The search for affordable used sports coupes, like Camaros, Mustangs, and Challengers, has become quite a challenge. But finding 2020 sports cars under $30K doesn’t have to be like searching for a needle in a haystack.

To simplify your search,

car insurance

comparison and broker app

Jerry

has rounded up the best coupes from 2020 under $30K.

To level the playing field, we researched each model assuming standard equipment, an average of 25,000 miles, and very good condition. Read on to learn what 2020’s lineup of the best sports cars has to offer.

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Hyundai Elantra GT— est. $21,100

Engine: 161 horsepower, four-cylinder

The base model

Hyundai Elantra GT

is priced to compete with some of the most popular hatchbacks on the market. The standard front-wheel-drive coupe handles well and offers a smooth ride even over rough roads. The N Line trim is the more desirable performance option for this model and can still be had for under $24,000 used.

Pros: Excellent fuel economy, stylish looks

Cons: Weak acceleration

Key Takeaway If your budget isn't too tight, go for the N Line rather than the base model Elantra GT.

Mini Cooper — est. $21,300

Engine: 134 horsepower, 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder

The iconic looks are reason enough for many buyers to consider this vehicle, but the fun drive and easy handling make the Mini a perennial favorite. The 2020 model introduced several new upgrades available on the Mini’s higher of two trims—like a seven-speed automatic transmission and Active Driving Assist—all still available for under $30K.

Pros: Unique style and easy handling

Cons: Cramped interior and stiff ride

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Mazda 3 — est. $22,400

Engine: 186 horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder

In 2020, Mazda added a number of safety and driver-assist options on the base-model 3 not previously offered, which makes it a particularly desirable model year. Unlike many of its competitors, the

Mazda 3

is geared more toward style and sophistication than sport, with no pure performance model on offer.

Pros: Luxury style without the luxury price tag

Cons: No pure performance model

Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec — est. $23,800

Engine: 201 horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder

Budget-friendly, compact, and fun to drive, the

Hyundai Veloster

is a great option for those looking for a used sports car, and the Turbo R-Spec upgrades make for exceptional handling. Though not quite as performance-oriented as the Veloster Turbo Ultimate DCT or the more exclusive N, the Turbo R-Spec still delivers the pep and responsiveness drivers expect in a sports coupe.

Pros: Great performance and value for the price

Cons: Comparatively poor fuel economy

Key Takeaway You don’t always have to opt for the highest trim level to get good performance in a sports car.

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Mazda Miata MX5 — est. $24,800

Engine: 181 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder

The 2020

Miata MX5

prioritizes performance over high-tech features, but that doesn’t make Mazda’s centennial model-year offering any less fun to drive. The Miata’s playful handling and eager-to-rev engine make it the go-to for anyone looking for affordable performance.

Pros: Superior handling

Cons: Tiny interior with very little storage

Fiat 124 Spider — est. $25,700

Engine: 160 horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder

Essentially a more stylish incarnation of the Mazda Miata MX5, the

Fiat

124 Spider rounds off some of the Miata’s harder edges in favor of style—but at the expense of performance. Save yourself a few thousand by opting for the Classica edition rather than the more sporty Abarth. And if it’s performance you’re looking for, just skip the Abarth and go with a Miata.

Pros: Quieter, more high-quality interior than the Miata

Cons: Lagging engine

Dodge Challenger — est. $25,800

Engine: 305 horsepower, 3.6-liter V6

The

Dodge Challenger

is about as close as you can get to a classic muscle car without a time machine, but that doesn’t mean Dodge skimped on the modern conveniences for this sports car. Unfortunately, the Challenger’s sheer size and weight make it a challenge for the base-model V6 engine to move, which means those looking for V8 performance will have to settle for paying more than $30K, even used.

Pros: Comfy, liveable interior and lots of modern features

Cons: Sluggish performance

Ford Mustang — est. $26,200

Engine: 330 horsepower, 2.3-liter EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder

Until recently, those on a budget had to sacrifice performance if they wanted to get that iconic

Mustang

look. But Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder has enough power to play with the big kids. The 2020 model offers an optional Performance Package for the EcoBoost and GT models that improves overall performance without breaking the bank.

Pros: Excellent performance even on base models

Cons: Without the optional Performance Package, the base four-cylinder engine can be a bit underwhelming

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Volkswagen Golf GTI — est. $26,500

Engine: 228 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

The

Volkswagen Golf GTI’s

engine makes up for anything the car might lack in looks. The GTI is the top-tier performance model for 2020 and its responsiveness and solid acceleration make it a joy to drive. This is one instance in which a lower trim doesn’t mean sacrificing style or performance.

Pros: Exceptional value and performance

Cons: Boxy exterior

Chevrolet Camaro — est. $26,600

Engine: 275 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder

Chevy Camaros

offer something for everyone with powertrain options from the base-model four-cylinder up to a powerful V8. Unfortunately, if you’re looking for V8 performance under $30K, you’ll need to keep looking. But even the Camaro’s four-cylinder is only “slow” in comparison to its bigger options.

Pros: 1LE optional package adds performance and power even to the four-cylinder

Cons: Poor outward visibility and near-useless backseat

Key Takeaway While it may pale in comparison to other larger Chevy engines, the Camaro’s base-model four-cylinder is still impressive.

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Volkswagen Jetta GLI — est. $27,900

Engine: 228 horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder

This is one model year in which the Jetta GLI outshines the Golf GTI. What the Jetta GLI lacks in visual appeal, it makes up for in handling and interior comfort. Go for the top-of-the-line Autobahn edition to get exclusive features still accessible with a $30K budget.

Pros: Fun and functional

Cons: Visually unappealing interior

MORE: 7 things to look for when buying a used car

Honda Civic Si Coupe — est. $28,100

Engine: 205 horsepower, turbocharged four-cylinder

The 2020

Civic Si

redesign added a wide range of standard features not previously available on the base model. One of these is revised transmission gearing for a quicker final-drive ratio and improved acceleration responses. While it’s a bit more pricey than the 2019 configuration, the upgrades are well worth the expense.

Pros: Exceptional suite of standard features for the price

Cons: Questionable exterior styling

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Toyota 86 — $28,400

Engine: 200 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder

The Toyota 86 and the Subaru BRZ are largely interchangeable. Made for handling more than racing, the 86 grabs corners effortlessly. Like its pared-down partner, the Subaru BRZ, the 86 doesn’t offer much in the way of interior comfort, but it gets the job done.

Pros: Precise handling and plenty of cargo space

Cons: Loud but weak engine and noisy interior

Subaru WRX — $28,600

Engine: 268 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder

With manual transmission and all-wheel drive standard, the

Subaru WRX

combines speed and stability for an overall thrilling drive. But what it offers in performance, it lacks in comfort and interior style.

Pros: Manual transmission and all-wheel drive offer the ultimate in control

Cons: Strictly functional interior leaves no room for luxury

Subaru BRZ — $29,500

Engine: 200 horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder

It’s not the fastest or the most stylish, but the

Subaru BRZ

offers a lot for the money. Its refreshingly simple driving experience provides a nice contrast to many modern sports cars’ over-reliance on high-tech complexity.

Pros: Responsive, sporty handling

Cons: Noisy interior and less powerful than expected

Key Takeaway High-tech often means higher prices—but not always a more enjoyable driving experience.

How to find affordable insurance for your sports coupe

Sports cars can be more expensive to insure than your typical sedan or coupe, but car insurance comparison super app

Jerry

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cheap car insurance

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If you want to save money on car insurance, the Jerry app is a good place to start. A licensed broker, Jerry does all the hard work of finding quotes from name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.

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FAQs

How do I avoid buying an unreliable used sports car?

Do your research. Generally speaking, used cars can be very reliable. But some models have known issues that have led to recalls and even accidents. These are all well-documented, so take some time to read up on your model before making a decision to buy.

How can I tell if the car I’m planning to buy is reliable?

Get an independent inspection. Contrary to what you may think, most car dealers are not car experts—but licensed, independent mechanics are.

What should I do if it turns out I’ve bought a lemon?

Check your state’s

lemon law

. All 50 states and Washington D.C. have some variation of lemon laws meant to protect consumers from defective products.

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