Hey guys! Are you on the hunt for an affordable sports car that still packs a punch? You're in the right place! In this article, we're diving into the best cheap sports cars of 2022. We’re talking about rides that offer a thrilling driving experience without emptying your wallet. Let's get started!

What Makes a Sports Car "Cheap"?

Before we jump into specific models, let's define what we mean by "cheap." Generally, we're looking at cars with a starting MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) under a certain threshold, typically around $30,000 to $35,000. But price isn't everything. We also consider factors like running costs, insurance, and overall reliability. A truly cheap sports car is one that won't break the bank to buy or maintain.

Performance Matters: Of course, it needs to deliver the sporty experience you're craving. That means decent horsepower, responsive handling, and a fun-to-drive factor that makes every trip enjoyable. A car might be cheap, but if it drives like a wet noodle, it doesn't make the cut. We also prioritize cars that offer engaging driving dynamics. This could mean a manual transmission, a well-tuned suspension, or a punchy engine that loves to rev. After all, a sports car should be about more than just straight-line speed.

Features and Comfort: Just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it has to feel cheap. Features like a user-friendly infotainment system, comfortable seats, and a decent sound system can make a big difference in your daily driving experience. We're not expecting luxury-level amenities in this price range, but we're definitely looking for cars that offer a good balance of features and value. Safety is also a key consideration. Modern safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring can provide added peace of mind, especially for newer drivers.

Reliability and Maintenance: Nobody wants to spend more time in the repair shop than on the road. We'll look at reliability ratings and consider the potential costs of maintenance and repairs. Some sports cars might be tempting because of their low price tags, but they can quickly become money pits if they're prone to breakdowns.

Top Contenders for Cheap Sports Cars in 2022

Okay, let's get into the good stuff! Here are some of the top contenders for the best cheap sports cars of 2022. These cars offer a blend of affordability, performance, and fun that's hard to beat.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a classic for a reason. It's lightweight, nimble, and offers a driving experience that's pure joy. With its perfectly balanced chassis and responsive steering, the Miata is a blast to drive on twisty roads. It's often praised for its simplicity and focus on the driving experience. The engine, while not the most powerful, is rev-happy and provides plenty of excitement. The manual transmission is a joy to use, and the Miata's compact size makes it easy to park and maneuver in the city.

Why it’s great: The Miata is all about the driving experience. It's not the fastest car on the road, but it's one of the most fun. Plus, it's surprisingly fuel-efficient, making it a great choice for daily driving. The Miata's top-down experience is also a major selling point, especially for those who live in sunny climates. The interior is simple but functional, and the seats are comfortable enough for longer drives. The Miata is also known for its reliability, which means you'll likely spend more time driving it than fixing it.

Things to consider: It's small, so cargo space is limited. Also, the base engine isn't the most powerful, but the Miata is all about handling and balance, not outright speed. If you need a lot of space or prefer a more powerful engine, the Miata might not be the best choice for you. But if you're looking for a pure, unadulterated driving experience, the Miata is hard to beat. The Miata also has a strong aftermarket, so you can easily customize it to your liking. Whether you want to add performance upgrades or cosmetic enhancements, there are plenty of options available.

Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ

The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are twins under the skin, offering a similar driving experience. These rear-wheel-drive coupes are known for their sharp handling and playful nature. The 2.0-liter boxer engine provides enough power to have fun, and the chassis is well-balanced and responsive. The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are often praised for their affordability and accessibility. They're great entry-level sports cars that offer a taste of what more expensive models have to offer.

Why they’re great: They offer a fantastic balance of performance and affordability. These cars are easy to modify, making them popular with enthusiasts. The rear-wheel-drive layout and limited-slip differential make them great for drifting and spirited driving. The interior is functional and driver-focused, with comfortable seats and a simple dashboard layout. The Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are also relatively fuel-efficient, making them a good choice for daily driving.

Things to consider: The engine can feel a bit underpowered at times, especially when climbing hills or passing on the highway. Also, the rear seats are tiny and not really suitable for adults. If you need a lot of power or practicality, these cars might not be the best choice for you. But if you're looking for a fun, affordable sports car that's easy to modify and enjoy, the Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are definitely worth considering. The aftermarket support for these cars is huge, so you can easily find parts and accessories to customize them to your liking.

Hyundai Veloster N

The Hyundai Veloster N is a quirky and fun hatchback that offers impressive performance for the price. With its turbocharged engine and sport-tuned suspension, the Veloster N is a blast to drive on the street or track. It's often praised for its aggressive styling and distinctive asymmetrical door layout. The Veloster N is a great choice for those who want a practical and fun sports car that stands out from the crowd.

Why it’s great: The Veloster N offers a lot of performance for the money. The turbocharged engine delivers plenty of power, and the sport-tuned suspension provides excellent handling. The interior is well-equipped and features comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Veloster N is also surprisingly practical, with a decent amount of cargo space and a comfortable ride. The exhaust note is also a major selling point, with a distinctive sound that's sure to turn heads.

Things to consider: The styling can be polarizing, and the ride can be a bit harsh on rough roads. Also, the rear visibility isn't the best. If you prefer a more conventional-looking car or prioritize comfort over performance, the Veloster N might not be the best choice for you. But if you're looking for a unique and fun sports car that offers a lot of value, the Veloster N is definitely worth considering. The Veloster N is also known for its reliability, which means you'll likely spend more time driving it than fixing it.

Ford Mustang EcoBoost

The Ford Mustang EcoBoost offers classic Mustang styling with a more fuel-efficient engine. While it's not as powerful as the GT model, the EcoBoost engine still provides plenty of performance for daily driving. The Mustang EcoBoost is a great choice for those who want the look and feel of a Mustang without the high price tag and fuel consumption.

Why it’s great: The Mustang EcoBoost offers classic Mustang styling with a modern engine. The interior is well-equipped and features comfortable seats and a user-friendly infotainment system. The Mustang EcoBoost is also relatively fuel-efficient, making it a good choice for daily driving. The Mustang's iconic design is a major selling point, and it's sure to turn heads wherever you go.

Things to consider: The EcoBoost engine doesn't sound as good as the V8, and it's not as powerful. Also, the rear seats are small and not really suitable for adults. If you're looking for the ultimate Mustang experience, the GT model is the way to go. But if you're looking for a stylish and affordable sports car that's fun to drive, the Mustang EcoBoost is definitely worth considering. The Mustang also has a huge aftermarket, so you can easily customize it to your liking.

Other Noteworthy Options

While the models above are some of the best cheap sports cars of 2022, there are a few other options worth considering:

• Nissan 370Z: A classic sports car with a powerful V6 engine and rear-wheel drive.
• Volkswagen GTI: A sporty and practical hatchback with a turbocharged engine and excellent handling.
• Honda Civic Si: A fun and affordable compact car with a sporty suspension and manual transmission.

Tips for Buying a Cheap Sports Car

• Do your research: Read reviews and compare prices before you start shopping.
• Consider used models: You can often find great deals on used sports cars.
• Get a pre-purchase inspection: Have a mechanic check the car before you buy it.
• Negotiate the price: Don't be afraid to haggle with the dealer.
• Factor in insurance costs: Sports cars can be more expensive to insure.

Conclusion

Finding a cheap sports car that's fun to drive doesn't have to be a dream. There are plenty of great options available that offer a thrilling driving experience without breaking the bank. Whether you're looking for a classic roadster like the Mazda MX-5 Miata or a quirky hatchback like the Hyundai Veloster N, there's a sports car out there for you. So get out there, do your research, and find the perfect ride to unleash your inner speed demon!