Hey guys! Ever wanted to tear up the streets of Los Santos in Grand Theft Auto V without emptying your Maze Bank account? Drifting is not only a blast, but it's also a fantastic way to show off your driving skills. The best part? You don't need a super expensive sports car to get started. Let's dive into some of the best cheap cars for drifting in GTA 5, so you can start sliding around corners and impressing your friends without breaking the bank.

Why Choose a Cheap Drifting Car in GTA 5?

Before we jump into the list, let's talk about why opting for a cheaper car is a smart move for drifting. First off, GTA 5 can be an expensive game. Between properties, businesses, and weapons, your in-game cash can disappear quickly. Investing in a cheap car for drifting allows you to save money for other important aspects of the game. Secondly, drifting is all about practice. You're going to crash, spin out, and generally mess up a lot, especially when you're first starting. It's much less painful to wreck a $100,000 car than one costing millions. Plus, cheaper cars can often be upgraded to perform exceptionally well, making them surprisingly competitive.

Another great reason to choose a cheap drifting car is the customization options. GTA 5 offers a plethora of upgrades and modifications that can significantly improve a car's drifting capabilities. You can fine-tune everything from the suspension to the engine to get the perfect drift setup without spending a fortune on the base vehicle. This allows you to experiment and learn what works best for your driving style. Furthermore, a cheap car that's been heavily modified can be a real sleeper, surprising other players who underestimate its potential. It's always fun to beat someone in a supercar with a humble, souped-up ride!

Finally, using cheaper cars encourages creativity. You'll need to be more resourceful and skilled to drift effectively in a less powerful vehicle. This can actually make you a better driver in the long run, as you'll learn to maximize the car's potential and adapt to its limitations. It's a rewarding challenge that adds an extra layer of fun to the game. So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there are plenty of reasons to explore the world of cheap drifting cars in GTA 5.

Top Cheap Drifting Cars in GTA 5

Okay, let's get to the good stuff! Here are some of the top cheap cars in GTA 5 that are perfect for drifting, offering a balance of affordability, performance, and customization.

1. Karin Futo

Price: $9,000

The Karin Futo is practically synonymous with cheap drifting in GTA 5. This little Japanese coupe is rear-wheel drive and incredibly easy to drift right out of the box. Its low price makes it accessible to all players, and its compact size allows for nimble handling. The Futo is also highly customizable, with plenty of options to improve its performance and appearance. Upgrading the engine, suspension, and tires can turn this humble car into a drift machine. Its lightweight nature means that even modest upgrades can have a significant impact on its drifting capabilities.

One of the best things about the Futo is how forgiving it is for beginners. It's easy to control and predictable, making it an excellent choice for learning the basics of drifting. You can practice your technique without worrying about the car suddenly spinning out or being too difficult to handle. Additionally, the Futo's distinctive look and wide range of customization options mean you can create a truly unique ride that reflects your personal style. Whether you're going for a classic JDM look or something more modern, the Futo can be tailored to your tastes.

Beyond its performance and customization, the Futo also has a certain charm that makes it a favorite among GTA 5 players. It's a car that's fun to drive, whether you're drifting around corners or just cruising through the city. Its affordability and accessibility mean that anyone can pick one up and start having fun right away. The Karin Futo is more than just a cheap car; it's a gateway to the world of drifting in GTA 5.

2. Declasse Drift Tampa

Price: $995,000

While the Declasse Drift Tampa isn't the cheapest car on this list, it offers exceptional drifting performance for its price. It's a purpose-built drift car that comes with many of the upgrades you'd typically have to install yourself. The Drift Tampa handles beautifully, making it easy to initiate and maintain drifts. Its powerful engine and responsive handling ensure that you can easily link up drifts and maintain high speeds. While it might require a bit more initial investment than some other options, the Drift Tampa is well worth the cost for serious drifters.

The Drift Tampa stands out due to its race-ready features and aggressive styling. It looks like it belongs on the track, and its performance backs up that appearance. The car's suspension and handling are finely tuned for drifting, providing a smooth and controlled experience. The Drift Tampa is also highly customizable, allowing you to further enhance its performance and appearance. From engine upgrades to visual modifications, you can personalize the Drift Tampa to suit your preferences.

One of the key advantages of the Drift Tampa is its ease of use. It's a car that feels natural to drift, even for beginners. Its balanced handling and responsive controls make it easy to pick up and start sliding around corners. The Drift Tampa is a fantastic choice for players who want a competitive drift car without spending millions of dollars. It offers a perfect blend of performance, affordability, and style, making it a standout option in the world of GTA 5 drifting.

3. Bravado Banshee

Price: $105,000

The Bravado Banshee is a classic sports car in GTA 5, and it's also a surprisingly capable drift car. Its rear-wheel-drive layout and powerful engine make it easy to break traction and initiate drifts. The Banshee is also relatively affordable, making it accessible to a wide range of players. With a few upgrades, such as improved suspension and tires, the Banshee can become a formidable drift machine. Its iconic design and impressive performance make it a popular choice among GTA 5 enthusiasts.

The Banshee's versatility is one of its greatest strengths. It's a car that can handle a variety of driving styles, from high-speed racing to controlled drifting. Its responsive handling and powerful engine make it a blast to drive in any situation. The Banshee is also highly customizable, allowing you to fine-tune its performance and appearance to your liking. Whether you're going for a sleek and understated look or a more aggressive and flashy style, the Banshee can be tailored to your tastes.

While the Banshee may not be a dedicated drift car like the Drift Tampa, it offers a unique and rewarding drifting experience. It requires a bit more skill and finesse to master, but the results are well worth the effort. The Banshee is a car that feels alive, and its engaging driving dynamics make it a joy to drift. It's a perfect choice for players who want a stylish and capable drift car that won't break the bank.

4. Annis ZR-350

Price: $1,615,000 - $1,211,250

The Annis ZR-350 is a retro-inspired sports car that's perfect for drifting. It's a bit more expensive than some of the other cars on this list, but its performance and style make it worth the investment. The ZR-350 is rear-wheel drive and has a powerful engine, making it easy to initiate and maintain drifts. Its handling is also very responsive, allowing you to precisely control your drifts. The ZR-350's classic design and impressive performance make it a standout choice for drifting.

One of the key advantages of the ZR-350 is its balance of power and handling. It has enough power to easily break traction, but it's also stable and predictable, making it easy to control. The ZR-350 is also highly customizable, with a wide range of options to improve its performance and appearance. You can upgrade the engine, suspension, and tires to fine-tune its drifting capabilities, and you can also add visual modifications to create a unique and stylish ride.

The ZR-350 is a car that's sure to turn heads wherever you go. Its retro design and aggressive stance give it a unique and appealing look. It's a car that's fun to drive, whether you're drifting around corners or just cruising through the city. The Annis ZR-350 is a fantastic choice for players who want a stylish and capable drift car that offers a blend of classic and modern design.

Tips for Drifting in GTA 5 with Cheap Cars

Now that you know some of the best cheap cars for drifting in GTA 5, let's go over some tips to help you get the most out of them. These tips will help you improve your drifting skills and get the most out of your cheap drifting car.

1. Master the Handbrake

The handbrake is your best friend when it comes to drifting. Use it to initiate drifts by quickly locking the rear wheels. With practice, you'll learn to use the handbrake precisely, allowing you to initiate drifts smoothly and control your angle. Experiment with different handbrake techniques to find what works best for you.

2. Control Your Throttle

Throttle control is crucial for maintaining drifts. Use the throttle to modulate the car's speed and angle. Too much throttle can cause you to spin out, while too little can cause you to lose the drift. Find the right balance to keep the car sliding smoothly and predictably.

3. Counter-Steer

Counter-steering is the act of turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the turn. This helps to prevent the car from spinning out and allows you to maintain control during a drift. Practice counter-steering until it becomes second nature. The more you practice, the better you'll become at anticipating and correcting for oversteer.

4. Upgrade Your Car

Even cheap cars can benefit from upgrades. Invest in performance upgrades like engine tuning, suspension improvements, and better tires to improve your car's drifting capabilities. These upgrades can make a significant difference in how the car handles and performs. Experiment with different upgrades to find the perfect setup for your driving style.

5. Practice Makes Perfect

The most important tip for drifting is to practice. Find a secluded area and practice your drifting skills until you feel comfortable. The more you practice, the better you'll become at controlling the car and linking up drifts. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. The key is to have fun and keep practicing.

Final Thoughts

Drifting in GTA 5 is a blast, and you don't need a million-dollar supercar to get started. These cheap cars offer a fun and affordable way to experience the thrill of drifting. So grab one of these cars, head out to the streets of Los Santos, and start sliding! With a little practice, you'll be drifting like a pro in no time. Happy drifting, guys!