At a starting MSRP of just $32,115 and a zero to 60 speed of 5.4 seconds, the 2023 Subaru BRZ Limited is one of the fastest new cars you can buy for under $35,000—but there are a lot of other great options, too.
The fastest sports cars you can buy new for under $35,000
If you’re looking for something fresh off the lot that will get you from point A to point B in record time, check out these speedy new cars under $35,000.
6. 2022 Dodge Charger SXT: from $34,240
The Dodge Charger is known for its good performance in a chase—hence its use as a law enforcement vehicle. Powered by a 292 hp 3.6-liter V6 engine, the 2022 Dodge Charger SXT trim makes an impressive zero to 60 in 6.2 seconds.
While you’ll have to stick with the base SXT trim to stay below the $35k line, five other engine options are available. Unfortunately, to upgrade to a V8 engine, you’ll have to go up to the R/T trim or higher, with a price increase of about $8,000. Regardless of which trim you select, this American sedan’s muscle car style and solid performance make it a fun choice.
5. 2022 Dodge Charger SXT: from $34,240
This affordable sports car runs on a powerful 2.4-liter engine. If you’re in the market for speed, we suggest you opt for the manual transmission, which can make it from zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds. On the other hand, the automatic comes in slower at a still respectable zero to 60 time of 6.1 seconds.
With the Premium trim, you get the added luxury of heated seats, adaptive LED headlights, and an improved eight-speaker audio system.
4. 2022 Ford Mustang Ecoboost Premium: from $33,870
The 2022 Mustang Ecoboost Premium offers a reasonable price on a luxury (and speedy!) car. The EcoBoost Premium’s four-cylinder engine shoots from zero to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds thanks to its six-speed manual transmission, 310 horsepower, and 350 lb-ft of torque.
If you’ve got some extra room in your budget, you can switch from a coupe to a convertible for a total starting price of $37,995. Another fun option is the 2.3L High Performance Package which adds an increased hp of 332, rear parking sensors, sport suspension, and more! The downside, the package adds an extra $6,150 to your final price.
3. 2022 Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring: from $33,315
This stylish convertible offers the opportunity to go from zero to 60 in 5.7 seconds, all with the top down and the wind in your hair. Powered by a 181-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, the 2022 MX-5 Miata Grand Touring comes with a standard six-speed manual transmission.
On the Grand Touring trim, you have the option to opt for a six-speed automatic transmission—and you benefit from a host of extra fun features. With everything from leather upholstery to automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, the Grand Touring convertible is decked out with everything you need.
2. 2023 Subaru BRZ Limited: from $32,115
The 2023 Subaru BRZ is an enthusiast’s dream—affordable without compromising the thrill of the drive. The BRZ runs on a 228-hp flat-four-cylinder engine that makes 184 lb-ft of torque and a zero to 60 time of 5.4 seconds.
With the BRZ Limited trim, you get the added benefit of 18-inch aluminum wheels, blind-spot monitoring, and summer tires. The standard manual transmission is better suited for this snazzy sports car, but you can still stay under $35k and upgrade to an automatic for an additional $1,500.
1. 2022 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT: $26,895
Believe it or not, the 1LT trim from the 2022 Chevrolet Camaro lineup is one of the fastest trim levels. Making it from zero to 60 in 3.8 seconds, the 1LT is a full three seconds faster than the higher 2LT and 3LT trims.
The 2022 Camaro 1LT comes standard with a 275-hp 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine, but you can upgrade it to a 335-hp 3.6-liter V6 and a 10-speed automatic transmission. Moving up to the 3LT means you’ll gain a bunch of extra features, but it will cost you the blazing speed and unbeatable affordability of the 1LT.
Fast used cars for under $35,000
While the six cars listed above come with the fresh new car smell, they aren’t the only options worth considering! Buying used means you can get all the benefits of name-brand vehicles—without the price tag. Below are some of the fastest used cars under $35k.
Best used sports car: 2020 Nissan 370Z Coupe
- KBB fair market range: $31,300 to $36,000
- 0 to 60: 5 seconds
- Top speed: 155 mph
Discontinued in 2020, every Nissan 370Z comes equipped with a 332-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine. Because the same engine powers each trim, they all make the same impressive zero to sixty time of 5 seconds flat.
Best used full-sized sedan: 2021 Nissan Maxima SV
- KBB fair market range: $34,500 to $36,900
- 0 to 60: 5.7 seconds
- Top speed: 145 mph
With a standard 300-hp V6 engine, the 2021 Nissan Maxima SV packs a lot of power for a reasonable used price. Almost brand new, the 2021 used model shaves a few thousand dollars off your starting price.
Best used convertible: 2012 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
- KBB fair market range: $29,300 to $32,800
- 0 to 60: 3.5 Seconds
- Top speed: 205 mph
When you go used, some pretty impressive options open up—including the 2012 Corvette. Powered by a 638-hp supercharged V8 with a six-speed manual transmission, the 2012 Chevrolet Corvette is the most powerful production car ever made by GM.
Best used large sports car: 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe
- KBB fair market range: $23,600 to $26,100
- 0 to 60: 4 seconds
- Top speed: 165 mph
With the 2016 Camaro’s high-performance SS model, you get a 455-hp 6.3-liter V8 engine. With record-breaking speeds for a used car, the 2016 Camaro has been declared the king of the LL1 class by Car and Driver.
Best used small sports car: 2012 Porsche Cayman Coupe 2D
- KBB fair market range: $31,800 to $35,700
- 0 to 60: 5.5 seconds
- Top speed: 172 mph
2012 was the original Porsche Cayman’s final year, making it a very special car. In the base trim, you can find one of these babies for under $35k, which is about half its original starting price of $66,300. For the speeds above, you’ll need to find one with a manual transmission for the above speeds.
Learn more: 7 things to look for when buying a used car
How to find cheap car insurance fast
Because of the increased risk of accidents or violations, faster cars tend to come with higher insurance prices. Lucky for you, there is a way you can save.
The super app Jerry is the top-rated car insurance app on the app store and a licensed insurance broker. Using advanced AI technology, Jerry provides users with instant access to custom insurance quotes so that you can find the best rates for your needs. Sign-up is free and only takes 45 seconds.
Better yet, the savings add up to an average of $800 per year!
Sarah Williams is an insurance writer who specializes in topics pertaining to car insurance and car ownership. It’s Sarah’s goal to take educational pieces and make them accessible to all car owners through top-notch research and engaging storytelling. To this end, Sarah has written over 200 published articles on car insurance, with a focus on make and model reviews, car specs, and car maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, Sarah worked as a freelance content creator for clients like Ottawa Artisans.
Christelle Agustin is an insurance writer specializing in car insurance, home insurance, and car review content. Christelle’s love of language has driven her to pursue all types of writing. As part of the Jerry team, Christelle has written more than 100 articles covering insurance and maintenance topics, as well as specific reviews of make and model specs.
