Advice

Sports Car Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know

By 04/15/2025 8:00am
Sports car buying guide: Corvette ZR1 Coupe

Sports Cars Quick Facts

  • Roadsters are the vehicles closest to the traditional sports car definition. They are 2-door, 2-seat convertibles.
  • No one buys a genuine sports car for the mileage, cargo capacity, or cup holder count. What matters is how it handles and how fast it goes (or seems to go).
  • The best way to determine if a specific sports car fits your wants and needs is to drive it.

Amid the vast array of cars made today, if you asked 100 people what defines a sports car, you might get 100 different answers. But for those seeking to buy a sports car, only those vehicles purposed for extreme performance will do.

Over the years, automotive analysts and enthusiast publications have debated which cars deserve the moniker “sports car.” But more recently, the industry usually dubs the sports car designation only to mass-market vehicles that measure up. When they don’t, they immediately spark debate and correct course.

On the other hand, exotics, supercars, hypercars, and aftermarket modified performance cars rise above the definition of the average sports car. What distinguishes these categories are price, materials, performance, and exclusivity. Most of these high-end machines are in limited production and are thus hard to come by—even if you have the money.

Some manufacturers’ sport trims, large sedans with big engines, and sport versions of SUVs are examples of what we avoid labeling a sports car. Although these vehicles may be excellent and powerful, they are not sports cars.

Sadly, updating this guide primarily involves deleting nameplates that are no longer in production. In other words, the sports car is fading away, leaving mostly untraditional sports cars to maintain the legacy. The following segments of this guide will help you sift through some examples, make a pick, and then aid you in getting a good deal. So, pop on those aviators, snap on some leather driving gloves, and buckle up. Use the jump links below to skip ahead in the story.

What Is a Sports Car?

The 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata in Zircon Sand Metallic

A sports car is traditionally a convertible seating two with improved performance and driving dynamics. At least that’s the traditional definition of a sports car reflecting the early British influence on the segment. For example, the Triumph TR6, Austin-Healy Sprite, or today’s Mazda MX-5 Miata are traditional sports cars. We wish such cars were still built in higher numbers. However, progressive safety regulations and increasing safety fears pretty much ended the reign of the traditional sports car.

A more contemporary definition includes sports models that place performance above practicality and fun above function. Expect quick acceleration and agile cornering from these performance cars, but don’t expect a smooth ride. Feeling the road beneath your seat is not the most comfortable way to drive, but it is the most thrilling!

This expanded view of what makes up a sports car opens the list to vehicles with multiple doors, seats, and engines. And yes, gasp, even fixed roofs! Since this guide does not include a definitive list of current market sports cars (you’ll find nearly 100), we’ve culled some relevant types and examples below to get you up to speed.

Sports Car Characteristics

Indeed, the characteristics of contemporary sports cars are broader than those of traditional sports cars in the British style of the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s. Sports car purists will argue that many examples we present throughout this story are not true sports cars. And, to some extent, they have a point. However, the last 50 or 60 years have blurred the lines defining car types. Consequently, a roster of current sports cars can be stretched to include multiple vehicle types.

Here we list some of the characteristics of today’s sports car. Not every model we highlight below excels in, or maybe even exhibits, every characteristic. However, some combination of these traits meets the notion of the redefined modern sports car.

  • Two seats: A classic trait for a sports car, a 2-seat setup gives traditionalists a warm-and-fuzzy feeling.
  • Open top: Allowing the sun to shine into the cockpit while the wind buffets the driver is another traditional sports car element. It can be a conventional convertible, a removable hardtop, or a removable roof panel.
  • Two doors: Although we have included a select few sedans and hatchbacks in our updated idea of a sports car, two doors still sit high up on the list of qualifiers. It represents coupes and roadsters.
  • Enhanced acceleration: No benchmark exists for automatically qualifying a car as a sports car by acceleration speed. That is, there isn’t a specific zero-to-60-mph time under which car is a sports car. However, quickness is a sports car attribute. Every car mentioned by name in this guide is quick. Some, obviously, are quicker than others.
  • At-speed handling: How a car corners at speed carries a lot of weight when defining a sports car. Although most of today’s cars handle safely and consistently in everyday driving, what separates them from sports cars is how they perform at their high-speed limits. Do they track in a straight line? Do they stick in the corners?
  • Throaty engine/exhaust: Not so much a qualifier for sports car status, an engine growl or an exhaust burble are highly sought-after traits for many sports car owners.

RELATED: Fake Engine Noise: Creating or Enhancing Engine Sounds

Sports Car Types

The 2023 Audi R8 seen from a rear quarter view

Here we will pursue the expanded definition of a sports car. This is where we will soon lose sports car purists. Once we venture beyond roadsters, there isn’t much agreement on what is and isn’t a sports car. All prices include the mandatory factory-to-dealer delivery charge, and some sports cars below carry a gas-guzzler federal tax.

Roadsters

Roadsters most closely meet the traditional sports car definition. They are 2-door, 2-seat convertibles. The least practical of the sports car types, you buy a roadster to have fun, get some sunshine on your face, and, sometimes, to show off. While typically expensive, finding a used luxury sports car under $40,000 is possible if you want luxury on a budget.

The 2025 price range for the list below begins at $30,715 for the Mazda MX-5 Miata, running to $123,795 for the Chevy Corvette ZO6 Convertible. All prices include destination fees.

This set includes:

Coupes

The 2024 Nissan GT-R seen from a front quarter angle

Although some carmakers like Mercedes-Benz refer to a 4-door model as a coupe; however, by definition, coupes have two doors. They often feature a sloping rear roofline. The second-row seat, when offered, is usually little more than a cushioned package shelf.

The prices listed below range from $31,135 for the Toyota GR86 to $180,200 for the Mercedes-AMG GT 63.

Examples of this group:

Hatchbacks

Volkwagen-GTI

Even if they’re not sports cars, many hatchbacks look the part. However, a small subset of hatchbacks provides better performance and handling than their run-of-the-mill competitors. In this segment, the door count doesn’t enter the equation. Usually, hatchbacks have four doors or five if you include the hatch. However, that’s not always the case.

The hatchbacks we’ve listed below can range from $33,670 for the VW Golf GTI and $34,375 for the Mini Cooper S Hardtop 4 Door to nearly $47,045 for the Honda Civic Type R. All prices include destination fees.

RELATED:  Highest Horsepower Coupes

Sedans

2022 Subaru WRX

Granted, pounding the square-peg sedan into the round hole of the traditional definition of a sports car is a reach. But we’re fortunate to have established broader parameters for a sports car at the top of this guide, right?

Just because a car has four doors, a hardtop, and seats up to five doesn’t exclude it as a sports car in contemporary terms. We might agree if you argued that a sporty sedan would not qualify. However, we say some sedans can apply if your budget doesn’t allow for a weekend toy and you need some practicality in your fun machine. For example, certain sedans make a fantastic compromise because they have more passenger space and cargo room, an athletic suspension, and a high-output engine. We won’t convince a sports car purist with such an argument, but we believe it has merit.

Prices for the list below range from the Hyundai Elantra N at $35,545 to $120,675 for the BMW M5. All prices include destination fees. Here are some sedans to consider:

RELATED: Highest Horsepower Sedans

Electric Sports Cars

2022 Porsche Taycan 4S in red.

With so much focus on electric vehicles (EVs), most carmakers have jumped into the act. Consequently, some very engaging, fun-to-drive electric cars are on the market or coming soon. No, the rich notes from the engine or exhaust aren’t there. However, one universal quality among electric vehicles is their immediate response. It’s an advantage over gasoline-fueled cars. Whatever the pony count and peak torque, it’s all available the second you engage the accelerator.

Moreover, many EVs provide one-pedal driving. Depress the accelerator to increase speed and reduce pressure on the accelerator to slow down. Taking your foot off the accelerator entirely can bring the car to a stop. This function blends convenience with even quicker acceleration and braking response.

Typically, EVs require less maintenance than cars with an internal combustion engine (ICE). EVs don’t have all the mechanical moving parts of an ICE vehicle, and there are no transmission, oil changes, air filter changes, or radiator flushes.

On the downside, there is something visceral about manually swapping gears and hearing the rich roar of a high-performance internal combustion engine. There is also that range anxiety with EVs: Will my EV run out of juice before I get where I’m going?

Prices for the list below range from about $71,875 for the BMW i4 M50 to nearly $168,295 for the Audi RS e-tron GT.

Examples of electric sports cars include:

Electric Cars of the Sporty Kind

We can look forward to a few sporty EVs arriving in 2025 and 2026. 

  • Dodge Charger Daytona EV: This electric evolution of the storied Charger/Challenger nameplates is offered with two performance levels: R/T and Scat Pack. Dodge is promising sedan and coupe configurations, both called “Charger.” The R/T delivers 496 hp, while the Scat Pack will brandish up to  670 hp. The estimated maximum range is 308 miles.
  • Alfa Romeo Giulia EV: Tentively slated for 2026, an electric Giulia will probably share a platform with the Dodge Charger Dayton EV. Despite that, we expect the Alfa to produce bigger power numbers. In fact, some reports place maximum grunt at around 1,000 hp.
  • Porsche 718 EV: Likely to arrive in North America in 2026, the 718 EV will arrive as a coupe (Cayman) and a convertible (Boxster). Shoppers can pick between rear-wheel and all-wheel drive. Look for a maximum power output from around 400 hp to 650 hp with an estimated range of about 250 miles.
  • Tesla Roadster: What little leaked information there is on this latest roadster from Tesla points to a high-performance machine with an impressive range of perhaps 600-plus miles. We think the price tag will cross the $200,000 rubicon, if it comes into play.

RELATED: Electric Cars 101: What You Need to Know About EVs

What to Consider When Buying a Sports Car

What you should consider when shopping for a sports car depends on how much of a sports car you want. You don’t need to worry about less relevant details if you look for fun, performance, and a little wind in your hair.

No one buys a genuine sports car for the mileage, cargo capacity, or cupholder count. What matters is how it handles and how fast it goes (or seems to go).

Other considerations include everyday use. For example, using the vehicle for carpooling the kids, running shopping errands, and hauling stuff from the home improvement store are tough in a 2-seat convertible.

Here are some things to think about:

1. How Much Does a Sports Car Cost?

The first question to ask yourself when researching any car is: Can I afford it? Your answer shouldn’t be based solely on the transaction price and monthly payments but on the total cost of ownership. Chances are good that your pick will require premium fuel, larger and more expensive replacement tires, and will cost more to insure. Because many performance models use specialized, lightweight parts, your maintenance and repair costs may be more than you want to spend. When answering the “Can I afford it?” question, you need to factor in all the ownership costs.

We recommend you do some soul-searching in the early stages of your research and establish a realistic amount you can comfortably afford. As illustrated above, sports car prices when new can range from nearly $30,000 to $300,000 or more.

Make sure the cost easily fits within your budget. Picking the model and trim that best suits your wallet can save you a passel of heartache. We bring it up again below but consider buying used to reduce your depreciation hit and wrangle the cost to something within your budget. If you are looking for a used sports car on a budget, plenty of used sports cars under $20,000 deserve consideration.

Here are some average costs for a few of the models we highlighted above. We’ve broken them out by category.

Price/Total Cost-to-Own

These are 2025 prices which include the delivery charge. The TCO (Total Cost to Own) is based on national averages for 5-year ownership (as of this writing) and is the sum of the expenses we list below as calculated by our parent company Cox Automotive. With tariffs, all costs are subject to change.

Make, Model, and TrimPrice (including destination fee)Total Cost-to-Own
BMW M2$66,675$87,431
Chevrolet Corvette$70,195$84,739
Porsche Taycan (EV)$101,395$113,742
Toyota GR Corolla Premium  $42,575$56,811

Insurance and Financing

Every owner must carry car insurance and any owner who finances a car purchase must pay interest on that loan. Remember that both these expenses can fluctuate wildly depending on various factors. For insurance: Age, driving record, residential location, and more determine the premium. We’ve based our insurance numbers on 2023 insurance costs. Our financing number here isn’t the total for five years of payments but it’s for the cost of borrowing the money. In other words, it’s the Interest on your loan and it’s based on the length of the loan and the rate you qualify for.

Make, Model, and TrimInsuranceFinancing
BMW M2$20,340$8,280
Chevrolet Corvette$23,640$8,486
Porsche Taycan (EV)$24,300$12,646
Toyota GR Corolla Premium  $13,500$5,148

Depreciation and State Fees

When calculating the TCO, the transaction price of the car doesn’t really enter into it. What does figure into ownership cost is the amount of value the car loses (depreciation) during each year of ownership. Each state varies in the fees and taxes it charges at purchase and during each year of ownership. Again, here we are presenting a national average.

Make, Model, and TrimDepreciationState Fees
BMW M2$35,898$4,960
Chevrolet Corvette  $24,176$5,080
Porsche Taycan$60,086$7,514
Toyota GR Corolla Premium  $19,699$3,128

Fuel, Maintenance, and Repairs

Obviously, fuel prices fluctuate by day and by state. But they still require being estimated and figured into a monthly budget. Even our EV example has an energy cost determined by average charging rates. Typically, we separate repairs and maintenance, each into its own category; however, we’ve combined them here for brevity. Maintenance is scheduled upkeep on the car while repairs are when things break.

Make, Model, and TrimFuelMaintenance and Repairs
BMW M2$11,664$6,118
Chevrolet Corvette  $11,326$11,831
Porsche Taycan (EV)$4,724  $4,472
Toyota GR Corolla Premium  $9,140$6,196

2. Power

Going fast plays a significant role in getting the most out of a sports car. The sports cars above are 4-cylinder, V6, and V8 engines. Electric vehicles don’t even have an engine. Some listed cars are faster than others.

RELATED: Do I Need a V8? Or is a V6 Good Enough?

Your pick may not be the quickest because it doesn’t need to be. It just needs to be fast enough for you and your comfort level. The idea is the overall driving experience. If the engine growl and exhaust note are essential to your experience, keep an ear out during your test drive.

3. Handling

A core reason to buy a sports car is better-than-average handling. Only an extensive test drive on various roads can affirm this trait. Key handling attributes are quick steering response, road-holding capability, minimal body roll or lean, and consistent, predictable behavior when pushed hard.

These are the attributes on which to focus during a test drive. Also, remember that many high-performance cars don’t handle winter weather well.

4. Seating

No matter which among the above types of sports cars you shop for, other than the sedans, none of them comfortably seat more than two. The rear seat in those that have one might accommodate small children. However, adults squeezed into the back will suffer.

Size does matter in sports cars. Older and taller drivers may find it challenging to scrunch down into some of the lower, sleeker cars. Taller drivers may discover the driver’s seat in some sports cars lack sufficient aft travel to accommodate their long legs. Stretching the tape to 6 feet 4 inches, one of our editors recommends the Porsche 911 as a solid choice for tall drivers.

5. Sports Car Trunk Space

Usually, the more sports car-like a car is, the less trunk space it provides. Carmakers measure the cargo-carrying room in cubic feet. Visualizing what six cubic feet looks like next to 10 can be a little challenging. Here’s a bit of help. If a regulation basketball were a cube rather than round, it would be roughly a cubic foot.

For example, the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s trunk will accommodate roughly 4.5 basketballs. You can stuff about 12.5 basketballs into the trunk of the Subaru WRX.

Remember that folding that seat down can significantly increase trunk space in cars with a rear seat, even more so when that car is a hatchback.

6. Fuel Economy

Bigger and badder engines slurp more fuel. That’s a fact. As already noted, these same engines often require premium fuel. It’s a double whammy. You can reduce fuel costs by picking a smaller, more efficient sports car or choosing from the growing number of electric models. 

Although most cars, even sports cars, are growing more fuel-efficient, you could compromise a bit in the mileage department for the performance you crave.

Keep in mind that the gas-guzzler tax increases the cost of the car; this tax is typically applied to cars with large-displacement combustion engines.

7. Safety Systems

The government mandates many safety technologies like stability control, antilock brakes, a rearview camera, and so forth. Consequently, every passenger car must have them. The government doesn’t regulate other newer, more advanced safety systems. Currently, these include systems like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and rear cross-traffic alert.

It’s not rare that a high-performance or competition-based sports car won’t have some or any advanced safety systems. This may be to hold down costs or reduce weight. In either event, you should take extra care to determine which, if any, advanced safety systems are in the sports car you are considering, primarily if it will serve as a daily driver or family hauler.

Manual vs. Automatic Transmissions

2021 Hyundai Veloster N profile in blue

Manual transmissions are slowly disappearing but aren’t gone yet. You can find plenty of sports cars still offering a manual transmission. The BMW M2, Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing, Hyundai Elantra N, Mazda Miata MX-5, Ford Mustang GT, Porsche 911, Nissan Z, Toyota GR Corolla, and the VW Golf R are just a few. Indeed, there was a time when no self-respecting sports car offered an automatic.

However, automatic transmissions have become more sophisticated and fuel-efficient in cars like the Subaru WRX and Ford Mustang GT. For example, dual-clutch automatic transmissions (DCT) and paddle shifters have made believers out of many a manual-transmission diehard. Is one better than the other? There are good arguments for both. The choice is yours.

Buying a New vs. Used Sports Car

There are good reasons to go either new or used. Buying new, you can get the exact car you want with a new car’s full manufacturer’s warranty. You don’t have to settle for a color scheme you don’t particularly care for or worry about how the previous owner treated the vehicle.

Buying used, however, makes good sense. That is especially true of high-performance and sports cars. According to Kelley Blue Book parent company Cox Automotive’s data, such vehicles tend to depreciate quicker than average, losing as much as half their value in the first two or three years. As a result, it makes sense to find your sports car pick among models two to three years old. If you’re in the market for a used car, many used sports cars are available for under $30,000. Use our car payment calculator to see an estimated monthly car payment for either a new or used sports car.

Your pre-owned car should cost less to insure, too. Be sure to check out any Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) models in your dealer’s inventory. These have been inspected and provide some factory-backed warranty protection.

Steer clear of models with super-high mileage or heavily modified vehicles with aftermarket performance parts. If you find a used car that isn’t CPO, have a mechanic or inspection service check it out.

Used Sports Cars

Although used sports cars are disappearing as a segment, there are still plenty of them on the used market. And unless they are classic or uber-rare models, used sports cars are often bargains. Here are some we would look closely at if we were shopping used sports cars.

Used Sports Cars Under $30,000

Used Sports Cars Under $20,000

Sports Car Test Drives

You won’t know until you know, and the best way to find out if a specific sports car fits your wants and needs is to drive it. In most respects, test driving a sports car is the same as any vehicle you consider. You can get a comprehensive list of how to prepare for, schedule, and take a test drive with this Kelley Blue Book test drive checklist advice.

Let’s face it. You won’t be able to air out a sports car on a typical new car test drive. Safety and common sense require following speed limits and other road rules. So, don’t get carried away.

Check out how the vehicle accelerates, corners, and brakes within legal limits. If it will be a daily driver, run it over some uneven pavement. A car engineered for acute handling often sacrifices ride comfort. Can you live with that every day? Can you find a comfortable driving position? Do the clutch and gearbox perform smoothly if it’s a manual transmission? Does the brake pedal operate predictably?

RELATED: Highest Horsepower Convertibles 

Making the Deal

Your research should have included discovering the book value of the car you want. That’s easy to do when you use the Kelley Blue Book valuation tool. You can also find out what other vehicles like your pick are selling for in your area. Finding a price point matching KBB.com is especially critical if you buy used.

If you aren’t taking advantage of a factory-backed financing special at a dealership, get preapproval from your bank or credit union before car negotiations begin. This way, you know exactly the car you can afford, and you’ll be able to negotiate from a position of strength.

But never be afraid to walk away. If the deal you want is realistic, but the seller won’t budge, walk away. Even in today’s somewhat tight car market, other cars are out there. Do a little more research and find one. Have fun; that’s what sports cars are all about.

6 Sports Car Buying Mistakes to Avoid, New and Used

  1. Blowing off the research: Learning everything you need to know about any car you are considering has never been easier. It’s all at your fingertips through your smartphone, tablet, or whatever device you prefer. You can discover what experts and owners say using our Expert Reviews. In this day in age, there is no excuse for flying blind.
  2. Too narrow a focus: For most of us, purchasing a sports car is an act of passion. If it was a choice based on practicality, you’d buy a minivan or SUV, right. However, don’t allow your heart and emotions to rule the day. Locking yourself into a specific model, trim level, color, or any other of a dozen must-haves doesn’t allow you to objectively consider anything else. Yes, you should have what you want, but don’t get so wrapped up in particular details that it affects your decision-making.
  3. Skipping the test drive: Headroom, legroom, seat comfort, ambient noise, ride quality, handling, acceleration, and ease of systems operation are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what you can learn during a 30-minute test drive. Drive the car!
  4. Monthly payment tunnel vision: No information is more valuable to the seller than what you want (or can afford) to pay per month for financing a car purchase. Don’t fall into the monthly payment trap. There are multiple ways to wind up with more car than you can really afford and still be within your target monthly payment. Consequently, buyers end up with financing stretched out over 72 or 84 months. If you can’t afford the payments on a 5-year loan, buy a less expensive car. See No. 2.
  5. Taking the insurance cost for granted: One reason sports cars are a shrinking segment is insurance costs. Car insurance has been steadily rising over the past five years, and more so for higher-performance cars. Whatever the annual premium is for the vanilla car you’ve been driving, the odds are that you will be paying more for that sporty ride you’ve been eyeing—maybe hundreds or thousands more. If the cost to insure is a deal breaker, it’s better to know that earlier rather than later.
  6. Ignoring total ownership costs: There’s much more expense to buying the car than the purchase price and it all must be factored into your monthly budget. We’ve covered the insurance cost, but there’s more to consider like general maintenance, fuel, annual registration/property tax, and more. Moreover, depreciation is a major cost of ownership that doesn’t rear its ugly head until you sell or trade in the car. That lost value is a real wallet emptier.

3 Sports Car Buying Mistakes to Avoid, Used

  1. Not requesting a vehicle history report (VHR): Every used car has a history, and as a buyer, you have the right to know that history. VHRs are easy to access and, when considering the money and heartache they can potentially save you, relatively inexpensive. You can bone up on vehicle history reports with our guide. At what point during the process you choose to request a report is up to you, but certainly, you should have it in hand before making an offer on the car.
  2. Skipping the professional inspection: Unless you are a proficient shade-tree mechanic, you should always secure a professional inspection of the car before buying. There are trained technicians who specialize in pre-purchase inspections if you don’t already have a relationship with a mechanic. A few minutes of searching your browser will provide at least a few qualified professionals from whom to choose.
  3. Ignoring the maintenance history: If a seller can’t produce written evidence of how a used car has been maintained, moving forward with the purchase is rolling the dice. The VHR should include any maintenance performed at a dealership and even many repair shops. However, if it doesn’t include much maintenance info and the seller can’t produce it, it’s a clear sign that the car may not have been appropriately maintained.

Our Take

Buying a sports car should be fun. After all, it’s a break from practicality. However, some rules still apply, like don’t buy more car than your budget can sustain. Otherwise, with some diligent research and a firm grasp on reality, you should drive away in the car of your dreams.

RELATED: Is Now the Time to Buy, Sell, or Trade-in a Car?