For people who love to drive, a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) sports car is really attractive. The balanced way it handles, the feeling of being pushed from behind, and the chance to do fun drifts all make for a special and exciting drive. Luckily, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a good RWD sports car. The used car market has many exciting choices that are fun and perform well without costing too much. Here are 10 of the cheapest good RWD sports cars you can buy in 2025:
1. 1990s Pontiac Firebird: Often surprisingly cheap, especially older ones from the 1990s, the Firebird looks like a classic American muscle car and is fun with RWD. Depending on the year, you could find versions with either a V6 or a stronger V8 engine. Prices for a 1990 Pontiac Firebird can be from around $2,600 to $25,000 depending on how good it is and what kind it is.
2. 1996 Ford Mustang GT (SN95 Type): While maybe not the most loved type of Mustang, the SN95 GT has a V8 engine and RWD thrills for a low price. The 4.6-liter V8 makes a good amount of power, giving you a classic muscle car feeling. You can find a 1996 Ford Mustang GT for around $10,000.
3. 2004 Mazda RX-8: With its special rotary engine and fun handling, the RX-8 is a different choice. While it can have engine problems, if it’s been taken care of, it’s a great car to drive. Used prices are usually around $12,000.
4. 1997 BMW Z3: This nice-looking convertible gives you the classic BMW RWD driving feel in a small and not-too-expensive package. While some of the ones with smaller engines might not be super powerful, they still feel fun and connected to the road.
5. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NB Type): The MX-5 Miata is always a favorite because it’s so pure and fun to drive. The NB type feels a bit more modern than the first NA one but still has the light and quick feeling that makes the Miata so loved. A 1999 NB Miata might cost you around $12,000.
6. 2000 Toyota MR2 Spyder: This sports car with the engine in the middle and RWD gives a different driving feeling with its almost perfect balance and unique look. It’s a fun and interesting choice compared to more normal sports cars. Expect to pay around $12,000 for a 2000 model.
7. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (C4 Type): The C4 Corvette, while not always the most liked type, is a really good deal in the world of classic sports cars. The 1985 year is especially cheap, giving you a piece of famous American sports car history with RWD and a V8 engine for around $12,000.
8. 2003 BMW Z4 (E85 Type): A step up from the Z3, the E85 Z4 looks more modern and usually has more powerful engine choices. It still has the fun RWD handling that makes BMW convertibles so appealing. Average used prices are about $12,500.
9. 2008 Pontiac Solstice: This smooth and stylish convertible offered a fun RWD driving experience and a special look. It’s a good alternative to other cheap sports cars. You can usually find them for around $14,000.
10. 2005 Nissan 350Z: The 350Z is a more modern and powerful choice on this list, with a strong V6 engine and fun handling. It’s a popular pick for people who want a good mix of performance and affordability. Average used prices are around $14,500.
Important Things to Think About:
- How Good It Is and How Many Miles: Like any used car, the price will really depend on how good the car is, how many miles it has been driven, and if it has been taken care of. Check any car you might buy carefully and think about getting a mechanic to look at it before you buy.
- Cost of Fixing: Keep in mind that some of these sports cars, especially the European ones and those with more complex engines like the RX-8’s rotary, might cost more to fix than regular cars.
- Changes in Price: Prices for used cars can change depending on what people want and how the economy is doing. The prices listed above are just rough averages in April 2025.
While new RWD sports cars can cost a lot, the used car market is a great way to feel the fun of rear-wheel drive without spending too much money. These ten models offer different styles and how well they perform, so there’s probably a cheap RWD sports car out there for almost everyone who loves driving. Good luck finding one!