Affordability is a sliding scale, especially given that the average cost of a new car these days is around $50,000. That being said, there are still enjoyable automobiles available for far less than the average price, including a couple that cost less than $30,000.
For 2024, we discovered 20 fast automobiles that cost under $50,000. Many of these vehicles are from historic automakers like as Honda, Mazda, and Toyota, with iconic models like the Miata and newbies like the GR Corolla making the cut. Even a few luxury manufacturers provide sporty solutions at reasonable prices.
What is the fastest but cheapest car?
In terms of acceleration from a recently green stoplight, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost is unquestionably the fastest new car for under $40,000, but it must be equipped with the High Performance package.
For more general speed, the lighter-weight, 300-hp, all-wheel-drive Toyota GR Corolla is likely the quickest new car under $40,000 on the road and track, especially if the weather is anything other than completely dry and warm.
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Top 10 Affordable Sorts Cars of 2024
1. The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla Core Hatchback costs $37,595.
The 2024 Toyota GR Corolla is the final hatchback rally hellion standing. The GR Corolla, like the Group A homologation rally specials that inspired the category, transforms a capable but unremarkable economic car into an exceptionally unique multi-terrain speed machine.
Manual-only and designed for individuals who value mechanical perfection over interior indulgence, this Corolla can keep up with truly exotic machinery on the road while its turbocharged engine whooshes and growls.
2. 2024 Hyundai Elantra N (Manual) Sedan | $34,500 (MT Estimate)
Simply told, the 2024 Hyundai Elantra N offers something for everyone who enjoys driving. The Elantra N drives a very hard bargain for a mid-$30,000 car, thanks to its turbocharged engine, manual transmission, and enough doors and seats to bring your pals along for the rollercoaster trip.
The power of the turbo four-cylinder is excellent, but the Elantra N’s handling distinguishes it from the average sedans you pass in traffic.
The Elantra N, like some of the finest front-wheel-drive performance vehicles before it, turns effortlessly when turning, allowing for simple oversteer and sliding on track.
Whereas most cars in this price range rely on performance to be enjoyable, the manual-handbrake-equipped Elantra N knows how to have fun while still being capable of handling more serious track work.
3. 2024 Nissan Z Sport (Manual) Coupe, $43,450
The original Datsun 240Z popularized Japanese sports cars in America, and the 2024 Nissan Z is a twin-turbo continuation of that historic legacy.
It can’t rival the BMW-derived Toyota Supra in terms of speed and handling, but the Z’s twin turbines produce enough push to place it in a performance class above the lighter-weight entry-level GR86 and Miata sports cars. Unlike the Supra, the base Nissan Z has a large dual-snail engine as standard.
Unfortunately, a limited-slip differential is not standard, and getting one will cost you an additional $10,000. That hardware helps put power down and put the tail out, and it is available on much less expensive sports vehicles.
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4. 2024 Subaru WRX Base (Manual) Sedan | $33,855
The 2024 Subaru WRX, while slower on paper than its immediate predecessor and exceedingly thirsty, is an inexpensive all-wheel-drive sport sedan with a pedigree.
It is the most affordable turbo all-wheel-drive sport compact, starting around $3,500 less than the higher-performance GR Corolla. Unfortunately, if you have the money, it is better spent on the more expensive choice.
5. 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Coupe | $32,515
The standard Mustang’s turbo four-cylinder is no slouch, accelerating the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost from 0 to 60 mph in less than five seconds.
The difficulties begin with the transmission. For the S650 generation, only the slow-witted 10-speed automatic is available, and it needed the $3,475 2.3L High Performance package to function as the budget performance car it was designed to be. Aside from improving gearbox logic, the Performance package includes a faster-accelerating, slide-friendly 3.55 Torsen differential, an electric drift brake, and high-performance Brembo brakes, among other mechanical and software enhancements.
With the Performance package added, the EcoBoost Mustang is a truly capable sports car in the $36,000 bracket; without it, the pony simply isn’t fully grown.
6. 2024 Subaru BRZ Premium (Manual) Coupe, $31,315
For those seeking driving excellence, the 2024 Subaru BRZ and its Toyota GR86 counterpart are about as excellent as it gets.
In a world dominated by four-doors and SUVs, the BRZ stands out for its balance, light weight, and stunning design.
Unlike its considerably lighter-weight Miata counterpart, the BRZ and GR86 have just enough space in the back for four track tires (plus a pair of vestigial rear seats).
Although it is substantially faster than the previous generation, the BRZ remains a car designed to produce fast drivers rather than dragstrip ETs.
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7. 2024 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT Coupe | $32,495
The last 2024 Chevrolet Camaro was constructed on December 14, 2023, however dealer inventory still exists. The 2024 option lineup was somewhat simplified, with the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine being deleted, leaving only the reliable V-8 and V-6 engines available.
While the outgoing base V-8 cars at least match its revised Mustang counterpart, the base V-6 model of the ’24 Camaro may be slightly slower than the base Mustang, which retails for roughly the same price.
Throughout its nine-year manufacturing run, the sixth-generation Camaro consistently outperformed the Mustang in terms of performance and handling, particularly at mid to low price ranges.
The disadvantages include insufficient cabin and trunk room for the car’s size.
8. 2024 Honda Civic Si Sedan | $30,195
All eleventh-generation Civics handle well, but the 2024 Honda Civic Si complements that worthy chassis with an engine capable of propelling the comparatively lightweight Civic out of its own way.
The Civic Si’s turbocharged 1.5-liter engine accelerates from 0 to 60 in over two seconds, resulting in an all-around sport compact with a low starting price and great gas mileage of up to 37 highway mpg.
While not as exciting as vehicles in the price range above, such as the Elantra N, the Civic Si is a highly economical option that will put a grin on your face, especially if the commute includes any turns in the road.
9. The 2024 Toyota GR86 Base (Manual) Coupe costs $29,495.
The 2024 Toyota GR86, which is more slide-happy than its Subaru rival, is Toyota’s latest lightweight sports car.
The mythology of the AE86 and its successor, the GT86, is so strong that appearing in two different internationally known anime is only one of many accolades.
The GR86, like the BRZ and its competitor the Miata, excels in lightness and balance. More pricier vehicles, including as the Mustang, Z, and others, feel like they’re wearing snowshoes when compared to how a GR86 can slide, swing, or slide into a corner with the tiniest combinations of steering, throttle, or brake input.
Simply defined, a GR86 is a sports car for people who see driving as more of an art than a duty.
10. 2024 Mazda Miata Sport Convertible | $30,150
The 2024 Mazda Miata provides maximum driving enjoyment with a combination of light weight, drop-top styling, and rear-wheel-drive performance.
The Miata is the lightest sports vehicle on the market, making it even more driver-centric than the GR86 and BRZ, which are designed for racing.
This roadster, like other pure sports cars, is more enjoyable to drive around a parking lot than many more expensive performance vehicles on a road course.
The downsides of all this delight include a hilarious lack of cargo capacity and an interior that, while comfortable, is not particularly roomy.
