Sports cars are great for dusting off the stress of a tough week. What can beat a fast blast through the canyon or a cool night on the boulevard with the top down? But sports cars have gained a reputation over the years that they’re finicky, unreliable, beasts that are more trouble to own than they’re worth. Well, these five are here to show you that sports cars (not just sporty ones) can be reliable partners, too.
Audi TT
We’re sad that 2023 is the last year of production for the Audi TT and the even-faster TTS. When the Audi TT debuted 20 years ago, lines were out the door at Audi dealerships for its Concours-ready looks. Today’s TT looks a bit staid in comparison, but it still brings the goods. TTs handle well, because of their small size they get surprisingly good fuel mileage, and the four-cylinder turbo engines will never disappoint. According to insurance rating agency GetJerry, the TT is the most reliable sports car you can buy with a rating of 9.0. The uprated, and much faster, TTS version also makes the list but owners reported more problems and it has a rating of 5.0.
The Audi TT Coupe starts at $52,200.
BMW Z4
The BMW Z4 is a great way to experience a sports car. They’re fun cars that handle great, they’re fast, and in the right hands they can turn a serpentine mountain road into a smooth cruising experience. To some the Z4 looks weird, but to others they’re the last of a dying breed of powerful front-engined convertibles that hark back to the glory days of sports cars.
GetJerry says the cars have a reliability score of 8.4. A new Z4 starts at $65,300 but watch out for options that can add thousands to the bottom line quickly.
Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata has become the car-guy answer to the question of “What sports car should I buy?” Miatas are not fast, though they’re not slow either. They’re fun, cute, great on gas, and high on thrills. These little two-seaters are the best modern interpretation of a real sports car with a high-revving four-cylinder, top-down style and fun, and they’re not super expensive, either.
A new Miata will set you back about $27,000, or up to $35,000 in premium trim. It gets a reliability score of 8.3. Unlike other cars on this list, mechanics have been servicing MX-5s for years and know all the ways to keep these fun cars on the road.
Nissan 370Z
The Nissan 370Z disappeared in 2022 and was replaced by the 2023 Nissan Z. GetJerry rated the 370 Z with a reliability score of 6.6. The sheer numbers of Nissan 370Zs on the road tell you something: they’re quick, comfortable, and fun sports cars. They’re not, though, particularly nice inside. The interior is full of cheap-feeling plastics, and acres of it. But, these cars are made for fun and they do deliver that.
You may find a newer used 370Z for sale, but be prepared to pay more than $35,000 for a nice one. Though with a little hunting you can find a clean, fun, 2009 (the debut year) for about $15,000.
Porsche 911
The Porsche 911 stands tall as the most reliable sports car you can buy. According to the insurance rating agency Get Jerry, it has the best reliability score of any sports car with a rating of 4.9. That rating, combined with the Porsche 911’s legendary handling and overall goodness, make it seem like a bargain. How can you pass up a four-seat coupe (there really are two tiny back seats in the 911) that can hang with the best in the world and sounds glorious while doing it?
Of course the 911 has its flaws: it’s low, it’s expensive to fix, and mostly, it’s expensive to buy. The 2023 911 Carrera starts at a staggering $114,400. Targa and all-wheel drive versions can run you more than $170,000. But, you’re likely to be driving this sports car more than others.
