7 Fun Cars to Drive Under 10k

From a vintage Ford Mustang to a used FIAT 500, here are seven fun cars to drive under 10k.
Written by Cassandra Hamilton
Reviewed by Jessica Barrett
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Thrifty drivers hoping for some excitement on the road can easily find fun cars under 10k if they know what to look for. From a
Ford Mustang
to a
Mazda Miata
, you can find used cars that are more affordable than you realize. 
Fun cars are quick, responsive, and have great handling. They make traffic an enjoyable activity instead of a horrible chore. With so many options available, the biggest choice you have is two doors, or four?
Plus, there’s no need to worry about paying high
car insurance
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Ford Mustang

Everyone’s favorite sports car is on this list for a reason. You get a backseat, decent trunk space, and an exciting drive all wrapped up in a sporty 2+2 silhouette. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of driving one of America’s most classic muscle cars.
If a V8 is a must-have for you, used car shoppers have a wide range of years to consider. Look out for third-generation Mustangs from 1979 to 1993 and fourth-generation Mustangs from 1994 to 2004. 
Don’t totally dismiss the newer V6 models though—V6 cars through 2010 will still fit into this price bracket without sacrificing the Mustang’s sporty acceleration and looks.

Dodge Charger

If the thought of buying a car made before 2000 doesn’t sit well with you, consider the classic muscle
Dodge Charger
. It was reintroduced in 2006, so none of the models you find will be older than that
Despite some controversy back in 2005 around the Charger not being a true Charger due to its four doors, the model was a hit upon debut and continues to be a favorite. It comfortably seats five.
 Look for a sixth-generation Charger, made from 2006 to 2010 if you want to stay under $10k. The highest trim available is the R/T, which includes a 5.7 liter Hemi V8 and 5-speed automatic transmission. 
To stay under budget, you’ll probably have to opt for a model with high mileage, but you can look for retired police cars to save even more. Beware though, retired police cars often sit idle, which leads to more wear on the engine than cars that are driven regularly.
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Nissan 350z

If you love the look of the
Nissan 350z
, you’re not alone. This gorgeous silhouette was designed to compete with the much more expensive Porsche Boxster, and finding one under $10k makes it an even better deal.
 To match your budget, look for models between 2003 and 2006. During this era,  the Nissan 350z sported a 3.5-liter V6 with excellent handling and acceleration power. Those seeking the carefree style of a convertible will be happy to learn that the top-down models of the 350z are even less expensive. 
Buyers can expect used 350z models under $10k to have between 100,000 and 150,000 miles. 

Mazda MX-5 Miata

It’s no surprise that Mazda’s car enthusiast classic, the Miata, found its way to our list. This convertible communicates well with its driver. You can expect to know exactly what the Miata is capable of and how far you’re pushing the speed and handling. Plus, maintenance is relatively inexpensive. 
The horsepower is lower than other cars on this list, but the Miata is such a joy to drive that you won’t notice.
You have a lot of options when purchasing a Miata. All three of the older generations fall under the $10k category, so look for the most modern model you can find in order to get the most features for the price. 
Look for a third-generation from 2006 to 2015, which are known as NCs. You can even find a retractable hardtop model, with a roof that folds and unfolds in 12 seconds without sacrificing trunk space.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

Volkswagen’s popular hatchback is another car enthusiast favorite. The
Golf GTI
boasts an incredible combination of features with handling, practicality, and speed. Plus, the interior is well-designed and comfortable. 
If you’re looking for a car that screams “adulting” but is also fun, the VW GTI is the right choice for you.
You can find a lot of high-mileage GTI’s available for under $10k, but the best bargain is going to be a Mark V GTI from 2006 to 2009
This model boasts a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower. It also introduces Volkswagen’s direct-shift gearbox transmission, a fancy way of saying “two clutches,” which knocks three-tenths of a second off the car’s 0-60 mph time.

Honda Fit

A
Honda Fit
is surprisingly just as fun and exciting as the other choices. This car is designed with its wheels at the corner of the chassis, which distributes the car’s weight in a way that makes it fun to zip around. Plus, you’ll be able to weave in and out of traffic quickly, getting you home to Netflix and chill much faster.
To get the most fun out of this model, opt for a 5-speed manual transmission and shop the 2009 to 2013 model years. The best news? You can splurge on the Sport trim.

Fiat 500 Abarth

Last but not least, the
FIAT 500
makes an appearance. This cute, popular car is a blast for zooming around, and even more practical if you’re used to compact city living. The Abarth has a tight suspension and a turbocharged motor, so you’ll never be left in the dust.
Several of the newest FIAT 500 models are in the $10k price range, so you can shop for used cars as recent as 2012 to 2015
The 500 Abarth can hit 60 mph in just under 7 seconds thanks to its turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder with 160 horsepower. FIAT is notorious for reliability issues, though, so make sure you have an independent mechanic conduct an inspection before committing.

Don’t forget insurance coverage

Thinking about insurance may not be the most thrilling part of taking a drive, but most states require coverage. Besides, quality, hassle-free insurance gives you the peace of mind necessary for an exciting drive.
 
Jerry
, the top-rated insurance broker app, can handle all the stress of finding car insurance while you worry about having fun. All you have to do is answer a few questions and choose from personalized, real-time quotes from top insurance companies. 
Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy. And best of all, you’ll have extra room in your budget for finding a fun car, because Jerry users save on average more than $800 a year! What’s more fun than that?
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