Affordable Used Cars That Are Still Fun to Drive
Who says you need a fortune to drive something fun? The used market is packed with surprisingly affordable gems, even if a few have a “salvage special” twist. Here are some great deals that prove you don’t need champagne money for a great ride.
2016 FIAT 500 - $1,100
Charming, compact, and perfect for urban parking battles, the FIAT 500 brings European flair to your daily commute. Sure, it might not have muscle, but for $1,100, who cares? Fix it up, and you’ve got yourself a stylish grocery-getter that looks way cooler than its bargain price tag suggests.
2016 Volkswagen GTI 4-Door - $8,547
The GTI has long been the gold standard of hot hatches, and at under $9K, this one’s a steal. It’s practical, quick, and still stylish, even if it’s seen a few spirited drives. Four doors make it family-friendly, but let’s be honest: this car was built for fun!
2015 Chevrolet Sonic - $925
Less than a grand for a running car? The Chevy Sonic is an unassuming little trooper that’s cheap to fix, sips fuel, and gets you where you need to go. At this price, it’s practically disposable, but with a little TLC it could be your budget-friendly daily driver for years.
2015 Chevrolet Sonic - $350
Yes, another Sonic - this time for pocket change! If you’ve got $350 and a toolbox, this could be your ultimate DIY project. Worst case? It’s a cheap parts donor for your other Sonic. Best case? You’ve got transportation for less than a new iPhone.
2017 Hyundai Veloster - $900
With its funky three-door design and sporty vibe, the Veloster is already an oddball standout. At $900, it’s a no-brainer project car for enthusiasts or anyone who wants something different. It might need some wrench work, but even limping along, it’ll turn heads at your local Cars & Coffee.
2015 Chevrolet Sonic - $1,900
The Sonic strikes again, proving it’s one of the cheapest entry points to driving. This one costs a little more, but you’ll likely get a car in better condition for your money. It’s efficient, easy to drive, and there are parts everywhere. It’s a smart buy, rather than a glamorous one.
2019 Hyundai Veloster Premium - $3,950
Here’s the newer, fancier sibling of the bargain Velosters, and it’s still under $4K. The Premium trim adds more tech and comfort, so you can daily drive this quirky hatch without sacrificing convenience. It’s proof that fun, modern cars don’t have to drain your savings.
2016 Volkswagen GTI S - $12,990
The S trim keeps the GTI simple but just as entertaining. Under $13K gets you German engineering, turbocharged pep, and a car that still feels contemporary. Regardless of whether you’re carving up twisty roads or commuting, this GTI delivers smiles without demanding a massive bank loan.
2017 Hyundai Veloster - $1,700
This Veloster falls right between the bargain-basement finds and the newer premium models. At $1,700, it’s tempting for anyone who wants something unique without overcommitting. With a little attention, you could have a car that’s both a conversation starter and a surprisingly good daily driver.
2016 BMW I3 W/ Range Extender - $4,500
An electric BMW for under $5K? Yes, please! The i3 is weirdly futuristic, with its carbon-fiber body and funky styling, but that’s part of its charm. With the range extender, you’ll avoid full-on EV anxiety, and at this price, it’s a stylish way to dip your toes into electric driving.
2016 FIAT 500 Easy Hatchback - $1,400
The “Easy” trim name says it all: this little Italian city car is easy to park, easy on gas, and easy on your wallet. At $1,400, it’s practically scooter money. It might not scream performance, but it oozes charm (and it’ll make parallel parking feel like a video game.)
2015 Chevrolet Sonic - $1,200
Another Sonic joins the bargain squad! Think of it as the automotive equivalent of a reliable backpack: not flashy, but it’ll carry you where you need to go. At $1,200, it’s a great starter car or winter beater, and you won’t cry if it gets a ding or two.
2015 Hyundai Veloster - $1,800
This Veloster is the definition of affordable funk. It’s sporty-looking, light on the wallet, and perfect for someone who wants something different than a used Civic. $1,800 could snag you a fun, practical ride that’s still modern enough to impress your neighbors.
2016 FIAT 500 - $1,500
The FIAT 500 keeps popping up like an Italian espresso shot: small, zippy, and slightly addictive. This one’s only $1,500, making it a tempting option for budget-conscious drivers who still want something cute and quirky. A touch of style never hurts anyone’s commute.
2015 BMW I3 - $9,000
A futuristic BMW EV for under $10K? Sign us up! The 2015 i3 brings premium vibes, a carbon-fiber structure, and head-turning looks. Sure, the styling is… unique, but you’ll feel like you’re driving tomorrow’s car at a fraction of its original price. Bonus points for those suicide-style doors.
2015 Chevrolet Sonic - $8,995
The Sonic’s glow-up continues with this pricier version. At nearly $9K, you’re likely getting a well-kept model with low miles, making it a solid buy for budget-minded shoppers. Not every Sonic is bargain-bin cheap, but even this one won’t drain your wallet.
2017 Volkswagen GTI SE - $16,990
Here’s a GTI for someone who wants all the bells and whistles. The SE trim adds luxury touches, a great infotainment system, and a dose of German refinement. Under $17K for a fun, turbocharged hatchback that’s still modern? That’s a solid deal in anyone’s book.
2015 FIAT 500 - $16,995
This is a more expensive FIAT, but even at $17K it’s a chic urban car. Whether it’s low mileage, loaded with features, or just well-loved, it proves FIATs can be more than just cheap beaters; they can be collectible in their own right.
2015 Chevrolet Sonic - $2,950
A Sonic priced right between “project car” and “daily driver,” for under $3K this one’s probably in decent shape, giving you basic transportation without major headaches. It’s the kind of car that’ll get the job done - quietly, reliably and with no complaints.
2019 Volkswagen GTI 4-Door - $10,200
This one’s a steal. It’s newer, fun, and practical, making it a perfect all-rounder for anyone who loves spirited driving but also needs space for friends or groceries. This is hot hatch value at its finest.
2015 BMW I3 W/ Range Extender - $7,500
A city EV with a built-in safety net: that little motorcycle engine saves you from range anxiety. At $7,500, it’s a great way to dip your toes into electric life while still having gas backup for road trips. A futuristic commuter for less than a used Civic.
2015 FIAT 500 - $14,495
This one’s dressed up and asking for more. $14K gets you a tidy little Italian city slicker with all the charisma of an espresso bar. It’s the FIAT 500 for someone who prefers “mint condition” over “beater with a heater.”
2017 Volkswagen GTI - $19,991
The GTI strikes again, this time nearly maxing out our $20K budget. But honestly? It’s worth it. A 2017 GTI still feels fresh, fast, and refined. It’s proof you can have a performance car that’s fun, practical, and just a touch grown-up.
2015 BMW I3 W/ Range Extender - $5,500
Another carbon-fiber, eco-chic BMW bargain. At $5,500, this one feels like a steal, even if it’s a little rough around the edges. It’s a premium EV that won’t break the bank, and you’ll look cooler plugging in than pumping gas.
2020 Volkswagen GTI 4-Door - $6,300
Either this is a once-in-a-lifetime deal or this car has seen some things. Still, for a turbocharged hot hatch barely out of warranty, it’s a ridiculous bargain (especially if you don’t mind fixing a few “quirks.”)
2015 FIAT 500 - $8,495
This FIAT falls right in the sweet spot: not too cheap, not too pricey. It’s a stylish little runabout that’s more reliable than people give it credit for. For under $9K, it’s perfect for urban living… or as your weekend toy for boutique coffee runs.
2019 Hyundai Veloster N - $17,450
Even if this ride’s held together with zip ties and hope, it’s hard to beat a running car for less than a new smartphone. It’s perfect for tight budgets, tight parking spaces, or living out your quirky indie-film dreams.
2015 FIAT 500 Lounge Hatchback - $775
This Veloster is cheap enough to tempt even the most cautious buyer. At just over two grand, it’s a funky three-door hatch with modern styling and a solid reputation. It’s a fun, affordable choice if you want something more playful than your average compact.
2017 Hyundai Veloster - $2,100
Another shockingly cheap GTI, at under $6K this car’s either an epic find or a great project car in disguise. Either way, you get classic GTI driving fun and practicality for pennies on the dollar. Not bad for a car that still turns heads.
2017 Volkswagen GTI 4-Door - $5,900
At this price, the GTI is basically begging for a second chance. Sure, it's got a story or two to tell, but it’s still the benchmark for hot hatches: quick, practical, and endlessly modifiable. A car this fun under $6K feels like legal theft.
2016 Hyundai Veloster - $2,900
For under $3K, you get a sporty hatchback with quirky three-door styling and decent reliability. It’s like Hyundai’s fun little experiment that actually worked. A great starter car for someone who wants personality without breaking the bank.
2016 FIAT 500 - $1,600
This FIAT is likely in “project car” territory, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a steal. For the price of a used laptop, you get Italian charm, a tiny footprint, and a car that makes parking fun. Bring a wrench and a sense of humor.
2016 FIAT 500 Easy Hatchback - $1,400
The “Easy” trim says it all: this car’s designed for simple, stylish commuting. At $1,400, it’s cheaper than your monthly rent in most cities, and it’ll still get you from A to B with flair. Perfect for students or city slickers on a shoestring budget.
2016 FIAT 500 - $2,550
This slightly pricier FIAT offers the same boutique looks and zippy city driving but likely with a little less “character-building” rust. It’s a great entry into European style at a price that’ll leave plenty of room for cappuccinos and gelato.
2015 Chevrolet Sonic - $1,400
Ah, the humble Sonic. It’s not glamorous, but it’s cheap, cheerful, and dependable enough to get you through life’s daily grind. At $1,400, it’s practically a throwaway, yet it’ll probably outlast your coffee maker.
