Over the last few years, new car prices have been on an upward trend, culminating in the average new car price crossing the $50,000 mark for the first time in 2025. This is already bad news for buyers looking for point A to B cars, but it's even worse for gearheads looking for any semblance of performance, as they have to pay a premium on top of an already high price.Thankfully, the used cars market is thriving, and even though prices have also gone up on that side of the spectrum, there are still multiple used performance cars you can snag even if your budget is as low as $10,000. We took it upon ourselves to find 10 such cars, assembling a carefully curated list of some of the best sub-$10k performance cars, including sports cars, muscle cars, and more.But, before you dive in, it's worth noting that there are multiple vehicles that would have made the list if performance and price were our only considerations, such as the 2010 Audi S6 with its fear-inducing but high-maintenance V10 engine and others in various states of disrepair. However, that's not the direction we wanted to go. Instead, we've picked drivable performance cars that you can enjoy for a while with manageable maintenance costs, allowing you to save up for a newer and more fearsome machine. 2013 Mazda MX-5 Miata (NC) Power: 167 HP MazdaNo list featuring affordable fun cars would be complete without a Miata, and to stay within our budget, we went with the third-generation (NC) variant. While the 2013 Mazda Miata’s 167-hp four-pot doesn't sound too promising to those interested in raw performance, its tried-and-tested formula of ultralightweight construction, rear-wheel-drive, communicative handling, and near-perfect weight distribution ensures you'll have a blast, especially if you get one with a manual gearbox.MazdaJ.D. Power data puts the average price of a 2013 NC Miata at just around $10,000, but if you can dig a bit deeper into your wallet, early examples of the current ND generation start from $11,500. For that, you get a more current design, a power bump to 181 hp, and the same driving joy that has made the Miata the best-selling two-seat sports car in history.Find [[default_name]] and more cars for sale on our MarketplaceShop Now 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i Power: 255 HP BMWBuying an old BMW can be a nerve-wracking experience, but if you know what to look for, you can get a stylish, powerful, and reliable exotic for pennies on the dollar. The 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i is a perfect example of an overlooked BMW that you can get for less than $10k, and it's pretty good.BMW Apart from the prestige associated with driving a BMW, the 2011 Z4 offers a sleek and timeless design with classic roadster proportions, a retractable hardtop, a comfortable interior with luxury features, and a modern infotainment system, and if you go for the sDrive30i trim, you get a naturally aspirated 255-hp 3.0-liter inline-six engine mated to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic. Before you say anything about reliability, this car has the N52 engine, which has a reputation for being one of the most reliable BMW engines ever. However, if you're willing to sacrifice reliability for performance, the 2008 BMW M3 can be yours for around the same price, and it has a high-revving V8 with over 400 hp under the hood.Find [[default_name]] and more cars for sale on our MarketplaceShop Now 2006 Subaru Impreza WRX STi “Hawkeye” Power: 300 HP SubaruIf there's one car that earned Subaru a cult following among enthusiasts, it's the rally-bred Impreza WRX STi, which ran from the '90s until the early 2010s when it dropped the “Impreza” name. The second-generation version is particularly loved for offering Subaru's 300-hp turbocharged flat four-banger (known as the EJ25), a six-speed manual, limited-slip differential, large Brembo brakes, BBS wheels and tires, and an unmistakable rear spoiler that was battle-tested at the WRC.Subaru There are three versions of the second-generation Subaru Impreza WRX STi, and the good news is that they all fall within our budget. However, we picked the 2006 model as it was the first to adopt the “Hawkeye” design. If you prefer the “Blobeye” design and a torque split of 35/65 instead of 41/59, go for the 2004-05 model. Keep in mind that 2006 models in this price range will be high-mileage examples with modifications, as unadulterated models command far higher prices. If you want a lower-mileage model in more original condition, go for earlier second-generation WRX STis with the “Bugeye” headlights. 2010 Ford Mustang GT Power: 315 HP FordHaving been in continuous production since 1964, there are multiple Ford Mustang generations and models we could have picked for this list, but we went with the 2010 GT for various reasons. For one, the 2010 Mustang GT is part of the fifth-generation Mustang, which is widely considered to be one of the best examples of a retro-inspired design done right with its long power dome hood, menacing front fascia, short deck, and classic fastback lines. Secondly, the 2010 Mustang GT comes with a 4.6-liter V8 that not only delivers 315 ponies but also produces a deep growl.Ford Finally, the price. Not only is the 2010 Ford Mustang GT an affordable piece of American muscle car history at around $10k for a high-mileage unit, but it's also built on the reliable Mustang platform, which explains why J.D. Power gave it a high reliability score of 84 out of 100. For a lower mileage unit in the same price range, go for the pre-facelift 2005-2009 Mustang GTs, such as this 2007 Mustang GT that sold for $9,900 on Bring a Trailer a few months ago.Find [[default_name]] and more cars for sale on our MarketplaceShop Now 1996 Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo Power: 320 HP Bring A TrailerThe Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 is undoubtedly one of the coolest Japanese cars of the '90s, which is why its prices have grown in recent years to the point that it no longer qualifies for this list. Thankfully, Dodge sold a rebadged Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4 as the Stealth R/T Turbo in the '90s, and unlike its Japanese sibling, the Stealth's resale values have remained relatively grounded. The 1996 Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo costs less than half what you'll be required to pay for a 1996 3000GT VR-4, which is crazy considering they're largely similar.Bring A Trailer For that price, you get a sleek coupe with a twin-turbo V6 sending 320 hp to all four wheels and modern tech like all-wheel steering, electronically controlled suspension, and an active exhaust system. Admittedly, you don't get in the Stealth, but it's still a steal at around $7,000. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette LT4 Power: 330 HP Bring A TrailerThe Chevy Corvette has always stayed true to its mission — to offer European sports-car-rivaling design and performance at a fraction of the price. Multiple Chevy Corvette iterations have achieved this over the years, but few did it better than the 1996 model, as this was the only C4 model year when the LT4 V8 was available.Bring A Trailer While the LT4 had the same displacement as the LT1 offered in most other C4 model years, key upgrades like a revised camshaft, new aluminum heads, and a higher compression ratio allowed it to produce more power (330 hp) at a higher redline. The 1996 Corvette LT4 sits within our budget for a high-mileage example, and with a wealth of spare parts, owner forums, and mechanics available, it can even be a daily driver. For lower mileage and well-maintained examples, the LT1-powered 1996 Vette is a great alternative. 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Power: 382 HP Mercedes-BenzThe Mercedes-Benz SL-Class has always been the gold standard for European roadsters since its debut in the '50s, combining style, luxury, and performance. German luxury cars have some of the highest depreciation rates, which is why you can buy a 2007 SL-Class with a 382-hp V8 engine for a tiny fraction of the over $100,000 you had to spend to get it in 2007.Mercedes-Benz A depreciation rate of 90 percent is usually a major red flag when buying a used car, but the 2007 SL550 is worth the risk since it earned an excellent J.D. Power reliability score of 84 out of 100. Still, we recommend a thorough pre-purchase inspection for any 2007 SL550 you find at this price point. 2004 Cadillac CTS-V Power: 400 HP CadillacThe Cadillac name is synonymous with American luxury, but in the early 2000s, the American marque came to the realization that, in order to keep up with its European rivals, it needed to blend performance into its offerings. Cadillac chose the first-generation CTS to be the basis of one of its first performance-oriented models — the CTS-V.Cadillac The Cadillac CTS-V debuted in 2004 with a largely similar design to the standard CTS, but it was an entirely different beast underneath. The CTS-V was equipped with a long list of performance upgrades, starting with the same 5.7-liter LS6 V8 engine and six-speed Tremec manual transmission from the Corvette C5 Z06, sport suspension with stiffer springs and dampers, limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes, and high-performance Goodyear Eagle F1 run-flat tires.Thanks to the upgrades, the CTS-V blasted past 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds and had a top speed of 163 mph. The CTS-V also proved its mettle at the Nurburgring, posting a respectable lap time of 8 minutes and 19 seconds. If you're lucky, you can find a 2004 CTS-V for around $10,000, but it will likely be a modified example with over 100k miles on the odometer. 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8 Power: 425 HP DodgeIn 2008, the Dodge Challenger made a triumphant return after a 25-year hiatus, leaving many gearheads in awe. Borrowing a page from the fifth-generation Ford Mustang's book, the Challenger had a brazenly retro look that resurrected the iconic design of the 1970 Challenger R/T, earning it praise from gearheads who wanted a contemporary version of a true Golden Era icon.DodgeThe 2008 Dodge Challenger also didn't disappoint under the hood, especially the SRT-8 trim, which gained a modern version of Chrysler's venerable Hemi V8 engine with 425 hp on tap. But, unlike its 1970s predecessor, the 2008 Challenger SRT-8 had a Mercedes-Benz-derived platform featuring a modern independent rear suspension system, large Brembo brakes, and other goodies that gave it a more comfortable ride and made it a joy to drive not just in a straight line but also on twisty backroads. Prices for a well-used 2008 Challenger SRT-8 are still below $10k, but with the model recently discontinued, they'll likely start rising. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS Power: 426 HP ChevroletWhen the fifth-generation Camaro returned to Chevy's lineup in 2010 after a brief hiatus, it looked markedly different from its sports-car-like predecessor, and in a good way. The 2010 Camaro had gone back to its muscle car roots, ditching the tapered nose and sleek curves of the fourth-gen variant and adopting a wide, retro-modern, muscular look featuring a long hood with a V-shaped nose, short deck, low roofline, wide hips, bulging wheel arches, and wide wheels that gave it a powerful, “hunkered-down” look.Chevrolet The muscular theme continued underneath the hood, especially in “SS” guise, as it featured a throaty 6.2-liter LS3 V8 cranking out 426 hp. An independent rear suspension and Brembo brakes gave it great road manners, ensuring it could keep up with sports cars on straights and bends. Admittedly, going for a 2010 Camaro SS in this price range is a roll of the dice from a reliability perspective, so if you want the same head-turning design and presence but with more peace of mind, the 304-hp 2010 Camaro V6 is comfortably under $10,000, and it's no slouch either.Find [[default_name]] and more cars for sale on our MarketplaceShop NowSources: J.D. Power, Bring A Trailer.