Do you expect performance cars to be reliable? These cars are built to take a beating on the road and track, allowing you to push them hard through the twists and turns. This should indicate that used performance cars can be reliable and relatively affordable, making it easy for you to enjoy a fantastic drive.

Driving a sports car is generally a dream and desire of nearly everyone with a license. Unfortunately, not everyone has the opportunity to step in and take a performance car out for a drive. Thankfully, you’ll find many impressive models on the used market, making it easy to experience a high-quality drive and lots of fun from behind the wheel.

Quality and reliability ratings were sourced from J.D. Power, while powertrain specifications and general vehicle information were sourced from various automakers. This list is sorted by quality and reliability ratings from lowest to highest.

10

2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Quality And Reliability Rating: 80/100

Many enthusiasts overlook the Genesis Coupe when discussing performance cars, but the 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is more than quick enough to be considered a great choice. Add a respectable reliability rating and affordable price, and you’ll have a winning combination.

Powertrain Specifications

This Hyundai performance car wasn’t nearly as popular as more common names in the performance car class, but that didn’t stop the Genesis Coupe from being an admirable car. The dependability and performance offered make it easy to enjoy.

Pros

• Adept handling
• Spirited acceleration
• Good value

Cons

• Cramped rear seat
• Lackluster audio system

9

2010 BMW M3

Quality And Reliability Rating: 80/100

Used BMW models are constantly part of the mix when it comes to highly regarded performance machines. The 2010 BMW M3 brings you much more performance at a lower price than today’s models, making it a great choice when you want value and driving perfection.

Powertrain Specifications

The reliability score might not be as high as you might like, but this BMW performance machine is what will get you in the door. With the impressive V8 engine under the hood and BMW’s classic driving manners, this M3 is a joy to drive.

Pros

• Sublime high-revving V8
• Otherworldly handling
• Agreeable ride

Cons

• Limited interior space
• Sedan model has a cramped backseat

8

2017 Fiat 124 Spider

Quality And Reliability Rating: 81/100

The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider was the alternative to the Miata that gave the world some Italian pep and style in a drop-top roadster. This Fiat shares the Miata platform, but it is longer and has significant design cues that give it the desired personality.

Powertrain Specifications

This Fiat roadster includes several sound-deadening items to make it much quieter than the competition. When you want fun and excitement in a reliable package that doesn’t cost a lot, the 124 Spider is an excellent choice.

Pros

• Endlessly entertaining around turns
• Manual soft top is easy to raise and lower
• Surprisingly comfortable on the highway

Cons

• Cabin is a tight fit for tall passengers
• Steering wheel shift paddles are only offered in the Abarth trim
• Technology interface isn’t as user-friendly as some rivals

7

2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse

Quality And Reliability Rating: 81/100

The 2008 Mitsubishi Eclipse was a mainstay of racing video games of the early to mid-2000s. This car is a tuner’s delight and one of the most enjoyable cars from the Need For Speed games. If you want affordable fun that brings the video game to life, the Eclipse is the car for you.

Powertrain Specifications

The comfortable and sporty attitude is part of this Mitsubishi performance car, despite its lack of the tech you might want in a modern car. The Eclipse is reliable, fun to drive, and well-appointed for its time, making it easy to experience a fantastic drive.

Pros

• Balanced ride and handling
• Comfortable front seats
• Rockford Fosgate stereo

Cons

• Big turning circle
• Small back seat
• Heavy for a sports coupe

6

2008 Nissan 350Z

Quality And Reliability Rating: 82/100

This Nissan Z-car provides a wonderful driving experience filled with power and comfort, making the 2008 Nissan 350Z a great car for fun on any road trip. The powertrain is perfect for speed, and the handling delivers the curve-hugging feeling you’ll love on any road.

Powertrain Specifications

This Nissan sports car is much more reliable than you might expect. The blend of power, performance, and reliability make the 350Z an easy choice when you want fun and excitement from behind the wheel.

Pros

• Strong and sweet-sounding V6 engine
• Capable handling and braking
• Still looks great several years later

Cons

• Some low-grade interior materials
• Steering wheel doesn’t telescope
• Poor rearward visibility

5

2007 Porsche Boxster S

Quality And Reliability Rating: 83/100

When it comes to exceptional handling, the 2007 Porsche Boxster is at the top of the list among affordable and reliable sports cars. This impressive car is ready to sprint forward quickly and leave other cars in the dust, providing you with the exhilaration desired.

Powertrain Specifications

The S trim gives this Porsche more punch than its base version, ensuring you have the desired driving qualities and engagement. If you want a more hardcore experience in the Boxster, choose the S model.

Pros

• World-class handling and braking
• Pinpoint steering
• Usable cargo compartment

Cons

• Overly complex audio dash controls
• Moderate top-up noise at higher speeds
• Lackluster low-end torque in the 2.7-liter engine

4

2008 BMW Z4

Quality And Reliability Rating: 85/100

The 2008 BMW Z4 might be looked at as an upper-class Miata, but there’s a lot more to this car than other roadsters. The Z4 is one of the top choices for open-top driving, giving you excellent reliability scores and an affordable price.

Powertrain Specifications

The lightweight convertible design gives this BMW a sense of playfulness that is lost in other German sports cars. The powertrain is ideal for some driving fun, and the reliability scores help you have peace of mind when you head out for a road trip.

Pros

• Engaging driving dynamics
• Refined powertrains
• Excellent build quality

Cons

• Sport package’s ride quality might be overly stiff for some drivers

3

2020 Subaru WRX

Quality And Reliability Rating: 85/100

The 2020 Subaru WRX simply continues its tradition of being one of the most affordable sports cars on the market. This model year proves this car to be a reliable choice that can be fun to toss around on any road, making this sports sedan a great option for many drivers.

Powertrain Specifications

This Subaru sports sedan has desirable driving chops, but that low price comes with a trade-off. The interior isn’t quiet and lacks the upscale features of some of the top names available. Still, the WRX can be pure joy on any road.

Pros

• Spacious cabin with excellent outward visibility
• Entertaining handling and steering response on twisty roads
• Full-time AWD enhances traction and performance

Cons

• Lurchy full-throttle shifts
• Excessive wind and road noise
• Interior quality lags that of competitors

2

2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Quality And Reliability Rating: 86/100

The 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata might be the poster child for cheap and reliable sports cars. This model is part of the NC, third generation, which means it was heavier than previous versions, but it is also one of the most reliable used sports cars available.

Powertrain Specifications

The only drawback to this car is the soft top design, but that is also part of the charm that Mazda built into the MX-5 Miata. If you want to drive a car that is made for fun and driving excitement, you can’t go wrong with the Miata.

Pros

• Fun to drive
• Precise steering and handling
• Low operating cost

Cons

• Limited trunk space
• Very tall drivers might be cramped
• Stability control is only available on top trim levels

1

2010 Ford Mustang GT

Quality And Reliability Rating: 87/100

One of the most highly recognizable and enjoyable sports cars on the market is the Mustang. The 2010 Ford Mustang GT ranks among the top choices for reliability in the used sports car market. This pony car has an impressive design, excellent chassis dynamics, and a comfortable cabin.

Powertrain Specifications

This Ford pony car was restyled and made a strong impression on reviewers of the time. The high reliability scores and incredible road manners make it easy to get behind the wheel and love everything about the Mustang GT.

Pros

• Powerful acceleration and a great V8 soundtrack
• Ford Sync system
• Good performance value

Cons

• Weak and outdated V6 engine
• Unimpressive fuel mileage