Best Used Cars Under $15,000 in 2023

If you're looking for a cheap sports sedan with serious power, consider the first-gen Cadillac CTS-V. Under the hood sits an LS6 V-8 (or an LS2 in later years) sending power to the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. It remains one of the best sleepers from the 2000s.

It's one of many great applications of the LS engine line

It might not look like much on the outside, but the early 2000s IS300 is actually a great package. It's rear-wheel drive, and comes with a Toyota 2JZ straight-six engine. Plus, Lexus even offered it with a manual. Finding a five-speed example is tough, but they're around.

The new one isn't half-bad, either

Like the IS, the SC is a killer choice for someone on a budget, whether in 300 or 400 form. The SC300 packs that same naturally aspirated 2JZ from the IS300, while the SC400 has the same bulletproof V-8 from the legendary LS400. You can't go wrong either way.

It's one of several great Nineties cars you forgot about

If you have $15,000 to spend on a Mustang, you have a lot of different models to choose from. We think the SVT Cobra is the best of the bunch. It looks great, and has an independent rear suspension for maximum cornering satisfaction.

Here's why it was the originally Hellcat

Nissan sold the 370Z for over a decade, and didn't change much over its lifecycle. Used examples with some miles—which aren't too much different than new ones—can be had for under half of MSRP.

Check out our full review

The E60-generation BMW M5 has a reputation for expensive maintenance costs, so despite having a 500-horsepower V-10 under the hood, isn't that expensive to buy. You should certainly budget some extra cash for keeping that automated SMG transmission running, though. Our advice? Find one with a less finicky six-speed manual transmission.

Read about our V-10 M5 project car

Looking for an M car that's lighter and sportier? It's hard to go wrong with a BMW M3. While E46-generation M3s have appreciated out of the segment, its older sibling, the E36, can still be had for under $15,000. With proper care they'll last thousands of miles, if you're willing to put up with the costs.

Check out our full buyer's guide

Take the handling prowess of a Miata and combine with the wonderful VTEC power from Honda, and you get this, the S2000. It's one of Honda's all-time greats, and because so many were built, prices remain reasonable.

Why we'll never see a car like the S2000 again

Believe it or not, you can buy any generation of Mazda MX-5 Miata for under $15,000, if you know where to look. No, you won't be getting the most pristine example if you go for a current-gen ND, but even ratty Miatas are a fun time. Spend 15 grand on an NA Miata, and you'll have one of the cleanest examples on the planet.

Here's our buyer's guide to every generation

No, the Ford F-150 SVT Lightning isn't exactly a car, but it still deserves a spot on this list. If you're looking for a sporty truck with a supercharged engine, we can't think of anything better that fits the $15,000 budget.

The SVT Lightning sounds amazing

The Porsche Boxster is one of the best cheap convertibles you can buy right now, mainly because it's so fun to drive. Pair that with Porsche reliability (in the later 987 models) and good looks, and you've got yourself a true gem.

Check out our full buyer's guide

In terms of value, you can't really go wrong with a Chevy Corvette. That's especially true with the C5-generation car, where the performance-to-price ratio beats out nearly anything else.

Here's why the C5 is the ultimate performance bargain

Early examples of the original Subaru BRZ are creeping under $15,000, so if you're looking for a balanced all-rounder perfect for learning how to drive on the limit, it remains a great choice.

Check out our first drive of the BRZ tS

It's tough to find first-gen Toyota 86s for under $15,000, but its predecessor, the Scion FR-S, is among the cheapest of the twins on the used market. You get all the same chassis tuning and classic front engine, rear-drive powertrain, making the FR-S an enticing choice.

Stock FR-S vs. racing FR-S: Which is better?

The Volkswagen Golf GTI is a good buy no matter what generation you're going for. You get a reasonably priced, well-built, fun hatchback with real practicality. Some higher-mileage Mk7 cars are just starting to drop under $15,000, allowing buyers to experience the benchmark modern hot hatch on the cheap.

Here's how the GTI shaped history

The last Pontiac GTO may not look like much, but it's packing some serious muscle under the hood. Whether you get one with the 350-hp 5.7-liter LS1 or the 400-hp 6.0-liter LS2, you're in for a good time. If you want to stand out amongst all the Camaros and Mustangs, this could be the car for you.

Here's why it's the perfect used performance car

The Subaru WRX has the market cornered on cheap all-weather performance, and it couldn't be better-suited for the job. For $15,000, you can get a great-quality example that's sure to provide tons of fun.

Read our original review of the Bugeye WRX

The Ford Fiesta ST has been out for nearly 10 years now, which means used prices have dropped significantly. Great examples can be found for under $15,000, giving you the opportunity to experience one of the best hot hatches ever made.

The Fiesta ST is all the performance car you need