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The worst part about owning a sports car is the expense. It's no secret that high-performance vehicles – usually built for a mere two people – are luxury items to the max, so, as such, they're going to command a premium over an average car. This premium basically extends to all parts of ownership – fuel, maintenance, and insurance – and the high costs are usually what scare customers away from more realistic vehicles.
We're here to tell you this doesn't have to be the case. Over the years, plenty of automakers have produced sports cars that will happily, and practically effortlessly, rack up the miles with little more than consistent maintenance.
Even better, when things do break or fail, these models have robust enough aftermarkets that once-nerve-racking trips to the mechanics will be a thing of the past. We've picked 10 sports car standouts that combine durability, affordability, and genuine driver engagement, and all of them should be great long-term performance cars even if you're balling on a budget.
NB Mazda MX-5 Miata
Preferred Years: 1999–2000, 2004–2005
When it comes to reliable sports cars, the Miata has always been at the top of the list. They're relatively uncomplicated, and the powertrains are untaxed. Add in owners who take solid care of them, and you're left with one of the most reliable sports cars on the road.
Our pick of the litter is the NB generation, mostly because it refined the formula of the NA with better production, keeps the bulletproof cast-iron 1.8, and has no pop-up headlights prone to breaking. Parts are plentiful and easy to swap, and no matter your budget, there's probably one in your price range. While we do love the Mazdaspeed Miata, it's probably best to stay away if longevity is your goal.
What to look out for:
- Rust in front frame rails and rear sills
- VVT solenoid wear on 2001–2005 models (start-up rattle, P0010 code)
- Clogged roof drains leading to floor pan rust
- Ignition coil pack failures on later models
Honda S2000
Preferred Years: AP2, 2004–2009
One may not think Honda’s high-revving masterpiece was built for durability, because, you know, it's high-revving, but many of its owners beg to differ. We can't say we're surprised, given that the S2000 was produced by Honda, as it benefits from many of the same things that make the Miata reliable, plus Honda's unparalleled powertrain expertise that allows it to build a VTEC engine that can rev to 8,200 rpm, and still make it to 200,000 miles with diligent care.
Both the AP1 and AP2 versions offer similar levels of reliability, but the latter's engine is a little less high-strung, so it has our vote. It could be a great sports car for the long haul, as long as you don't start itching for more power.
What to look out for:
- Timing chain tensioner rattle on higher-mile cars
- Vinyl soft-top tearing around seams and rear window
- Hydraulic clutch master/slave cylinder leaks
Toyota MR2 Spyder
Preferred Years: 2003–2005
Oh, look, another roadster. We'll be the first to admit the third generation of the Toyota MR2 wasn't the vehicle we'd hoped it would be, but lost somewhere in those misplaced expectations was a genuinely enjoyable and approachable sports car. You have to remember, this is essentially what Toyota wanted the car to be in the first place, throwing in great fuel economy for good measure, and it returned the car to its roots for the last generation.
The MR2 Spyder may not have the looks or the power of its predecessors, but it makes up for it with low weight and incredible engagement (if you stay away from the SMT). It drives much better than most people probably realize, and it's not nearly as slow as its 138 horsepower let on, either. The cherry on top is that it's a Toyota with the 1ZZ, so parts will be cheap and plentiful, and with routine maintenance, you'll go far, kid.
What to look out for:
- Oil burning from early piston-ring issues (2000–2002)
- Soft-top wear
Toyota Celica GT-S
Preferred Years: 2003–2005
It may not be another roadster, but it is a Toyota, and this Toyota benefits from the more powerful 2ZZ engine produced with help from Yamaha. Like the other engine, it employs Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) technology, but this time around, it also adds Lift (VVTL-i), which gives you the power upgrades seen above.
Paired strictly with a three-door liftback body that sent power to the front wheels, the Celica was aimed at the hopped-up compact crowd of the early 2000s and delivered sharp, daily drivable performance. The good news is that with proper timing chain and oil change care, the 2ZZ can see 200,000 miles with ease, but finding a clean GT-S that hasn't been abused (that's your job) is likely to be the hardest part. If you can't, you can always wait for the revival to show up.
What to look out for:
- Lift bolts shearing on early models
- Oil consumption from ring wear on neglected engines
- Third-gear grind in the C60 manual
Acura RSX Type-S
Preferred Years: 2005–2006
The RSX has never got the love the Integra received, even though it is an Integra, and it's about time that changed. It has everything enthusiasts want these days: great proportions, a reliable, powerful, naturally aspirated engine, and a close-ratio 6-speed manual like only Honda can.
With stiffer suspension, better brakes, and an optional aero package that gave it some serious presence, it was ripe for the tuner scene of the time, and even though it wears a premium badge, its Honda ties have made it a truly reliable car. It used two engines throughout its life, both K20 units, but we recommend the latter thanks to the extra power it affords and its impressive track record.
What to look out for:
- Second-gear synchro wear and pop-out on manual
- Oil consumption from PCV issues on high-revved engines
- Rust around rear wheel arches and quarter panels
Chevrolet Corvette C6 (2005–2013)
Preferred Years: 2008–2013
The Corvette has always been America’s sports car, and Chevrolet hit a sweet spot with it during the sixth generation. The C6 proved to the haters that the C6 was a sports car through and through, with strong, graceful lines and a list of some of the greatest small-block engines ever assembled.
Originally, the coupe sported a 6.0-liter LS2 with 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, but these were improved with the introduction of the LS3 in 2008. Both engines are known for being as rugged as they are powerful, and the rest of the car was just about the same. Add in the extensive and fervent aftermarket, and it's the perfect sports car to drive until the end of time.
What to look out for:
- Roof panel delamination recalls on early cars
- Torque-tube bearing rattle or lash noises
- Steering-column lock faults in 2005–2006 models
Infiniti G37 Coupe
Preferred Years: 2011–2013
Infiniti’s G37 Coupe built on the bones of a performance icon to create another performance icon. The G37 Coupe improved the formula without messing with it. The looks were made more graceful and less wooden, and performance increased thanks to a larger VQ engine, originally making 306 hp before bumping up to 330 hp in 2009.
Opting for the manual got you the Sport package standard with larger brakes and a limited-slip differential, but that's really just a cherry on top. The good news is that the aftermarket is robust, and the 3.7-liter VQ is one of the greatest engines of its time, so if you get one in good condition, there's no telling how long it can last.
What to look out for:
- Oil gallery gasket leaks on 2008–2012 engines
- Valve-cover gasket seepage into plug wells
- Clutch slave cylinder failures on manual cars
S197 Ford Mustang GT (5.0L V8)
Preferred Years: 2013–2014
The S197 Mustang is famous for being the last generation of the Mustang with a solid rear axle. This is great for burnouts and drag racing, not so great for most everything else. However, it is great for longevity, and so are its V8 powertrains. The first was the famed modular 4.6-liter V8, one of the most robust V8 engines the brand ever made, but seriously lacking in power.
The 5.0-liter Coyote V8 that arrived in 2011 was a massive improvement, and it immediately proved to be a reliable option, too, albeit with some first-year quirks. At this point, basically every owner has addressed the problems, and anything with good maintenance records should prove to be a trooper.
What to look out for:
- MT82 manual transmission shift grind/lockout complaints
- Characteristic “typewriter tick” noise at hot idle
- Rear differential whine or leaks
First-Gen Toyota 86 / Subaru BRZ
Preferred Years: 2017–2020
The first-gen 86/BRZ duo revived the affordable sports coupe for a new generation, and there was so much to love. The Scion FR-S is what we first knew the Toyota 86 as, but the Subaru BRZ has always been the BRZ, and they've both managed to carve out their own character despite sharing the same architecture and powertrains.
That powertrain was a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-four that produced around 200 horsepower, an unstressed engine that proved to be rather rock-solid after the first few years of gremlins were worked out. Without major modifications, they're cars you can enjoy for years with only routine maintenance, maintenance that will be even easier than most cars on this list, given how recent and large the aftermarket is.
What to look out for:
- 2013 valve-spring recall (verify if properly done)
- High-pressure fuel pump chirp noise
- Tail-light condensation
- Throwout bearing noise on manual cars
Nissan 370Z
Preferred Years: 2013–2020
The final model on this list is the tried-and-true Nissan 370Z, the everyman's sports car from Japan. While the car was around a lot longer than many would have liked, no one could deny that it offered a classic driving experience, great looks, and tons of tuning potential to make the car your own.
You'll probably want to stay away from that last part if you're looking for longevity, but since this car shares a ton with the G37 Coupe, you already know it's capable of going the extra mile. The 370Z is the perfect car if you want more power than a Miata but less than a Mustang, with some timeless engineering that still holds up in 2025.
What to look out for:
- Oil gallery gasket leaks
- Oil consumption in high-mileage engines
- Worn synchros and slave cylinder problems
Sources: Nissan, Toyota, Subaru, Ford, Infiniti, Chevrolet, Acura, Honda, Mazda
