Summary

  • Choosing a used car with a $20,000 budget opens up options for fast cars that can fulfill your need for speed, but be cautious of potential maintenance issues.
  • The 2017 Honda Civic Si, 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata, and 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth are affordable and quick used cars that offer a thrilling driving experience.
  • The list of the fastest used cars under $20,000 was compiled using data from Kelley Blue Book, with information collected from various sources including carmaker newsrooms and automotive publications.

What will you do if you have a budget of $20,000 to buy a fast car? Buy a new car or a used one? If you go the new car route, your options will involve vehicles like the Kia Soul, Nissan Versa, Chevrolet Trailblazer, etc. These aren't bad cars for that price, but they sure aren't 'fast'.

But, if you go the used route, the $20,000 budget will open you to a world of fast cars that will comfortably fulfill your adrenaline cravings. That said, it leaves you vulnerable to getting cars that might end up spending half the time in garages. So, which car should you pick? Well, we've listed 20 of the fastest used cars you can buy for under $20,000 and have a good time with them.

The list below has been compiled by data from Kelley Blue Book validations for the used amounts, with the options left as standard and the zip code left the same. The MSRP was collected from several sites, including the carmaker newsrooms, Edmunds, Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and U.S. News and Reports.

Updated August 26, 2023: We've included a few more great options for sporty and quick cars that can be had for under $20,000, including some American muscle, hot hatches, and sports cars that provide plenty of thrills for enthusiasts not looking to break the bank. Despite the continued volatility of the used car market, these models still offer plenty of options for fast fun under $20,000.

RELATED: Top 10 Cheap Cars That Are Really Fast

25 2017 Honda Civic Si

Top Speed: 130 MPH

A parked 2017 Honda Civic Si
Inertiadrifto86 via Wikimedia Commons

The Type R is the pinnacle of performance in the Civic portfolio, but it hasn't been present on our shores since the beginning. Until its arrival, the Civic Si held that spot, so it's fair to put it on this list. The 2017 Civic Si is part of the 10th-gen Civic that came out a year before. Although the Si was known to come with its own identity (under the hood), from this generation onwards, it featured the same mill as the pedestrian Civics, albeit in a different state of tune. The 2.4-liter free-breathing engine made way for a smaller 1.5-liter, four-pot with forced induction.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

Honda Civic LX

$12,823

$19,630

Honda Civic EX-L

$12,880

$22,030

Honda Civic Touring

$13,390

$27,490

Honda Civic EX-T

$13,679

$22,190

Honda Civic LX-P

$14,032

$20,950

Honda Civic Si

$16,788

$24,790

It makes the same 205 horses but 18 pound-feet more torque than the models before the 2017 range. This gives it a strong low- and mid-range but reduces the redline to just 7,000 rpm. It is a decent daily driver, too, and can be a good car for your urban commutes. The 2017 Civic Si hovers around $20,000 in price. High mileage models will fall under it, and low mileage, over. But, if you research well, you can get lucky and get the best of both worlds – low mileage and under $20,000.

24 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Top Speed: 136 MPH

Red 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata 25th Anniversary Edition
Mazda

Almost every enthusiast has this little roadster on their bucket list at some point in life. The MX-5 nameplate rocked our worlds for the first time in the late 80s and has been a heartthrob ever since. We've picked the 2016 Miata because Mazda returned to the original template with this model after swerving off in between.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Mazda MX-5 Miata Sport

$12,436

$25,735

Mazda MX-5 Miata Club

$13,838

$29,420

Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring

$14,047

$31,185

It was smaller and lighter, thus making it even more agile and fun to drive. Although 155 horses don't seem like a lot on paper, the Miata will prove you wrong. The 2016 MX-5 Miata started at around $26,000 and went up to $31,000, but you can get the top-end Grand Touring convertible for under $20,000 in 2023 if you search well.

23 2015 Fiat 500 Abarth

Top Speed: 140 MPH

If you step back and look at the Fiat 500 Abarth, you might chuckle to yourself or even laugh out loud because it does not look like much. If you are trying to find a car that looks fast, this is not the model for you. But, throughout the 60+ years of Abarth history, they have built cars for one purpose; to race.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Fiat 500 Abarth Base

$7,483

$22,495

The 2015 Fiat Abarth has a small 1368cc turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine under the hood that can only manage about 157 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and 183 pound-feet of torque at 2,400 RPM. The little car only weighs 2,683 pounds, so it can still sprint from 0 to 60 in around 6 seconds. If you think about that speed in such a little car, you can imagine how fast it actually feels when sitting in the driver's seat.

RELATED: 10 Bargain 12-Cylinder Used Cars Worth Buying

22 2015 Scion FR-S

Top Speed: 140 MPH

A parked 2015 Scion FR-S
TopSpeed

Due to the collaboration with Subaru in making the BRZ, the Scion FR-S is a close sibling but has fewer standard features than the BRZ. The idea behind that is not to leave you without creature comforts but to leave you with what you really want; nothing but the driving experience of a fine sports car.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Scion FR-S Base

$12,933

$24,990

Scion FR-S 1.0 Release Series

$14,118

$29,990

The Scion FR-S has the same 2.0-liter flat-four cylinder that pushes out 200 horsepower and up to 151 pound-feet of torque. On the track, it can put numbers down like 0 to 60 in 6.2 seconds and a quarter-mile run in under 15 seconds. Since the Scion has a rear-wheel drive system, the FR-S can make a great drift car if built correctly.

21 2014 Subaru BRZ

Top Speed: 140 MPH

A parked 2014 Subaru BRZ
Mecum

The Subaru BRZ was unique for the time because of a Toyota/Scion partnership that led to a rear-wheel drive sports car that was a sibling to the Toyota 86 and the Scion FR-S. It was designed and produced to take on the other sports cars flooding the markets, such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Subaru BRZ Base

$11,259

$25,595

Subaru BRZ Limited

$13,104

$27,595

The Subaru BRZ was an affordable sports car in 2014 when it was pushed out onto the market, as it is today on the used market for those looking for something with a little bit of power. The 2.0-liter under the hood can pump out up to 200 horses, and the high-revving engine can reach torque amounts of 151 pound-feet. On the track, you are looking at times like 6.4 seconds from 0 to 60, with room for improvement.

20 2017 Mini Cooper

Top Speed: 146 MPH

A parked 2017 Mini Cooper
2017 Mini Cooper

The Suez Canal Crisis back in 1956 is something that most of you have forgotten about, but if you want to know why the Mini Cooper came to be, it is necessary to travel back in time to that point in history. Gas prices increased, and car sales for larger vehicles decreased, leaving a place on the market for small European cars. Hence the Mini Cooper was created.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Mini Cooper Base

$10,698

$21,800

Mini Cooper S

$12,210

$25,250

Mini Cooper John Cooper Works

$13,839

$31,750

The base trim level Mini Cooper is powered by an inline three-cylinder that can manage to pump out 134 horsepower, which is adequate for daily trips back and forth to the store or work. If you want something fast, though, you will need to try and find the Cooper S or John Cooper Works version because it comes with a 192-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder mated to a six-speed automatic or manual transmission. This allows the Cooper S to sprint to 60 mph in a respectable, 6.5 seconds.

RELATED: 10 Cheap Cars That Can Do 200 MPH

19 2010 Ford Mustang GT

Top Speed: 155 MPH

A parked 2010 Ford Mustang GT Premium Convertible
Mecum

While the standard V-6-powered 2010 Mustang can be much cheaper than the V-8-powered GT version, the two extra cylinders provide a lot of added performance, with most models still staying below $20,000. Better still, a $20,000 max budget doesn't exclude the GT Convertible model for those who crave open-air cruising and to hear more of its V-8 soundtrack.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. USed Market Price

Original MSRP

Ford Mustang Base

$8,285

$21,395

Ford Mustang Premium

$8,335

$24,395

Ford Mustang GT Premium

$11,574

$31,395

Ford Mustang GT

$12,452

$28,395

Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

$21,325

$46,725

Even though well over a decade has passed, the Mustang's retro-inspired exterior styling and cabin are still endearing, as is the 4.6-liter V-8 offering up an impressive 315 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. The 2010 GT is an appealing option as it was the first model year to offer a revised interior with better quality materials, a facelift over prior models, with a reduction in drag, wider wheels, a higher rev-line, and increased stiffness to benefit performance.

18 2014 Infiniti Q50

Top Speed: 155 MPH

white 2014 Infiniti Q50 rear
Infiniti

Looking back through history, many carmakers you see have been around for a long time, but that is not the case with Infiniti. This luxury brand of Nissan has only produced cars for American markets since 1989. The motto they started out with of not trying to please everyone, but rather the few, has been a level of production that they strive to reach even today.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Infiniti Q50 S 3.7

$13,708

$37,150

Infiniti Q50 Base 3.7

$13,673

$38,950

Infiniti Q50 S Hybrid

$13,923

$48,600

Infiniti Q50 3.7 Premium

$13,988

$41,800

Infiniti Q50 Hybrid Premium

$14,193

$44,400

The 328 horsepower V-6 from previous years is carried over for 2014, leaving the Infiniti Q50 a little behind some competitors, such as the BMW 335i. That is one of the reasons why you can pick this luxurious sports sedan up for less than $20,000 because many people underestimate the power that it still has. The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds, which is still better than many of the smaller sports cars on this list.

17 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Top Speed: 155 MPH

A driving 2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI
Volkswagen

This is one hatchback you just can't go wrong with. While the 2023 range starts at around $30,000, you can lay your hands on models as new as 2017 for well under $20,000. The Volkswagen Golf GTI has been around for the longest time, and it is one of the best enthusiast cars you can get if you're just starting off.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Volkswagen Golf GTI S

$14,379

$25,815

Volkswagen Golf GTI Sport

$14,316

$29,915

Volkswagen Golf GTI SE

$14,443

$31,710

Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn

$15,875

$34,915

It comes with 220 horses, which should make you chuckle every time you floor the A-pedal. When you're ripping it on the roads, it will also serve as an excellent daily driver and a nice weekend getaway car for the family. All said, there's no way the Golf GTI can disappoint you unless you're a glass-half-empty kind of person.

RELATED: The 17 Fastest Cars in the World Ranked

16 2017 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Top Speed: 155 MPH

A parked 2017 Hyundai Veloster Turbo
Hyundai

The Hyundai Veloster may not have the outright power of many of the cars on this list, but the quirky little hot hatchback isn't short on driving excitement, particularly when it's being thrashed around in corners. While the standard Veloster had to manage with 138 horsepower, the Turbo version is fitted with a 1.6-liter, you guessed it, turbocharged four-cylinder that offers 201 horsepower with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Hyundai Veloster Base

$9,210

$18,985

Hyundai Veloster Value Edition

$10,643

$22,235

Hyundai Veloster Turbo

$11,352

$23,485

Hyundai Veloster Turbo R-Spec

$11,903

$22,485

The Veloster Turbo's small footprint helps its agility in corners, and its accurate, quick steering aids the cause. It's also easy to appreciate the Veloster's unique status as a hot hatch with three doors, two big exhausts at the shortly overhanging rear end, and its overall idiosyncratic looks. And plenty of Turbo models can be found for several thousand under $20,000.

15 2018 Ford Focus ST

Top Speed: 155 MPH

A parked 2018 Ford Focus ST
Vauxford via Wikimedia Commons

All enthusiasts can appreciate a good hot hatchback, and the Ford Focus ST was undoubtedly a bright spot for the segment during its production run in the U.S. Though earlier versions exist, the most powerful version available in the U.S. had a production run from the 2013-18 model years with the facelifted version debuting in 2015. The Focus ST is powered by a sprightly 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder serving up 252 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Ford Focus SE

$8,177

$20,120

Ford Focus SEL

$9,376

$22,345

Ford Focus Titanium

$10,161

$25,145

Ford Focus Electric

$11,057

$29,120

Ford Focus ST

$13,689

$26,045

Ford Focus RS

$21,584

$41,995

Showing its enthusiast-driven nature, it is only available with a six-speed manual transmission. Alongside its more aggressive looks and available Recaro sport seats, the ST features a sport-tuned suspension and other kits that make it a strong performer in the corners with all the everyday practicality of a Focus hatchback. Even top-spec versions of the ST can now be had for under $20,000.

14 1999 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

Top Speed: 155 MPH

2004 Ford Mustang MystiChrome SVT Cobra
Bring-A-Trailer

While the S197 Ford Mustang brought retro-futuristic design to the iconic model, the SN95 still offers great performance from proven mechanicals. This is especially true for the “New Edge” SN95 Mustangs touched by Ford’s Special Vehicles Team (SVT). The Cobra name was put on Mustang models in 1993 when the Foxbody 5.0 needed a boost in performance. This carried on well into the SN95 generation.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Chevrolet Corvette C6 Base

$17,660

$31,995

While the SVT Cobra R sits at the top of the SN95 performance food chain, those are now collector cars. If you want a piece of the SVT Cobra action, the regular Mustang SVT Cobra is still quite affordable. The 4.6-liter Modular V-8 has been beefed up and makes 320 horsepower and 317 pound-feet (430 Nm). Earlier models shared the five-speed T45 manual with pre-facelift SN95 Mustangs, but from 2001, the SVT Cobra switched to Tremec TR 3650. This allowed the SN95 Cobra to reach 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.1 seconds with a quarter-mile time of 13.5 seconds at 105 mph (169 km/h).

Related: The Best Cars Under $35,000

13 2009 BMW Z4 35i

Top Speed: 155 MPH

BMW Z4 2010
BMW

The second-generation BMW Z4 was when BMW started cutting costs. In terms of performance and tech, the E89 Z4 greatly improved over the old, E85 Z4, but there was no proper M version. The most powerful engine you could get on this second generation of the Bavarian two-seater was the N54, twin-turbocharged inline-six. Depending on whether you got the 35i or 35is, the engine’s output is rated at 305 horsepower and 295 pound-feet (400 Nm) or 340 horsepower and 332 pound-feet (450 Nm).

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Chevrolet Corvette C6 Base

$19,500

$51,650

While the speed limiter was set at 155 mph (250 km/h), the 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) takes 4.9 and 4.6 seconds, respectively. The N54 is, often, referred to as the German 2JZ, and for good reason. The engine responds well to mods and is fairly reliable. Some common problems include faulty water pumps, VANOS solenoid failure, leaky valve-cover gaskets, charge pipe failure, and more so, make sure you do a thorough inspection before purchase.

12 2015 BMW 328i

Top Speed: 155 MPH

A parked 2015 BMW 328i xDrive
Mecum

What better than getting a less-than-10-year-old BMW for under $20,000? It's not just about the badge; you get a car that's a looker, a performer, and an absolute keeper. Keep in mind that the 328i is a bit of a collectible when it comes to luxury cars, so you may have to look somewhere other than auction sites to find a good deal on one.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

BMW 328i

$11,730

$37,500

The turbo-four engine is smooth, gives ample power, and can be a fun vehicle for straight-line sprints. It's not just that; you can potter it around town at legal speeds and even have fun on windy roads over the weekend. There's a reason why the BMW 3 Series is known as the sportiest compact luxury sedan, and the 328i is no exception.

11 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Top Speed: 157 MPH

A parked Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
IFCAR via Wikimedia Commons

Mitsubishi doesn't have the sparkliest of reputations these days. However, it has one model that still captures the imagination of sports car lovers worldwide. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution was produced from 1992 to 2016, and, to this day, it's still considered one of the purest all-wheel-drive performance cars in the business.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Range

Original MSRP

Mitsubishi Lancer DE

$4,846

$16,990

Mitsubishi Lancer ES

$5,267

$17,890

Mitsubishi Lancer GTS

$6,423

$19,990

Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart

$8,219

$27,190

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution SE

$14,634

$36,535

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR

$17,406

$38,990

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR Touring

$20,012

$40,990

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR

$20,065

$33,590

That's high praise for an automaker who has struggled to gain traction (pun unintended) in the industry for over two decades. It is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces as much as 291 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Combine that with its all-wheel-drive setup, and the Lancer Evo was as fast as it was fun to drive.

Related: Top 10 Best Practical Sports Cars Under $30,000

10 2012 Nissan 370Z

Top Speed: 158 MPH

Blue 2012 Nissan 370Z
Nissan 

The new Nissan Z has garnered quite a lot of attention, but much of its underpinnings are shared with its predecessor, the 370Z. The 370Z is the continuation of the long-running Z lineup, and like its new iteration, it puts a premium on sports car thrills without breaking the bank — it won't take too much searching to find a coupe model from 2008-14 that rings it an under $20,000.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Nissan 370 Z Base

$14,235

$33,580

Nissan 370 Z Touring

$14,698

$38,280

Nissan 370 Z NISMO

$19,403

$41,660

Powered by a 3.7-liter V-6 offering 332 horsepower paired with a six-speed manual, the 370Z provides adept handling, sprightly acceleration, and a bevy of customization options to increase its performance. And though its design is now over 15 years old, the 370Z's styling will still turn heads.

9 2009 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Top Speed: 163 MPH

2010 red Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai 

Hyundai’s first proper sports car was something of a surprise back in 2009. The Korean brand enlisted the help of BMW engineers to give us a proper, rear-wheel-drive coupe. The Genesis Coupe, effectively, established the KDM segment – something the Tiburon managed to a lesser extent. These are fairly underappreciated which is why you can still get them cheap. The Hyundai Genesis Coupe is, generally, a reliable car, but beware of abused examples.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Base

$13,995

$26,950

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 R-Spec

$15,600

$29,900

Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 Ultimate

$18,500

$33,750

The 2+2 layout makes it a fairly usable sports car and since it’s based on the Genesis sedan platform, it’s also surprisingly spacious. The biggest debate with these cars is which engine to get. The 2.0-liter turbo-four is based on the Mitsubishi EVO X 4B11 engine and is more tuner-friendly, but the 3.8-liter V-6 packs more power out of the box. Power ranges from 210 to 348 horsepower, depending on the engine and model year. Early 2.0 turbo models with the five-speed automatic are the slowest.

8 2006 BMW M3 E46

Top Speed: 168 MPH

A parked 2006 BMW M3 Convertible
Mecum

The BMW M3 E46 is arguably one of the best versions of the M3 to ever come out. It was available in the market from 2000 to 2006, and it impacted many people when it was around. It was lauded for being engaging, reliable, and all-out fun to drive. The M3 E46, in particular, added incredible power to that mix, drawing its juice from a 3.2-liter inline-six engine that produced 333 horsepower and 262 pound-feet of torque.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

BMW M3 E46 Base

$12,145

$46,500

The M3 E46 could sprint from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 155 mph. The M3 E46 was a super hit model, so finding one won't be a task. However, finding one for under $20,000 won't be that easy. You can find some for a shade over $20,000, like the one we've linked, but it all boils down to your negotiation skills to bring it under $20,000.

Related: 10 Best First Cars Under $10,000

7 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T

Top Speed: 170 MPH

A parked 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T
Dodge

The Dodge Challenger is a prime illustration of the automotive industry's move to full electrification, with the traditional model being replaced by the upcoming Charger Daytona EV. But thankfully for those who still want a burly V-8 under the hood, the Challenger R/T not only fits the bill on cylinders, but models from 2010-13 are fairly abundant at under $20,000.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Dodge Challenger Base

$11,736

$24,895

Dodge Challenger R/T

$14,751

$29,895

Dodge Challenger SRT8

$19,471

$42,780

The R/T is powered by a hulking 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 that dishes out 376 horsepower and 410 pound-feet of torque with a standard six-speed manual transmission. That's good enough to propel the 2011 Challenger from 0-60 mph in 5.0 seconds and onto the quarter-mile mark at 13.5 seconds at 106 mph. As a slice of American muscle, the Challenger R/T has a commanding presence, both visually and aurally, to match its engine's performance.

6 2016 Dodge Charger

Top Speed: 170 MPH

A gray Dodge Charger SXT
TopSpeed

If you're looking for raw, brute power, the Charger should be on top of your list. It was offered with many engine options, but the one that will fall within this budget is the 292-horsepower V-6 engine. It was mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that powered the rear wheels. If you are lucky, you could also get an all-wheel-drive model at this price.

Pricing

Trim

Avg. Used Market Price

Original MSRP

Dodge Charger SE

$13,193

$27,995

Dodge Charger SXT

$14,748

$29,995

Dodge Charger R/T

$18,092

$33,895

Dodge Charger R/T Road and Track

$21,998

$36,895

Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack

$27,067

$39,995

Dodge Charger SRT 392

$27,963

$50,995

Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

$36,886

$68,640

The Charger offers ample space for passengers in the front and back. To make it even better, it offers a relatively spacious cargo space so you can carry luggage for a week-long vacation for your entire family without worrying about how you'll travel with it.