The Golden Era of used sports cars

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Today, used models like the Toyota 86, Mazda MX-5, and Nissan 370Z offer not only some compelling driving experiences, but also some excellent bang for your used sports-car dollar. 

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If you’re considering one or more of these models, read on: I’ll explain my key impressions of each machine after thousands of kilometres of testing, where these machines overlap on price and performance, and what you’ll find for about $25,000 at this writing.

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Car: 2013-2021 Scion FR-S / Subaru BRZ

Also Known As: Toyota 86

NRCan Annual Fuel Cost: $2,100 (2018, approx.)

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Three energetic sports cars came from a joint-venture between Toyota and Subaru that initially saw a shared coupe platform wearing both Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ badges when both hit the market back in 2013. 

Though names, brands, and specialized model variants have come and gone over the years, these machines represent a fun-to-drive, back-to-basics approach to the modern sports car. Look for a flat-four engine that loves to spin fast, 7,500 RPM on the tachometer, a six-speed manual transmission if you like, and rear-wheel drive. 

With around 200 horsepower and highly reasonable fuel mileage, these joyful coupes were ideal for spirited driving or touring, provided occupants packed light. 

This is a highly-sensible sports car buy. It’s easy on fuel, seating is sporty but comfortable, and the suspension and steering are capable of big grins, while remaining compliant enough for daily use on most roads. Whether you’re after a thrifty and spirited commuter or a sporty highway road-trip machine for two, the Scion FR-S, Toyota 86 and Subaru BRZ are worth a look. 

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Remember, these machines are among the only ones in their segment engineered as a sports car — not a commuter car — from the get go. This shows up in the driving experience.

Still, they shine most brightly on feel, not firepower, and there are quicker options available for your dollar. The automatic transmission with paddle-shift is relatively entertaining to use, in case you’re leaning in that direction. 

At this writing, second-hand units as little as two years old were popping up in the mid-$20,000 range with under 50,000 kilometres on the dial, and a solid selection of low-mileage units can be found if you stretch your budget a little north of $25,000. 

Special-edition models were released throughout the lifespan of each generation to drive exclusivity.

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Car: 2009-2020 Nissan 370Z

Also Known As: Nissan Z, Nissan 370Z Roadster

NRCan Annual Fuel Cost: $2,690 (2018, approx.)

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If 200 horsepower doesn’t quite cut it, and if you’re after a machine with a rich and storied history of performance cars baked right in, you’re probably gravitating towards the Nissan 370Z.

Launched for 2009, this generation of Nissan’s famous affordable performance car offered a time-tested 3.7 litre V6 engine with 330 horsepower and a 7,500 RPM redline as the heart and soul of its driving experience. A true two-seater, the 370Z is available in both coupe and convertible body styles, and with automatic or manual transmissions. 

Distinctive styling, compact dimensions, and the rev-happy V6 engine team up to create one of the most sought-after sports cars among enthusiasts today. The Nissan 370Z was discontinued after 2020, though a new Nissan Z is set to launch for model-year 2023, carrying the lineage forward.

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The engine and driveline used in the 370Z are among the most proven in a sports car today, though the 370Z will be the thirstiest machine on this page. As with all models listed here, remember that non-factory modifications, or a failure to maintain the vehicle properly, can result in problems, failures, and harm to the vehicle’s resale value or remaining warranty coverage.

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Special model variants were available from mild to wild over the model’s long lifespan, and shoppers could specify equipment packages to set their Z up for touring, or for use as a weekend lapping car. 

All models were rear-wheel drive, and high-end feature content included BOSE audio systems, xenon lighting, automatic climate control, and more. 

There’s decent selection around $25,000, though mileage seems to vary widely for the price, based on equipment level and model year. Shoppers after a unit with fewer than 50,000 kilometres will need to push their budgets closer to $30,000. 

Of the three cars on this page, the 370Z is likely the best pick for the long-distance highway driver who wants to be backed up by a wide range of high-end feature content, as well as the driving enthusiast planning to become active in weekend motorsports. With available feature content like Brembo brakes, a limited-slip differential, and automatic rev matching for the manual transmission, the 370Z aimed to put its performance capabilities easily within the hands of its driver.

Shoppers should allow for higher fuel costs when budgeting for their decision, noting that the 370Z will use about $600 to $900 more fuel per year than the other cars on this page. 

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Car: 2016+ Mazda MX-5

Also Known As: Mazda Miata, Mazda MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback)

NRCan Annual Fuel Cost: $1,825 (2018, approx.)

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The thriftiest machine on the page comes from Mazda, with the latest-generation MX-5. Few sports cars are as legendary or popular as this one, and with a keen focus on reduced weight and excellent handling dynamics, the automaker’s two-seat convertible has earned homes in the driveways of many enthusiasts.

At home in virtually any situation, the MX-5 is capable of comfortable and confident operation even in severe winter weather when equipped with proper winter tires. It’s heater is hilariously powerful, enabling top-down driving you can enjoy at sub-zero temperatures.

Under warmer skies, various roof mechanisms make quick work of opening the top, with both cloth and hard-top options available, the latter called the RF, for Retractable Fastback.

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Look for a 2-litre four-cylinder engine with 155 horsepower. Like the Scion / Toyota / Subaru models above, the MX-5 shines more for feel than firepower, and it’s one the most flat-out entertaining machines an enthusiast driver will find for the dollar.

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An excellent gear-shift feel can be expected from the six-speed manual’s short throw and grabby clutch, and the powertrain feels eager and unbothered when worked hard. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced sports-car driver, the MX-5 has something to offer. 

On one hand, it’s an entertainer of a machine with a drop-top as standard, and the MX-5 delivers a finely-honed balance of light-weight handling and rear-wheel drive balance that’s easy to love. On the other, it’s a thrifty touring car with instant access to fun-in-the-sun motoring. 

Just be sure the MX-5’s interior volume and cargo capacity are sufficient for your needs before you buy.

MX-5 values remain higher than their peers’, with lower-mileage units under 50,000 kilometres generally pushing well past the $25,000 mark, depending on equipment and trim grade. 

You’ll find low-mileage units for closer to $30,000, with under 30,000 kilometres of use. Sticking to a strict $25,000 budget, you’re likely looking at a high-mileage unit from this generation.