It should come as no surprise that we’re huge fans of the Alfa Romeo 4C. Making its formal debut in 2013, the 4C was the first mass-production model Alfa offered to the U.S. market in nearly two decades. And what a comeback - this thing offers low-weight, mid-engine, carbon-intensive thrills, plus jaw-dropping Italian styling, all without the high-entry price of a traditional supercar. Now, according to a recent report from Autotrader, you can find this enthusiast’s wet dream on the used market for criminally low prices.

Ferrari Fun, Affordable Price Tag

It all starts under the skin, where you’ll find a carbon fiber monocoque and aluminum substructures, which, along with the car’s diminutive exterior dimensions, blesses the coupe with a feathery 2,465-pound curb weight.

The little weight that remains is centered around the middle of the machine thanks to the mid-mounted 1.7-liter four-cylinder engine, which is turbocharged to produce upwards of 237 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

Output is sent to the rear axle through a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. Sixty mph arrives in a little over 4 seconds, while top speed is pegged at 155 mph.

That’s quick, but the 4C’s biggest draw is the way it handles. Thanks to the low weight and mid-engine layout, not to mention the manual steering, rigid carbon-fiber construction, and faultless Alfa suspension tuning, the 4C is utterly epic in the bends.

All told, the Alfa Romeo 4C is an oddity in the modern performance world, as the small dimensions and raw driving feel are clear breaks from the current crop of big, heavy, ponderous sports cars out there. Matched with a personality that echoes vehicles with price tags ten times that of a new 4C (purchased new, a 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C starts at $55,900, with options an additional fees upping the bottom line to $75,000 to $80,000), and you can see why we’re smitten.

However, according to a recent report from Autotrader, you can get a used Alfa Romeo 4C for even less outlay.

“Right now on Autotrader, there are plenty of used Alfa Romeo 4C models going in the $41,000 to $47,000 range,” the report reads. “In fact, a few days ago, I even saw one going for $37,000 - but it was quickly snatched up. The 4C has lost nearly 50 percent of its original cost to depreciation in just a few years’ time - and it’s all to your benefit. The 4C models at this price aren’t beat-to-the-end-of-their-life examples, either. Most have less than 20,000 miles on the odometer.”

Why so cheap? Well, although Autotrader points out relatively low-mileage examples, Alfas aren’t exactly known for being the most bulletproof vehicles on the road. Throw in the fact that most probably weren’t coddled (this is a “baby Ferrari,” after all), and the fact that average maintenance costs are typically quite a bit higher than your Mom’s Camry (Alfa suggests a “bolt tightening service” is performed every 12,000 miles or so, which, with an oil change, can cost between $1,000 and $1,500), and well, it all starts to makes sense.

There are other factors too, like the 4C’s harsh ride and tight cabin space.

That all said, we think a $40,000 Alfa Romeo 4C could be one helluva deal. Never mind the quirks and maintenance - as any owner of a “fun car” will tell you, that’s just par for the course.

Would you buy a $40,000 Alfa Romeo 4C? Let us know in the comments section below.

Further Reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider Italia.

Read our full review on the 2016 Alfa Romeo 4C Spider

Read our full review on the 2018 Alfa Romeo 4C Competizione

Read our full review on the 2014 Alfa Romeo 4C.