Sports cars deliver an exhilarating driving experience, but they’re not always the most practical choice. Many are designed as roadsters or coupes, which means they lack the interior space offered by a hatchback or sedan.
Additionally, since they prioritize performance, they often come with higher maintenance costs compared to standard commuter vehicles.
Japanese models like the renowned Mazda MX-5 tend to be relatively affordable in terms of upkeep, but not every enthusiast wants to go that route.
With that in mind, we compiled a list of ten sports cars that are surprisingly inexpensive to maintain, ensuring they stay road-ready for future adventures.
10. 2015 Jaguar XK – $1,000
2015 Jaguar XK Specs
- Engine: 5.0-liter V8
- Power: 385 hp
- Torque: 380 lb-ft
- Maintenance Costs: $1,000
Jaguars don’t typically have a reputation for reliability, but newer XK models present a solid option for car enthusiasts seeking a striking sports coupe. According to RepairPal, the XK’s maintenance costs average around $1,000 per year.
For a sleek British coupe equipped with a 5.0-liter V8 producing 385 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque, this is a reasonable expense.
The most commonly reported issue is the engine management light incorrectly illuminating, which typically requires replacing the engine control module.
9. 2009 Porsche Cayman – $997
2009 Porsche Cayman Specs
- Engine: 2.9-liter inline-six
- Power: 265 hp
- Torque: 221 lb-ft
- Maintenance Costs: $997
The Porsche Cayman is often regarded as the brand’s most balanced sports car, thanks to its mid-engine layout, which contrasts with the rear-engine design of its larger 911 sibling.
Featuring a 2.9-liter flat-six producing 265 hp, the Cayman is also available at a relatively affordable cost.
While Porsches are generally reliable, their premium parts can make upkeep more expensive. However, maintaining the Cayman costs just $997 per year quite reasonable for a performance car of this caliber.
Also Read: Porsche’s Major Taycan Software Update Brings 2023 Features to All Model Years
8. 2018 Nissan GT-R – $920
2018 Nissan GT-R Specs
- Engine: Twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6
- Power: 565 hp
- Torque: 467 lb-ft
- Maintenance Costs: $920
Although it hails from Japan, the GT-R is far from a conventional sports car. Its twin-turbocharged 3.8-liter V6 generates an impressive 565 hp, which is distributed to all four wheels.
Meanwhile, its advanced chassis and drivetrain ensure that the GT-R is capable of taking on supercars when pushed to the limit on a track.
Despite its high-performance engineering, maintaining the GT-R is surprisingly affordable.
With an annual upkeep cost of just $920, it competes with numerous other sports cars that offer only a fraction of its power and capabilities.
7. 2011 BMW Z4 – $890
2011 BMW Z4 Specs
- Engine: 3.0-liter inline-six
- Power: 255 hp
- Torque: 220 lb-ft
- Maintenance Costs: $890
Modern BMWs often have a reputation for being less reliable, but the Z4 stands out as a durable and capable sports car.
Owners can expect to pay around $890 per year for maintenance quite reasonable, considering it comes equipped with an electric folding roof.
Even in its base configuration, the Z4 is powered by a robust 3.0-liter inline-six producing 255 hp.
With 2011 models available for approximately $15,000, the Z4 offers a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and relatively low ownership costs.
Also Read: Top 10 Automakers with the Most Vehicle Recalls in 2024 and the Safety Issues Behind Them
6. 2009 Chevrolet Corvette C6 – $621
2009 Chevrolet Corvette C6 Specs
- Engine: 6.2-liter V8
- Power: 430 hp
- Torque: 424 lb-ft
- Maintenance Costs: $621
At first glance, one might assume that maintaining a sports car equipped with a 6.2-liter V8 producing 430 hp would come with a hefty price tag. However, that’s not the case.
Keeping a 2009 Chevrolet Corvette C6 in good condition costs just $621 per year.
One of the key factors in its affordability is the widespread availability of replacement parts, along with the legendary durability of its small-block LS3 V8.
Given that these models are relatively inexpensive on the used market, the C6 offers an unmatched performance-to-cost ratio that’s hard to beat.
5. 2009 Audi TT – $611
2009 Audi TT Specs
- Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four
- Power: 200 hp
- Torque: 207 lb-ft
- Maintenance Costs: $611
The Audi TT lineup features a variety of options, ranging from the base four-cylinder models to the high-performance RS variant with a potent inline-five engine.
Regardless of the version chosen, running costs remain surprisingly reasonable, especially considering that German-made cars often come with expensive parts.
For example, the base model, powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, requires just over $600 annually to maintain making it an attractive option for those seeking a stylish and affordable sports car.
4. 2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe – $580
2016 Hyundai Genesis Coupe Specs
- Engine: 3.8-liter V6
- Power: 348 hp
- Torque: 295 lb-ft
- Maintenance Costs: $580
Among the more powerful options on this list, the Hyundai Genesis Coupe is often overlooked in the used sports car market.
That’s a real shame, as it not only delivers strong performance and bold styling but also remains surprisingly affordable to maintain.
Despite packing a 3.8-liter V6 that sends 348 hp to the rear wheels, a well-maintained Genesis Coupe only costs around $580 per year in maintenance.
Considering its generous list of standard features, this underrated sports car offers an exceptional blend of performance and affordability.
3. 2020 Toyota GR Supra – $561
2020 Toyota GR Supra Specs
- Engine: Turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six
- Power: 335 hp
- Torque: 365 lb-ft
- Maintenance Costs: $561
Early in its production, the fifth-generation Supra faced some skepticism regarding reliability due to issues with faulty piston rings.
However, once those problems were addressed, the Supra proved itself to be just as dependable as other Japanese sports cars.
Powered by a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six producing 335 hp, this BMW-engineered sports car delivers a thrilling driving experience without the constant fear of mechanical failure.
The Supra’s maintenance costs are estimated at just $561 per year an outstanding value for a car with such impressive performance.
2. 1997 Subaru SVX – $420
1997 Subaru SVX Specs
- Engine: 3.3-liter inline-six
- Power: 230 hp
- Torque: 228 lb-ft
- Maintenance Costs: $420
The Subaru SVX stands as one of the rarest sports cars ever sold in the U.S., with only around 14,000 units making it to market.
While Subaru vehicles are generally known for their durability, the SVX presents a unique challenge finding replacement parts can be difficult due to its limited production.
Despite this, we estimated that keeping a well-maintained SVX on the road costs just $420 per year.
This makes it an attractive choice, especially given its distinct design and powerful 3.3-liter six-cylinder boxer engine, which delivers 230 hp to all four wheels.
Used SVX models can be found for around $3,500, making it an affordable and unique sports car that won’t break the bank in maintenance costs.
1. 2001 Plymouth Prowler – $406
2001 Plymouth Prowler Specs
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6
- Power: 253 hp
- Torque: 255 lb-ft
- Maintenance Costs: $406
Arguably the most unconventional car on this list, the Plymouth Prowler is also one of the least expensive sports cars to maintain.
Even rarer than the SVX, with fewer than 12,000 units produced, the Prowler’s biggest selling point is its unmistakable retro-inspired styling, ensuring it stands out wherever it goes.
Beneath its unique exterior, however, the Prowler is built on late-1990s Chrysler engineering. Its 3.5-liter V6 pumps out 253 hp, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission for seamless shifting.
It is estimated an annual maintenance cost of just $406, making it an affordable option for those wanting an eye-catching sports car.
Not only does the Prowler deliver head-turning aesthetics, but it also keeps ownership costs impressively low allowing its drivers to enjoy a standout ride without putting a dent in their finances.