Cheap, Fun Used Cars

Chris Tonn | September 15, 2016

Photo: General Motors

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Fun To Drive, Cheap To Own

Driving doesn’t have to be a chore. Certainly, the morning commute can be draining. But if you can avoid the interstate for some winding back roads on the way home, you might just enjoy your time behind the wheel. If you can choose a fun car, all the better.

We’ve chosen seven fun used cars that are easily located for under $20,000. Testers consider these to be excellent all-around cars that just happen to be a blast to drive. And while many enthusiasts do prefer to use a manual transmission in their sporty cars, all of these have the option of an automatic transmission, making that morning commute less hellish on the left leg.

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Photo: Ford Motor Company

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2010 Ford Mustang

Most Americans, when asked to imagine a sporty car, will likely picture a “pony car,” either a Ford Mustang or it’s long-time competitor, the Chevrolet Camaro. When equipped with the 315-horsepower V-8 engine, the Mustang performs admirably - with a charming, rumbling, all-American exhaust note.

Of course, the standard V-6 isn’t a bad choice, though with 210 horsepower, it pales in performance compared to the V-8. Fuel economy on the V-6 model is better than the big engine, with 18 mpg city, 26 mpg highway versus 16/24 on the V-8. The Mustang handles quite well for a larger car; though big bumps can upset the suspension. Testers found the interior to be comfortable and well-appointed, though the rear seats could be a bit cramped for legroom.

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Photo: Mazda North American Operations

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2010 Mazda Miata

The Mazda Miata has carried the flag for the traditional roadster for over two decades. With a small, front-mounted engine powering the lightweight, two-seat convertibles rear wheels, the Miata definitely carries on the legacy of small British and Italian roadsters.

What the Miata does differently is reliability. While the sports cars of the 1960s and 1970s tended to be unreliable and indifferently assembled, the Miata is a reliable daily commuter without drama.. An easy-to-use soft-top drops in seconds for wind-in-the-hair fun, while an optional powered hard-top folds nearly as quickly, but can prove much more vandal- and weather-proof than the cloth version. As the Miata is powered by an efficient, 167-horsepower four-cylinder engine, it can achieve an excellent 28 mpg on the highway, as well.

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Photo: General Motors

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2010 Chevrolet Camaro

Like the Mustang, the Chevrolet Camaro is a traditional American “pony car,” with plenty of power and decent handling in a somewhat-large chassis. Interestingly, the Camaro has a much more powerful base engine than the Mustang, with better fuel economy of up to 29 mpg on the highway.

Testers did find that the Camaro has a cramped rear seat, and very poor rearward visibility, combined with interior materials that aren’t up to the standards of competitors. However, many drivers overlook these faults, especially if you select the 426-horsepower V-8 in the SS trim level. The V-8 provides truly heroic performance for the skilled driver, though the base 306-horsepower V6 is quite capable.

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Photo: Nissan North America, Inc.

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2009 Nissan 370Z

The Nissan 370Z is a powerful sports car with excellent handling and wonderful performance, though some testers have found the ride a bit unrefined. The 370Z achieves 332 horsepower from the 3.7 liter V-6. This impressive power makes the back roads a good deal of fun.

The handling is excellent, though testers found the stiff suspension a bit punishing on long highway drives, especially when the pavement isn’t particularly smooth. Still, others found the shifter notchy, leading some to prefer the seven-speed automatic transmission. Those who can overlook these minor faults and the rather minimal cargo room will find an engaging sports car that prioritizes excellent performance - and excellent value - over commuting comfort.

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Photo: Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

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2013 Scion FR-S

The Scion FR-S is a comfortable sports car with excellent handling and good fuel economy, though it doesn’t have as powerful an engine as some rivals. Most testers found the interior quite comfortable, if a bit cramped in the rear.

The FR-S has a 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine powering the rear wheels, with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Interestingly, the automatic-equipped car is more fuel efficient, rated for 34 mpg on the highway, versus 30 mpg in the manual-transmission car. With relatively little horsepower, compared to some competitors, either transmission shifts easily and smoothly, allowing the driver to make the most of the willing engine. Handling is sublime, and the car has become a favorite of drifters who love to slide the rear wheels around corners. Please drive and enjoy responsibly.

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Photo: Mazda North American Operations

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2009 Mazda RX-8

The Mazda RX-8 is an interesting sports car, one that has a pair of rear-hinged doors that eases access to the surprisingly-spacious rear seats. Excellent handling is a hallmark of the RX-8, though the unusual rotary engine underperforms in both power and efficiency.

That 1.3 liter rotary engine can rev to a dizzying 9000 rpm, smoothly buzzing to redline. Unfortunately, the engine produces a mere 232 horsepower when equipped with the excellent six-speed manual, or 212 when fitted with an automatic - all the while only achieving, 23 mpg on the highway. The RX-8 does have an excellent ride and handling, though the trunk space is disappointing.

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Photo: Volkswagen of America, Inc.

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2013 Volkswagen GTI

Unusually for this group, the Volkswagen GTI is a front-wheel drive hatchback, and as such handles quite differently than the rest. Testers consider the GTI a solid performer, with excellent handling and straight-line speed from the turbocharged engine.

The GTI certainly swings on the practical side of the fun/commuter pendulum, and comes with either two or four doors, easing access to the roomy rear seats. The cabin has premium materials adding a luxury feel, as well, and the GTI is rated to achieve up to 33 mpg. But that practical side is tempered by a taut-handling chassis, and a willing 200 horsepower turbocharged powerplant that drives the wheels through a slick-shifting, six-speed transmission.