10 4-Door Sports Cars You Can Get For Under $10,000, Ranked By Top Speed

It’s a tough truth to swallow, but $10,000 doesn’t buy as much cars as it did even just three years ago. With inflation and the popularity of classic sports cars exploding, it’s becoming harder to find sports cars on a budget. Just take a look at some of the legendary JDM models and the prices they are now fetching and it’s not hard to see why it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re buying a car that is going to give you the most value.

Having said that, there are still lots of great cars that pack plenty of power, handle incredibly on the road, and are available for less than $10,000. Finding some of these four-door sports cars for under $10,000 might be a challenge, as many high-performance models tend to hold their value, have been in accidents, or are sitting in garages of enthusiasts already.

The cars on this list have a lot of similarities, and no, it’s not that they all devour fuel at extreme rates, it’s that they’re from that sweet spot in the late ’90s and early 2000s where performance wasn’t hindered by emissions standards, forced induction hadn’t taken over the sports car market, and manufacturers were more willing to take risks to build a car that really stood out.

Some of the models in this list may have issues as a result (because you have to break a few eggs to make an omelet), but for under $10,000 you’re going to be getting a car that is exciting, memorable, and well worth every dollar.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Kelley Blue Book, Car and Driver, Road and Track, Bring-A-Trailer and MotorTrend. The average used car prices were sourced from Kelly Blue Book and Edmunds.

10 BMW E36 M3

Top Speed: 137 MPH

The E36 M3 spans the gap between two legends, the pioneering E30 M3 and the powerful E46 M3, but this is not a car that suffers from middle child syndrome (although it also ‘spans the gap’ between two other legends in this list, the AMG C43 and E55). The E36 M3 was a motoring great in its own right, giving BMW the chance to flex its engineering muscles and show the world how good BMW is on and off the track.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Road and Track)

Average Used Price: $9,825

It’s the perfect platform for a track day car on a budget, and it’s no surprise that track days across the world usually feature a couple of E36 M3s tearing it up. While the car is getting on in years now, the platform itself is a great base for modification or restoration, and with the race heritage that the E36 builds upon, your M3 will keep up with the best of them with little trouble.

Pros

• Great handling.
• Punchy, raw power.
• Very easy to drive.

Cons

• Lacking some creature comforts.
• The US spec is much slower than the E.U. spec.
• The Interior has lots of cheap plastic.

9 Subaru Impreza WRX

Top Speed: 142 MPH

The Impreza WRX is arguably the most “sport” sedan in the list, with a long and prestigious rally history behind the car. The combination of Subaru’s legendary boxer engine with their symmetrical all-wheel-drive lead to one of the greatest sports sedans of all time, and with classic WRX models becoming more and more popular the prices won’t stay this good for too long.

Performance Specifications MY09

(Data was collected from Car and Driver)

Average Used Price: $9,221

While the WRX may not have the luxury of some other models in the list, it’s nearly unbeatable for driving experience. With incredible power off the line, it launches hard and grips hard thanks to the upgraded suspension, and is a car that’s sure to put a smile on your face with the responsiveness and noise of a true sports car. Early models of the WRX STI have in the past dipped below $10,000 but with cars of that era increasing in popularity, prices have crept above $15,000.

Pros

• All-wheel-drive with plenty of punch.
• The Subaru rumble.
• Handles like a dream.

Cons

• Head gaskets are prone to failure.
• Interior is practical but plain.
• Expensive to maintain.

8 Lexus IS300

Top Speed: 144 MPH

The Lexus IS300 is an understated car, particularly the pre-2005 models which looked sleek and stylish on the outside but under the hood; another story. In the first generation IS300 you’ll find Toyota’s legendary 2JZ engine, which famously powers the much-loved MkIV Supra and is capable of delivering massive power with very little modification.

Performance Specifications MY05

(Data was collected from Car and Driver)

Average Used Price: $6,856

While the IS300 features a tuned-down version of the 2JZ, as a platform it is the dream project car. Lexus is known for luxury and comfort and even though the IS300 is an older model now, it does not disappoint. Today you’ll find IS300s at drag strips and track days around the country as an affordable and comfortable way to experience the might of the 2JZ.

Pros

• 2JZ in a luxury package.
• Very modifiable.
• Comfortable with plenty of extras.

Cons

• Factory power is on the lower end.
• Cramped rear seat.
• The fuel economy is poor.

7 Mazda RX-8

Top Speed: 150 MPH

Yes, the RX-8 is technically a four-door (Mazda refers to it as a quad coupé), but you’ll want small friends because the rear suicide doors are quite small. Rotaries aren’t talked about enough, and while the RX-8 isn’t as popular or exciting as its predecessor, the legendary RX-7, it’s still a solid four-door sports car if your budget is $10,000. The 1.3-liter RENESIS twin-rotor engine is very happy to rev high and rev fast, providing impressive power out of such a small package.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Car and Driver)

Average Used Price: $8,281

Mazda is known for building sporty, agile, and balanced cars; and the RX-8 is no exception. With a near 50/50 weight distribution and the combination of double wishbone front and multi-link rear suspension, the RX-8 is a car that loves to be thrown around corners.

Revving up to 9,000, the rotary engine screams to life giving the RX-8 a powerful launch if you can manage not to stall it. Depending on the model you choose, there are a few transmission options including a 4-speed or 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters, or six-speed manual. However, keep in mind that the automatic RX-8s are rated for 20 less horsepower.

Pros

• Responsive, punchy acceleration.
• Impressive handling.
• Rotary excitement.

Cons

• Very thirsty for both fuel and oil.
• Small rear door and back seat.
• Expensive to maintain.

6 Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG W202

Top Speed: 151 MPH

The W202 C43 is an exercise in luxury and power, with AMG showing just how far they can push the C-Class with race-inspired performance modifications and more aggressive styling.

Like most of the cars on this list, the fuel economy isn’t great, but that’s not surprising given the engine that the C43 is built around. A quarter of a century later, this car still holds up as a competitive sport sedan.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Car and Driver)

Average Used Price: $5,132

AMG also made sure to upgrade the suspension and braking to handle all the power put out by the big V-8, and while the ride is a bit stiffer than the standard C-Class models, it gives you a more hands-on driving experience, especially at speed. Given that this is a naturally aspirated V-8 from the 1990s, your fuel economy is going to be rough, but this is a car that is a must-drive if you’re an enthusiast.

Pros

• Incredible V-8 engine note.
• Responsive, fast, and agile.
• Includes TeleAid for vehicle tracking and remote assistance.

Cons

• Very stiff ride.
• Expensive to maintain and service.
• The fuel economy is poor.

5 Mazda Mazdaspeed6

Top Speed: 151 MPH

This is a bit of a rare car as it was only in production in 2006, so finding one can be tricky, but prices are low despite the work Mazda put in to make this a really solid four-door sports car. The Mazdaspeed6 is an underrated performance sedan, that offered all-wheel-drive with a spicy turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual for just the right combination of fast and fun.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Edmunds)

Average Used Price: $9,450

The Mazdaspeed6 pieces together parts from other great Mazda models, pairing the all-wheel-drive from the JDM Atenza, the limited-slip differential from the RX-8, and the upgraded Mazda 6 suspension. The all-wheel-drive is powered by Mazda’s Active Torque split which splits the power between front and rear anywhere from 100 percent front to 50/50 front/rear. Prices retailed at just $28,555 back in 2006 and now can be picked up for less than $10,000 and as low as $5,500 if you look hard enough.

Pros

• It’s a fun car to drive.
• Solid power, manual transmission, and all-wheel-drive.
• Nice interior with plenty of gadgets.

Cons

• Hard to find.
• Has had 3 manufacturer recalls.
• The small turbo lags a little.

4 Chevrolet Impala SS

Top Speed: 154 MPH

After being discontinued in 1996, Chevrolet brought back the Impala in 2000 as a front-wheel-drive 4-door sedan. The engine was changed from V-8 to V-6 and power was reduced overall, however the Impala SS featured a supercharger that closed the gap to the previous generation’s eight-cylinder LT1. For your money, you get a car that isn’t just comfortable and practical, it’s responsive and quick behind the wheel too.

Performance Specifications MY04

(Data was collected from MotorTrend and Car and Driver)

The Impala SS was no slouch, with the supercharged V-6 sending a very tidy 240 horsepower to the front wheels, and paired with responsive handling and well-tuned suspension the SS was a punchy and agile car to drive. The Impala SS is also spacious inside, offering all the benefits of a full-sized sedan, and because it was such a wildly popular car you can pick one up used for as little as $3,000.

Pros

• Spacious and practical.
• The supercharger is quick and responsive.
• 5-star NHTSA Safety Rating.

Cons

• Front-wheel-drive prone to understeer.
• Not super exciting.
• Fuel economy isn’t great.

3 Audi S4

Top Speed: 155 MPH

It’s luxurious, it has loads of power from a naturally aspirated V-8, it has a six-speed manual transmission, it can launch from 0 to 60 mph in just over five seconds, and it’s the best value for money on this list. The Audi S4 is the ultimate sleeper car and has been the high-performance bigger brother of the A4 since 1997, with the B6 and B7 generations in particular worth a second look if you’re hunting for a four-door sports car under $10,000.

Performance Specifications MY05

(Data was collected from Car and Driver)

Average Used Price: $7,039

Featuring a 4.2-liter V-8 and Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive, the experience of driving the S4 is nothing but sheer enjoyment. Like other cars in this list, the ‘sportier’ you push the design of a car the more you sacrifice on comfort. However, Audi balances this by ensuring all their cars are agile and responsive but not too stiff or bumpy for daily driving.

The S4 stood out in its class and is loaded with driving assistance options like advanced braking and traction control. The S4 will take whatever you throw at it, and in the Recaro front and rear seats you’ll be as comfortable as possible even when going sideways around a race track.

Pros

• Loaded with extras and luxury trim.
• All-wheel-drive, naturally aspirated V-8, and manual transmission.
• Extremely affordable and amazing value for money.

Cons

• Expensive to maintain.
• Fuel economy is poor.
• The sporty handling takes some getting used to.

2 Infiniti G35

Top Speed: 155 MPH

The Infiniti G35 comes from a legacy of sports cars over at parent company Nissan; the G35 is a re-badged Nissan Skyline and is built on Nissan’s FM platform (for ‘front midships’; Nissan pushed the engine back slightly so the center mass balances the car almost perfectly 50/50 front to rear). Following on from the success of the G35, Infiniti bumped up the power and trim options in the G37, then in 2009 retired the G35 model (the G37 itself has since been replaced by the now aging Q50).

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Edmunds)

Average Used Price: $8,000

For a brief window in 2007 and 2008, you could choose between the Infiniti G35 with a 3.5-liter V-6, the G35x with all-wheel-drive (using the ATTESA system found in the Skyline GT-R), or the G37 with an upgraded 3.7-Liter V-6; all of which are great options and fetch similar prices. Infiniti also released a G37x with an all-wheel-drive, however, you’ll be looking at around the $15,000 mark for an affordable model.

Pros

• Punchy and responsive V-6.
• Excellent handling and balance.
• Luxurious interior and plenty of features.

Cons

• Suspension can be stiff and uncomfortable.
• The 6MT model’s manual transmission is clunky.
• The upgraded sports parts can be expensive to replace.

1 Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG W210

Top Speed: 158 MPH

Is the W210 E55 a ‘sports sedan’? That’s debatable; it is a sedan, it features a mean 5.4-liter naturally aspirated V-8, goes from 0 to 60 MPH in 4.9 seconds, and from the outside looks very similar to the C43, except for the headlights. However, what you get for your money compared to the C43 isn’t just a whole lot more power, the E55 ‘executive sedan’ comes with more luxury features and some very interesting extras.

Performance Specifications

(Data was collected from Car and Driver)

Average Used Price: $8,407

The 2001 model E55 features a slightly larger engine for quicker acceleration, and the 4MATIC all-wheel-drive was an option if the owner requested it. You could even request factory armoring with the Mercedes Benz GUARD armored protection; with bulletproof glass, a reinforced chassis, and reinforced suspension, although you definitely won’t find one of those for under $10,000. For a little more money, the W211 E55 added a supercharger for an even more ridiculous driving experience.

Pros

• Oozes luxury.
• Lots of power, even more torque.
• Optional all-wheel-drive.

Cons

• Can be expensive to maintain.
• Fuel economy isn’t great.
• W210 models have some reliability issues.