Regresar al GuidesCheap cars seem to be increasingly hard to find in a world where crossovers, SUVs, and pickup trucks are at an all-time high popularity level and starting price point. Rear-wheel-drive cars, in particular, even fall behind front-wheel-drive cars in popularity thanks to modern emissions regulations and practicality needs.
Rear-wheel-drive cars provide some excellent benefits to FWD models, though. Sports cars typically come with RWD drivetrains thanks to their more desirable handling capabilities, but not all cheap rear-wheel-drive cars are sports cars, nor are many of them impractical.
To find out more about which models we think make the best RWD cars at an affordable $10,000 price point, make sure to read more below.
1. 2014 Ford Mustang
2. 2009 Nissan 370Z
3. 2011 Lexus IS
4. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
5. 2011 Mazda RX-8
6. 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
7. 2014 BMW 3-Series
8. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
9. 2007-2008 Infiniti G35
10. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
11. 2013 Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S
12. 2011 Ford Crown Victoria/Lincoln Town Car
13. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
14. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
15. 2014 Dodge Charger
1. 2014 Ford Mustang
The Ford Mustang is the stereotypical affordable American sports car that most can find all over the used market. If you are looking to spend about $10,000, you can find a 2014 Mustang with a 305-horsepower V6 engine in great shape with around 100,000 miles. The more desirable Mustang GT with a 420-horsepower V8 will be harder to find for $10,000, but if you can expand your budget to $20,000, there will be many more opportunities to find a good used one.
Both V6 and V8 models come with either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. Both coupe and convertible body styles are also available across the lineup. 2014 marked the final year of the fifth-generation Mustang, and it effortlessly combines a bit of muscular, retro styling and modern appearance elements. Make sure that you do not sleep on the V6 if that is the only one you can afford as it is quite underrated.
Good condition models for $10,000 can have as few as 80,000 miles on the odometer. Better equipped models, those with the V8 engine, and those with fewer miles will cost more.
Browse used 2014 Ford Mustang listings here.
2. 2009 Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370 replaced the Nissan 350Z for the 2009 model year. It featured smoother lines, featured a larger V6 engine, and produced more horsepower than the model it replaced. It still held on to the same general fastback coupe styling and feel of its predecessor, though. Two-seater convertible roadster models did not come to market until 2010, but 2009 models allow a bit more flexibility with mileage for $10,000.
A six-speed manual transmission came standard across the entire lineup. Those fortunate enough to find a NISMO model will be treated to 350 horsepower. Base and Touring trim levels benefitted from 332 horsepower. Excellent handling, strong aftermarket support, and relative affordability all help make the 370Z a RWD sports car bargain in today’s market.
The lowest mileage used examples will typically have just over 100,000 miles on the odometer. If you are willing to spend closer to $15,000 or $20,000, you can easily find 2009 models with 50,000 to 100,000 miles.
Browse used 2009 Nissan 370Z listings here.
3. 2011 Lexus IS
The first-generation Lexus IS became famous as a JDM tuner car called the Altezza in Japan. Second-generation cars do not quite have the same level of allure as first-generation Japanese cars do, but the IS continues to be an excellent RWD sports sedan that can haul a small family in style. 2011 base model IS 250s came standard with a six-speed manual transmission and a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that produced 204 horsepower.
A more powerful IS 350 model with a 306-horsepower V6 engine was available in 2011 as well. Both versions of the car were available with all-wheel-drive, but rear-wheel-drive models offer a better overall driving experience and feel. The IS is not as ritzy as a comparable BMW or Mercedes-Benz, but it still comes standard with things like leather upholstery and dual-zone climate control.
Used entry-level IS 250 models can have as few as 110,000 miles on the odometer, whereas well-kept, well-equipped models will have closer to 200,000 miles. IS 350 models are much harder to find for $10,000, so you will likely have to increase your budget if you want one.
Browse used 2011 Lexus IS listings here.
4. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette
If you have always wanted a Chevy Corvette but never thought you would own one, you might be surprised how affordable a 1996 model can be. 1996 marked the final year of the C4, the generation that started seeing more life breathed back into the iconic American sports car after the years had taken their toll on the aging C3 model. Its iconic wedge shape and return to form as a true performance vehicle make the 1996 model a bargain at $10,000.
Base model coupe and convertible models come with a 300-horsepower V8 engine and either a four-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. Grand Sport models came with an upgraded 330 horsepower engine. The C4 Corvette may not be as prestigious as a Lamborghini or Ferrari of the same era, but they are accessible, easy to maintain, and sporty enough to scratch your performance car itch for a while.
Used models can have as few as 75,000 miles on the odometer. More heavily traveled examples can have as many as 175,000 miles. Increasing your budget to $20,000 will help you find much lower mileage examples along with the possibility of finding a few Grand Sport models as well.
Browse used 1996 Chevrolet Corvette listings here.
5. 2011 Mazda RX-8
The Mazda RX-7 had a cult following in JDM circles, but its replacement, the RX-8, was never able to achieve the success of its predecessor in either the Japanese or American market. Despite not being as successful as the RX-7, the RX-8 is a hoot to drive. It offers excellent handling balance, a unique powertrain that loves to rev, and even a dose of practicality with its quirky clamshell doors.
Under its hood is a 1.3-liter Wenkel rotary engine producing a maximum of 232 horsepower. At least, six-speed manual transmission models made that. RX-8s with the automatic transmission made only 212 horsepower. Regardless of your drivetrain of choice, low torque numbers require anybody driving one to keep its engine high in the rev range to get the most out of its unique powertrain.
Unfortunately, the RX-8’s powertrain is both what makes it so fun to drive and what makes it a cheap used car. Its rotary engine is known for burning oil, having combustion sealing issues, and being inefficient for its size. Coupled with the fact that only a few mechanics will work on them, 2011 RX-8s will sell for $10,000 with as few as 40,000 or 50,000 miles on the odometer.
Browse used 2011 Mazda RX-8 listings here.
6. 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The Hyundai Genesis Coupe was Hyundai’s first real attempt at making a true RWD sports car. 2013 models feature updated styling and powertrain upgrades over the previous 2010-2012 model year cars. The most affordable Genesis Coupe models are those with the standard 2.0-liter turbocharged models with 274 horsepower. If that is not enough, there are mods available to boost that number even higher.
A 3.8-liter V6 engine was also available that pumped out 348 horsepower. It does not have as strong of an aftermarket support system as the turbo four, but it usually demands more cash on the used car market. A six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed automatic transmission is available on both models. These cars tend to be underrated and thus can typically be bought for less than comparable Toyota, Honda, and Nissan sports cars.
The most common $10,000 Genesis Coupe models will be those with turbocharged four-cylinder engines. They will commonly be found with 100,000 miles or more on the odometer. If you are willing to spend up to $20,000, you will easily be able to find V6 models with under 50,000 miles.
Browse used 2013 Hyundai Genesis Coupe listings here.
7. 2014 BMW 3-Series
The 2014 BMW 3-Series allows normal buyers to experience a taste of the ultimate, rear-wheel drive, driving machine. The base model 320i offers a 180-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and comes standard with niceties like Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, BMW’s Drive infotainment system, and a 6.5-inch infotainment display.
328i models feature 240 horsepower with a few extra niceties. The hardest models to find will be 335i models with BMW’s 300-horsepower inline-six. Each model comes with surprisingly good handling and responsiveness, coupled with the extra special touches that buyers have come to expect from a luxury automaker. They look great as well.
The least well-equipped models should have right around 100,000 miles. 328i models typically come in around $10,000 with slightly more than that. Cars equipped with the inline-six powerplant can be found for $10,000 as well, but increasing your budget will help net you a better example. Each of these models was also available with AWD if you absolutely need a BMW 3-Series with that option.
Browse used 2014 BMW 3-Series listings here.
8. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is both loved and hated in the car community. It is designed to be a classic rear-wheel drive sports car with a greater dose of handling than power, and that is exactly what it is. It will not light the asphalt on fire as you accelerate at breakneck speed, but it is at the top of the charts for providing drivers with an excellent driving experience and road-holding capabilities, only rivaled by the likes of the Porsche Boxster, Subaru BRZ, and Nissan 350Z.
The final year of the second-generation Miata hits our $10,000 sweet spot. 2005 models look sporty, they do not have the added weight of the next-generation car, and they have the driving feel appropriate for the Miata nameplate. Each model comes with a 142-horsepower four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard.
Reaching back to the 2005 model year will help stretch your $10,000 to its potential. Well-kept models with as few as 50,000 miles are readily available on the used car market. You can find models with up to 150,000 miles, but pristine models with even fewer miles might require a few thousand extra dollars.
Browse used 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata listings here.
9. 2007-2008 Infiniti G35
The 2007 Infiniti G35 Coupe is essentially a dressed up version of the Nissan 350Z. Like the 350Z, it is an excellent RWD car for right around $10,000. It features a 306-horsepower V6 VQ engine, nimble handling, and the option for either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic transmission. A strong aftermarket also supports additional mods if you are not content with what the stock G35 has to offer.
A sedan version of the G35 was available for both 2007 and 2008 if you want the punch of a V6 engine with the practicality of a true sports sedan. Base models come with leather upholstery, power-operated front seats, and xenon headlights. An AWD option was even available for buyers who did not want the standard RWD drivetrain.
2007 and 2008 G35 sedans are typically available on the used market with between 100,000 and 160,000 miles. To get a G35 coupe, you will have to single out the 2007 model year as they were not available in 2008.
Browse used 2007-2008 Infiniti G35 listings here.
10. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is the brand’s take on a sporty two-seater grand tourer with all the style and refinement of a German luxury car. Base model SLK 300s came standard with a six-speed manual transmission and a 228-horsepower V6 engine. Stepping up to the SLK 350 meant an automatic transmission but an extra 72 horsepower and a larger V6.
Each one comes with a retractable hardtop to help cancel road noise when the top is up. SLK 300 and 350 models require less effort to drive than a Mazda Miata thanks to its longer wheelbase, but it offers a smoother ride. Its interior is covered with better materials as well, helping you remember that you are still in a luxury car.
Used SLK 300 models can have as few as 100,000 miles on the odometer but will likely have closer to 150,000 miles. SLK 350 models are harder to find with lower mileage at $10,000, but expanding your budget to $15,000 or $20,000 greatly expands your search pool.
Browse used 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class listings here.
11. 2013 Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S
When Subaru and Toyota collaborated to make the BRZ and FR-S, their goal was to make a pure, rear-wheel drive sports car focused on handling. They hit that goal square on the head. Taking their queues from the Miata, both the BRZ and FR-S only have 200 horsepower from their flat-four engines. Their low curb weight makes them agile and fun to drive, despite some enthusiasts complaining about their lack of power.
A six-speed manual comes standard on both models, but an automatic transmission is available for those who do not want to row their own gears. Unlike the Miata, both cars have two rear seats. They are only suitable for the smallest of passengers, but at least they can be used in a pinch. Their trunks are larger, too.
If you have the pleasure of finding a used 2013 model on the market for $10,000, you should expect to see it with over 100,000 miles. Nice examples with fewer miles will cost closer to $15,000.
Browse used 2013 Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S listings here.
12. 2011 Ford Crown Victoria/Lincoln Town Car
The 2011 Ford Crown Victoria and 2011 Lincoln Town Car were the last body-on-frame cars on dealership lots in America. They also have a reputation for being owned by your grandma and grandpa. Despite this, both are excellent vehicles for $10,000. Many of them have far fewer models because they are so common, and because of their old-school feel and technology.
Because they are old-school land yachts, they are some of the most comfortable cars on the used market. Both feature a 4.6-liter V8 engine that only sends 239 horsepower to the rear wheels. They can be modified to sound like true muscle cars with a good aftermarket exhaust system, but they have also been proven to be bulletproof.
Despite being slow, huge, and not fuel efficient, both the 2011 Crown Vic and Town Car can make excellent first cars for new drivers because of their affordability and reliability. Many clean examples with far less than 100,000 miles can be found for less than $10,000.
Browse used 2011 Ford Crown Victoria/Lincoln Town Car listings here.
13. 2009 Pontiac Solstice
Another answer to Mazda’s Miata was the Pontiac Solstice. Sadly, the Pontiac brand ceased to be after 2010, but before that happened, they created a rear-wheel drive two-seater sports car with character and styling to fit. Both a coupe and convertible were available with a standard five-speed transmission. Base models came with a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine while GXP models boasted a turbo four with 260 horsepower.
With a curb weight of under 3,000 pounds, the Solstice could hang with most of the best entry-level sports cars of the day. It featured modern styling for the time which still looks good on these cars today. They did not feature anything fancy, but there are plenty of them still on the market, serving as a testament to how well they have held up.
Nice used models can be found on the market with well under 100,000 miles, particularly if you are content with the less powerful base model. GXP models can still be found for $10,000, but they will have higher miles.
Browse used 2009 Pontiac Solstice listings here.
14. 2010 Chevrolet Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro was resurrected after a multi-year hiatus for the 2010 model year. It featured retro-modern styling and similar powertrain options to combat its prime rival, the Ford Mustang. LS and LT trim levels came with a 304-horsepower V6 engine, SS models came with a 426 V8 engine, and each one came standard with a six-speed manual transmission to cap everything off.
Despite having well-known visibility issues and its reputation as a modern-day muscle car, the 2010 Camaro is not just all show. V6 models can see up to 29 MPG on the highway and V8 models can achieve 24 MPG on the highway. The two rear seats are small, but they are more usable than some other sports cars on this list. Finally, V6-powered Camaros are underrated driver’s cars, even though the V8 is still the one we want.
Used examples at our $10,000 price point can be found on the used market with as few as 100,000 miles. Most of those are V6 cars. SS models are out there at the same price point, but they will have much higher mileage unless you are willing to spend closer to $20,000.
Browse used 2010 Chevrolet Camaro listings here.
15. 2014 Dodge Charger
If anybody says that muscle cars cannot be practical, they have forgotten the Dodge Charger. It is a full-size four-door sedan with looks that could kill and an attitude to match. Much like the Mustang and Camaro, the 2014 Charger’s base engine is a V6 that produces 292 horsepower. That will not blow your socks off, but it is certainly enough for a $10,000 sedan that can haul your family around town in style.
V8-powered Chargers either come with a 370-horsepower 5.7-liter V8 or a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter V8. Those will probably not cross your $10,000 search results, but you can still get into a spacious, comfortable sedan when any of the Charger models settle down to serve your basic transportation needs.
2014 Dodge Chargers at our $10,000 price point typically have between 100,000 miles and 150,000 miles on the odometer. V8 models will typically require a higher budget unless they have been much more well-used.
