10 Sporty Cars With Manual Gearboxes For $35,000

Analog driving fun can still be yours for less than the price of a well-specced Minivan.

Despite the proliferation of automatics in many cars these days, manual transmissions have always been part of the motoring landscape in the US. In fact, some European models were built in three pedal form just to satisfy US demand. Cars like the manic V10 M5 were only ever offered as manuals stateside and even the twin-turbo M5 and M6 models could be specced with a stick shift up until very recently.

Premium manufacturers like Jaguar and Porsche have also re-introduced manual options on some models to satisfy enthusiast demand but some have decided to cancel them altogether. Of course, most of our homegrown performance cars can be optioned with manual shifters. But not everyone has $100,000 to blow on a sports car. Luckily there are some great alternatives lower down the pricing scale and we have selected some of the best sub $35k manual sporty cars currently on sale.

Honda Civic Type R

One of the best handling front-wheel-drive hatchbacks ever, the latest 306-hp Civic Type R is also perfectly capable of doing the school and shopping runs in between track days. Purists who initially bemoaned the loss of the manic naturally aspirated engines in the older Type Rs have seen since the light, especially in this second-generation turbo Type R.

While it may not rev to the red line with quite the same enthusiasm, the power and torque levels are way higher and it is very linear for a turbocharged powerplant. The base car comes in at ￡300 below our budget and while AWD competitors may be quicker away from the lights, the Type R counters with superb handling and chassis dynamics.

Fiat 500 Abarth

While the base 101hp Fiat 500 may not be the sportiest car on the roads but the 160-hp Abarth versions offer plenty of pace and driving fun for the money. Aside from the aggressive visual add-ons, the Abarth models also get upgraded KONI shocks, performance suspension, uprated 5-speed gearbox and beefier brakes. For your $21,000 you also get a full-day Abarth track experience at the Bondurant Racing School.

Fiat 124 Spider

The 124 Spider may borrow most of its componentry from the Mazda Miata but it has its own character thanks to a unique suspension setup and the decision to use Fiat’s own 1.4-liter turbocharged engines instead of the naturally aspirated Mazda units.

There are pros and cons to both, the 124 Spider does offer more torque low down which makes for quicker overtaking while the Miata is at its best at higher revs. The engine is, in fact, the same as the one found in the Abarth 500. Producing the same 160 hp in the base 124 Classica, the 124 Abarth adds 4hp to the total. Best stick to the base model here, at $25,000 before options it offers good value for money.

Subaru BRZ

What is the difference between the BRZ and the Toyota 86? Aside from a few badges, not very much. Yet the BRZ seems to be less popular, perhaps because the car itself has more to do with Toyota’s history than anything Subaru has done in the past, aside from that boxer motor.

Nevertheless, the BRZ offers the same sweet handling characteristics and has just about enough power from its 205-hp 2.0-liter boxer inline-four. At a starting price of around $26,000 you will have plenty left over for the short throw shifter, massive rear wing, and STI performance springs.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

The Golf GTI started the hot hatch class and has offered a mix of speed, practicality and daily usability that regularly sees it top the competition. The unassuming exterior looks are perfect for the more introverted types and while the Autobahn trim is a hefty $35,070 and offers a massive spec list, the base car at $26,415 is conspicuously good value.

The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine makes a decent 220 hp but its lag-free 258 lb-ft of torque makes it feel a lot quicker than you might expect.

Mini Cooper JCW

If you don’t need the interior space offered by the GTI and spend a lot of time driving around in tight city streets then the 228-hp Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) may be the just the thing. You can have a JCW Mini in 2-door Hardtop, Convertible, Clubman and even Countryman body styles so there is practicality in the range if you need it. The 2-door Hardtop starts at $31,900 which leaves you some cash aside for the huge range of customizations on offer.

Subaru WRX

Our second Subaru on the list is the AWD WRX. It too features a 2.0-liter boxer engine as you would find in a BRZ but it makes 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque thanks to the addition of a turbocharger. At a base price of $27,195 it costs about the same too, but offers a whole lot more straight-line performance and is way more capable over slippery roads.

It may be more of a blunt performance instrument but that has its benefits too. The full-fat WRX STI with its 310-hp 2.5-liter turbo motor and driver controlled center differential is a hair over ￡35,000, at $36,595 in base trim, so it doesn’t quite make the cut.

BMW 2 Series

The BMW 230i is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that comes equipped with a 248-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine and the sort of handling that BMW built their reputation on. If you can refrain from ticking any of the options (except for the no-cost 6-speed manual transmission) then the base model comes in at $35,300. That may seem like a lot for a compact two-door car, but it is well-built and rather quick despite its entry-level status.

Ford Mustang

The cheapest Mustang you can buy undercuts the 230i by almost $10,000 and offers similar straight-line performance if not quite the same level of cornering ability. In the real world you will probably appreciate the larger interior dimensions and extra cash in your pocket more than ultimate cornering prowess anyway.

The 310-hp 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost four-cylinder may lack the aural drama of the V8s but it is far more economical and there are plenty of tuners out there happy to crank the power levels way higher for a reasonable outlay. If you really must have the V8, and we would too, then the 460-hp 5.0-liter GT Fastback comes in at $35,355.

Chevrolet Camaro

The 2018 Chevy Camaro is another great sports car that can still be had with a manual transmission. You are spoilt for choice here as there are four engine options and all can be had with a 6-speed manual, although only the 275hp 2.0-liter turbo and 335hp 3.6-liter V6 come in below ￡35k.

Both are quick enough for most needs and at a starting price of $26,900, the turbocharged 2.0-liter car provides a lot of bang for the buck. Its 295 lb ft of torque also beats the V6s 284 lb ft effort, so in-gear acceleration times should be marginally quicker too.

Why Wait For A $35,000 Tesla Model 3? Get A Cheap Used EV Right Now

Thanks to increasing battery range, used EVs are now hilariously cheap.

Whenever Apple releases a new iPhone, the one you have instantly loses a ton of value. Electric vehicles work much the same way. Automakers are striving to improve (even double) their EV range with each new generation, making the previous generation appear antiquated by comparison. As range continues to improve and battery production gets cheaper, the original EVs will continue to plummet in price.

Tesla has been promising its "base" Model 3 for years now, with an affordable starting price of $35,000 and a range of 220 miles. Unfortunately, the base car has yet to enter production. If you don't feel like waiting for the Tesla or are one of the many people asking when $35,000 became "affordable," we have found eight used EVs that may be perfect for you.

While none match the Tesla on driving range or available technology, these used EVs can be purchased starting at just one-seventh of the Tesla's price. So if you have a short commute and need a cheap means of transportation, these cars may be perfect for you.

2011-2012 Nissan Leaf (Under $5,000)

The Nissan Leaf was one of the first mainstream EVs to get people interested in electric cars at an affordable price. However, with a range of just 84 miles, the first generation Leaf cannot match the current crop of electric cars. Couple this with some funky looks and the Leaf is now a used bargain. We found several used examples for less than $5,000 with relatively low mileage (50,000 to 100,000). If your commute is less than 84 miles round trip, a used Leaf may be one of the most affordable means of transportation available right now.

2012-2014 Mitsubishi i-MiEV (Under $6,000)

If you'd like to be unique, take a look at the Mitsubishi i-MiEV. The i-MiEV, which stands for Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle, was also sold in Europe as the Peugeot iOn and Citro?n C-Zero. Only around 1,800 of them were sold in the US, likely because of its odd design and lackluster range of just 62 miles. The i-MiEV was pretty affordable when it was new, less than $23,000. Now, used examples can be found for less than $6,000 with less than 30,000 miles on the odometer.

2013-2015 Fiat 500e (Under $7,000)

Many automakers were "forced" to build EVs in order to pass California's Zero Emission Mandate. The Fiat 500e was one of these cars, sold only in California (and Oregon) at a significant loss for parent company, FCA. Even though it was only made to keep California happy, the 500e is one of our favorite options on this list. An electric Fiat just makes so much sense. The car is small and nimble and the 111-horsepower electric motor gives it a 30-50 mph time of just 3.5 seconds.

Even though it was initially sold in California and Oregon, used models are now finding their way to other parts of the US at hilariously low prices. We found used examples with less than 40,000 miles for less than $7,000. The 500e only has a range of 84 miles, which isn't the worst on this list.

2012-2014 Ford Focus Electric (Under $8,000)

Many consumers shy away from EVs because of their strange design. If you want an EV that looks like a normal car, the Ford Focus Electric may be perfect. Aside from the wheels, grille, and a few badges, the Focus Electric looks pretty much like a normal Focus, even on the interior. The Focus Electric packs 143 hp and a 76-mile driving range. The cheapest used example we found was less than $8,000 and most examples are less than $10,000.

2015-2016 Volkswagen e-Golf (Under $11,000)

While we are on the subject of EVs that look normal, the Volkswagen e-Golf also fits the bill. From a distance, it would be difficult to tell this is anything but a normal Golf. Even though the e-Golf only has 115 hp, it has almost as much torque as a GTI. Amazingly, the e-Golf is actually quicker than the GTI from 0-30 mph, which is much more useful than 0-60 mph in the real world. The e-Golf has an electric driving range of 83 miles and we found used examples starting below $11,000.

2015-2017 Kia Soul EV (Under $12,000)

If you aren't a fan of the Kia Soul's exterior design you probably won't enjoy the Soul EV. Just remember, a box is the best shape for storing lots of stuff, so the Soul's boxy shape allows it to be one of the roomiest cars in its class. The Soul EV only has 109 hp, but it does have over 200 lb-ft of torque. The driving range is a decent 90 miles, and with nearly 50 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats folded flat, the Soul EV is one of the most practical cars on this list. We found used examples with low mileage for less than $12,000.

2014-2015 BMW i3 (Under $14,000)

BMW's first electric car, the i3, is a bit of an odd duck. It doesn't really look like other models in the BMW range, which may be one of the reasons why it didn't sell in massive numbers. So long as you can get over the i3's funky looks, a used model is now an incredible bargain. We found used 2014 and 2015 model year i3s for less than $14,000. These aren't even high mileage examples either - some had less than 30,000 on the odometer.

The i3's range isn't great, just 72 miles of electric driving. However, we also found a few range extender models for around the same price, which house a tiny motorcycle engine in the back. The i3 range extender has a much more useable range of around 150 miles. Like most BMWs, the i3 is actually fairly quick with a sub-seven second 0-60 time and a rear-wheel-drive layout.

2014-2015 Mercedes B-Class (Under$17,000)

Let's be honest, you probably forgot about the Mercedes-Benz B-Class Electric Drive - we certainly did. Mercedes stopped selling this electric hatchback model after the 2017 model year. With used prices starting at under $17,000, the B-Class is the most expensive car on our list. It does, however, have the longest electric driving range of around 100 miles. It may not be as sleek as other Mercedes cars, but the B-Class does offer more luxury and prestige than the other cars on this list if the $35,000 Tesla Model 3 is outside of your budget.

5 Sporty Coupes Under $35,000 You Can Buy Today

Although the segment is dying, the choices have never been better.

The sporty coupe is a dying segment. All automakers know that, and only a select few are doing their absolute best to keep these cars alive. Doing so requires bringing something new to the table while retaining the original formula of affordability and fun to drive factor. It’s not easy. But fortunately there are five coupes out there you can comfortably buy for less than $35,000 that are also a hoot and half to drive. Rear seat passengers may not have the most legroom, but it’s the driver that counts most, right?

First up is the only FWD car here, the 2018 Honda Civic Si coupe. Also a sedan, but not everyone is ready for full-time family life yet. This latest Civic Si coupe offers a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 205 hp 192 lb-ft of torque. Sadly, the previous gen's VTEC engine is a goner, but the new turbo four is a worthy successor. A six-speed manual is the only gearbox offered, and Honda is awfully good at doing nice, tight manuals. The suspension has also been reworked. The springs and anti-roll bars have been stiffened for a firmer, sportier ride. The 2018 Honda Civic Si also happens to be one of the best bargains out there today. With a base price of $24,100 (not including destination), it’s literally impossible to go wrong here.

If you’re willing to spend $35k or so, here's a great choice: the BMW 2 Series coupe. This is the quintessential BMW, whose origins date back to the 2002 and original E30 3 Series. The current 2 Series is what BMW used to be all about: well-engineered, fun to drive cars with a premium look and feel. The 2 Series, specifically the 230i, still checks those boxes. Power comes from turbocharged 2.0-liter producing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with power sent to the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual. An eight-speed automatic is optional, and is the only gearbox offered for the AWD xDrive trim. Like with any BMW, checking the box of extra features and packages adds up fast, but in the case of the 230i, we believe less is more.

Toyota and Subaru took a chance back in 2012 with the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. The former is now the Toyota 86. RWD coupes with nearly useless back seats don’t exactly translate to stellar sales, but the automakers wanted to reach out to a younger crowd. It kind of worked. In any case, both received mid-life updates last year and return for 2018. Power, like always, comes from a 2.0-liter boxer four, now with 205 hp (which drops to 200 hp with the automatic transmission; stick with the stick) and 156 lb-ft of torque. There aren’t many optional features for either car, though the BRZ offers a Performance Package. A $25,595 and $26,255 base price for the BRZ and 86, receptively, means lots of fun can be had for little bank.

Is the Ford Mustang EcoBoost a muscle car or a sports car? Good question. Long debate. But we want to focus on the sheer bang for your buck the base Mustang offers. For $25,585, you can buy a Mustang with 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque – and that’s from a turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder. The previous V6 engine has been discontinued. A six-speed manual is standard but the new 10-speed automatic, for $1,595, is a remarkable gearbox in its own right. The Mustang EcoBoost hits 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, if you opt for the slushbox. There's also the $2,495 Performance Package, which offers a limited-slip rear diff, larger brake rotors, rear wing, and more goodies that were once only found on far more expensive sports cars. Try not to have too much fun.

When there’s the Ford Mustang, there’s also the Chevrolet Camaro. It too offers a turbo four, but with an output of 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual comes standard while the eight-speed automatic is optional for another $1,495. We’ve always loved the Camaro’s exterior looks, and this sixth-generation model doesn’t disappoint. It looks menacing and more expensive than it really is. Speaking of which, your friendly Chevy sales person will kindly ask you to hand over at least $26,900 for a turbo four Camaro coupe, which is still darn reasonable. Of course, adding on the extras boosts the price tag, but if you have up to $35k as your disposable, you can afford to splurge a bit.

Honorable Mention: Dodge Challenger. Okay, so the Challenger may look like a coupe from the outside, but underneath it’s really a sedan. It’s built on a slightly modified platform that underpins the Dodge Charger sedan, so it’s not exactly a lightweight compared to the above offerings. But still, two doors are two doors in this case, and its base price is $26,995 for the Challenger SXT trim. Power comes from the excellent 3.6-liter V6 with 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. The sole gearbox, for all V6 trims, is an eight-speed automatic. But thanks to its larger size, the Challenger’s rear seat is far more passenger friendly. Most will also agree that it has the most badass exterior design of the bunch.

5 Sporty Coupes Under $35,000 You Can Buy Today

Although the segment is dying, the choices have never been better.

The sporty coupe is a dying segment. All automakers know that, and only a select few are doing their absolute best to keep these cars alive. Doing so requires bringing something new to the table while retaining the original formula of affordability and fun to drive factor. It’s not easy. But fortunately there are five coupes out there you can comfortably buy for less than $35,000 that are also a hoot and half to drive. Rear seat passengers may not have the most legroom, but it’s the driver that counts most, right?

First up is the only FWD car here, the 2018 Honda Civic Si coupe. Also a sedan, but not everyone is ready for full-time family life yet. This latest Civic Si coupe offers a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder with 205 hp 192 lb-ft of torque. Sadly, the previous gen's VTEC engine is a goner, but the new turbo four is a worthy successor. A six-speed manual is the only gearbox offered, and Honda is awfully good at doing nice, tight manuals. The suspension has also been reworked. The springs and anti-roll bars have been stiffened for a firmer, sportier ride. The 2018 Honda Civic Si also happens to be one of the best bargains out there today. With a base price of $24,100 (not including destination), it’s literally impossible to go wrong here.

If you’re willing to spend $35k or so, here's a great choice: the BMW 2 Series coupe. This is the quintessential BMW, whose origins date back to the 2002 and original E30 3 Series. The current 2 Series is what BMW used to be all about: well-engineered, fun to drive cars with a premium look and feel. The 2 Series, specifically the 230i, still checks those boxes. Power comes from turbocharged 2.0-liter producing 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, with power sent to the rear wheels through a standard six-speed manual. An eight-speed automatic is optional, and is the only gearbox offered for the AWD xDrive trim. Like with any BMW, checking the box of extra features and packages adds up fast, but in the case of the 230i, we believe less is more.

Toyota and Subaru took a chance back in 2012 with the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ. The former is now the Toyota 86. RWD coupes with nearly useless back seats don’t exactly translate to stellar sales, but the automakers wanted to reach out to a younger crowd. It kind of worked. In any case, both received mid-life updates last year and return for 2018. Power, like always, comes from a 2.0-liter boxer four, now with 205 hp (which drops to 200 hp with the automatic transmission; stick with the stick) and 156 lb-ft of torque. There aren’t many optional features for either car, though the BRZ offers a Performance Package. A $25,595 and $26,255 base price for the BRZ and 86, receptively, means lots of fun can be had for little bank.

Is the Ford Mustang EcoBoost a muscle car or a sports car? Good question. Long debate. But we want to focus on the sheer bang for your buck the base Mustang offers. For $25,585, you can buy a Mustang with 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque – and that’s from a turbo 2.3-liter four-cylinder. The previous V6 engine has been discontinued. A six-speed manual is standard but the new 10-speed automatic, for $1,595, is a remarkable gearbox in its own right. The Mustang EcoBoost hits 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, if you opt for the slushbox. There's also the $2,495 Performance Package, which offers a limited-slip rear diff, larger brake rotors, rear wing, and more goodies that were once only found on far more expensive sports cars. Try not to have too much fun.

When there’s the Ford Mustang, there’s also the Chevrolet Camaro. It too offers a turbo four, but with an output of 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual comes standard while the eight-speed automatic is optional for another $1,495. We’ve always loved the Camaro’s exterior looks, and this sixth-generation model doesn’t disappoint. It looks menacing and more expensive than it really is. Speaking of which, your friendly Chevy sales person will kindly ask you to hand over at least $26,900 for a turbo four Camaro coupe, which is still darn reasonable. Of course, adding on the extras boosts the price tag, but if you have up to $35k as your disposable, you can afford to splurge a bit.

Honorable Mention: Dodge Challenger. Okay, so the Challenger may look like a coupe from the outside, but underneath it’s really a sedan. It’s built on a slightly modified platform that underpins the Dodge Charger sedan, so it’s not exactly a lightweight compared to the above offerings. But still, two doors are two doors in this case, and its base price is $26,995 for the Challenger SXT trim. Power comes from the excellent 3.6-liter V6 with 305 hp and 268 lb-ft of torque. The sole gearbox, for all V6 trims, is an eight-speed automatic. But thanks to its larger size, the Challenger’s rear seat is far more passenger friendly. Most will also agree that it has the most badass exterior design of the bunch.