Best sports car under £50k
Sometimes used is better, and in the case of the best sports car under £50k, it definitely is.
By Ben Welham
Last updated: 25 July 2025
Some people like to take up golf to wind down after work or at the weekend, but others find a good country drive in a sports car much more enjoyable.
With a budget of up to £50,000, you can pick up some excellent motors from nippy convertibles to fast coupés.
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What's the best sports car under £50k?
Audi TT
Porsche Boxster
BMW i8
Toyota GT86
Jaguar F-Type
Mazda MX-5
BMW M2
Audi TT
 "Audi TTS front")
Kicking off this list is the German pocket rocket that is the Audi TT. This little sports car may not be the first model that comes to mind, but it’s a seriously strong contender.
Not only is it on the more affordable end, but this used Audi is also a great driver’s car (especially with a manual gearbox), and it offers superb interior quality and the latest tech.
Sitting at the top of the range are the TTS and TT RS models that offer the greatest performance and characteristics. They produce 306hp and 400hp, respectively, from their engines – a four-cylinder in the former and a five-cylinder in the latter.
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Porsche Boxster
 "Porsche 718 Boxster")
Very few cars handle as well as a Porsche sports car. That’s a fact. So, what better way to enjoy it than with a topless driving experience (no, not that kind)?
The Boxster, based on the Cayman, is the brand’s smallest convertible sports car and is one of the most popular choices for those wanting some fun weekend blasts up and down a country road.
Available in plenty of different guises, the Boxster is a truly magnificent driver’s car and is fun with either a manual or automatic gearbox.
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BMW i8
 "BMW i8 front driving")
While it may be powered by the engine from a Mini, a used BMW i8 is a mighty thing and is one of the most underrated sports cars of its generation.
It came out at a time when carmakers were discovering the future of motoring and what could be done with electric cars. What this plug-in hybrid represents is a step in the right direction by combining electricity and petrol.
The i8 may not be quite as agile as a Porsche 911 because of its heavy batteries, but this doesn’t mean it won’t handle a country road with ease.
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Toyota GT86
 "Toyota GT86 driving")
Twinned with the Subaru BRZ, the Toyota GT86 is a proper budget driver’s car. It proves you don’t need to spend tonnes of cash to get a capable and willing sports car.
Other car manufacturers chase Nürburgring lap times and fast cornering speeds, but Toyota doesn’t think this is the way forward – it believes 200hp is all you need to have fun.
Because it weighs just 1,215kg, it’s easy to chuck around corners, too, and the lack of horsepower isn’t as noticeable in this instance.
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Jaguar F-Type
 "Jaguar F-Type driving")
What makes the Jaguar F-Type so versatile is its wide range of engines on offer. You can have it with either a four-cylinder, V6 or a monstrous 5.0-litre V8.
In terms of pricing when new, the F-Type was cleverly positioned in between the Porsche Cayman and Porsche 911, making it an attractive proposition for someone wanting a mid-range sports car.
And if you’re feeling brave, Jaguar makes the F-Type with either AWD or RWD, but let this be a warning – the latter is very tail-happy.
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Mazda MX-5
 "Mazda MX-5 front three quarters")
Like the GT86, the little Mazda MX-5 follows the mantra of low weight + low power = fun.
There are a few different engines on offer, with the most popular being the more powerful 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 181hp and increased efficiency.
You can have it with a responsive automatic gearbox, but we’d always recommend the manual gearbox in an MX-5 because it increases driver involvement and is just more fun to use.
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BMW M2
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If you think a Volkswagen Golf GTI is a bit too predictable, then the BMW M2 might be right up your street.
Without spending 911 money, you can get a splendid little sports car that’s a hoot to drive and wouldn’t be afraid to stick its tail out.
Because it shares much of its DNA with the larger M3 and M4, the little sporty 2 Series is a very power-thirsty sports car that isn’t afraid to put up a fight.
Sam Sheehan, our motoring editor, said: "The agility of the BMW M2 is really quite astonishing. On a bendy B-road or a track day, you’ll have a hoot.
"What’s perhaps even more amazing is this could easily be a daily driver, with plenty of room for four people and their luggage."
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What makes a good used sports car
A good used sports car isn't just about speed and style - there are plenty of things that go towards making an iconic model.
Beyond quick pace and off-the-line times, agile handling and a comfortable cruise are important. When looking at horsepower and 0-60mph times, you might also want to consider how the car feels on the roads and whether it's front, rear or all-wheel drive.
What's inside is just as important, and a quality interior adds to the sports car charm. You might also want a flashy infotainment system or at least the ability to add one in the future.
A good sports car will also stand the test of time. You want something reliable, so take a look at reviews to see how they perform long-term.
Discover used sports cars
Sports cars come in all shapes and sizes; from used convertibles to used coupés – and this is why they're now more versatile than ever.
Buying used can mean you save thousands on your dream car, and why wouldn't you want that?
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