With a shortage of new cars, many are turning to the used sports car market. There are also plenty of options, including several used sports cars under $30,000. But if you’re looking for the best used sports cars on the market, iSeeCars has selected four in particular that stand out.
iSeeCars calls the Ford Mustang Coupe the best used sports car
- iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.4
- Confidence Score: 8.5
- Retained Value Score: 8.2
- Average price of 3 year old used car: $44,636
The Ford Mustang Coupe landed on top of iSeeCars’ list for best used sports cars. In general, the Mustang got an 8.4 out of 10. The used Ford Mustang Coupé also got an 8.5 for reliability.
Dates from Repair friend shows that this is justified: Mustang owners report an average of 0.2 visits to the repair shop per year. Annual repair and maintenance costs are slightly higher than average, at $789 compared to the $652 average for all vehicles. But most problems are not serious. In fact, Repair Pal reports that the probability of a serious or major problem requiring repair is 14%, close to the 12% average for all vehicles.
An average Ford Mustang gets 200,000 kilometers. With proper maintenance, it can probably last even longer. car complaints shows that the most common problems have been reported on the paint or body. Corrosion on the hood is most common, as are blisters on the paint. The model years with the most reported issues, according to data from CarComplaints, are 2015, 2012, and 2007.
iSeeCars also gave the Mustang an 8.2 out of 10 on value retention, as it retains its value five years longer than other sports cars. The average used price for a three year old model is $44,636. In addition, iSeeCars placed the Mustang at the top of its best sports cars of 2022, for both new and used cars. US News also named the Mustang the best sports car of 2022.
What’s the next best option if you don’t want a used Ford Mustang?
- iSeeCars Quality Score: 7.5
- Confidence Score: 8.0
- Retained Value Score: 7.0
- Average price of 3 year old used car: $40,151
If the Mustang doesn’t fit your budget or is not your preferred option, there are other options. iSeeCars listed a used Camaro as runner-up and even gave it a 7.5 out of 10.
The Chevrolet Camaro gets a slightly lower reliability score than the Mustang with an 8.0 out of 10. Figures from Repair friend show that the average annual cost of repairs and maintenance is lower than the Mustang, averaging $585 at a comparable rate of 0.2 repair shop visits per year. But repairs that are needed tend to be more serious, with a 17% chance of serious or major problems.
If you are looking for a used Camaro, details from car complaints shows that the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro has the most reported problems, followed by 2013 and 2014. Engine problems are the most common, especially premature wear of the timing chain.
The Camaro gets a much lower value retention than the Mustang, at 7.0 out of 10. The price of a three-year-old used car is $40,151 on average, 10% lower than the Mustang. It’s cheaper to buy, but will be less valuable in the resale market than the Mustang. The 2018 Camaro is a good option if you’re looking for more modern technology with power at an affordable price.
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The best used luxury sports car is the Porsche 911
- iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.5
- Confidence Score: 8.5
- Retained Value Score: 8.5
- Average price of 3 year old used car: $157,510
iSeeCars called the Porsche 911 the best used luxury sports car on the market. It predictably comes at a higher price than the other sports cars with an average price of $157,510.
iSeeCars points to the variety of engine and equipment options as one of the main attractions of the 911. With more than a dozen in total, there is something for every type of luxury sports car driver.
The used Porsche 911 gets an 8.5 for reliability. Dates from car complaints supports that with a total of just 10 complaints reported since 2008. But the data of Repair friend tells a slightly different story.
Overall, the Porsche 911 gets two out of five stars, well below the 3.5-star average. Average annual repair costs are $1,072, more than $300 higher than the average for luxury midsize cars and $400 higher than the average for all vehicles.
Data shows that Porsche 911 owners go to repair shops nearly 0.5 times a year, higher than the 0.4 average for all vehicles, but lower than the 0.6 average for mid-range luxury cars. But those visits can be costly: Repair Pal data shows that 22% of repair visits are for serious or major issues.
iSeeCars also gives the 911 an 8.5 out of 10 for value retention. The 911 has one of the lowest depreciation rates on the market. A used 911 is a great inexpensive sports car, but can come with a few notes prior to purchase. But if you buy a relatively new model, you can expect it to be worth more than $100,000 for a while.
What is the next best used luxury sports car after the Porsche 911?
- iSeeCars Quality Score: 8.5
- Confidence Score: 8.6
- Retained Value Score: 8.5
- Average price of 3 year old used car: $112,208
If a used Porsche 911 isn’t your first choice, but you still want luxury and power, iSeeCars recommends the Chevrolet Corvette. It’s close, both cars get an 8.5 out of 10 overall.
The Corvette gets a slightly higher reliability score with an 8.6 than the 911. More issues have been reported car complaints, with more than 92 in the past ten years. At over $45,000 less for the three-year-old used car price than the 911, iSeeCars touts the Corvette’s value in the luxury sports car segment. It offers great acceleration, power and a “sleek and luxurious interior”.
When it comes to repairs, a used Corvette is a better choice than the 911. Repair friend gives the Corvette three out of five shops for overall reliability. Data shows that the average annual repair cost is $737 – higher than the average, but lower than the 911. Repair frequency is lower at 0.27 per year, but serious repairs are also high at 22%.
In terms of value retention, the Corvette gets an 8.6 out of 10. iSeeCars Data from a used car pricing survey shows that the Corvette had the biggest price increase from April 2020 to April 2021 at 33.9%. If you buy a used Corvette, it’s likely to remain valuable at a rate close to the 911.
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