Are you planning to purchase a used sports sedan and you are looking to find out more about the best used sports sedan on the market right now? Well, if this is the case, then you are in the right place because, in this article, we are going to cover all about that.
Nowadays the market is completely flooded with SUVs. But not all of us want an SUV. Some of us still want to drive a good sedan. And not any sedan. But a sporty sedan. A sedan that has the performance of a proper sports car.
And sports cars are a lot of fun. Especially while driving them on some challenging twisty roads or at the drag strip to enjoy them to the fullest. So, if you are one of these guys like me that want to drive a good sports sedan on the cheap, this article will be perfect for you since these sedans can be purchased for very little money.
First, we are going to learn more about what is a sports sedan and then we are going to learn more about the reasons why you should get a sports sedan. Then we will cover the best sports sedan on the market right now and learn more about the models that are available, as well as the price for which you can get one of these. So, if you want to learn more, follow along.
Now before we dive into more complex topics like the best used sports sedan and learn about the models that you can purchase. Let’s first take a look at what is a sports sedan (you could also check out our list of sedans with manual transmission) in general.
What Is A Sports Sedan
What is a sedan? A sedan as you probably know is a vehicle with four doors and a trunk. These types of cars are basically one of the oldest designs that are with us that is older than 100 years.
The etymology of the word sedan indicates that this word was first time used in 1912. And the name sedan originates from the 17th century when the sedan name was used to refer to a liter. A liter is basically an enclosed box where a person is sitting and this box is carried by two people. Aristocrats were using this type of transportation back in the day.
But, what is a sports sedan? Well, a sports sedan is a type of car that is intended to deliver sporty performance for the driver. Some of them aren’t even sporty, but merely cars that look sporty.
A sports sedan is usually a standard sedan that has an altered performance in order to be more fun to drive.
Usually, there are separate sports trims for most of the sedans that are produced out there. For example, for Mercedes Benz, you have the AMG trim, for BMW you have the M-Sport trim, while for the Audi, you have the RS trim.
There are a lot more examples. But more on that, we are going to cover later on when we are going to discuss the best used sports sedan. Next, let’s take a look at the reasons why to get one.
Reasons To Get A Used Sports Sedan
Now let’s discuss another topic before we cover the best used sports sedan on the market right now and that is the reason why you should get a used sports sedan. Since a lot of people are still doubting whether or not to get one of these sports sedans.
The first reason is probably the performance. Some of these sports sedans are really built differently in comparison to the standard models.
They had extensive upgrades on the suspension and also on the engine, among many others. Some of them can produce even a few hundred horsepower more than the standard models.
Not to mention that there are a ton of drive modes to choose from on these models. On top of that, on some cars, there are even custom modes, such as sport mode in car, where you can tweak your perfect track settings.
And not to forget that all this performance makes these sedans really fun to drive. And I mean a lot of fun to drive. Especially if you want to do some track days with them and enjoy them as they are meant from the factory.
And the last reason why to get the best used sports sedan is probably the looks. Sports sedans look a lot better than their standard contemporaries.
Sports sedans have very aggressive front and rear end design that is intended not only to look good. But also to deliver maximum airflow and boost performance.
Also, on the interior, there are a lot of details that make this model a proper sports car. Like using materials such as Alcantara for the steering wheel and seats. Fancy stitching patterns, as well as big bucket seats. But what about the best used sports sedan? More on that next.
Best Used Sports Sedan
Now let’s dive into our list of the best used sports sedan. In the following chapters, we are going to give you our top picks when it comes to the sports sedan segment.
We will list our picks, we will cover some of the specs, and share our honest opinion on the models. As well as the average price of these models on the used market. So, buckle up because it will be a long ride.
Best Used Sports Sedan #1: BMW E39 M5
Now let’s start our list of best used sports sedan models with a big hit. And that is the BMW E39 M5. Who would possibly think that this is a more than 20 years old car? For me, it was like yesterday when these things came out and everyone was crazy about them and still, they are really popular in the car community.
This model debuted in 1998 and was produced until 2003. The model was based on the 5-Series sedan. But this new model had a big beast of an engine under the hood. More precisely, the model came equipped with the 4.9L S62 naturally aspirated V8 engine that created 394hp and a 6-speed manual transmission.
And this BMW engine was a reliable one. Some of these examples have more than 200,000 miles on the clock and still working like brand new. The 0 to 60 of this model was 4.8 seconds and the top speed is 155 mph, or if you have an unrestricted one, you will be able to push it up to 186 mph.
This model also implements a reduced ride height with MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link rear suspension at the rear, which makes it a really good driver even today.
The price of these models on Autotrader starts at $21,000 but for a good example, you can expect to pay close to $40,000. The high prices are because they shot up in value quite significantly in recent years. Now let’s continue with the next best used sports sedan.
Best Used Sports Sedan #2: BMW E60 M5
By the name of the car, you would think that we are BMW fanboys. But this isn’t actually the case. We focus on delivering you the best models in this segment. And the E60 M5 is one of a kind car that we just cannot skip.
This model replaced the E39 M5 and similarly to its predecessor, it is based on the 5-Series. This model was introduced in the US starting in 2006 and was in production until 2010 when it was replaced.
The main selling point of this car is the high-revving V10 engine that it comes equipped with. This engine makes this car a true exotic in the sedan world since there are not many V10-engined sedans.
This 5.0L S85 V10 makes about 500hp and 384lb-ft of torque. The transmission used in this model is either a 7-speed robotized manual known as the SMG, which many people avoid, or the 6-speed manual that was sold in the US. The top speed of this model is 190 mph and the 0 to 60 is rated at 4.7 seconds.
What is good is that you can find one of these models for really cheap. They start from $16,000 and can go up to $50,000 depending on the condition.
What is worth noting is the engine. These engines are rather problematic and have issues with the rod bearings (often burdening owners with the high cost of replacement for rod bearings). Make sure that you learn more about this problem because a new engine can cost you a whole fortune.
It’s worth looking into which ones are and aren’t the most reliable BMW engine. Some might put into question whether are BMW reliable cars. But then again, look hard enough, and you’ll soon come across the most reliable BMW to buy used.
Best Used Sports Sedan #3: Mercedes C63 AMG (2008 – 2015)
Now let’s move on to the competition. The closest that a BMW rival has in this aspect of best used sports sedan models is the Mercedes Benz C63 AMG.
And not any C63, but the W204. Why we chose this model? Well, because its looks are very contemporary and also very popular on the used market right now. Also, there are a lot of model years of this W204 chassis that are available. Starting from 2008 to 2015.
The C63 even though it is based on the W204 platform but was thoroughly redesigned with performance in mind. This model implements sports suspension, and most importantly a big M156 6.2L V8. This engine was paired with a 7-speed automatic transmission.
What is important to note is that this engine produced about 480hp and 443lb-ft of torque. The 0 to 60 was rated at 4.4 seconds and had a top speed of 166 mph.
This model can be found for really cheap. Especially the models that are built between 2008 and 2011. These models cost between $20,000 and $39,000.
But these also have problems with the engine. And there was a lawsuit against Mercedes Benz because of this. They reportedly used low-quality camshafts and lifters that caused premature wear on these components. Models affected were produced between 2007 – 2011.
Best Used Sports Sedan #4: Audi RS4 (2006 – 2008)
The next on our list of best used sports sedan models is another German automobile. And this is the Audi RS4. Also known under the codename B7.
This model was introduced in 2006 and was produced until 2008 when it was replaced by the following generation. It was a short-lived model but also a model that was rather popular. This is the case because the model was available as a manual transmission car (and you’re aware of how to drive a stick).
Nevertheless, the model incorporates a naturally aspirated 4.2L V8 FSI engine. This engine has an extremely high redline of 8,000 RPM, similar to the V10 that was included in the E60 M5 and M6 at the time.
The 4.2L engine on the RS4 produced 414hp and was paired with a 6-speed Getrag manual transmission. And another feature that makes the RS4 better than the BMW and the Benz is the Quattro four-wheel-drive system. And this made the RS4 able to accelerate from 0 to 60 in only 4.5 seconds and up to 124 mph in 16.6 seconds. The top speed is limited to 155 mph.
This model is the most expensive of the ones that we reviewed. The cheapest models start at $23,000. But if you want to get a good low-mileage car, you can expect to pay up to $50,000. Now let’s continue with our list of best used sports sedan models.
If you want something a tad larger, maybe consider comparing the Audi A4 vs A5. And while you’re there, be sure to scrutinize the Audi A4 reliability concerns, and ensure that you don’t end up with a lemon. The numerous 2011 Audi A4 problems are proof that not all A4s are made equal.
Best Used Sports Sedan #5: Chevrolet SS (2014 – 2017)
The next in our list of best used sports sedan models is the Chevrolet SS. Enough about European models, let’s discuss something American. And what better model to divulge if not the highly underrated Chevy SS?
This model was introduced in 2014 and was produced until 2017 when it was discontinued. The model was quite short-lived because of low sales. In total, this model sold about 12,860 units during all three years.
Under the skin, this was a Holden Commodore, a model developed by GM for the Australian market. But they still wanted to introduce it for the US and placed the big 6.2L LS3 V6 inside it. This engine developed at about 415hp. The engine was paired with a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed Tremec TR-6060.
And frankly, when it comes to the car community, the manual transmission is most craved for and these models practically cost a whole fortune. The cheapest SS that you can get is about $29,000 on Autotrader. But they can go up to $63,000 for really low-mile examples. Now let’s move on to the next on our list of best used sports sedan models.
Best Used Sports Sedan #6: Cadillac CTS-V (2009 – 2014)
Number six on our list of the best used sports sedan is the Cadillac CTS-V. As you probably know, the CTS-V is the sports model of the Cadillac CTS. This second generation followed the success of the first generation of the CTS-V that was produced from 2004 until 2007.
The second generation of the V model was introduced in 2009 and was produced until 2014. So, we can say that the model is rather recent and visually does not seem so outdated compared to the first generation.
This new generation of the CTS-V used the LSA V8 engine (a far cry from the old Northstar engine that came with Cadillacs) that was based on the LS9 engine that was used in the Corvette C6 ZR1. This engine produced up to 556hp and 551lb-ft of torque. Probably the most powerful model on our list of best used sports sedan models.
The transmission used in this model is either a 6-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. This is the same Tremec T-6060 used in the Chevy SS that we covered previously.
Also, this model is probably the fastest as well. The 0 to 60 time for the CTS-V is 3.9 seconds and it can run a quarter mile in only 12 seconds. With a top speed of 116.9 mph.
In terms of price, these models can be found for about $26,000 in good condition. If you want a really low-mile car, you can expect to pay up to $50,000. That alone should settle the question of are Cadillac good cars. Now let’s continue with the next on our list of best used sports sedan models.
Best Used Sports Sedan #7: Dodge Charger R/T (2006 – 2010)
Now let’s put something really affordable on our list of the best used sports sedan. And this is the Dodge Charger R/T built between 2005 and 2010.
This model was the first revival of the Charger in decades and frankly, it was a true hit. In fact, a variation of this model is still in production, even though, the present model is heavily updated.
Nevertheless, the sixth generation of the Charger is known as the LX. This model was based on a Mercedes-Benz platform. And is shared with the Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Magnum.
The R/T model that we are most interested in is equipped with a 5.7L V8 HEMI engine. This engine produces about 350hp and 390lb-ft of torque. The transmission used in the model is either a 4-speed automatic or a 5-speed automatic.
And these models can be found for dirt cheap. They start from $2,700 and up to $12,000 for a really low-mile car. This is why if you are on a tight budget and you want something cheap, this is the model that you really want to get since it offers a very sporty feel for a really dirt cheap price.
And if you want something sportier but don’t mind the added cost, maybe consider comparing a Hellcat Charger vs a Hellcat Challenger. While you’re there, also be wary of the more common Dodge Charger reliability concerns, which might cause issues like your Dodge Charger won’t start.
Best Used Sports Sedan #8: Pontiac G8 (2008 – 2009)
Now let’s finish our list of best used sports sedan models with another really affordable model. And that is the Pontiac G8.
This model was introduced in 2008 and was produced until 2009 when Pontiac went bankrupt and closed production. Which was really unfortunate.
And even though this car was a Pontiac, it actually is a Holden, just like the Chevy SS that we covered previously. But what is different with this car is the variety of engines that you can choose from.
This model comes with three different engines. The standard G8 came with a 3.6L V6 engine. The G8 GT came with a 6.0L V8 that produced 361hp and the top of the line was the G8 GXP 6.2L V8 engine that produced 402hp. This was practically a Corvette engine.
The GXP model accelerated from 0 to 60 in only 4.5 seconds. Which was quite quick back in the day. There was a total of 1,829 units of the GXP produced.
The GT model can be found for $6,000 to $14,000. While the GXP will set you back anywhere between $28,000 and $37,000. Now let’s conclude this article on the best used sports sedan models.
In Conclusion…
In this article, we have covered quite a bit when it comes to the best used sports sedan. First, we learned what is a sports sedan and the reasons why you should get one for yourself.
Then we covered our list of best used sports sedans. We listed the best cars that you can get in terms of performance from German and American automakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions.
Is A Sedan A 4 Door
Yes, a sedan is a 4 door. But not any 4-door, A 4-door car can also be a coupe and a hatchback. Sedans are usually 4-door cars with a standard trunk. This means that on sedans, the rear glass is fixed in position and only the trunk opens and closes. Unlike on a hatch where the whole trunk moves with the glass.
What Is A Four Door Coupe
A 4-door coupe is a special coupe with 4-doors. For example, the BMW 4-series is a car that has a grand coupe version. This is basically a coupe with four doors. This means that you keep that sloping sporty roof at the rear of the car. While on a sedan, you don’t get that.
What Is A Sports Car
A sports car is any car that is built for the fun factor. Not all people want to have a driver’s car, some people want to push the car to the limits. And when it comes to this, you cannot push any car to the limit since most cars are not built for this purpose. So, instead, you have sports cars with altered engines and suspension designed for people with a sporty spirit in mind.
What Is The Most Reliable Sedan
The most reliable sedan probably is the Toyota Camry. Strong competition to the Camry is the Honda Accord, as well as the Honda Civic, and Mazda6.
What Is The Most Reliable Sports Car
According to some research, the most reliable new sports car is the Ford Mustang. The Mustang gets 8/10 in this aspect, other reliable cars are the Chevy Camaro, Dodge Challenger, Lexus RC F, and BMW 2-Series.
Is A Subaru WRX Considered A Sports Car
Yes, the WRX is the sports version of the Impreza. Back in the day, the WRX was the sports model of the Subaru Impreza. But in recent years, Subaru decided to market the WRX separately from the Impreza.
