If you're looking for the most bang for your buck when it comes to sports cars in the "entry level" price range, you should be taking a good look at the C5 Corvette. I managed to talk a dealership into letting go of this one with less than 18,000 miles on it for less than I could have bought a lightly used Scion FRS, the car I used to own before someone totaled it by running a red light.
With its 350 horsepower and light chasis, it still holds its own on the road almost 20 years later. Of course there is always a faster car out there, but I assure you this one has more than enough power to frighten even the most seasoned hoonigans shopping around at this price-point.
Unlike my FRS, this car has the power to back up its bold look, which brings me to my next point: Look at it! This car still turns heads everywhere I go.
The classic, collector car nature of the Corvette brand will likely protect against depreciation, and could possibly even reverse causing appreciation depending on demand for this model in the future, as well as the condition the car is maintained in. Obviously I intend to enjoy the hell out of this one, while maintaining meticulous cosmetic and mechanical care. If you're in the market for a sub $20k sports car, I highly recommend test driving a C5!
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From @maxstacks