Buying a used car can sometimes feel like a gamble. While there are plenty of great deals available, there are just as many pitfalls. Fortunately, with adequate research, you can find plenty of fun, reliable used cars that offer excellent value.

For less than the price of a new Toyota Camry, you can get something that suits your needs — whether it’s sporty, practical, luxurious, or all of the above. A tight budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for something boring.

The Selection Process

To compile this list, I scoured used car listings on Cars.com, ensuring every pick was realistically available within the budget.

Reliability and performance figures are also referenced in the respective entries. These used cars are ranked from least to most expensive, all under the $25,000 mark.

2011 BMW 335i – $12,000

The E92-generation BMW 3 Series is one of the best bang-for-your-buck coupes on the market, offering a variety of trim levels and engines. If performance and reliability are your priorities, consider the later N55-powered 335i models

Horatiu Boeriu at BMW Blog claims the N55 engine is a very reliable inline-six unit, especially when properly taken care of. And with 300 hp on tap, the E92 335i is plenty quick, too. It’s hard to believe you can still snatch these up for $12,000.

2017 Ford Fiesta ST – $15,000

Horsepower isn’t everything — the Fiesta ST proves that. According to Ford, it has a turbocharged 1.6-liter four-banger that makes 197 hp and 202 lb-ft of torque under its hood. While front-wheel drive isn’t always a favorite among driving enthusiasts, the manual gearbox-equipped Fiesta ST is undeniably fun to drive. In fact, Alexander Stoklosa at Car & Driver said it’s near-perfect.

For $15,000, it’s a pretty good performance bargain, However, be mindful of wear-and-tire items like tires, brakes, and the clutch when test-driving one, as Fiesta ST owners tend to drive their cars hard.

2004 Dodge Neon SRT-4 – $15,000

The Dodge Neon SRT-4 might be one of the most outrageous American front-wheel-drive cars ever made. Under its hood sits a surprisingly large 2.4-liter inline-four, and they’ve slapped a turbo on there for good measure. The end result is a powerplant that spits out 230 hp and 245 lb-ft of torque.

MotorTrend recorded a 0-60 mph time of just 5.4 seconds — immensely impressive for a 20-year-old car. If you need a fun, practical car, the Neon SRT-4 is definitely worth considering. However, finding one that’s in good nick is easier said than done, as many have been crashed or modified. The average list price hovers around $15,000.

2007 Porsche Boxster S – $18,000

Typically, lists like these include the Mazda MX-5 Miata, but here’s a faster, more exclusive alternative: the Porsche 987 Boxster. And not just any Boxster — the S-trim, which, according to Porsche, had a 291-hp flat-six powering the rear wheels.

The Rennlist Porsche forum reports that the 987.1 Boxster S is generally reliable, but has a known issue with IMS bearing failure. That aside, with a retractable soft top, a six-speed manual transmission, and a raw exhaust note, it’s a true driver’s car.  For $18,000, it’s also one of the cheapest ways to get into Porsche ownership.

2004 Toyota Land Cruiser – $20,000

Even die-hard sports car fanatics can appreciate the immense talent of the Land Cruiser 100 Series. It might not give you the same thrill as a rear-wheel-drive roadster, but it will get you where you want to go, no matter the terrain.

MotorBiscuit says the 2004 model year is the most reliable 100 Series Land Cruiser. Unfortunately, there aren’t many available on the used market, with the average 2004 Land Cruiser having a ton of miles and price hovering around $20,000. Fortunately, it’s built to last.

2018 BMW 540i – $22,000

You can own a modern luxury sports sedan without filing for bankruptcy. Hidden in the G30-generation 5 Series lineup is a B58-powered variant called the 540i that blends luxury, performance, and reliability into one handsome package.

According to BMW specialist R44 Performance, the B58 is a reliable engine, though repairs and maintenance expenses can be costly. With a sub-5-second 0 to 60 mph time and a well-appointed interior, the 540i is a solid purchase at $22,000.

2021 Hyundai Veloster N – $22,500

Recently, Hyundai’s N performance division has excelled, and the Veloster N is a prime example. With a unique silhouette and an obnoxious-sounding 275-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four, it provides you with endless smiles.

Car and Driver found that the Veloster N can be serious, too, achieving a 4.8-second 0 to 60 mph time with the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. Don’t worry, though: some models still come with a six-speed manual. You don’t come by these on the used market very often, but there are examples selling for just over $22,000.

2022 Honda Civic Si – $23,000

Honda calls the latest Civic Si “the best-handling and most fun-to-drive Civic Si ever,” and we believe them. It comes with a manual transmission, limited-slip differential, and a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 200 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque.

So, if you’re after something bite-sized that is decently quick, and has a well-built interior with modern tech, a slightly used Civic Si might be the car for you. Buying second-hand means you’ll only spend around $23,000.

2022 Mazda CX-5 2.5 Turbo – $23,500

The Mazda CX-5 is a great SUV for those who don’t intend to conquer hardcore off-road trails but instead prioritize comfort and practicality. If you want some performance, too, check out the CX-5 Turbo.

Mazda tells us the Turbo model packs a 2.5-liter turbo-four that churns out a healthy 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. Also included in the Turbo trim is a leather-drenched interior, alongside a tech-filled cabin. With well-kept examples selling for $23,500 — very few SUVs that give you this value proposition.

2016 Ford Mustang GT – $24,500

The S550 Mustang may be a generation old already, but it remains a phenomenal performance car. It might not have all the new-age tech and screens an S650 Mustang has, but its cabin has practically everything you need and will age gracefully.

Ford says it has a naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V8 pushing out 435 hp and 400 lb-ft of torque under the hood. At  $24,500, it’s quite the chunk of change for an old Mustang GT, but when you consider that a new one costs $46,560, it kinda looks like a bargain.

A Gem On A $25k Budget

Finding a great used car under $25,000 isn’t impossible — you just have to know where to look. Whether you’re after a thrilling weekend toy, a practical daily driver with some punch, or a well-rounded SUV, there’s a car out there that will scratch your itch.

A tight budget doesn’t mean you have to settle for something dull. Apart from checking maintenance records and getting a pre-purchase inspection, take a step back and ask yourself: Does this car fit your lifestyle and bring you enjoyment? The right choice should be both a smart investment and something you’ll appreciate whenever you get behind the wheel.