Fastest Used Cars Under $20,000

$20,000 doesn’t seem like much when it comes to buying sports cars, unless you know where to look: the used market. The thing is, some fast cars depreciate quickly, and it’s easy to find terrific, cheap fast cars under $20k today. You don’t even have to look at anything older than seven years or super unreliable, either (looking at you, Maserati). The classifieds are full of affordable sports cars from recent years that are reliable enough not to drain your wallet over the years.

Many of these cars were dream machines not too long ago, but now, they’ve depreciated to the point where they are accessible to enthusiasts on a budget. And there’s something for everyone, too, whether you’re looking for a practical driver’s car or a tire-burning sedan with nearly 500 horsepower. They combine modern tech, reliability, and performance without breaking your bank. Here are 10 such options, including some of the fastest used cars under $20k.

Updated November 2025:

This list has been updated to reflect each model’s current average used price, and some cars have been removed because their prices have increased to over $20,000 or they’ve become too old.

2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Average Market Price: $14,798

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI is one hatchback you can’t go wrong with. The Golf GTI has been around for the longest time, and it remains one of the best enthusiast cars you can get if you’re just starting off. It comes with 220 horses, which should make you chuckle every time you floor the A-pedal. When you’re not ripping it on the roads, it should also serve as an excellent daily driver and a nice weekend getaway car for the family.

The 2018 Golf GTI belongs to the Mk7.5 generation, which is considered more reliable than the Mk7. However, some owners report issues such as sunroof and thermostat-housing leaks, trim cracking, and carbon buildup. These issues are mostly manageable or minor. DSG service is super important, so make sure you get records of that when looking at a used Golf GTI. If it’s not maintained well, the Golf GTI can quickly turn into a money pit.

2018 Subaru WRX STI

Average Market Price: $14,950

When it was launched, the 2015 Subaru WRX STI was considered the most extreme road-going Subaru to date, and it still holds its own a decade later. Compared to the base model, the WRX STI featured underpinnings that were either stiffened or beefed up, resulting in a claimed lateral grip of 0.96 grams! Then there was the 2.5-liter turbocharged flat-four engine producing 305 horsepower, mated to rally-inspired all-wheel drive. With a top speed of 155 miles per hour, it’s easily one of the fastest cars under $20k. The WRX STI balances performance with everyday practicality, thanks to its four-door styling and decent trunk and cabin space.

While the fourth-gen WRX STI was around for a few years, the 2018 model makes the most sense. This was when Subaru introduced a new multi-function driver display and power seats, building on the improvements that came the year before, including a quieter cabin and revised suspension. In terms of reliability, the WRX STI has a mixed record, and most owners will tell you it’s reliable as long as it’s bone stock. A used STI is likely to have a history of abuse, so a pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic wouldn’t hurt, either.

2019 Infiniti Q50 3.0T

Average Market Price: $15,850

The 2019 Infiniti Q50 combines a premium sedan experience with decent on-road performance, especially with the V-6 engine. Models powered by this V6 produce 300 horsepower, which is 95 ponies more than the 2.0-liter base engine. It’s also one of the most value-oriented, fast used cars under $20k of the last decade. Although some may find the infotainment system and features list a bit outdated in 2025.

J.D. Power reports a “Great” reliability rating of 82 out of 100. The Q50 may lack the bells and whistles of its German rivals, but that could be a good thing for its long-term reliability, as there are fewer things to break. Since it’s one of the newer, cheap, fast cars under $20k, it should be safe from the age-related woes that come with older cars. Although some owners warn that twin-turbo repairs can be expensive, it’s best to avoid high-mileage or abused options.

2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Average Market Price: $16,975

Strip down the high-tech complications and the ensuing weight of a modern car, add in a rev-happy engine with rear-wheel-drive and playfully tuned chassis, and you get the 2019 MX-5 Miata. Powered by a 2.0-liter engine with 181 horsepower, this compact package is a recipe for driving pleasure. It may not be the fastest car under $20k, but it doesn’t need to be. It proves that you don’t need outright horsepower to have fun on the road. And as the saying goes, the Miata is always the answer, right?

The car’s small stature does make it a bit impractical for everyday use. There’s not enough cargo space or headroom, and the cabin is small and spartan. As for reliability, J.D. Power rates it at 86 out of 100, indicating “Great” reliability. Some common issues include suspension sag on one side, power folding roof issues, and dashboard light faults; otherwise, it’s as reliable as any modern car today.

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

Average Market Price: $17,013

Who knew a Hyundai with a top speed of 155 miles per hour would be one of the fastest cars under $20k? Well, that’s what the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N is. This sporty Hyundai gets N exclusives, including a 275-horsepower 2.0-liter engine. It’s paired with a performance-tuned chassis, adaptive dampers, and customizable drive modes. If you’re lucky or pay a bit more, you can even find a Veloster N with the optional Performance Pack. This package adds 25 ponies, an active exhaust system, larger brakes, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential.

While J.D. Power does not rate the Veloster N, the base hatchback gets a “Great” reliability score of 82 out of 100. One major issue many owners highlight is the High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP), which fails fairly often and was addressed in a recall. Plus, it doesn’t have as many tech features, like driver-assistance systems, which should make it more hassle-free to maintain in the long run. Among the best fast cars under $20k, if you’re looking for a practical hatchback, the Veloster N is hard to beat.

2019 Honda Civic Si

Average Market Price: $18,049

The 2019 Honda Civic Si takes the pedestrian Civic model up a notch, turning the practical car into something sporty. The result is a cheap, fast car under $20k for driving enthusiasts on a budget. It does so by adding an eager 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine that produces 205 horsepower, propelling the car to a top speed of 137 miles per hour. It’s still a Civic when it comes to practicality, featuring dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, and a HondaLink infotainment system with Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. The 2019 model year also added some much-needed updates, like a volume knob, physical buttons, and larger cupholders.

The Civic name is synonymous with reliability, and this one is no different. Take good care of it, and it can be handed down to the next generation of enthusiasts. Still, it’s not without its faults; J.D. Power gives it an average reliability rating of 80 out of 100. Common issues include AC failing, which is covered by extended warranties, and carbon buildup in the intake valves. The soy-based wiring is breakfast for rats. For the most part, you should be good as long as the Civic Si you’re looking at is well looked-after.

2018 Nissan 370Z

Average Market Price: $18,283

The 2018 Nissan 370Z puts a premium on sports car thrills without breaking the bank, and it wouldn’t take too much to find a late model year option under $20,000. Powered by a 3.7-liter V6 offering 332 horsepower with a six-speed manual, the 370Z promises adept handling and quick acceleration. Though its design is now over 15 years old, the new 370Z will still turn heads on the road. This combination of performance and head-turning design makes the 370Z one of the best fast cars under $20k.

We’ve picked the 2018 model for a couple of reasons: it’s recent enough not to have worn down with age, and it comes with a few upgrades over its predecessor. For example, the 2018 model gets updated acceleration and torque profiles, as well as a motorsport-inspired EXEDY clutch in manual models, which remedies the common CSC issue. The clutch is also said to make the car easier to drive. Finally, by the time this model rolled out, Nissan had ironed out many of the common problems of earlier models, such as steering lock issues and oil gallery gasket problems.

2018 Dodge Charger S/T

Average Market Price: $18,672

The 2018 Dodge Charger is a terrific option if you’re looking for a fast muscle car on a budget that’s also not too old, and the R/T trim is your best option here. Unlike the lower V-6-powered trims, the R/T trim is powered by a 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 producing 370 horsepower, and it comes with upgraded brakes, suspension, and 20-inch wheels. According to owners, the stock R/T is locked at 135 miles per hour, but it can do around 150 miles per hour with the speed governor removed.

The base Charger is also a reliable car, earning a “Great” score of 81 out of 100 from J.D. Power. The R/T shouldn’t be any different either, considering the 5.7-liter HEMI is one of the most reliable engines out there. As long as it is well-maintained, it can last for years without any significant issues. We even found examples of Chargers with 200k+ miles on the forums, which shows how reliable the Charger is.

2018 Audi S3

Average Market Price: $19,206

The 2018 Audi S3 is a pint-sized sports sedan that offers you a terrific entry point into Audi’s S series. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and Quattro all-wheel-drive, offering close to 300 horsepower and a top speed of 155 miles per hour. Though it’s based on the Volkswagen GTI platform, it uses premium materials that separate it from the hatchback. Other features include heated front seats, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, and upscale aluminum/chrome trim.

The 2018 model year sits in the sweet spot of being new enough to be reliable and still costing under $20k. J.D. Power does not rate the car for reliability, but it should hold up well if maintained properly. Still, expect the maintenance and repairs to be expensive, as is the case with most premium German cars. Also, make sure the DSG transmission is serviced on time, and it’s best to consult a trained mechanic before finalizing the deal on a used S3.

2019 Chevrolet Camaro V6

Average Market Price: $19,675

If you want a muscle car experience on a budget without resorting to ancient cars, you can’t go wrong with the 2019 Chevrolet Camaro, especially the V6 models. For muscle car fans, the Camaro V-6 is one of the best fast cars under $20k. The V-6 engine produces 335 horsepower with a top speed of 149 miles per hour, underpinned by a renowned chassis. Since this model year saw a facelift, you also get modern looks, a touchscreen with Chevrolet’s Infotainment 3, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

It’s also one of the more reliable fast cars under $20k. J.D. Power reports a “Great” reliability rating of 84 out of 100, indicating high reliability so far. The model is still very new, so it is difficult to comment on its long-term reliability. The Camaro has one major complaint, though: most owners on online forums report poor visibility. So, it’s best to take the car for a spin and try parking it to make sure visibility won’t be an issue.

Source: KBB, J.D. Power, CarGurus, CarEdge