5 Top Best Inexpensive Sports Cars for Teenagers

Introduction
This article was written by BlogToday.

 

Buying your first car can be an exhilarating experience, but it can also be a bit frustrating. Young driving enthusiasts often have a great deal of difficulty finding cars that can be bought within budget, but are fun to drive. Practicality as well as reliability are other factors to be considered. You can buy a Porsche 944, for example, for less than 10 grand, but insuring and keeping the car running will more often than not push the cost of ownership out of range for the average student. Here is a list of the 5 best sporty cars for a buyer on a budget.

5. Toyota Celica

Toyota started building the first Celica in 1970, but the cars that will appeal to the young prospective buyer are the 6th (1993-1999) and 7th (1999-2006) generations. These are the newest Celicas, and will have fewer miles on them while also being more common on the used car market.

Between these two, the 7th generation is much better looking, and obviously newer. The one you'll want is the GT-S, which has a wing! More importantly, it has Toyota's 2ZZ-GE engine. Yamaha contributed to the engine design, which means that this 1.8L inline 4 behaves much like a sportsbike engine- it revs to 8,000 rpm and pushes out 180hp in this application. This is the same engine that Lotus used in the Series 2 Elise, albeit with different software that manages to drag an extra 10 horses out of the engine.

You can expect to spend anywhere from $4,000-$$13,000 on a Toyota Celica, depending on year, miles, and condition. Clearly the 7th generation GT-S is the best, but unfortunately "best" also means "more expensive." Even if you can't find a GT-S in your price range, a regular Celica will provide lots of fun in an economical and practical package.

The Verdict:

In addition to the fantastic engine, the Celica has all the practicality of a hatchback. It is also front-wheel drive. Although this is less fun than a RWD sports car, your parents (if you're still in high school) and insurance agent will probably appreciate it! Another thing to keep in mind is the legendary reliability of Toyota cars. You can count on this lasting well past 100k miles without anything more than oil, brake pads, and tires. If something does go wrong, parts are cheap.

4. Mitsubishi Eclipse

The first Mitsubishi Eclipse was sold in 1990 but like the Celica, the most appealing Eclipse models will be the 2nd through 4th generations (1995-2012). Obviously these cars will be newer and carry fewer miles, but another factor to consider is the major styling upgrades that separated the first generation from the rest.

The 2nd Generation Eclipse (1995-1999) came with a number of different engines, both naturally aspirated and turbocharged. The RS and GS models came with a 140hp Chrysler engine, and the GS Spyder came with a slightly larger (2.4L instead of 2.0L) Mitsubishi engine. These trim levels, in addition to the GS-T (with a 210 hp 2.0L Mitsubishi powerplant) came with FWD. The higher end GSX is powered by the same engine as the GS-T but features an AWD drivetrain that provides better grip under acceleration. All 2nd Gen. Eclipses came with either a 4 speed automatic or a 5 speed manual for those drivers which prefer to use both feet. Mitsubishi used smaller turbos in the 2nd gen compared to the 1st in order to reduce turbo lag, so the boost from the turbo will come more quickly. Convertible versions of the GS and GS-T were built. Expect to spend anywhere from $3500-$10,000 depending on the trim (it'll be more for the turbo), mileage, and condition.

In 2000, Mitsubishi rolled out the third generation Eclipse. This generation featured more angular styling than the previous generation and did not include any trim levels with a turbocharger or AWD. The suspension was altered to provide a more comfortable ride, and they changed up the engine options. RS/GS Eclipses came with a 2.4L motor that made 150hp. The GT came with a 200hp 3L V6 while the GTS model carried an improved version of the same V6 that pushed out 210hp. Mitsubishi also made convertible versions of the GS, GT, and GTS trims. You can pick up a 3rd gen. Eclipse for anywhere from $4500-$10,000. Again, pricing will depend on mileage, condition, and the used car market in your area.

The 4th gen. Eclipse marked a return to more rounded styling similar to the 2nd generation, but also shared styling components with other Mitsubishi vehicles of that time span. You can choose between a 162hp 2.4L I4 or a 3.8L V6 packing 263 horses under the hood. All of these will be front-wheel drive, and there are convertibles available as well. $9,000 or so is about the lowest you can buy a 4G for, so it'll be out of the price range for most young people.

The Verdict:

The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a great Japanese sports car with a variety of solid engines, and a number of different body styles to suit different tastes. You can get a coupe or convertible, FWD or AWD. The Eclipse isn't a hardcore "driver's car" like some cars to come, but it'll be a hoot to drive, and not completely impractical.

3. Acura Integra

From 1990-1993, Acura sold the 2nd generation Integra, perhaps the most popular among enthusiasts. You'll want to find one with the 1.8L engine producing 130hp or the top level GS-R Integra which was first introduced in 1992. Featuring Honda's VTEC (Variable valve Timing and lift with Electronic Control, the GS-R's engine produced160hp, and proved to be a favorite for tuners and enthusiast drivers alike.

The 3rd Generation Integra featured a major update in styling- you either love it or hate it. The base engine was upgraded to a 142hp 1.8L I4, while the GS-R engine got an upgrade to 170hp and kept the VTEC. In 1997, the Integra Type-R came to the United States with its upgraded version of the GS-R's engine making 195hp and revving safely up to 8400 rpms- much higher than any other street car of the time. It'll be tough to find one, but if you do.. go for it! The limited quantity available of the Type-R (750 imported to North America in 1997) is the main reason the Integra isn't higher on the list. It's often considered to be one of the best handling FWD cars in the world- even compared to modern designs. Expect to pay anywhere from 3-9k- there is a wide range of conditions and levels of modification, so you should be able to find what you're looking for, given time. Obviously, the GS-R and Type-R models will be much harder to find (and harder to find unmodified) and more expensive, but if you find the right car, you could end up a very happy buyer!

The Verdict:

The Acura Integra is one of the best handling FWD cars from the 1990's, and it was supplied with solid engines throughout the entire history of the car. It's somewhat practical as a hatchback, but will still be an Autocross champ.

By the way, you may like also: Maruti Suzuki Ritz Review

2. Toyota MR-2

In 1984, Toyota brought out the surprising MR-2, which was very different from the practical and uninteresting family sedans which made the manufacturer successful. The first generation (1984-1989) was extremely lightweight and featured, like all generations to follow, a MR (mid-engine rear-wheel drive) layout more commonly found on supercars such as the Ferrari F355 and Lamborghini Countach. The combination of lightweight chassis and perfect front-rear weight distribution via the mid-engine layout resulted in a car that handled like a champ and didn't need a huge engine to provide sufficient performance. The 1.6L inline-4 only produced 112 hp, but could hit 60mph in just over 8 seconds. In 1988, Toyota introduced a supercharged model which made 145 hp and could accelerate the lightweight sports car to 60 in 6.5-7 seconds.The styling of the first gen was very angular and geometric- you either hate it or love it. $1,000-$7,000 should be the range you'll find for price, although certain examples with extremely low miles may have higher prices as collector cars (especially the supercharged model).

The 2nd Generation MR-2 (1989-1999) had very different styling, and has been called a "poor man's Ferrari" due to some aesthetic similarities between the Toyota and Ferrari's 355/348. The US received two engine options: a 130hp 2.0L naturally aspirated I4 and a 200hp turbocharged 2.0L I4. In 1992/3, Toyota changed the suspension geometry to reduce "snap-oversteer" which made the car safer to drive quickly and on the limit. If you've got experience driving sports cars and are looking for a car with a real edge to it, try to find one from the few years before this change. If you just want to be able to corner quickly and not make a fool of yourself, definitely look for a later version with the more forgiving handling. This is, for most, the best of the MR-2 generations to buy because it is newer, more powerful, and better looking than the first generation, but less expensive than the still newer 3rd generation. 5-12k is what you'll probably be looking at for pricing, although there is always room for variation with individual cars. The turbos are going to be harder to find unmolested and will be more expensive, but if you can find the right car, its going to be much faster and more fun to drive than the still spectacular NA version.

The 3rd gen. MR-2 (1999-2007) was called the MR-2 Spyder, or MR-S in some markets. It was only sold as a true convertible, and had only one engine option- a 1.8L inline-4 making 138hp. While less than the previous generation (especially the turbo), the car's lightness allowed it to perform as well as cars with more power. A 3rd gen. MR-2 is going to run you about 8-18k.

The Verdict:

The MR-2 is a surprisingly fuel efficient sports car with a mid-engined layout and rear wheel drive performance. With a huge aftermarket following, it won't be difficult to find parts and modifications to spec the car up to wherever you want it. It's going to be hard to find a better handling car at this price point!

1. Mazda Miata

The Mazda Miata earned its spot on top of this list for one reason: It is the best "driver's car" of the bunch- the one that dominates Autocross events nationwide, and single-handedly resurrected the old-fashioned British Roadster concept. The Miata is anything but practical, and it won't be particularly excellent to drive in the snow for owners in northern climates, but the handling and rear-wheel drive brilliance all summer long will more than make up for it. In fact, many Miatas in northern areas such as "Minnesnowta" and Wisconsin have been summer-only cars since they were first purchased. Therefore, you'll be able to find a purist driver's car with relatively few miles on it (considering the age) on a reasonable budget.

The first generation Miata was first sold in 1989 with a 1.6L I4 that made 115hp. For the 1994 model year, Mazda upgraded the Miata's engine to a 1.8L making 131hp. Like the MR-2, the Miata makes do with less horsepower because it is very lightweight with good weight balance, and rear-wheel drive. A limited slip differential was offered as an optional extra with manual transmission cars (an automatic transmission was offered, but proved unpopular). There wasn't much in the way of luxury, especially the first few years of production. Air conditioning, stereo, power steering, and alloy wheels were all absent from the base model in 1989 in order to lower the entry price, although features such as these became standard later on. A first generation (1989-1998) Miata will run you $1,500-$8,000, prices varying based on age, mileage, and condition.

The 2nd Generation Miata (1999-2005) phased out the pop-up headlights, and got a little bit bigger, yet more aerodynamic. The 1.8L engine was upgraded to run at 140 hp, and ABS was added as an option. In 2001, Mazda refreshed the 2nd gen. Miata, and upgraded the structural stiffness of the chassis while adding a 6spd manual gearbox to the top line model. For the 2004 and 2005 model years, a MazdaSpeed Miata was also available, in limited quantities. This Miata featured a turbocharged version of the 1.8L that made 180hp and could reach 60mph in 6.2 seconds. Mazda upgraded the suspension, and fitted wider rubber to the lightweight alloy wheels. A MazdaSpeed Miata will cost 10-15k, while a normal one will cost $2,500-$12,000 based on condition and mileage.

The Verdict:

The Mazda Miata provides the handling capability of much more expensive sports cars in an affordable package. While it isn't practical and won't carry more than one passenger, this is the best performing sports car in its price range. If you need something practical, this isn't the car for you. But if you are looking for a car that you can use as a daily driver and also take to the Autocross course and have success... you'll want to take a serious look at a Miata!

Honorable Mention:

If you own a car, it probably makes noises you can't identify, but would love to fix. Car noises are annoying and sometime are a warning sign, like the calm before a storm. I have picked 4 car noises I believe to be the most common noises customers complain about. Sometime noises are hard to identify because noises travel throughout the vehicle and it is hard to pinpoint where it's coming from, but with a trained ear and some insight on car noises, we should be able to figure out what is causing the noise in your car and what you can do to fix it. Some Common Car Noises

The Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla are two of the most reliable and fuel efficient cars available in today’s automobile market. Both models have great reliability records and excellent resale values. Toyota Corolla VS the Honda Civic.