one Toyota, and the 1994 Toyota MR2 is one such car that can be found on the market at an average valuation of just around $22,410, and yet showcase reliability like it is in factory condition. The car can do the 0 to 60 sprint in 6.5 seconds, which is quite good considering it is just a 200-horsepower car. This shows how well-balanced the MR2 is, and that Toyota has put in a lot of effort to make it lightweight and agile around corners.

Performance

The Toyota MR2 is a great mid-engined sports car that will never let you down, and since aftermarket parts are readily available and that too for cheap prices, the car is quite affordable to own. Toyota’s cars don’t break down easily, so one can put their faith into the MR2 and enjoy the performance it offers, for it can be loads of fun to drive.

5 1996 Nissan 300ZX

Current Market Value: $18,791

The 1996 Nissan 370ZX is yet another Japanese sports car that makes for a great daily driver as well as a competent machine with good track capabilities. If one is looking to purchase a quick and agile sports car that is reliable in the long run and yet costs less than $20,000, the 1996 Nissan 300ZX is a great machine to own.

Performance

Finishing the 0 to 60 mph spring in a mere 5.4 seconds, the 1996 Nissan 300ZX can be classified as an underrated classic that failed to make a place for itself in collector’s showcases because it was built at the wrong time. The early ’90s was a time when the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 roared louder than any other Japanese sports car, and the 300ZX got lost in the hype that surrounded the mighty 4WD Skyline. Nevertheless, it is a wonderful sports car that can be very affordable to own for the average citizen.

RELATED: 10 Things You Should Know Before Buying A Nissan 300ZX

4 2003 BMW 540i E39

Current Market Value: $16,203

The 2003 BMW 540i E39 is a perfect example of the engineering competence needed to build a BMW car. The E39 symbolized all that was excellent about BMW in the early 2000s, becoming one of the most reliable and well-balanced machines to have been made by the manufacturer at the dawn of this century.

Performance

The 540i E39 features a somewhat unassuming design, but its competence should not be questioned, for it can do the 0 to 60 mph sprint in a mere 6.2 seconds, with only the sheer weight of the car holding it back.

3 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four

Current Market Value: $16,159

Yet another Toyota to make it to this list, the Toyota Celica GT-Four was a rally champion and a legendary name in the ’90s for every sports car fan. While the base 1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four takes 6.2 seconds to reach the 60 mph mark, several variants could go even faster.

Performance

With 242 horsepower to propel it forward, the Toyota Celica GT-Four was powerful enough to conquer any track in its time, and the All-Trac Turbo AWD system was an insane additional component to have, that boosted its numbers into the sky. The Celica GT-Four is one of the most well-tuned cars even in factory condition and makes a great investment for anyone looking to purchase a reliable Japanese sports car, as it is valued at just $16,159 on the market.

2 1991 Mazda RX-7

Current Market Value: $12,434

Mazda did a number on all their competitors when they built the RX-7, for it was the most beautiful Japanese sports car in the world. The 1991 Mazda RX-7 had a unique rotary engine that came in both single-turbine and twin-turbine variants. The car could produce 200 horsepower in the factory setting and could be made to generate much higher.

Performance

There was never a major car magazine in Japan that didn’t have this beauty on its front cover at least once during these years, the car was just that stunning. The pop-up headlights and sleek curves added to its style points, and its base model was competent enough to reach the 60 mph mark in just 5.3 seconds, making it a great sports car to own at the time. Even today, the 1991 model can be found for an average market price of $12,434, making it a great cheap sports car for the average sports car fan.

RELATED: Why The Legendary Mazda RX-7 Is A Tuner’s Dream Car

1 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Current Market Value: $11,142

Stunning design and long-term reliability: the 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata offers both with grace. Though not the quickest car on the market, taking a whole 8.7 seconds to finish the 60 mph sprint, the 1994 Miata’s 1.8-liter inline-4 engine is efficient and reliable, making it a good daily driver for the average sports car fan, and with 42.7 inches in legroom, the car is quite spacious and comfortable, even for taller passengers.

Performance

The 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is not meant to be some powerhouse performer, but just a smooth and graceful daily driver that is affordable, reliable, and stylish. However, it can put up some impressive numbers on track, if tuned well.