Best Used Performance Cars for Less Than $10,000

Why thank you for keeping the resale value on my GTI strong :p

2004s, statistically, are the most reliable of all the MkIV Golf-based cars (Golf, GTI, Jetta, New Beetle), rated by consumer reports as actually above average in reliability, unlike all other model years of MkIV. I know mine's been totally unproblematic after 5 years and 48,700 miles.

How about the Lincoln LS? The vastly improved '03+ models would be a stretch to get for under $10k, but earlier models can easily be had for less than that. Good luck finding the elusive V6-only manual tranny model! Too bad they never offered the manual with the V8.

I think the Type Rs are still way up there, but yeah, the GSR should be on the list.
I'd also add the SVT Focus. It's an amazing car.
90's Sentras were lots of fun, too. They put the current ones to shame.
If you want to go really old school, I'd buy an 80's Mercedes or BMW luxury sedan. Those things are built like tanks and they still have serious presence on the road.
Where's the MR2!? Turbo please!
Someone mentioned you can get a Mini in that price range now. I'd recommend.
2002 Mustang GT, period.
The Celicas of the 90's were pretty peppy. Toyota was pretty reliable back then, too.

@clarkma5, thanks for the inof on the 2004 MkIV dependability. I've never known someone to have that particular VW, but everyone I talked to has suggested to avoid them like the plague. It's good to get some positive perspective!

I had a 2001 1.8T mkIV, my sister had a 2002 Gti mk IV.
Worst reliability ever. I guess though by the time Clark got his in 2004, VW fixed the issues.

Estreka - Concur with the MR2, it was a glaring omission. Additionally, I am quite surprised an early 2000's BMW 328 didn't make the list. Though I'm not a huge fan, it does have timeless styling and in used versions, represents somewhat of a performance bargain (in sedan or coupe).

I wondered about the omission of the Focus SVt also. 6-speed manual and great handling. It gives the GTI a run for its money.

The 3000GT was a piece of crap unless you got the VR4, which was an awesome car (although I prefer the 300ZX Turbo). Also, don't bother if your over about 6 feet tall. Mitsubishi was not good at giving taller drivers room. I'm 6-4 and my head hit the roof of the Starion, GT3000, and 1st and 2nd gen Eclipse's too. I finally stopped even looking at them when I was buying a car.

Let's add the Neon SRT4 to the list.

I haven't driven one, but I bet it's an interesting ride.

Surprised to see that earlier renditions of the Miata weren't included yet a 7-series was. Maybe this was supposed to be on the small time drug dealers' car list???

Some miss prints:

Vw GTI 1.8T made 150hp until 2001 when it was bumped to 180. Same with the VR6. The Vr6 was bumped to 200hp in 2002.

Other than adding the 99-2001 Bmw E46's, Thats all from me.

Several of the cars suggested in the comments, such as the Integra, MR2, and Miata, were part of the performance cars for $5,000 article (link above in main article). I think they are looking for cars that didn't appear in either article.

In addition to my Lincoln LS suggestion above, how about the '99-'02 F-150 SVT Lightning? It may not be a car, but it put to shame a lot of supposed performance cars. I couldn't find any actual listings for under $10,000, but according to Edmunds TMV they can be had for under $10k.