5 Used Mid-Engine Sports Cars That You Can Buy for Under $30K in 2024

Though used decades before in experimental race cars, the mid-engine configuration became a thing in the world of street-legal production cars during the 1960s and 1970s.

The first production car to employ this configuration that improved weight distribution and handling was the 1962 Matra Djet.

Then, in 1966, the Lamborghini Miura took the notion of a mid-engine sports car to another level.

Over the next five decades, placing the engine as close to the center of the chassis as possible became a hallmark of most high-performance sports cars.

Nowadays, a mid-engine sports car is usually associated with a high price tag. However, several manufacturers have produced affordable sports cars in the past, and some are even more affordable in today's used car market.

So, if you're looking for a nice mid-engine sports car that doesn't cost more than a new, fully loaded sedan, here are five awesome alternatives.

1. The reliable and fuel-efficient choice: Toyota MR2 (W30)

Produced for 23 years in three distinct generations, the MR2 was one of the most affordable and reliable mid-engine sports cars on the market.

While the first and second generations are awesome in their own ways, we selected the third and, so far, final generation for our list because, obviously, it's the most modern.

Launched in 1999 and produced until the end of the 2007 model year, the third-gen MR2 (sold as MR2 Spyder in the US) was a small, two-seat convertible.

Tipping the scale at 2,195-pound (996 kg) without fluids, the W30 MR2 is still a nimble little sports car that's fun to drive.

It's powered by a mid-mounted 1ZZ-FED DOHC four-cylinder that produces a mere 138 hp.

While that's not impressive by any means, the MR2's low weight means that it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in under six seconds.

Why should you buy one?

Though it lacks the performance pedigree, the MR2 shines when it comes to reliability and fuel consumption - which is decent, even by today's standards.

Furthermore, a used third-gen MR2 is now very affordable. Though harder to find, a low-mileage example in excellent condition generally costs around $20,000, while one with more miles on the odometer can be more than $5,000 cheaper.

If you have a $30,000 budget, like the MR2, but want more power, you can use the remaining money to tune its existing engine or swap it for something more powerful.

2. The patriotic or cheap exotic choice: Pontiac Fiero

Though US manufacturers had built several mid-engine race cars and concept cars prior to its release, the Pontiac Fiero earned the distinction of being America's first mass-produced mid-engine sports car.

In production from 1983 to 1988, the two-seater was available with either a fuel-efficient, 2.5-liter inline-four rated around 90 hp or, for the GT trim, a 2.8-liter V6 with 112 (GT) or 140 hp (Formula) on tap.

Today, a well-kept Fiero Formula can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (97 kph) in about 9 seconds, so it's painfully slow. Furthermore, it hasn't aged particularly well in terms of styling, although some (myself included) still think it's a nice-looking car from an era of disastrous American design.

Why should you buy one?

If you're a purist who bleeds red, white, and blue, the fact that it's America's first mass-produced mid-engine sports car might be a deciding factor.

Then there's the price. A low-mileage, mint-condition GT or Formula built between 1985 and 1988 rarely exceeds $20,000. You can use the rest of your budget to swap out that lazy V6 for something more powerful or enjoy it in its original form and cash in on the investment later, as values of this model tend to go up.

Then again, if you're not a purist, you should know that the Fiero chassis is a very popular choice for exotic sports car replicas, mainly the Ferrari 308.

With $30,000 in your pocket and a healthy dose of patience, you can get a surprisingly well-built Fiero-based Ferrari replica that's been treated to a more powerful GM V8.

3. The vintage choice: Porsche 914

In production from 1969 to 1976, this model was a joint effort between Porsche and Volkswagen that spawned an affordable mid-engine sports car.

Designed by Ferdinand Alexander "Butzi" Porsche, the founder's grandson, the 914 was powered by a series of VW flat-four engines and, for a short period, a Porsche flat-six. Depending on the engine, the output stood between 80 and 110 hp.

It was a reasonably successful model that received several cosmetic and mechanical changes throughout its lifespan.

Why should you buy one?

Though it's one of the least glamorous Porsches, the 914 is a classic mid-engine sports car that still appeals to those who appreciate quirky models from the 1970s.

While its looks might not appeal to everyone, its lower weight combined with adequate power translates to surprisingly good road manners that make it thrilling to drive.

It's also reliable and not that expensive to maintain, particularly if it's powered by a VW flat four.

The 914's market value has been on a fast-paced rise in recent years. Nevertheless, you can buy one in the 20,000-30,000 range but don't expect a highly original, mint condition example with few miles.

Not only is this quirky Porsche an affordable classic, but it's guaranteed to be a good investment because, as I mentioned earlier, its value has been on the rise.

4. The out-of-the-box choice: Factory Five 818

Unquestionably the most obscure entry on our list, the Factory Five 818 is actually a kit car.

Generally meant for Subaru Impreza or WRX drivetrains, the kit is comprised of a lightweight chassis that moves the flat-four behind the two seats, as well as a new bespoke body and optional interior components.

The result is a mid-engine sports car that weighs 1,800 pounds (818 kg -hence the name), and, with the right engine tuning, it delivers supercar-worthy performance.

It's available as a convertible (818S), coupe (818C), or full-on windshield-less track weapon (818R).

Why should you buy one?

No, I didn't forget that this article is about used mid-engine sports cars, so I'm including the 818 because there are quite a few available on the used car market.

Depending on the engine setup, the price for a coupe or convertible that's homologated for road use typically revolves around the $15,000 to $25,000 range.

While you won't be getting a renowned factory-built model, the Factory Five 818 is an awesome lightweight mid-engine sports car that becomes addictive to drive.

Moreover, its Subaru engine is cheap to tune, and although it is known for those pesky gasket heads, you're likely to get a car that had them replaced. On the other hand, if the engine does need new head gaskets, it will be easier to service thanks to the 818's less cramped engine bay and removable body panels.

5. The iconic modern classic choice: Porsche Boxster (986)

The culmination of an ambitious, four-year project, the first-generation Boxster was unleashed on public roads in 1996 and was replaced by a new model in 2004.

It was Porsche's attempt to infuse some excitement into its lineup by offering buyers a two-seat, mid-engine alternative to the iconic 911.

The roadster proved a winning bet, as its success dragged Porshe out of a financial slump.

Throughout its lifespan, the 986 Boxster was powered by three versions of the carmaker's flat-six that, depending on the model year, made between 201 hp and 254 hp.

Why should you buy one?

The first and most obvious reason is that it's a Porsche. That means it's a thoroughbred sports car that's thrilling to drive, regardless of how much horsepower its flat-six makes.

Moreover, despite its age, it's still a beautiful car that will turn heads on every corner.

In terms of value, a used, low-mileage model with a less powerful engine that has been cared for usually costs $10,000 to $15,000. Then there are the more potent Boxster S versions that rarely go above the $20,000 mark - and that's for mint-condition, low-mileage examples.

However, despite the Porsche allure and affordability, you should consider that a Boxster (or any Porsche, for that matter) is very expensive to maintain.