Okay, so I’ve been on this huge mission lately, trying to find a decent sports car that won’t totally break the bank. I’m talking under 25 grand here, which, let’s be real, is not a ton of cash when you’re looking for something that’s both fun and, you know, doesn’t fall apart after a month.

First off, I started with a ton of online research. I was up all night. I mean, who needs sleep when you’ve got cars to look at, right? I hit up all the usual spots—the big-name car sites, some forums, and even a few blogs from other car guys. I was basically swimming in info, trying to figure out which models pop up the most when you’re on a budget.
Then came the fun part—test drives. I probably looked at a dozen cars, from the Mazda Mx-5 Miata to the Ford Mustang. The Miata was a blast; it’s so small and zippy, you feel like you’re in a go-kart. But then I sat in the Mustang, and man, that engine. It’s got some serious power, which is tempting if you like that muscle car vibe. I drove a few of them and scribbled a bunch of notes after each one. Stuff like how they handled, how fast they felt, and whether I could see myself actually owning one.
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Mazda Mx-5 Miata
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Ford Mustang
Pros: Super fun to drive, great handling.
Cons: Not a lot of space, might not be everyone’s style.
Pros: Powerful, looks tough.
Cons: Can be a bit pricey to maintain, mileage isn’t great.
I also checked out a 2019 Subaru BRZ. I read somewhere that it’s super reliable, and after analyzing a gazillion car listings—like, 12 million, can you believe it?—it seemed like a solid choice. It’s got this sporty look, and from what I gathered, it doesn’t just give up on you after a few years.
After all that, I started making a spreadsheet. Yeah, I went full nerd. I listed out all the cars, their pros and cons, prices, what other people said about them, and how much I thought they’d cost me in the long run. It was a lot of work, but honestly, it really helped me narrow things down.
In the end, I’m leaning towards the Subaru BRZ. It seems like the best of both worlds—it’s fun, it looks good, and it won’t die on me. Plus, it fits my budget. I’m still thinking about it, maybe going to take another look this weekend. But yeah, that’s where I’m at now. Finding a good sports car for under 25k is tough, but it’s definitely doable. You just gotta put in the time and be ready to do a lot of digging. And hey, if you can’t make a choice, just like me, go and take another look!