7 Surprisingly Fun Cars - That DON'T Cost a Fortune! 

I once rented a Fiat Abarth and had a blast driving it, plus girls thought I was so cute in my little espresso car.

I love my abarth. Another mention could’ve been the Saab 9-3 aero

Came for the V40 in the thumbnail because I have a C30 and I was very pleasantly surprised at the C30 entry! They're great fun indeed, in fact, the ST225/XR5's engine is borrowed from the C30 T5! I plan on AWD swapping mine with parts from an S40 or V50 since they use the same cassis!

I can testify that the 2ZZ-GE is by far one of the best engines ever. Here in Australia we have the Corolla Sportivo. I had a black 2003 one (seen in pfp) that took daily abuse and provided me with some of the best fun i've ever had in a car. I miss it more and more every day.

The Fiat: good luck on the $6k that you've suggested. Even high mileage versions have gone up considerably in price. I can attest, though-they are FUN. I owned one and regret selling it. I also own a Solstice GXP. Extremely fun but could use some suspension & brake upgrades.

Keep up the great work!

I remember reading the reviews of the VOlvo C30, seeing it at the new car show as well and wanting it, even thinking it was a bargain of a crafted machine campared to WRX or the copetitors at the time, and unique 5cyl. I think it may have been the only 3 door hatch in the U.S. besides VW. I'd see one around my neighborhood all the time in blue. I could not afford a 30k car at the time, but was also pretty happy with my 07 Si, but the C30 was the grown up tuner hatch. Shoot, I should find one now....sweet 5cyl

The abarth is fun , the c30 is great (if you can deal with the outdated interior and moderate reliability) and I’ve always loved the solstice

I bought a 2007 Solstice GXP a few years back. It was fun but ridiculously cramped and not fun on long trips. I traded it in for an 07 Corvette and it feels like a land yacht in comparison. I freakin love my vette!

A friend had a 2002 Celica GTS. Not a super fast car but great sounding engine and fun to drive, stick shift, of course.

Fun fact: the corolla xrs, matrix xrs, and vibe gt stopped offering the 2zz after 2009 and they were replaced by the 2.4 in the camry. Only giving them 150-160 hp

I have a 2017 q60 3.0t awd. Amazing car in every way. Not a single complaint for the price. Great fast daily

ive had my abarth for 5 years and its been amazing, only issue ive had is having to change the front axles a couple years ago. i drive it hard every day and its never left me stranded

One of the regulars at the shop I work at has an LS3 swapped Pontiac solstice, it is an absolute riot to drive.

You forgot the Nissan Sentra V Spec. Love that thing. Light fun to drive and had a helical limited slip differential.

Best kept secret for 30+ yo enthusiasts… The Ecoboost Ford Flex or MKT. want an awd rocket that can transport you, all your stuff, and room for 7 in under 5.9 seconds (stock) for under $20k? You can even get heated seats and a fridge in back, or a wooden steering wheel or heated steering wheel. I loved these things. But look for one that’s had the turbos, timing chain and water pump replaced as those are big jobs on that engine.

Nice to see the saturn sky on the list underrated car

I didn't realize the detuned engine in my '03 corolla could be built/tuned to even go to 8.2k rpm

My 2017 Mazda3 6MT hatch was such a fun commuter. I loved when it rained because even though it was FWD I could easily get the back to kick out. Fun, super reliable, and looked great!

I love the C30. I currently have a Ford Fiesta in bright green (Celebration Edition) but a C30 was the one I was originally looking at. I still do want one, they have that thicc rear end, and I love the large window design.

You can make any car fun. I make a 2019 honda crv fun. Rip it down at 120 mph. Take windy roads at 40-80 mph. It's truly an experience pushing a car to its limit. That's what makes it fun.

The Fiat Abarth block and internals can handle up to 240hp. There’s a tuner box you can literally plug and play to jump it to 200hp in sport mode without any other mods too

The 1993-1997 MX-6 to get is the 2.5L V6 (These never came with a 4 cylinder turbo, the '88-'92 had a 2.2L turbo)with Manual transmission, avoid the Automatic at all cost as they are made by Ford and Will fail. Fun cars to drive and modify , the exhaust tone is very nice as well. They do like being turboed.

Had the abarth super fun around corners, had 3 pontiac/matrix xrs/gt love them roomy, comfy, fast Toyota sold the TRD supercharger ad a bolt on with a 3 year warranty.

Well shouted on that Mazda, drove the V6, and it was a blast.

I couldn't find an XRS at the time but I got a manual XR Matrix, his name is Igor, and he is more fun than my 06 Lancer ralliart. Plus I ditched him twice at the ski resort and when he got pulled out he was smiling and looking pretty. My little tank.

Looks awesome

I have a c30 but it's a diesel. It's just as fun to drive and comfy AF. It pulls quite nicely, drives like a dream and it doesn't guzzle fuel that much. Reliable, great fun with good room. If you guys have money, get the Turbo 5 Cylinder one!

Not that you'll have a very easy time finding one, but if you're going to go for a Mazda MX-6 you're better off going for a Probe GT. Arguably better looking car. Plus you have the utility of the hatchback. Definitely not overpowered cars but a very sweet V6 and the handling was sublime (well, for fwd!) And I can't believe you would put a Fiat Abarth above a Fiesta ST!? But if you drive these two cars back-to-back you will get the fiesta. Quicker, more room, more tunable, and far more reliable! And yes, the C30 is awesome!...but the secrets out. No longer 'cheap!'

My first cat was an MX-6…. Loved it

C Love the Triumph Stag in the background

The Vibe GT is the real steal. Toyota parts, GM price and better build quality than the Matrix due to the NUUMI plants better automation.

The modding community for the 500 Abarth over here in Europe is really active. It is not uncommon to see Abarths pushing beyond 300 hp without reliability issues. The myth that modern FCA products are unreliable is nonsense anyway.

That Volvo C30 is actually a really fun car to carve canyons in

Awesome !

Where are you seeing these prices?

2003 Subaru Outback legacy was pumping. I remember beating rolling mustangs and dead stop crown Vic’s. Now my 350z is here, and I kinda am surprised not so see it here. Oh well, 😌good work!

I love my abarth but looking to change as its bumpy for u.k roads. Some of my best memories are with this car. People will come up to you. Post men will ask about it. Heck people at traffic lights will welcome you! It's a great experience with this car. I was told not to get it. But once I heard it in the show room. I picked it. if you don't mind the harsh ride & little bit of reliability. It's honestly perfect around town and short trips. You won't regret it!

I had a 93’ mx-6 in 01’ it had the v6 with a 5spd. I bought it with 115k on it. Had the lifters replaced and the ac unit. I drove the car for 6yrs after that. To 200k. I loved that car it was plenty fast. 150mph many times. Would lite the tires up easy. Had such a good power range and handled like a dream overall. If I could buy another one that’s clean I would today.

I remember racing a Slightly modified mx6 in the mid 2000s and it kept up with my iroc-z I was surprised. Also I now own a 2003 Nissan sentra ser spec-v it's a cheap Dailey and it's a hoot to drive in the canyons.

I had a tuned C30 T5 R-Design, making around 290HP, it was an utterly brilliant car and sounded amazing.

Owned a C30, terrible gas mileage and it weighs almost 3,000 lbs, but still pretty fun to drive, the electric one may be interesting to watch (or it might be $80K because Volvo prices are hilarious high).

98’ Subaru Outback wagon 5spd. Super fun DOHC boxer (your thinking about the SOHC head gasket issues no revs no power engine that came after) and super short 4.<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="2641">44:1</a> 5 speed manual like a rally car. Even though it’s a wagon it only weighs 3,180lbs (that’s less than a GT4 RS) and has a perfect <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="3050">50:50</a> weight distribution with a 40/60 front rear torque split. It goes perfectly controllably sideways FOR you on snowy roads it’s so easy!

Had super fun around corners its fun and very exciting

If you're good at wrenching a 1st Gen Honda Insight is pretty dang fun. Transmission swap or full K-swap makes it such a fun car. Stock weight is just under 1900lbs, not many cars in the past 30 years can claim that kind of weight.

that abarth bang, crazy

I don t remember ever seeing a mx6 in Belgium. In the ideal world, i probably daily’d it

Lovely car, worth every cent

2ZZ and K20 my favourite engines. Reliable as hell, affordable enough to daily, fun, and the right amount of HP to enjoy driving on public roads ❤

You should look into the q50 hybrid, it's probably going to be found at around the pricetag of the q60 but it's hybrid with 350hp so it gets the mileage of any gasoline car with a huge punch

very nice video this is

The c30 2.5t is a mk2 ford focus ST. The generation north America was never given, amazing cars. C30 is a hidden gem.

i currently own a corolla t sport and it's so fun to drive

I miss my 1996 MX6 LS. V6, sunroof, the spoiler, the special wheels. Too good. Engine blew at 150k miles.😢

Any of the Yotas would be my pick. Quick high revving 4 cyl. with good handling n reliability. Hard to beat.

the Matrix you showed in the beginning doesn't have the 2ZZ. only the 1st gen matrix XRS.

Zank you!

I’m surprised to not see a manual mini Cooper s or jcw on here they are so much fun to drive and cheap

Looks wise, i love the saturn sky. I wish saturn would have stuck around and used more Honda engines. The Sky is crazy heavy, but if they would have put a J series in it, like they did with the Vue, I think it would have single handedly saved the company.

In Australia 🇦🇺 we call it the Toyota Corolla Sportivo its a 1.8L 2ZZ-GE Engine making about 158KW of power not bad but in Europe they had the Super Charged Version making 250hp. Which was used in the Lotus Elise Rear Mounted Engine very lightweight car 😁. And honestly for 6K-10K i could build a H22A7 2.2L Vtec Swapped Honda Civic EK/Honda Civic EG that would smoke all the cars listed on the video lol facts 💯

I really hope we get a chance to buy the Yaris GR in the USA. If we do ill buy one used after its been out for awhile. It is so good.

My 500 abarth was super reliable. It got rear ended by a hero and was totalled. 90k miles. Miss it.

I had an MX6 V6 MT. It was fast as F, and no one had any idea what it was

beautiful car

Mazda mx6 owner they are fun ! Wish they kept making them

What year is that Volvo in the thumbnail and is it reliable?

gen1 veloster turbo is hella fun, cheap, and reliable in the right year

2ZZGE is great ;) cool car ..... 8700 rpm by the way ... Just a reflash ecu and its done . With some bolt ons , 230 hp easy

I keep seeing toyota matrix xrs popping up for sale in my area so I'm kinda leaning towards getting one of them for cheap

I'm going to give you guys a protip before they get expensive. Jaguar XK. You can pick up a clean low mileage example around $15k. They are surprisingly reliable. It's a 300hp V8 RWD all aluminum GT car that still turns heads. Yes it's auto only, but its a good auto and suits this car well. These were around $90k new and now you can pick them up for $15k.

I would definitely choose tje volvo c30, i just love this car at any point ❤

I had a 2009 Volvo c30 t5 redesign it was a great car

Don't buy a Volvo C30 if you are looking for a cheap daily. Volvo has gone sky high with their maintenance and repair pricing. Bought a cheap 08 V70 and it's cost more to repair then I've bought it for.

Great! Something fun for all. It's about time.😅

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="355">5:55</a> Yes! 🤘

Our MX-6 Mazdas never got a turbo in-line 4 here in the states

The xrs lines were fun but the c60 transmission was downfall. Definitely miss running b and k series with it though.

These cars are still good, performance is always on top, they're even stronger than most modern cars 💪🏼

The Abarth SS, is the one to have.

I had a q60 that shut was fast af

You should have put the 1994 to 1996 Buick road master sedan with a 1lt you can pick them up for 1500 to 3500$ but it’s a sweet car with a lot of power

I forgot about that Volvo, it has a amazing rear

TBH the 2zz is pretty good but the 3sge is much better imo

I have only listened to the into 10sec… and I swear on all that’s holy if the “million dollars car” is a Vader I’m 🔥burning in down🔥 😂🤣😂

Nissan frontier pro4x’s Are amazing!

2008 Saab 9/3 and aero is my pick

I had an mx6 v6, it was a very fun and quick car for what it was. Had a buddy with a brand new Mitsubishi GSX and we did a highway run coming home from work, let's just say he was looking to trade it for a Trans Am WS6 that same night!!! 😂 😂 😂 Good times...

Hard top solstice goes hard af.

Skyyyyy great to tune it turn heads

It would be better if you putted some chapter in the video :D

I LOVE my C30, but trust me, you ain't getting an R-Design (like most the ones shown in the video) for as cheap as this channel thinks. ESPECIALLY with the 6MT like I thankfully found.

I agree with the volvo, the Infinity even know it’s appealing; they are soon to go bankrupt so parts may be an issue in near future. As for Leaf, sure it’s impressive torque on demand is great, but for a car that has been proven to dramatically lose range over years of ownership from battery depletion, is it really worth it when you only can travel like 70 miles after 5 years of it’s release!

The elantra N deserves to be on the list one of the funnest cars to drive and less 36k for a sports car

Honestly? Most people pass my daily up in a heart beat, but it's one of the most fun cars I've driven. I've got an 08 Eclipse GT. Yeaaaaaa it's front wheel drive, but I promise you, when you Gap most cars, the reaction is priceless. I got lucky and got mine from a friend for $2k. I've done nothing but put new wheels and tires on it and got a new exhaust. Sounds mean as hell and super snappy. 160 top speed and 263 hp stock, so most people just don't realize the power she puts out.

LOL half the Matrix / Vibe sale ads you showed were 2nd gen vehicles, which were never available with the 2ZZ.

Here in Europe the w scirocco 2.0 it's a great daily

Damn that GXP almost looks like a TVR

I would OBVIOUSLY choose a later model Manaul Trans C4 CORVETTE owned by a meticulously mechanically maintained by an older person or perhaps even a C-5 if you get lucky . Good C-5s were as " cheap " as 10-12 K about 8 years ago and my parents took 10K as a trade In value then for one with like 60K because 1. It's actually about 11K because it was NY with high sales tax 2 . Un- fortunately the car did not have access to a garage for a decade In harsh conditions and despite no body damage it was not like most C5s owned by older people with money that garaged them , it was used as a grocery getter and just a car to get landscaping supplys , transport giant dogs either in front seat or in the MASSIVE HATCH that you can fit many 100s of pounds of dirt and plants , a mastiff if your strong enough to lift one and put him in the back , fill with enough groceries for an entire family of Wal- Mart people and move all kinds of shit you wouldn't expect if your creative and leave the hatch open for short rides , can actually illegally transport a buff 220 pound man for a short ride in a pinch , stuff with enough luggage or clothes to have clothes for months without doing laundry if you have enough socks and underwear , take a nap in the back if your 5- 8 or less and sleep fetal on your side or something creative , could probably take out passenger seat and car camp / sleep on back or possibly get laid if your creative , IN GENERAL shockingly useful as a car for a 2 seater . Remarkable for ROAD TRIPS on a budget because If you know how to drive and want to keep fuel costs lowish you can EASILY achieve 33 MPGs on HWY and good mpgs in general if you no how to drive for effeciency , you can actually modify them to get CRAZY combined mpgs if that was your thing with tuning and different / less fat wheels and tires and still have a car stupid fast in a straight line that sips gas . Why ? Because they weigh a little over 3lbs , have amazingly low drag and the LS-1 from that time with 350/350 HP IS in fact one of the MOST EFFECIENT GASOLINE ENGINES EVER CREATED when you factor PHYSICAL SIZE , weight , and POWER OUTPUT . They are lighter , more powerful, take up less space and burn less fuel , sometimes 1/2 compared to small forced induction engines from Europe or Asia from the time plus are not as tall so can be put in a super slippery car like a c-5 that has low hood and profile plus they fit far back for much better center of gravity and weight distribution AND they are about a million times more reliable then high output small displacement engines from Europe in particular and replacing or fixing them is not up to double what the car is worth and parts arent so expensive they don't make the car not worth fixing in some situations . The seats although people complain are not aggressive enough to handle the G -FORCE you can create cornering and rightfully so if you really can drive and get after it are SUPER COMFORTABLE , even with bad back for long rides if your average size and weight. ANOTHER AMAZING fact and why the paint wasn't awesome is that you can drive them in winter and even in snow In the mountains ! I have driven it with stock tires that were run flat performance tires from Good Year that you can argue about why not the most awesome tire ever but as a performance run flat with all season capability I drove It during snow storms in mountains to the absolute SHOCK of farmers and others not used to seeing sports cars period let alone super low sports cars during a snow storm on steep roads . Obviously your not gonna plow through deep snow and certain types of conditions but YOU CAN drive it and as long as careful not feel like your gonna die , much better then my Hyundai Hatch with stock pilot PS-4S summer tires that with FWD will either not move at all or try and kill you in winter , same as my STI with REAL 4WD ( locking center diff ) on stock or performance tires which will also not move or kill you if you tried what I did in a C5 . I run blizzaks on other cars in winter . With snow tires or even more aggressive all seasons you could have an AMAZING TIME and maybe the most fun ever on public roads in not to deep or packed snow playing rally driver and drifting all day long In a c5 on snow, for sure with snow tires , RWD cars with snow tires are a MEGA BLAST and if your young and obsessed with " drifting " but don't have money to BURN up in smoke and beat the living snot out of a car that needs power and mods to drift on pavement and will get you arrested or make you crash get a RWD car and blizzaks or similar and you can play and learn who to drive with slip angle to your hearts content without putting much if any stress on your car or need to beat and over cook your engine and driveline to stay sideways or worry about TEMPS and do it for 8 hours straight with hurting the tires or car as long as you don't rub up on anything or crash which is actually avoidable if you can drive a little bit a learn that MORE THROTTLE is always the answer with this type of driving. You WILL LEARN actual car control and become a superior driver and ALL POSSIBLE without reaching dangerous speeds to get your CA to slide and do donuts around stuff etc etc and IF YOU LIVE WHERE IT SNOWS and don't take advantage of this your probably a poser who doesn't actually enjoy cars for driving or like having fun . Plus you can do it while not causing danger for others if you pick your times and spots during storms or where there is snow and not attract cops and If your car is set up right or you have something AWD with snows 99% of police cruisers would never catch you and they are doing other shit anyway and there are spots where nobody bothers you depending where you live and how the local police are . Unfortunately a mint C4 is no longer a car you can buy 100 times a day for 10k or less since the Covid tax made all cars super expensive and C5S possible for 10-11 and under 20 all day ( some chuckle heads always think there car is worth more ) My folks car being used as a car looked great from 10ft or more with a wash but not pristine or better then avg paint care like many C5 owners . But In relative terms and depending on what and why you want a " performance car " they should probably always be in the discussion . YES !!!! They have some issues including ride quality ( if your young and a stiff car is such a problem then people ARE GETTING SOFTER and increasingly spoiled ) and yes I understand younger people in general have a fetish for things Japanese and sometimes for good reason and that corvettes are for old or certain types of people and GM interiors blah blah and some legit complaints but if you actually want something fast ( In all the ways that word applies ) that is " affordable " whatever THAT WORD MEANS post covid to different people they should be in the conversation , especially if you include a fucking probe no matter how cheap it Is . Obviously this list should read cars with Japanese nameplates but whatever. If and when they become cheap , if cars ever do the Hyundai elantra GT N - LINE ( I PAID LESS new in 19 for my MT one then people wanted for used ones with way more miles a dew months back , haven't looked recently ) and some of the other Hyundai / Kia cars with 1.6t or bigger engines should probably be included or mentioned if a fwd mx-6 or probe is included . The Mazda version looks pretty decent , i will give it that . All I can say is the older elantra sports , n - lines and Kia twins despite no LSD like a civic ( if you can pay the covid + Honda tax on a used car and think every high mileage Honda or Toyota is Immortal despite having really no idea how well the car was treated and you put something like a PS4 S tires on them can be shockingly fun if it's about turns and grip and 200 hp Is just enough to make them feel kinda quick and if you find an MT that in itself can make it enough fun for a newer driver , the DCT ( Shocking In such a Lower tier car ) makes them quick accelerating but I dont know about longevity and regardless a low HP car is really only fun with a MT and perhaps DOUBLE TRIPPLE EXTRA SUPER FUN because you can Rev it and shift all day long without being a menace and losing your license and the Main reason to buy that type of car as It makes EVERY MUNDANE TRIP somewhat entertaining , engaging and interactive instead of mere transportation or moving cell phone .

I like the Volvo C30 so far for $5-to-$6Grand.😊

PLEASE HELP ME! I'm looking for the make of a car with a black logo and a diagonal red line a bit like Volvo. The model looks a bit like a telsa model 3 (kind of the same doors), the model I saw was black or even blacker than the cars we usually see. I've been looking for several weeks please help me 🙏🙏