Owning a sports car doesn’t always mean expensive repairs and high maintenance bills. While many performance cars are costly to keep, some sports cars offer thrilling driving experiences with surprisingly low running costs.
If you want fun, speed, and style without draining your wallet, these sports cars are known for being easier and cheaper to maintain.
1. Mazda MX-5 (Miata)
The Mazda MX-5 is often considered the perfect affordable sports car. Its lightweight design and simple engineering make it incredibly reliable.
Parts are widely available, servicing is straightforward, and fuel efficiency is excellent for a sports car.
Why it’s cheap to maintain:
Simple engine, lightweight build, and strong reliability record.
2. Toyota GT86 / Subaru BRZ
Built with driving purity in mind, the GT86 and BRZ deliver excellent balance and handling. Their naturally aspirated engines are known for durability when properly maintained.
Running costs remain reasonable due to shared parts and straightforward mechanical design.
Why it’s cheap to maintain:
Reliable engine, affordable parts, and low insurance costs.
3. Honda Civic Type R
Although it looks aggressive, the Civic Type R is based on a reliable platform. It combines track-ready performance with everyday practicality.
Honda’s reputation for reliability helps keep long-term costs in check.
Why it’s cheap to maintain:
Proven reliability, widely available parts, and strong build quality.
4. Ford Mustang (EcoBoost Models)
The EcoBoost Mustang offers sports car looks and performance without the heavy maintenance costs of larger engines.
Turbocharged efficiency and strong aftermarket support make ownership more affordable.
Why it’s cheap to maintain:
Mass production, affordable parts, and strong service network.
5. Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z features a naturally aspirated engine and rear-wheel drive simplicity. It’s built to handle aggressive driving without constant repairs.
Maintenance costs are lower than many European sports cars.
Why it’s cheap to maintain:
Durable engine and simple mechanical layout.
6. Chevrolet Corvette (Older Generations)
Older Corvette generations offer supercar-level performance with surprisingly reasonable maintenance costs.
Parts availability and simple V8 engineering help keep costs manageable.
Why it’s cheap to maintain:
Reliable engines and easy access to parts.
7. Hyundai Genesis Coupe
The Genesis Coupe delivered impressive performance at an affordable price. Its engines are generally reliable, and maintenance costs are lower than premium sports cars.
It’s a great example of budget-friendly performance.
Why it’s cheap to maintain:
Simple design and reasonable service costs.
8. Porsche Boxster (Well-Maintained Models)
This might surprise many people. When properly maintained, certain Boxster models can be reliable and less expensive than expected.
Routine maintenance costs are manageable compared to other European sports cars.
Why it’s cheaper than expected:
Balanced engineering and strong build quality.
What Makes a Sports Car Cheap to Maintain?
Several factors keep maintenance costs low:
- Proven engine reliability
- Simple mechanical layout
- Wide availability of spare parts
- Strong service network
- Good fuel efficiency
Sports cars built for balance and reliability tend to age better.
Final Thoughts
A sports car doesn’t have to be expensive to own. Many models offer thrilling performance, great handling, and strong reliability without high maintenance costs.
If you choose wisely and maintain the car properly, you can enjoy sports car ownership without constant worry about repair bills.