Whether it’s inflation, longer loan terms, buyers opting for pricey electric vehicles, or cars being packed with more features and technology than ever – or simply all of the above – Americans are paying more for new vehicles than they ever have. According to data from Cox Automotive and Kelley Blue Book, the average new vehicle price crept past the $50,000 mark for the first time in October. Yikes.
The good news is that used car values aren’t climbing at nearly the same rate, and that wild post-pandemic period when used prices sometimes exceeded new ones is thankfully well in the rearview mirror. That means anyone willing to settle for a used vehicle can snag a real bargain, at least relative to new car prices. If you’re in the market for a genuine sports sedan and are planning to spend around the average new vehicle price of $50,000, we’ve rounded up some used options in mint condition that might make you think twice about whether that new car smell is really worth it.
The vehicles on this list are arranged in alphabetical order by manufacturer for easy reference. We specifically selected cars in mint condition, which for this list means under 20,000 miles. Prices were sourced from popular classifieds and were accurate at the time of writing, but may fluctuate over time and by location.
Engine
Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
Horsepower
355 hp
Torque
354 lb-ft
0-60
4.6 seconds
The Acura TLX Type S often flies under the radar in the executive sports-sedan segment, overshadowed by its flashy German rivals – yet that doesn’t mean it isn’t a thoroughly good option. It’s tuned a bit on the softer side compared with hardcore competitors: you won’t get razor-sharp character or an overly aggressive ride, but it strikes a sensible, balanced blend of comfort and performance that many drivers will appreciate. Introduced for the 2021 model year, the TLX Type S is still a relatively young model. You won’t get much change from $50,000 for a mint example with under 20,000 miles, though that isn’t bad considering the new price is almost $60,000. With Acura’s strong reliability reputation, buyers hunting for a bargain might find well-maintained higher-mileage examples to be smart value.
Engine
Turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
Horsepower
349 hp
Torque
369 lb-ft
0-60
4.4 seconds
If you’re the type that likes performance cars that fly under the radar, the current Audi S4, introduced for the 2017 model year, could be for you. Examples just a few years old and with under 20,000 miles can be had for about $40,000, which isn’t a bad deal since the starting price for a new example is roughly $55,000 and most examples were likely out the door with a sticker of over 60 large. While it isn’t as quick as some of the competition, the S4 is still a serious sports sedan that has the ability to make almost any drive a blast. What helps make the S4 so impressive are features like its all-wheel-drive system, the adaptive suspension that balances comfort with sharp handling, a torque-vectoring Sport differential, and uprated brake calipers, though those take some getting used to for smooth modulation.
Engine
Turbocharged 3.0-liter Inline-6 mild-hybrid
Horsepower
386 hp
Torque
398 lb-ft
0-60
4.1 seconds
The BMW 3 Series is the benchmark for compact sports sedan, and with good reason. BMW’s sports sedan chops have been honed over multiple decades, and this ensured that the latest 3 Series is able to deliver near-perfect balance and handling in combination with responsive engines and crisp steering – even in base trim. While the M3 is the version that performance fans lust after, if you don’t need enough horsepower to challenge a supercar, then the M340i might be a better buy. Today, you can find examples of the current generation with under 20,000 miles for about $45,000, or about $10,000 less than its price when first introduced for the 2020 model year. Buyers were able to choose from rear- or all-wheel drive, and models equipped with the latter look to be attracting a premium.
Engine
Turbocharged 2.7-liter Inline-4
Horsepower
310 hp
Torque
350 lb-ft
0-60
4.8 seconds
While Cadillac’s CT4‑V and CT4‑V Blackwing get all the attention, the regular CT4 is certainly no slouch, especially for anyone whose commute isn’t their racetrack. This makes used examples worth a look for anyone considering a compact sports sedan. The CT4 is still relatively new, having only been introduced for the 2020 model year, meaning there are plenty of examples with low miles. While the standard engine is a turbocharged 2.0‑liter inline‑four rated at just 237 hp, on the Premium Luxury trim level you can order a turbocharged 2.7‑liter inline‑four. That’s the same engine used in the CT4‑V. You’re looking at a little over $45,000 when buying this particular configuration new, but examples just a couple of years old with well under 20,000 miles can be found for about $30,000.
Engine
6.2-liter V8
Horsepower
415 hp
Torque
415 lb-ft
0-60
4.5 seconds
The Chevrolet SS is the oldest model on this list, making it difficult to find examples with fewer than 20,000 miles. Still, a quick search turns up several low-mileage cars – likely preserved by enthusiasts who recognized the SS’s rarity and future collectible potential early on. Expect to pay more than its original $45,000 MSRP, as demand for clean examples has grown. Essentially a rebadged version of Australia’s Holden Commodore SS, the Chevrolet SS was sold from 2014 to 2017, arriving fully loaded and powered by a muscular V8 that delivered both serious performance and an unmistakable soundtrack. Buyers could choose between an automatic or a manual transmission – and the latter is unquestionably the one to have. Simply put, they don’t make cars like this anymore.
Engine
Twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6
Horsepower
400 hp
Torque
350 lb-ft
0-60
4.5 seconds
Like the Acura above, the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport is another fast sedan that’s often overlooked – perhaps because many buyers in the luxury segment have simply forgotten about the Q50. The standard Q50 was introduced for 2014 and remained on sale largely unchanged all the way until 2024, and word on the street is that it’s about to make a comeback in updated form. While the Q50 is impressive on its own, things really heated up with the Red Sport version, which was introduced for 2016 with a starting price close to $50,000 (prices climbed over the years) and brought a twin-turbocharged engine. It’s the same unit found in the Nissan Z sports car, and it really makes the Q50 hustle. Rear-wheel drive was standard, but all-wheel drive was available. Q50 Red Sports are a real bargain today – for about $35,000, it won’t be hard to find an example with fewer than 10,000 miles.
Engine
Twin-turbocharged 3.3-liter V6
Horsepower
365 hp
Torque
376 lb-ft
0-60
5 seconds
Don’t let the Kia badge on the front fool you – the Stinger GT, offered from 2018–2023, is a genuine performance sedan, even if it’s technically a liftback. The feeling behind the wheel is definitely more muscle car than finely tuned German rival, thanks to its strong acceleration, impressive straight-line speed, and bold styling – fake hood vents and all. The only thing missing from the full muscle car experience is a proper soundtrack. Considering the GT’s bargain-basement starting price of around $40,000 when new, its values have held up surprisingly well over time. The market seems to recognize that the Stinger GT is a one-and-done kind of car. Low-mileage examples still start above $30,000, but if your budget can stretch to around $35,000, you can find a GT2 version – complete with premium interior features, refined suspension tuning, and a sport exhaust that adds a touch more horsepower.
Engine
3.5-liter V6
Horsepower
311 hp
Torque
280 lb-ft
0-60
5.6 seconds
It’s hard to believe, but the current Lexus IS traces its roots all the way back to 2014, with multiple updates along the way to keep it feeling fresh. While Lexus has another update lined up for the 2026 model year, don’t let the third-gen’s age put you off, as this IS still delivers a competent sports-sedan experience. However, its tuning is softer than the competition, even in F Sport trim with its tuned suspension and available Handling Package. Its engine also isn’t as thrilling as the powertrains in the other cars on this list, but what the IS lacks in excitement it makes up for with Lexus’s renowned reliability and relatively affordable repair costs, offering peace of mind. The new price is about $47,000, but you can pick up a near-new example for under $35,000.
Engine
Turbocharged 2.0-liter Inline-4 mild-hybrid
Horsepower
402 hp
Torque
369 lb-ft
0-60
4.6 seconds
Mercedes-AMG turned off many loyal buyers when it switched to four-cylinder engines for the latest C43 and C63 models, replacing the V6 and V8 powerplants that once defined them. While the new C63 adopts a complex and heavy plug-in hybrid setup, the C43 keeps things relatively simple, though it still adds a mild-hybrid system, as well as an electric compressor to help build boost pressure in the turbocharger. The sedan remains genuinely sporty, which its acceleration figures make evident, and handling is equally impressive, thanks to a rear-biased all-wheel-drive system and sport-tuned suspension with adaptive dampers. The current C43 only arrived for the 2023 model year, but in this case, depreciation works in your favor. Although new examples started above $60,000, low-mileage used ones can now be found for under $45,000. Just keep in mind that repairs will likely be costly once the warranty expires.
Engine
Dual-motor electric
Horsepower
450 hp
Torque
–
0-60
3.5 seconds
If you’re the type of buyer who craves the most bang for your buck, the Tesla Model 3 Performance should definitely be high on your wishlist. The Model 3 Performance has been available since the 2018 model year, with an updated version introduced for 2024 alongside an updated version of the regular Model 3 lineup. While the updated version is quicker, the original is by no means slow – and it’s a steal today, considering the original sticker was more than $60,000. There are plenty of pre-updated versions listed for sale on classifieds with fewer than 20,000 miles and prices under $30,000. Beyond its speed, the Model 3 Performance delivers sharp handling thanks to its low center of gravity, and by EV standards, it offers impressive range, with an EPA rating exceeding 300 miles.
Sources: Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Infiniti, Kia, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, AutoTempest.
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