Get The Most Out of Your Buck With These Budget-Friendly Yet High-Performance Rides

It’s a common misconception to think that one always needs to break the bank to afford a powerful and capable car. That’s not the case at all when you know how to find a good deal. There are plenty of older car models from respected manufacturers which are as budget-friendly as they are fun.

Stay within a budget while still ending up with a car you can show off. Check out these affordable choices.

The Audi TT

The Audi sports car was first produced in 1998 and are still produced until today. The model is now in its third generation

Though it may have a feminine look to it, the Audi TT is an automobile manufactured to be driven hard. Base models of this Audi offering reportedly push out as much as 180 horsepower for such a relatively small car. Its first generation batch fetch a price in the range of just $5,000 up to $6,000.

The Chevrolet Cobalt SS

Like the Audi TT, the Chevrolet Cobalt SS has had many improved versions since its first launching in the early 2000s. However, it’s important to note that all five versions of this sport compact car are equipped with a five-speed manual transmission which auto enthusiasts will definitely appreciate.

Bad news: the model has been axed in 2010. Good news: well-maintained secondhand Cobalt SS cars can be had for just $6,000 or even less.

The Nissan 350Z

Pictured is a 2007 Nismo model of the Nissan 350Z

The Nissan 350Z is nothing short of a powerhouse. Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission and offering almost 290 horsepower, this Japanese-made car is described to be a ‘well-rounded’ and ‘fun’ vehicle.

It’s reportedly been a crowd favorite at drift events and is just powerful enough for some straight-line driving fun. One downside to the model though is its issue with oil consumption. Nissan 350Z models can be found with price tags under $7,000.

The Volkswagen GTI

Don’t let its looks fool you. The Volkswagen GTI may not be the most handsome of cars but the German-made car more than makes up for it when it comes to performance. First made in the 1970s, the economy hatchback model has gone through different reincarnations. But one can be sure that all cars from these generations will perform well even under ‘aggressive driving conditions’.

The Volvo S60 R

The Volvo S60 R is the sports car version of the S60 model of luxury sedans produced by the Sweden-based manufacturer

Described by an online car enthusiast website as a ‘tasmanian devil in a tuxedo’, the Volvo S60 R boasts of 300 horsepower-capable engine as well as an optional six-speed manual transmission which gives the driver excellent control of the Swedish vehicle.

It also features various driving modes for different occasions. The luxury sedan was first manufactured in 2000 and is still being made today. Depending on the model’s generation, the mechanical marvel that is the Volvo S60 R can cost as little as $6,000 and even less.