Best Used Cars Under $15,000 in 2023
On a budget? You can get plenty of great cars for less than $15,000. Here are some of the best.
Even with a budget of $15,000, you can get a whole lot of car. These are the cars we like the most that can be purchased right now for under 15 grand.
2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V
If you're looking for a cheap sports sedan with serious power, consider the first-gen Cadillac CTS-V. Under the hood sits an LS6 V-8 (or an LS2 in later years) sending power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. It remains one of the best sleepers from the 2000s.
1999-2005 Lexus IS
It might not look like much on the outside, but the early 2000s IS300 is actually a great package. It's rear-wheel drive, and comes with a Toyota 2JZ straight-six engine. Plus, Lexus even offered it with a manual. Finding a five-speed example is tough, but they're around.
1991-2000 Lexus SC
Like the IS, the SC is a killer choice for someone on a budget, whether in 300 or 400 form. The SC300 packs that same naturally aspirated 2JZ from the IS300, while the SC400 has the same bulletproof V-8 from the legendary LS400. You can't go wrong either way.
2006-2010 BMW M5
The E60-generation BMW M5 has a reputation for expensive maintenance costs, so despite having a 500-horsepower V-10 under the hood, isn't that expensive to buy. You should certainly budget some extra cash for keeping that automated SMG transmission running, though. Our advice? Find one with a less finicky six-speed manual transmission.
1992-1999 BMW M3
Looking for an M car that's lighter and sportier? It's hard to go wrong with a BMW M3. While E46-generation M3s have appreciated out of the segment, its older sibling, the E36, can still be had for under $15,000. With proper care they'll last thousands of miles, if you're willing to put up with the costs.
1990-2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Believe it or not, you can buy any generation of Mazda MX-5 Miata for under $15,000, if you know where to look. No, you won't be getting the most pristine example if you go for a current-gen ND, but even ratty Miatas are a fun time. Spend 15 grand on an NA Miata, and you'll have one of the cleanest examples on the planet.
1999-2004 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning
No, the Ford F-150 SVT Lightning isn't exactly a car, but it still deserves a spot on this list. If you're looking for a sporty truck with a supercharged engine, we can't think of anything better that fits the $15,000 budget.
1997-2012 Porsche Boxster
The Porsche Boxster is one of the best cheap convertibles you can buy right now, mainly because it's so fun to drive. Pair that with Porsche reliability (in the later 987 models) and good looks, and you've got yourself a true gem.
1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette
In terms of value, you can't really go wrong with a Chevy Corvette. That's especially true with the C5-generation car, where the performance-to-price ratio beats out nearly anything else.
2013-2020 Subaru BRZ
Early examples of the original Subaru BRZ are creeping under $15,000, so if you're looking for a balanced all-rounder perfect for learning how to drive on the limit, it remains a great choice.
2013-2016 Scion FR-S
It's tough to find first-gen Toyota 86s for under $15,000, but its predecessor, the Scion FR-S, is among the cheapest of the twins on the used market. You get all the same chassis tuning and classic front engine, rear-drive powertrain, making the FR-S an enticing choice.
1976-2021 Volkswagen Golf GTI
The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a good buy no matter what generation you're going for. You get a reasonably priced, well-built, fun hatchback with real practicality. Some higher-mileage Mk7 cars are just starting to drop under $15,000, allowing buyers to experience the benchmark modern hot hatch on the cheap.
2004-2006 Pontiac GTO
The last Pontiac GTO may not look like much, but it's packing some serious muscle under the hood. Whether you get one with the 350-hp 5.7-liter LS1 or the 400-hp 6.0-liter LS2, you're in for a good time. If you want to stand out amongst all the Camaros and Mustangs, this could be the car for you.
1992-2010 Subaru Impreza WRX
The Subaru WRX has the market cornered on cheap all-weather performance, and it couldn't be better-suited for the job. For $15,000, you can get a great-quality example that's sure to provide tons of fun.
2014-2019 Ford Fiesta ST
The Ford Fiesta ST has been out for nearly 10 years now, which means used prices have dropped significantly. Great examples can be found for under $15,000, giving you the opportunity to experience one of the best hot hatches ever made.
Road & Track staff writer with a taste for high-mileage, rusted-out projects and amateur endurance racing.
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