There are very few new cars available under $15k, but there is a long list of fast vehicles that you can find on the used market for that price, like the BMW M5, Maserati Quattroporte, or Ford Mustang GT.
You don’t need a supercar to go fast. There are tons of cars on the market that offer a fun driving experience and impressive performance on the highway or track. If you are looking to buy a fast car but you’re also on a budget, you’ve come to the right place.
Jerry
, the trustworthy broker app
for car insurance
savings, will go over some of the fastest cars under $15,000. We’ll start by covering what cars you can get new, then get into a list of some of the fastest used cars that fit your budget.Cars you can buy new for under $15,000
If you are committed to getting a new car and want to stick to a $15k limit, your options are very limited—and they aren’t exactly speedy. Here is the list of the available vehicles starting around $15,000 and how fast you can go in them.
2023 Mitsubishi Mirage
The cheapest new car on the market in 2023 is the Mitsubishi Mirage
, starting at $14,298 for its 2WD manual transmission model. The Mitsubishi Mirage won’t be setting any track records, but it will serve you well on your commute. The 1.2L 3-cylinder engine that powers the mirage only puts out (drumroll please) 78 horsepower. That tiny engine can go from 0 to 60 in 12.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 105 mph.
2022 Chevrolet Spark
This entry to our list requires an asterisk because Chevrolet announced that it would be discontinuing the Spark
in 2023. However, you should still be able to find some new Sparks kicking around, making the Spark the only other new car on the market available for under $15,000. The cheapest option starts at $14,595. At that price, you get a 5-speed manual transmission powering the Spark’s small 98-horsepower 1.4-liter engine. The Spark does its job for day-to-day use with a 0-60 time of 10.1 seconds and a top speed of around 105 mph.
2023 Nissan Versa
The next cheapest new car in 2023 is the Nissan Versa
, starting at $15,730. The Versa is a step up in performance from the other cars on this list with a 122-hp 1.6-liter engine. For the cheapest version of the Versa, you’re still relegated to the realm of manual transmissions and basic features.
Though the Versa is faster than the Spark or Mirage, it still probably won’t be winning many races. The 2023 Nissan Versa has a top speed of 119 mph and a 0-60 time of 10.4 seconds.
Fast used cars for under $15,000
If you are okay with buying used or are a fan of the vintage style, there are lots of fast, used cars on the market for less than $15,000. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it can help you start dreaming. If there’s another fast car you’ve always wanted, check on websites like Kelley Blue Book
to see the values of older models. 1999 Chevrolet Corvette
KBB fair market range: $14,000 to $16,000
The Corvette
has a long history of providing race car-level performance for a more approachable price. New Corvettes start at $65,995. To get that price down below 15k, you’ll have to venture into the classic stylings of the 1990s. 1997 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
KBB fair market range: $5,500 to $7,200
Keeping with the theme of the 1990s-style classic American sports car, we have the fourth-generation Camaro
. Finding a ‘97 Camaro Z28 might be a challenge, but if you can get your hands on one, you can get the power of a 285-hp 5.7-liter V8 engine. 2009 Maserati Quattroporte
KBB fair market range: $12,500 to $15,500
The most exotic car on our list, the 2009 Maserati
Quattroporte has a Ferrari-derived 4.2-liter V8 capable of generating 424 horsepower. If you’ve always wanted to drive an Italian sports car, this could be your chance! 2012 Subaru Impreza WRX
KBB fair market range: $14,000 to $15,000
New models of the Subaru WRX
now start at just over $30,000, making them a good value option for anyone wanting a fun, fast car. If you are looking for the WRX performance for under $15,000, you’ll have to go back to the 2012 model, which still sports a punchy 265-horsepower 2.5-liter engine. 2006 BMW M5
KBB fair market range: $10,500 to $14,500
Any list of fast, affordable cars would be incomplete without mentioning BMW. For under $15,000 you can find the 2006 BMW M5
, a car that has long been a favorite of anyone who has driven one. The 2006 M5 specs are truly impressive, with a 500-hp 5.0-liter V10! 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster
KBB fair market range: $12,000 to $14,000
The Nissan 370Z
Roadster is a nimble, affordable sports car. Going back to the 2010 model gets you the same fun driving experience without breaking the bank. The 2010 370Z Roadster boasts a 337-hp 3.7-liter 4-cylinder. 2010 Ford Mustang GT
KBB fair market range: $13,000 to $15,500
Of course, we can’t finish this list without including the Ford Mustang. 2010 is the most recent model year where you can get the Mustang GT
, which improves the engine power from 210 to 315 horsepower. While it is not the fastest version of its model year—the 2010 Shelby GT500 is, which runs for around $24,000—the 2010 Mustang GT is sure to impress.
MORE: Fast cars under $5,000
How to find cheap car insurance fast
Like a fast used car, good car insurance doesn’t have to be super expensive. For all of you that appreciate good value, Jerry
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