Top 5 affordable sports cars 2020

The loans.com.au team are here to count down the 5 most affordable sports cars you should keep an eye out for this year.

First, we need to define sports car. By strict definition, a sports car is a two seat/two door coupe with no backseats. However, not many affordable cars fall strictly into that category, so we’ve relaxed things a bit - anything sports style, primarily designed for two people, can count - no hatchbacks or sedans though.

And second, we need to define the price range. Let’s say, $70,000 - that’s not cheap by many definitions, but it falls within the luxury car tax threshold, and also isn’t a $200,000 Porsche 911.

BMW 2 Series

While not strictly a ‘sports’ car, the 2 Series has a two-door, convertible model. To fall within budget, however, you’re looking at the 220i model. The 220i can be found for under $70,000 excluding government charges, but the on-road costs will push it a little beyond that $70,000 price tag.

It comes with a 2.0L turbo petrol engine and an eight speed automatic. As to be expected, you get a lot of the BMW bells and whistles, while also being a relatively frugal vehicle consuming just 6.1L/100km combined usage.

Nissan 370Z

The 370Z is back after around a decade missing from our roads. The 2020 370Z starts at around $51,000 before on-road costs.

Fans of the Fast and the Furious series will love the relatively huge six cylinder, 3.7L engine. You get a choice of either manual or a seven speed sports automatic - with the auto you can expect to pay a slight price premium. The 370Z puts out a massive 245kW and 363Nm torque with a relatively light weight, at less than 1,500kg.

Subaru BRZ / Toyota 86

You get two vehicles in one with this entry on the list. Subaru developed the engine, while Toyota did almost everything else. So, in the end, each manufacturer put out their own versions of the same car - they are virtually the same vehicle.

It is one of the cheapest vehicles on this list, with a sub-$50,000 drive away price. And for that you get a two-door coupe with a four cylinder, 2.0L engine. It is also one of the slowest vehicles in this list, with a 0-100km/h time of 8.2 seconds. However, a 2.4L turbocharged version is reported to be on the way in 2021, which will deliver significantly more power but will inevitably attract a higher price.

Ford Mustang

The Mustang created huge waves here when it first landed on our shores a few years ago. With a $70,000 limit, you actually have a choice in models.

As it’s a Mustang, you can of course expect a huge 5.0L V8 engine, and for that you’ll be paying around $64,000 before on-road costs, which would bring it up to right on the $70,000 mark. The cheaper version, the four cylinder ‘Ecoboost’ variation still packs a punch though. You can find Ecoboost models for less than $61,000 drive away. It comes with a turbo four cylinder.

Both engine options come with either a 10 speed auto or a six speed manual, and both are in a two-door four seat coupe variation, with a convertible roof an option as well.

Mazda MX-5 (Miata)

The undisputed king of modern roadsters, the MX-5 Miata has a catchy acronym - ‘Miata is Always the Answer’. The new MX-5 comes in two engine sizes - 1.5L or 2.0L. Both are naturally aspirated i.e. not turbocharged. They also come in two forms - convertible or a hard top coupe. It’s also one of the few cars where a manual transmission looks to be the preferred option - you can of course opt for a six speed auto with paddle shifters, however.

It won’t set the world ablaze with straight-line speed, but it’s said to be one of the best ‘bang for buck’ handling vehicles out there, and the most balanced with its rear-wheel drive system. The 2.0L model comes in at just under $50,000 before on-road costs, while the 1.5L edition is slightly cheaper.

How to get a sports car loan

If you’re shopping around for a new sports car, either for fun or as your daily driver, it can be important to get pre-approved for a loan. With a pre-approval, you can shop around with a budget in mind, so you’re not looking for a BMW while on Subaru money.

If you’re ready to get the keys to your sports car, get your loan pre-approval with one of our friendly lending specialists today.

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Photo credit: Miłosz Klinowski, Unsplash