Used sports cars have always had a certain myth attached to them — that they’re fun at first but become financial nightmares the moment something breaks. It’s an understandable concern. High-revving engines, stiffer suspensions, and eager drivers can all take a toll over time. But not every sporty machine turns into a money pit. In fact, there’s a whole subset of used sports cars that age gracefully, hold up well under pressure, and surprise owners with how dependable they remain after years of spirited driving.
What makes these cars special isn’t just clever engineering. It’s that their manufacturers focused on building machines that could handle daily use as comfortably as weekend canyon runs. These cars manage to balance excitement with everyday practicality, and that balance is the key to their long-term reliability. Some rely on tried-and-true engines that have powered millions of cars. Others benefit from simple mechanical setups that are easy to maintain and resistant to wear. A few simply have bulletproof reputations that have been backed up by owner surveys, repair data, and reliability scores from trusted sources.
This list is organized in increasing order of starting price, from the most affordable to the more expensive sports cars that are shockingly reliable. ISeeCars scores have been used wherever J.D. Power’s rating is not available.
2013 Subaru BRZ
Used Price $10,147 | J.D. Power Score: 75
The Subaru BRZ (and its Toyota 86 sibling) has earned a cult following not because it’s the quickest car out there, but because it stays fun even when you’re not going fast. The simplicity of its flat-four engine and rear-wheel-drive layout is exactly why it ages so gracefully. A J.D. Power score of 75 might not sound thrilling at first, but for a lightweight sports coupe that often spends its weekends on mountain roads or autocross courses, it’s a solid reminder that this car holds up better than many expect.
Owners appreciate that the BRZ doesn’t punish spirited driving with endless repairs, but somehow, the car seems to enjoy being wrung out. The interior is basic, the ride is firm, and the engine won’t snap your neck, but none of that matters once the car starts flowing through corners. It’s the kind of sports car that encourages you to improve as a driver rather than rely on horsepower, and the fact that it remains dependable long after the first owner has moved on is a big part of its charm.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $711 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,838 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2015
2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Used Price: $11,062 | J.D. Power Score: 81
The 2012 MX-5 Miata lives in that sweet, uncomplicated place where sports cars were still built to be light and honest. The Miata’s J.D. Power score of 81 simply reinforces what most enthusiasts already know: this little roadster doesn’t quit. Its 2.0-liter engine isn’t exotic, but it’s nearly impossible to kill with normal use. Even the manual transmission feels like it was engineered to keep going long after the seats have worn out.
What really helps the Miata’s longevity is its weight, or rather, the lack of it. Because the car is so light, the brakes, suspension, tires, and drivetrain aren’t put under much stress. That means components last longer and maintenance stays refreshingly straightforward. And yes, the Miata still delivers the same open-air joy it’s always been known for. Whether you’re cruising at 40 mph or hitting a series of tight bends, it feels playful and responsive without being demanding. It’s affordable, reliable, and genuinely fun, a combination that rarely comes together this well in any sports car.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $444 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $7,381 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 5
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2008
2014 Audi TT
Used Price: $14,786 | iSeeCars Score: 7.7/10
The Audi TT has always taken a slightly different approach to being a sports car, blending style, compact dimensions, and all-weather usability. By 2014, Audi had refined the formula enough that the TT earned an iSeeCars score of 7.7 out of 10, signaling its steady long-term performance. It helps that the TT shares its powertrains with a wide range of VW and Audi models, which means mechanics are familiar with the engines and replacement parts don’t require a treasure hunt.
The 2014 Audi TT isn’t trying to be the sharpest track car, and instead, it offers a playful, approachable driving experience with excellent everyday manners. The interior materials hold up well over time, and the car’s small footprint makes it easy on suspension components and tires. It’s the kind of sports coupe that feels welcoming rather than intimidating, and that personality helps it stay enjoyable and dependable even as the miles stack up.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $995 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: N/A
- Total Recalls: 5
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2017
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2016 Nissan 370Z
Price $18,412 | J.D. Power Score: 71
The Nissan 370Z isn’t concerned with trends, tech features, or flashy reinvention, and that’s part of why it’s so dependable. The VQ37VHR engine is well-known for its strength, and the rest of the car follows the same philosophy: straightforward, durable components that don’t mind if you drive them hard. With a J.D. Power score of 71, the 370Z performs reliably for a car that often leads a very spirited life.
The 2016 370Z is an old-school sports machine: rear-drive, naturally aspirated power, hydraulic steering in early years, and a cockpit that focuses more on driving than gadgets. The simplicity means fewer things to break, and the parts that do wear out are widely available and reasonably priced. While the 370Z isn’t as refined as newer performance cars, it feels tough and honest — a car that encourages you to enjoy it rather than tiptoe around steering sensors or complicated electronics.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $504 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,794 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2010
2016 BMW Z4
Price $19,564 | iSeeCars Score: 7.8/10
The 2016 BMW Z4 surprised many people when it started racking up positive reliability data, largely thanks to its B58 engine, an inline-six that has become one of BMW’s most dependable modern powerplants. Its iSeeCars score of 7.8 out of 10 puts it comfortably ahead of several competitors, showing it’s not just a pretty roadster. The Z4 offers a mellow balance: enough performance to feel exciting, enough comfort to commute in, and enough refinement to take on longer drives without feeling worn out.
Unlike some older BMW models, this generation avoids the usual gremlins that make people cautious about used German cars. The steering and chassis feel smooth without being overly soft, and the engine pulls cleanly whether you’re cruising or pushing a bit harder. Overall, the Z4 feels like a car designed for people who want a roadster experience without dealing with temperamental engineering.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $895 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $14,195 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 27
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2007
2015 Lexus RC 350
Price $19,657 | J.D. Power Score: 84
The Lexus RC 350 sits in an odd but appealing place: sporty enough to feel exciting, yet refined and dependable enough to drive every day without worry. It doesn’t chase lap times or track-focused drama, and instead, it gives you a confident, comfortable coupe with just enough sharpness to keep things interesting. Under the hood is the 3.5-liter Lexus V6, an engine with a long history of surviving just about anything short of outright abuse.
With a J.D. Power score of 84, the 2015 RC 350 reminds you that performance and reliability don’t have to exist on opposite ends of the spectrum. The chassis is solid, the interior wears well over time, and even as the miles climb, the RC tends to age gracefully rather than loudly. It may not be the lightest coupe on the list, but it makes up for it with a planted feel and a sense of durability you notice the moment the doors shut. For a used sports-leaning car that won’t surprise you with random electrical gremlins, the RC 350 is one of the safest bets you can make.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $721 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $6,291 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 2
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2007
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2010 Porsche Boxster
Price: $20,131 | iSeeCars Score: 7.2/10
The 2010 Boxster sits in a much more reliable era of Porsche engineering, which is reflected by its iSeeCars score of 7.2 out of 10. Porsche had already moved past many of the issues that affected earlier Boxsters, leaving a mid-engine roadster that’s surprisingly sturdy. The flat-six engine feels lively without being stressful, and its power delivery remains smooth even on higher-mileage examples.
The Boxster shines most in how cohesive it feels: the steering, chassis balance, and braking all work together effortlessly. That harmony actually contributes to its reliability — the car is designed to be driven properly, and when it is, the mechanical stress is spread evenly across components. Drivers often treat these cars as daily companions, not just weekend toys, and they respond by aging gracefully. It’s one of the best ways to experience authentic Porsche driving without stepping into the world of high-maintenance exotics.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $952 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $N/A
- Total Recalls: 10
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2008
2013 Chevrolet Corvette
Price: $27,067 | J.D. Power Score: 80
The 2013 Corvette represents the final iteration of the C6 generation, and by then, Chevrolet had ironed out most of the quirks. At its core is the LS3 V8, one of the most famously robust engines ever put in a performance car. Its J.D. Power score of 80 reflects the car’s ability to deliver serious speed without acting fragile. While European sports cars often rely on turbochargers and complex electronics, the Corvette does things the old-fashioned way: big displacement, simple engineering, and components that can withstand years of hard acceleration.
The car’s maintenance needs are surprisingly manageable, especially compared to what you might expect from something that looks this dramatic. And on the road, the C6 still feels lively and modern, with enough power to make even short drives memorable. It’s a sports car that works just as well as a weekend toy as it does on long highway stretches, and its durability is a major reason why so many owners keep them for years.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $737 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: $8,292 (CarEdge)
- Total Recalls: 35
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2009
2009 Honda S2000
Price $27,426 | iSeeCars Score: 7/10
The 2009 Honda S2000 has been praised to the point of myth, but here’s the thing — it actually deserves most of it. Beneath the high-revving personality is an engine that’s more durable than its 8,000-rpm redline suggests. Honda built the S2000’s F-series engines with unusual levels of precision, and the result is a sports car that can handle enthusiastic driving for years on end. Its iSeeCars score of 7/10 fits well with the car’s real-world reputation; owners regularly put massive mileage on these engines without needing anything more than thoughtful maintenance.
The S2000 is also a driver’s car through and through, with rear-wheel drive, a perfect driving position, and a manual gearbox that feels like it was machined out of a single block of metal. It’s engaging even at normal speeds and brilliant when pushed harder. While clean examples aren’t cheap anymore, the S2000 makes up for it by being far more robust than many high-revving sports cars from its era. It’s a machine you can enjoy year after year without feeling like it’s aging faster than you are.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $404 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: N/A
- Total Recalls: 5
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2004
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2016 Porsche Cayman
Price $34,014 | J.D. Power Score: 88
Porsche has always taken pride in engineering excellence, but the 2016 Cayman is one of the clearest examples of how that translates to long-term reliability. With an impressive J.D. Power score of 88, it outperforms many mainstream cars, let alone other sports models. The flat-six engine is smooth, rev-happy, and built with the kind of precision that doesn’t fade after a few owners. The mid-engine layout gives you incredible balance and handling, but it also distributes stress on the drivetrain more evenly, which quietly boosts longevity.
Despite its premium badge, the Cayman doesn’t have the fragile temperament you might expect. Owners consistently report that, as long as maintenance is handled on schedule, these cars remain remarkably trouble-free. What makes the Cayman special is how naturally everything works together — steering, braking, shifting — without ever feeling overly complicated or temperamental. It’s a sports car that respects your wallet just as much as your driving enthusiasm.
- Average Yearly Maintenance Cost: $1,135 (RepairPal)
- Est. Maintenance Cost During The First 10 Years: N/A
- Total Recalls: 7
- Worst Year To Buy Used: 2013
Sources: iSeeCars, J.D. Power