Howdy, folks. I’m a car guy. I’m hoping you guys are also car people, otherwise this article may come off clear as a dishwasher. Anyway, most car people in high school are gunning for some wheels. No matter what you get, it’s yours. Hopefully, you get something cool. I’ve combed through Autotrader, Bring A Trailer, and Classic.com to find these cheap and neat little speedsters, and I’ve lined them up from 5-1 based on how good of a car they make. And yes, I’ll admit I’m a bit partial to Japanese cars, but I’ll try my best to counter my bias.
10) Audi B5 S4
The 2nd generation S4 is a beast. Eye candy? Not so much. It’s more of a beast than a beauty, making 261 horsepower, and weighing ~3500 pounds. It has a twin turbo V6 and a lovely independent suspension system. It’s certainly not something that’s gonna dazzle, but it makes up for that in some decent speed, with a 0-60 of 5.7 seconds. There is room for improvement, if you want to get your hands dirty. If you look hard enough, you can find one for just short of $10K. A nice option for fans of German cars who don’t want to stick out too much.
9) Ford Mustang S-197
The pony car of the mid 2000s, this muscle legend can be yours for under $10K, if you look hard enough. You’ll find V6 and V8 models pretty easily. You’ll hover around 210-315 horsepower and ~3500 lbs, depending on the model you get,. A capable platform, nonetheless. This car has a mix of style and substance. The perfect blend of spice and speed for a muscle car fan.
8) Lexus IS300 XE10
The first generation Lexus IS300 is a great pick for any enthusiast. If you can find one for your budget. This absolute unit has the potential to be a big sleeper*. It looks like something your grandma would drive in 2004. But, for some reason, Lexus decided to throw in the inline 6 from the A90 Supra. I’m not complaining. This car made a pretty shabby 153 horsepower and weighed just shy of 3,300 pounds, but the tuning potential of the 2JZGTE engine is ludicrous. Certainly a pick for any tuner kids out there.
7) Mazda FB/FC RX-7
You’re thinking something again, aren’t you. ‘A Mazda RX-7? What?’ It’s surprising how cheap these niche sports cars can be. I guess this entry counts as two, but you’re still reading, are you really gonna turn the page? Both cars come with a twin rotor rotary engine, something you don’t see anymore. Rotaries have a high rev limit, so you can do burnouts and and similar activities (on a closed course or track, you hooligans) and not have to worry about your engine exploding*.
6) Third-Generation Chevrolet Camaro
The Camaro is a staple in auto history. It’s not the one you’re thinking, I guarantee it. The third-generation Camaro is the 2nd least loved Camaro, after the dreaded “catfish” Camaro. It was made from ‘81-’92, and came with either an I4, a V6, or a V8. It had plenty of power to boot, with 145-245 horsepower, depending on the year and spec. You can find a used beater for under $10K, and it’s a cromulent find. I’m not a muscle guy, but this is one of my favorites.
5) 1978 Porsche 924
Now I know what you may be thinking. ‘A Porsche? Are you insane? How much money do you think I have?’ I thought the same when researching. Funny enough, you can find one for under $10,000 if you look hard enough. This underrated 2+2 coupé had one of three different I4s, making a blistering 95 horsepower, or if you’re lucky 110 with the 1977 model, and weighing 2,381 lbs.. Not the best choice for power or speed, actually one of the worst on this list, but the style factor more than makes up for it. This car has pop up headlights, and you can tell your mates that you drive a Porsche.
4) Third-Generation Pontiac Firebird
What is one of the forgotten muscle greats doing on this list? I’m not exactly sure. The Firebird is a true great, an icon of its time. Pontiac is dead, has been for 13 years. This car is anything but dead, at least in spirit. It had a whole 90-350 horsepower depending on the model. Realistically, yours will be close to 150. If you really look hard enough, you can find one for under $10K. It might be a fixer-upper, but at least you’ll own a HOME-BRED AMERICAN MUSCLE CAR!
3) Subaru Impreza WRX (GE/GH/GR/GV)
This gen (2007-2014) of Subaru Impreza WRX is a solid choice. Capable rally car, sometimes even turbo. It came in manual mostly and came with a 4cyl Boxer engine. It has a lovely interior, and it’s an underrated and cheap buy. In my opinion, look for a GR (widebody hatchback), because the sedan’s design just isn’t doing it. Unfortunately, the WRX STI is a smidge out of budget for the average teen, coming in used for close to $16K, but the ‘plain’ WRX is only $10K. With your first car, you should take what you can get. A small, capable Japanese car with 227hp for $10K, I’d take that deal.
2) Porsche 986
Again, why is a Porsche #2 on this list? Because it’s truly stunning how low underrated Porsches can go for! The Porsche 986, otherwise known as the Boxster, is a pretty little guy. A tiny roadster, It truly has flown under the radar. It manages to stay above 200hp, which is impressive for the price range, as you have probably seen. Like most cars on this list, it might take a bit of looking to find one in the budget, but once you strike oil, you’re golden. A roadster, a Porsche roadster, if anything, is an opportunity little want to miss.
1) Nissan 350Z
The Nissan 350Z is my #1 pick for a first car in a $10K budget. This is one capable machine. A total enthusiast zoomer. Few cars can match the 350Z’s rep, featuring in more media than I can count. This car is MEGA-cheap, with few breaking $10K. This is one loved car. Major potential for tuning, and even stock it can make 200 horsepower at least (depending on the model). This car is one of my all-time favorites. It’s cheap and capable, and it is one of the cutest little sports cars money can buy.
*you still should listen to your car though, don’t push it
