Best 5 Drifting Cars Under 5K: Cheap Drift

Whether you're looking to make some memories on a track or tear up roads near home, these five cars will bring out the daredevil in anyone ready to be unleashed.

Updated: February 15, 2024  // 

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Drivers of all levels are seeking to experience the ultimate thrill of drifting, but it can come at a steep price. Discover top drift cars under $5,000 for honing your drifting skills without blowing your budget! We have put together a list of the best drift-ready cars, ranging from old racers to new imports, so that anyone can satisfy their need for speed and corners that will get their heart racing.

1. Mazda Miata MX-5

Older Mazda Miata Mx5 Drifting

Looking for a reliable and cheap car that can handle serious drifting? If you wanna get your drift on, the Mazda Miata MX-5 is your answer . Its lightweight design and sweet handling make it a drift machine. Plus, with its sleek and sporty exterior, you’ll turn heads for sure! We promise it won’t let you down!

There are two main things that make it different from the rest. First, the fact that it is very light and easy to control makes it a great drifting machine. The Miata can easily drift and make tight turns, which makes the driver feel like they have full control. Second, the Miata MX-5 is very cheap, which makes it perfect for any drift king or prince. With great aftermarket support and Miata community the MX-5 is a perfect platform to work on as a light-weight drift missile.

2. Nissan 240SX

Nissan 240sx Drifting in Smoke

Let’s talk about one of the most iconic cars in the drifting world – the Nissan 240SX. The 240SX is a beloved classic among drifters for its lightweight build, rear-wheel drive, and reasonable price. What’s more, almost anyone can get their hands on one, making it an accessible and thrilling budget car for drifting enthusiasts. With a healthy aftermarket community and plenty of parts available, it’s easy to make this car your own and turn it into a drift machine. So, whether you’re an experienced drifter or just starting out, the Nissan 240SX is the perfect car to take to the track and perfect your drifting skills.

People who like to drift love the Nissan 240SX because it is cheap, has rear-wheel drive, and is very light. This is a great car for drivers of all levels because it’s easy to change and customize to make it drift perfectly. There is a great aftermarket community for this classic Japanese car, and there are lots of parts you can use to make your own drift machine.

3. Subaru WRX STI

Subaru WRX STI Drift

The Subaru WRX STI is an ideal drift rocket that can cost you sub $5k. The WRX’s 2.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is an amazing beast that sounds great in the middle range. Don’t be fooled by all that rally-inspired design, this baby can go from zero to sixty in a zippy 5.1 seconds! And the best part? The WRX STI is the best deal in its class. But what really makes this rally-inspired car shine is when you get behind the wheel of it. The fact that it’s light and easy to control makes it the perfect choice for both new and experienced drifters.

4. Toyota Corolla AE86

Toyota AE86 Drifting from behind

Oh, the Toyota Corolla AE86. The engineers at Toyota made sure to pay great attention to detail when creating the AE86 – from its lightweight design to its suspension system – resulting in a car that was a joy to drive. Let’s face it: the Toyota Corolla AE86 is every bit a legend in the car world!

The Toyota Corolla AE86 is a popular Japanese domestic market (JDM) car model loved by car enthusiasts worldwide. This car is very easy to control because it is lightweight and has a powerful 1.6L engine. The suspension has also been fine-tuned to make the ride smooth. If you want to drift for less than $5,000, the AE86 is a good option for both new and experienced drivers.

5. Ford Focus RS

2009 Ford Focus RS Drifting

If you like to drift, the Ford Focus RS is a great pick. Equipped with a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine producing 350 impressive horsepower. The Focus RS is also very light, which makes it easy to drive and great for drifting and making fast turns. Drifting a fast car on a track is the most exciting thing in the world. The Ford Focus RS is the best car for drifting if you want to have fun and not broke the bank.

In conclusion, whether you’re drawn to the agile precision of the Mazda Miata MX-5, the timeless appeal of the Nissan 240SX, the rally-inspired performance of the Subaru WRX STI, the JDM perfection of the Toyota Corolla AE86, or the raw power of the Ford Focus RS, one thing is certain—thrilling drifting experiences await. Embrace the adrenaline, master the art of controlled slides, and unleash your inner drift king with one of these affordable yet formidable machines. Regardless of the selected set of wheels, the hot rides guarantee screams of excitement when performing sharp turns around any corner.

About The Writer

Devin Joy

Devin's love of cars came from his father and mother over 35 years ago. They always told stories of their old cars and the adventures they had in them were so amazing he dove headfirst into the car world, and never looked back.

Disclaimer: The writers of this article may have used artificial intelligence to help them with some of the material. It should not be a replacement for professional help.

Sources:

  1. Terrell, J. (2023, April 13). Ultimate Cheap Drift Cars Guide. Drifted.com. https://www.drifted.com/cheap-drift-cars/