Best 7 Used Luxury Sports Cars Under $8,000

For car enthusiasts, owning a luxury sports car is the ultimate dream. However, unless the dealership takes Monopoly money, you might be out of luck. Don’t fret, we were able to scrap together some great sub-$8k cars for you. We’ll explore the best 8 used luxury sports cars under $8,000, their features, best years, and pros and cons. Buying one of these cars will keep your credit good and prevent an upside-down auto loan.

1. BMW Z3

The BMW Z3, a timeless roadster, was in production from 1996 to 2002. The vehicle boasts a modern and stylish aesthetic, featuring a low-slung body and sharp lines that are sure to catch the eye. The Z3 boasts a variety of engine options, including both four and six-cylinder choices. Opting for the latter will provide drivers with enhanced power and performance capabilities.

According to many car enthusiasts, the 2000 model year of the BMW Z3 is considered the ultimate choice. This particular year received a series of upgrades that significantly enhanced its overall performance and handling capabilities. The 2000 Z3 comes with a peppy and responsive 193hp engine, and one of the best weight distribution in the industry. We love the classic design, fun mod-able engine and precise steering feel. Once you get one, go find a canyon and carve it up.

Pros:

• Classic roadster design
• Good performance and handling
• Affordable maintenance costs
• Reliable engine

Cons:

• Limited trunk space
• Not the most comfortable ride
• Lack of modern features

2. Porsche Boxster

Debuting in 1996, the Porsche Boxster has been a poster on a many a gearheads walls. The iconic convertible top and a classic Porsche design has aged well over the years. The Boxster is powered by a mid-engined six-cylinder that offer excellent performance and handling.

We consider the best year for the Porsche Boxster is considered to be 1997, as it was the first year of production and is now becoming a classic. Able to reach 60 mph in under 7 seconds, the engine seems to always be at the optimal RPM for fun. The Porsche life is a life in the fast lane, so make sure you’re covered with a top-notch car insurance plan to keep you safe from any unexpected accidents.

Pros:

• Iconic Porsche design
• Excellent performance and handling
• High-quality interior
• Relatively affordable maintenance costs

Cons:

• Potential for expensive repairs
• Limited storage space
• High insurance costs

3. Audi TT

The Audi TT is a stylish and unique sports car that was first introduced in 1998. Audi did a great job blending classic sports car elements with the freshest modern styling cues. It’s like a work of art on wheels! The TT is powered by a range of turbocharged engines that offer a good horsepower to weight ratio.

We love the 2001 Audi TT, it’s very comfortable for daily drive and on trips. The TT turbocharged four-cylinder is fast, agile with a great interior. The 2001 Audi TT gets 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway.

Pros:

• Comfortable, decent mileage, high “cool” factor.
• All-season daily driver
• Fast, agile with a great interior
• Fun, cheap, and attractive

Cons:

• Potential for expensive repairs
• Limited visibility
• Harsh ride on rough roads

Related: 4 Used Cars You Should NEVER EVER Buy

4. Mercedes-Benz SLK

The Mercedes-Benz SLK is a sleek and stylish roadster that offers a luxurious interior and a retractable hardtop as standard features. This engine is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that provides seamless gear changes. The V-6 variant undoubtedly offers a more thrilling driving experience. The powertrain is expertly paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission that shifts seamlessly. The handling of the CTS has left reviewers thoroughly impressed. According to AutoWeek, the body motions were found to be well controlled. According to Edmunds, the CTS has quick directional changes without any slewing off the line in the rear end.

Pros:

• Retractable hardtop
• Year Round Toy
• Comfortable ride
• High-quality interior

Cons:

• Potential for expensive repairs
• Limited rear visibility with the top up
• Small trunk space

5. Lexus SC 300/400

The Lexus SC 300/400 is a luxury sports coupe that was produced from 1991 to 2000. It has a sleek and timeless design that still looks great today. The SC 300/400 is powered by a range of six and eight-cylinder engines that offer good performance and reliability.

The best year for the Lexus SC 300/400 is considered to be 1998, as it received some upgrades that improved its performance and handling. The 1998 SC 300/400 comes with a standard 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 290 horsepower, and it can reach 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds.

Pros:

• Timeless design
• Good performance and reliability
• Comfortable and spacious interior
• High-quality sound system
• Able to handle DIY performance upgrades

Cons:

• Poor fuel economy
• Potential for expensive repairs
• Limited rear visibility

6. Infiniti G35

Love is a good word for the Infiniti G35. This luxury sports sedan that was produced from 2003 to 2007 and has a sleek and sporty design that still looks great today. The G35 is powered by the bulletproof VQ V6 engine that offers great stock numbers. These Infinitis are easy to add performance upgrades that will get the most out of the platform.

These cars can handle just about any build you want to throw at it. You can stance it, dump it, track it, drag it or anything in between. It shares the same engine and suspension components as the iconic Nissan 350Z, so if the Z can do it so can the G.

Pros:

• Sleek and sporty design
• Good performance and handling
• Spacious interior
• Relatively affordable maintenance costs

Cons:

• Potential for expensive repairs
• Limited trunk space
• Harsh ride on rough roads

7. Cadillac CTS

The Cadillac CTS, a luxury car, was produced and promoted by General Motors for three generations spanning from 2003 to 2019. It has a bold and unique sharpe angled design that stands out from other sports sedans. We suggest you buy a 2008 CTS, since this model comes standard with the 2007’s upgraded 3.6-liter V6.

The handling of the CTS has received high praise from reviewers. According to AutoWeek, the body motions were found to be well controlled. According to CNET, the car demonstrated impressive traction and remained composed even when pushed to its limits on corners. They noted that they were able to maintain an optimal driving line and confidently apply power during their maneuvers, effectively holding the car around turns and positioning it correctly for the track-out.

Pros:

• Good performance (especially the V Series)
• Spacious and comfortable interior
• High-quality sound system

Cons:

• Potential for expensive repairs
• Poor fuel economy
• Limited trunk space
• Outdated technology

To sum up, opting for a pre-owned luxury sports car can be a thrilling and fulfilling venture. However, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research and select a vehicle that aligns with your requirements and financial plan.

Overall, anybody searching for a used luxury sports car around $8,000 should consider any of these seven cars. There is a car on this list that will fit your demands and surpass your expectations, whether you’re searching for a stylish and fast coupe or a cozy and roomy sedan.