Certain manufacturers of motor vehicles become synonymous with specific areas of the car world. Pagani builds supercars, Rolls-Royce focuses on ultimate luxury vehicles, and Morgan makes weird wooden three-wheelers, but there are few brands as inextricably linked to a class of car as Porsche is to the sports car. The Stuttgart brand has been at the forefront of the sports car market for over 50 years now, offering some of the very best vehicles in the class, and breaking boundaries of performance, with some models, such as the 911, becoming iconic in its own right and part of the brand’s identity.
Updated August 2023: The Porsche 911 is one of the most popular sports cars on the planet thanks to its brilliant engineering and driving experience. Unfortunately, while it is more reliable than some other sports cars in its class, the model does have some issues that can cost a lot of money to fix. Some 911 models also don’t last very long, which is why we’ve updated this list with more information regarding the chosen vehicles.
But Porsches are also expensive, especially in the States, and you’d be very hard-pressed to find a good example of any model from the last 10 years for less than $30,000. In fact, a 2012 911 Carrera will cost you over $46,000 at the moment. If your budget does not stretch that far, do not fear. There are a good number of sports cars offering pre-eminent performance and dependable reliability for a fraction of the price, and we’re so determined to prove it, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 cheap sports cars that we think will outlive any Porsche.
12 2002-2008 Nissan 350Z
Used Starting Price: $7,399
Already a bona fide automotive legend and the pin-up car of its day, the Nissan 350Z represents the best bargain sports car in the world right now. The JDM icon was the cover star for a plethora of publications and games during its ’00s pomp, delighting drivers with its strong performance stats and agile handling.
Reliability
-
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs:
$343 -
Estimated Maintenance Costs Over 5 Years:
$1,716 -
Recalls:
5 -
Problems Owners Report:
Rather firm ride, interior quality is not as good as competitors. -
Highest Mileage Reported:
165,000 miles on CarSurvey
The Nissan also already has pedigree as a Porsche rival, matching up favorably to its contemporary 911 adversary, offering almost the same amount of power for nearly half the price. You can still pick one up for less than $15,000, and reports suggest that its strong V6 is good for over 300,000 miles. Grab one now while prices are still low.
11 Chevrolet Corvette C5
Used Starting Price: $13,995
The first of a few American entries on this list, the Corvette C5 might just be the most sensible purchase here, and yes, we know that “sensible” and “Corvette” are words that rarely go together. Built between 1997 and 2004, the Corvette C5 was one of Chevy’s best yet, with sumptuous styling, and great performance too; its LS1 engine puts out a very healthy 345 hp, propelling the C5 to a top speed of around 180 mph — enough to match most Porsches you can find.
Reliability
-
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs:
$451 -
Estimated Maintenance Costs Over 5 Years:
$2,259 -
Recalls:
4 -
Problems Owners Report:
Build quality, cheap-looking plastics in sight, trunk release breaking. -
Highest Mileage Reported:
123,000
The upsides don’t stop there, as the 5th generation ‘Vette has gained a reputation as highly reliable — due in part to the fact that it never has to try too hard on public roads — and it has depreciated to the point where you can get one for under $20,000. Pick one up now and enjoy beating Porsches at the lights for years to come.
10 2016-Present Chevrolet Camaro SS
Starting MSRP: $41,295
We’re sticking with both The Land Of The Free and Chevrolet for this next entry, the quintessentially American, Camaro SS. The current generation of Camaro has been with us for some time now — 8 years in fact — and it looks like Chevrolet is discontinuing the nameplate for good at the end of its run, but in many ways, its longevity appears to be a case of that old saying “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” at play.
Reliability
-
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs:
$382 -
Estimated Maintenance Costs Over 5 Years:
$1,910 -
Recalls:
1 -
Problems Owners Report:
Visibility is bad out the rear, cabin is dark compared to rivals, rear seats are small, trunk space is limited, lots of blind spots that need getting used to.
The Camaro S.S. offers exactly what you’d expect from its historic and iconic name; big power — 455 hp to be exact — aggressive and sporty styling, and undeniable presence. Much like the aforementioned Corvette, the Camaro is built on a reasonably simple and ubiquitous platform, making it reliable and economical to repair (though, again, like the Corvette above, fuel economy might be a different story). Pick up a 2015 model for $25,000 and use the change from the Porsche you could have bought as gas money.
9 1999-2009 Honda S2000
Used Starting Price: $24,995
The two things Honda is most renowned for are: Building reliable vehicles and their sports cars from the 1990s and 2000s. So it’s no surprise then to see the S2000 — a car that encapsulates both of those — on this list.
Reliability
-
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs:
$628 -
Estimated Maintenance Costs Over 5 Years:
$3,140 -
Recalls:
2 -
Problems Owners Report:
Rattles, plastic degrades, random engine warning lights, transmission grinds a bit when shifting at high rpm. -
Highest Mileage Reported:
120,000 miles on CarSurvey
Naturally-aspirated and high revving, the S2000’s iconic F20C engine could hurl its lightweight body along any winding road with enough vigor to match the vast majority of Porsches, and, with many reports of vehicles lasting over 300,000 miles with regular servicing and only minor TLC, it can match Stuttgart reliability, too. Prices for S2000s are beginning to shoot up in recent years and for good reason, but you can still get a good one for less than $30,000.
8 2015-Present Ford Mustang
Starting MSRP: $30,920
Heavy, flamboyant, and at its best in a straight line, in many ways, the Mustang is the antithesis of Porsche products, but if you’re looking for a fun, reliable, and reasonably-priced sports car, you won’t go far wrong with the current version of the original pony car.
Reliability
-
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs:
$383 -
Estimated Maintenance Costs Over 5 Years:
$1,915 -
Recalls:
3 -
Problems Owners Report:
Interior is a bit lower quality due to the price point. -
Highest Mileage Reported:
134,000 miles on CarSurvey
A new seventh-generation car is on the way for 2024, but Ford’s current Mustang shares many similarities with its aforementioned American stablemate, the Chevrolet Camaro. Both have been around since 2015, pack oodles of horsepower, and have strong consumer reports on reliability. You can get a 2016 model Mustang for around $25,000 at the moment, and, considering how much car you’re getting, that’s not bad money at all.
7 2015-Present Mazda Miata
Starting MSRP: $28,050
You don’t need us to tell you that gearheads love a Miata — the little Mazda changed the automotive industry forever — but a lot of the talk surrounding the name focuses on the early cars, and we think the current model is well worth your time. It may not have power stats to match some of the other vehicles on this list, but that’s not what the Miata is all about. The fourth-generation car has all the ingredients you’d expect from the name badge; great styling, lightweight, and, with up to 181 hp – enough power to get a bit silly on a twisty road.
Reliability
-
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs:
$313 -
Estimated Maintenance Costs Over 5 Years:
$1,564 -
Recalls:
1 -
Problems Owners Report:
A bit underpowered, limited space in cabin and trunk. -
Highest Mileage Reported:
125,000 miles
Will the fourth generation be as legendary as some of its predecessors? Only time will tell, but given Mazda’s famous reliability, there will still be a good number of them around when that time comes. You can grab a 2016 car for around $26,000 at the moment, and we think you probably should.
6 2014-2016 BMW M235i
Used Starting Price: $18,999
Okay, so we’re well aware that recent BMWs don’t have the best reputation for reliability among car people, but prepare to be surprised; according to the 2022 edition of the Consumer Report annual reliability survey, the brand is only behind Toyota and Lexus in overall dependability. The 2014-2016 M235i is a shining example of the brand’s reliability according to consumers, and also a complete joy of a sports car.
Reliability
-
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs:
$722 -
Estimated Maintenance Costs Over 5 Years:
$3,612 -
Recalls:
0 -
Problems Owners Report:
Tight rear seat room, no xDrive on Convertible version.
Nimble, agile, and powerful too — with a limited top speed of 155 mph and 0-60 mph time of just under 5 seconds — the M235i is a brilliant baby BMW, and, because of its M badge, it’s packed with performance features too, such as M Sport suspension and brakes, and sports seats. If you’re looking for that premium feel, strong performance, and great reliability, the BMW M235i is a car you should consider.
5 2021-Present Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ
Starting MSRP: $28,400
When Toyota and Subaru decided to come together to develop the 86/BRZ a truly fantastic sports car base was born, and now in its second generation, we believe this is absolutely a car to rival any Porsche on the market, especially for first-time sports car buyers. The 86 and BRZ are very similar overall, give or take some minor tweaks, so choose your favorite and take in that wonderful old-fashioned sports car experience; a lightweight and well-sorted chassis, a proper manual gearbox, and rear-wheel drive.
Reliability
-
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs:
$244 -
Estimated Maintenance Costs Over 5 Years:
$1,220 -
Recalls:
1 -
Highest Mileage Reported:
34,000 miles on CarEdge
Prices start at around $30,000 for a brand-new car, which is still a considerable amount less than it would cost you to buy a 10-year-old 911, and Toyota ranked number one in the previously mentioned 2022 Consumer Report reliability survey, too, so we can’t think of many reasons not to buy one of these.
4 2014-Present Audi TT
Starting MSRP: $52,200
A sports car stalwart, the Audi TT is nearing the end of the road, with the German brand confirming that — after almost a quarter of a century — the current fourth-generation car will be the last, and production will end this year, but there are so many reasons to love the TT.
Reliability
-
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs:
$330 -
Estimated Maintenance Costs Over 5 Years:
$2,647 -
Recalls:
0 -
Problems Owners Report:
Heavier on fuel than expected, limited storage space. -
Highest Mileage Reported:
56,765 miles on CarEdge
Far more than the ‘hairdresser’s car’ stereotype, Audi’s compact sports car offers a little bit of everything, from its consistently distinctive design features and sense of style to its performance capabilities and those famous Quattro handling characteristics. The TT has also proved to be a reliable machine – a 2023 study by iSeeCars found the TT to be the most reliable luxury sports car of all, getting a near-perfect 9.9/10 score for reliability in its convertible guise.
3 1993-2001 Acura Integra Type R
Used Starting Price: $37,850
Perhaps somewhat of a wildcard entry, the Acura Integra Type R is a rare beast these days, but not because of any reliability issues. Only around 4,000 were imported into the states, leading the car, described in its day as the best-handling front-wheel-drive car of all time, to be far less known than its famous brother, the Civic Type R.
Reliability
-
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs:
$501 -
Estimated Maintenance Costs Over 5 Years:
$2,505 -
Recalls:
0 -
Problems Owners Report:
Electrical issues, squeaks, rattles, window problems, radiator leaks, oil leaks, rust forms around the sunroof. -
Highest Mileage Reported:
135,000 miles on CarSurvey
But fame isn’t everything. The Integra Type R garnered strong praise from the motoring press when it came out, with its hand-built 1.8-liter, 185 hp engine picked out as a particular high-spot. Due to rarity, it’ll cost you around $40,000 to make an Integra Type R yours, and finding one that hasn’t been heavily modified could be seriously tricky business, but we think it’s worth the effort.
2 2000-2006 BMW M3
Used Starting Price: $15,000
Via Jake Thomas / Wikimedia
The BMW E46 M3 is one of the most popular M-cars ever made, being called the last true M3 thanks to its naturally aspirated straight-6. While this statement is open to interpretation, the E46 M3 is an excellent sports car that can last a long time – given the proper maintenance schedule is adhered to.
Reliability
-
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs:
Approx. $1,000 -
Estimated Maintenance Costs Over 5 Years:
Approx. $4,000 -
Recalls:
0 -
Problems Owners Report:
Wiper blade rubber perishes, SMG transmission may develop some issues, weird noise from differential (fixed under warranty) -
Highest Mileage Reported:
211,000 miles
The M3 is a relatively simple vehicle compared to its modern equivalent. Granted, the S54 engine has individual throttle bodies which may cause issues as well as the addition of the VANOS system, but most of it is easily avoided by following the recommended service intervals. Many M3s still on the road or on the used market have issues as the previous owner didn’t want to pay exorbitant sums of money, but they become great sports cars when everything is sorted – especially compared with the previous-gen E36 M3.
1 2005-2018 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
Used Starting Price: $39,950
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage was the first small model sold by the British company in the modern era. It was aimed at the younger buyer and Aston Martin sold over 21,000 units during the 13-year production run. The V8 Vantage featured a 4.3-liter V8 between 2005 and 2007, before getting a 4.7-liter V8 in 2008 producing 380 and 420 hp respectively.
Reliability
-
Average Yearly Maintenance Costs:
$692-$1,400 -
Estimated Maintenance Costs Over 5 Years:
$3,460-$7,000 -
Recalls:
7 -
Problems Owners Report:
Clutch failure on automated-manual cars, electrical issues relating to SatNav and radio, expensive servicing and repair costs -
Highest Mileage Reported:
67,100 miles
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is pretty reliable for an exotic European GT car. Since the engines are naturally aspirated and many customers went for the manual transmission, the mechanical parts are like most other cars. Unfortunately, the annual servicing and maintenance costs are higher than normal sports cars thanks to the name, but they are still within reason for such a car.
More Stories
FOR SALE: 1959 Lotus 15
Open Road Supercar Driving Experience: Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini
The Mazda MX-5 remains one of the last true sports cars