Europe has a knack for building cars that make even the shortest drive feel like an event. From high-revving BMWs to boost-happy hot hatches, the continent’s automakers have spent decades perfecting the art of driving enjoyment. The best part? You don’t need six figures to experience it.
Whether you’re after a used Porsche, a supercharged Mini, or a perfectly balanced BMW coupe, these fun and affordable European cars prove that real performance doesn’t have to cost a fortune—or compromise on character. All the prices used in this article are from Cars.com and correct at the time of publishing.
R53 Mini Cooper S ~ $8,000
We may as well start with one of the most obvious fun and affordable European cars: the first-gen New Mini from the early 2000s. The Mini offers go-kart-like handling (yes, I know that’s a cliché) and it’s possible to pick up a good one for a mere fistful of dollars. A quick search on Cars.com reveals plenty of Minis available for less than $10k, however, you’ll want to stay away from the second generation, as it comes with several severe issues.
Even the first-gen Mini has its fair share of problems, but once you hear the glorious soundtrack from that supercharged 1.6-liter engine, you’ll be more than happy to forgive any shortcomings.
Fiat 124 Spider ~ $15,000
In 2016, Fiat introduced a new 124 Spider, and seeing as it’s built on the same platform as the ND Mazda MX-5 Miata, this one is guaranteed to be a fun car to drive. However, there is one important difference between the two, as the Italians decided to use their own engine rather than Mazda’s excellent 2.0 Skyactiv unit. Under the Fiat 124’s stylish hood, you’ll find the turbocharged 1.4-liter from the Fiat 500 Abarth, but that’s actually not a bad thing. First of all, if you opt for the Abarth version, it comes with 168 hp stock rather than the base model’s 138. Second, this engine is very tuner-friendly, and those willing to spend some money on it can turn it into a proper corner carver.
Although the Fiat 124 based on the MX-5 Miata platform, they don’t feel the same when you’re moving. That’s partly due to the turbo engine, but also the different suspension setup. If you want a compact grand tourer, the Fiat 124 Spider is definitely worth a look. As for reliability, it’s not something Fiat is normally associated with, but the 124 Spider is practically trouble-free. Probably because it’s built at the Mazda factory.
E46 BMW 330Ci ~ $10,000
I think I can honestly say that I don’t know any BMW enthusiasts who don’t love the E46 BMW M3; in fact, most of them would say it’s the best of them all and the second-most desirable version — after the original E30. Sadly, M3 prices have skyrocketed out of reach for the average enthusiast. However, there’s another option, and it’s almost as good, but for a fraction of the price (which actually makes it better).
The E46 BMW 330Ci is available in either coupe or convertible form, it has a 3.0-liter straight-six engine that produces 230 horsepower. Getting to 60 mph takes as little as 6.5 seconds, and its top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. It also has an agile chassis, manual transmission, and excellent driving dynamics. If you want a two-door E46 330, I recommend buying one now, as prices for good examples are already on the rise. One top tip is to spend a bit more and get a car that’s in good condition, enjoy it, take care of it, and you can still get all your money back if you want to sell it a few years down the line.
E85 BMW Z4 ~ $9,000
Forget about buying a cheap Z4 M, that’ll just bankrupt you in the long run. However, if you have around ten large ones burning a hole in your pocket, you can get behind the wheel of a first-gen Z4 with the 3.0-liter engine.
Looks-wise, it has aged well and wouldn’t look out of place among more modern machines. The 3.0-liter engine packs a decent punch, with between 220 and 230 horsepower, it’ll launch to 60 mph in roughly 6 seconds. As with any used BMW, make sure it’s been properly serviced. If not, be prepared to walk away. Find a well-maintained example, and it’s almost bulletproof.
E89 BMW Z4 — $15,000
If you like the idea of the BMW Z4, but the original is a bit too dated, you should definitely check out the e89 generation. In fact, I’d argue that it’s more fun than the latest version, as it’s a bit smaller and more agile, giving it less of a grand tourer feel.
Parting with $15,000 can get you in the driver’s seat of an early sDrive30i with the 255 hp 3.0-liter engine, or even one of the later sDrive28i cars that’s powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-pot with 241 horses. My suggestion is that you try both versions and pick the one that suits you.
Mk5 Volkswagen Golf R32 ~ $15,000
In 1976, Volkswagen forever changed the automotive scenery when it released the original Golf GTI, and to this very day, the Golf remains a segment-defining car. If you’re a car enthusiast in search of an amazing bargain, there’s no need to look further than the Mk5 Golf R32.
Owning one provides all the practicality you’d expect from a regular Golf, but with a 3.2-liter VR engine that churns out 250 horsepower, it offers plenty of performance as well. It’ll send you to 60 mph in just over 6 seconds, and if you’re brave enough to keep the pedal buried in the carpet, it’ll reach a top speed of 155 mph. With an aftermarket performance exhaust, it’ll even sound like a proper supercar.
987 Porsche Boxster — $15,000
Over the last decade, classic Porsche prices have gone through the roof (I blame Magnus Walker!). The second-gen Boxster isn’t a classic yet, but prices probably won’t drop much lower than where they are now. However, that probably means you can potentially sell it for a profit in a few years if you buy one now.
With the engine mounted in the middle, the Boxster offers exquisite handling. It’s no supercar, but the base model’s 2.7-liter flat-six engine produces 245 hp, which is enough to launch it to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds. Early Boxsters suffer from the infamous IMS issues, but Porsche eliminated that in the 987.2 made after 2009.
Porsche Cayman — $20,000
If you prefer a more performance-oriented ride rather than feeling the wind in your hair, Porsche makes a mid-engined car for you, too. The Porsche Cayman is the tin-top version of the Boxster, but it has a few hp more and it’s stiffer, making it a better option for spirited driving or track days.
Reliability-wise, the Cayman is practically bulletproof, with many owners reporting they’ve only done regular servicing and changed tires. If you’re in the market for a reliable and affordable mid-engined sports car, there aren’t many options better than the Cayman.
2nd-Gen Audi TT — $15,000
Audi’s second-gen TT arrived in 2006 and remained on the market until 2014, so there are plenty of used cars to choose from. They also made it available with a range of engines, and buyers get to choose from turbocharged 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter four-cylinder units, a turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five, and a 3.2-liter VR6. If you live in Europe, there’s even a 2.0 turbodiesel available. I recommend looking for a 3.2-liter or turbocharged 2.0-liter with Quattro AWD.
Opting for a car with Quattro gives the sporty Audi the benefit of AWD, meaning it’ll grip and go on any road conditions. With some upgrades, it has the potential to leave some serious machines in its dust once the lights turn green. If you don’t mind high-mileage or a car that needs some work, it’s possible to get your hands on an Audi TT for under $10,000.
R170 Mercedes-Benz SLK — $10,000
Mercedes-Benz introduced the first-gen SLK in 1995, and by the time production ended in 2004, over 300,000 units had been sold. It looks a bit dated now, which is probably why it’s not as popular as it once was, but getting it professionally cleaned and polished and fitting a nice set of wheels works wonders. Those willing to look past its slightly dated exterior will discover a solid sports car, and the engines keep running for hundreds of thousands of miles.
The SLK was one of the models that pioneered the folding metal roof, so it’s actually not as bad for winter use as many other convertibles. Supercharged 2.3-liter models can be found for under $10,000; even the 3.2-liter AMG version is available for less than $15,000.
F22/F23 BMW 228i — $15,000
I’ve heard plenty of car enthusiast rave and rant about how awesome the BMW M2 and 240i are. And I totally agree. However, while there is a case to be made that those models are bargains for what you get, they’re not exactly cheap. Instead, I’d look for a BMW 228i.
It’s certainly no rare BMW, but this model is often overlooked by enthusiasts, and that makes it a true bargain. It has 240 Bavarian horses, a six-speed manual, and will reach 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds. BMWs often suffer from some reliability issues, but the 228i has a J.D. Power Quality And Reliability Score of 84/100, meaning it’s possible to buy a fast, reliable, and affordable Bimmer.
Jaguar F-Type — $25,000
In 2014, Jaguar introduced the awesome F-Type two-seater sports car, considered a spiritual successor to the breathtakingly gorgeous E-Type.
While the F-Type could be ordered with a turbocharged four-cylinder unit, we’d prefer the supercharged V6 or V8 versions. With a budget of around $25,000, it’s possible to get behind the wheel of the V8 model, which sounds absolutely insane when it’s driven like it should be. While that kind of money will get you the 444 hp version, those with more cash to spend can get the 575 hp model.
E92 BMW M3 — $20,000
The E92 M3 is the only production M3 ever fitted with a V8 engine straight from the factory. Since it’s unique in that regard, chances are it’ll eventually become sought after by collectors.
The 4.0-liter unit produces 414 hp, and the E92 M3 accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds with the DCT transmission. If you want the manual, it’ll take 4.8 seconds, which is a negligible difference, and the manual transmission will provide a more engaging driving experience overall.
Affordable doesn’t have to mean boring. From boosted hatchbacks to six-cylinder coupes, these European gems deliver the kind of smiles that no EV or SUV ever could. Which one would you take home?
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