If you’re a car enthusiast Down Under, with a whopping budget of $100,000 burning a hole in your pocket, then you’re in the right place!
Australia is a land of open roads, winding highways, and breathtaking coastal drives, making it the perfect playground for sports car aficionados like you and I.
Whether you’re craving the thrill of the track or the joy of cruising scenic routes, the Australian automotive market has hidden gems to satiate your desires.
Let’s explore the best sports cars under $100,000 in Australia, so you can make an informed choice and hit the road in style. From sleek European marvels to roaring American muscle, we’ve got the inside scoop on the top picks which will make your heart race without breaking the bank.
So, fasten your seatbelt and get ready for a thrilling ride through the world of affordable sports cars in Australia!
#10 Subaru WRX STI
Price Range: Starting at $51,290
The Subaru WRX STI combines rally-inspired performance with everyday practicality. With its turbocharged engine, all-wheel drive, and iconic wing, it offers an exciting driving experience. They’ve been a rally icon for decades, and are hands down one of the best, most affordable drivers cars for way under $100k.
I’m old enough to remember the first WRX hitting the streets, and what an awesome beast it was. It could out perform and out corner pretty much all other cars on Australian roads under a few hundred grand. Just like the Mitsubishi EVO, it offered normies like us an affordable sports car which was arguably more enjoyable to drive than some super cars.
In fact the only car the WRX struggled to out-corner was my JDM Honda CRX siR on OZ Racing Coilovers, much to the dismay of one WRX owner who tried his best.
#9 Mazda MX-5 (Miata)
Price Range: Starting at $36,790
The Mazda MX-5, often referred to as the Miata, is a lightweight and agile roadster. It’s a pure, unadulterated driving machine, perfect for those who love the thrill of an open-top ride.
For those who don’t know any better, they may assume the owner of an MX-5 cuts hair for a living, but in 2023 there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, and it’s totally not true – people who care about hairstyles don’t drive convertibles.
You still see the old pop-up headlight MX-5s around, and the reason for that is they’re f*cking fantastic drivers cars.
The best thing about the MX-5 is how great they look in a set of OZ Racing ULTRALEGGERA rims in white.
Don’t believe me?
Feast your eyes:
#8 Ford Mustang
Price Range: Starting at $62,990
The Ford Mustang is an American icon known for its powerful V8 engine and unmistakable style. It’s a muscle car that delivers an exhilarating blend of speed and nostalgia, and you’ll know this from how many times they feature in Hollywood films. It’s a car Nick Cage would drive, so be the Aussie Nick Cage.
#7 Audi S3
Price Range: Starting at $64,400
Yes, I know you’re wondering why I haven’t mentioned the RS3, also under $100k in Australia.
The reason is practicality.
The RS models have always been awesome, but sometimes there’s too much of a good thing. It’s like having a prime juicy steak in the fridge and not being allowed to eat it. That’s the problem with Aussie speed limits, traffic lights, and general lack of twisty roads. Fine if you live next to Bathurst, but for daily driving the RS models are a case of over-expenditure most of the time.
The Audi S3 offers is a much more practical daily, and still a noteworthy sports car in it’s own right. The S3 is a blend of luxury and performance.
The turbocharged engine and Quattro all-wheel drive system gives you a spirited driving experience in a compact package, whether you’re going to work or going to Coles.
Admittedly the turbocharged engines are not as cool as the earlier V8s in the S range such as the S4, but we need to save the planet (apparently) and these new gen smaller-engined turbocharged Audi’s are still as exhilarating.
Trust me, my mate Matt has one, and he scares my tits off when he drives me to work.
The Audi S3 is an excellent, very well engineered German beast, and at that prices saves you money for a nice fishing boat for when you want to calm down.
#6 BMW 2 Series Coupe
Price Range: Starting at $52,000
The BMW 2 Series Coupe is a small sports car that packs a punch. It offers precise handling and a range of potent engines, making it a true driver’s car. No matter what you think about salesman, our German friends know how to nail performance and handling with their cars, and the 2 Series Coupe is a fine example. If it’s not for you, pick one of the others and buy this for your wife.
#5 Chevrolet Camaro
Price Range: Starting at $86,990
The Chevrolet Camaro brings American muscle to Australian roads. With a V8 engine and bold styling, it offers plenty of power and presence. Forget Ford and Holden, the Chevy Camaro is a lot of car for the money, and a lot of noise to boot.
#4 Porsche 718 Cayman
Price Range: Starting at $116,600 (with options under $100k)
The Porsche 718 Cayman is a well-balanced, mid-engine sports car known for its superb handling and responsive engines.
While it starts just above $100k, you can find options that fit the budget. Don’t worry about the close relationship the Cayman has to the Boxster, they’re different beasts. I know, because my last car was a Cayman S 987.2 (also under $100k second hand).
#3 Nissan 370Z
Price Range: Starting at $49,990
I’m old enough to remember the 350Z being released. Even the 80s icon the 300ZX for that matter, and the 280Z is one of my all time favourite cars, ever. The Nissan 370Z is a classic JDM sports car with a V6 engine which delivers an exciting driving experience. It’s known for its sharp handling and distinctive styling, and is hands down a great choice under $100k.
#2 Toyota GR Supra
Price Range: Starting at $87,126
The Toyota GR Supra is a collaboration between Toyota and BMW, resulting in a sports car with a turbocharged inline-six engine. It offers a blend of performance, style, and refinement.
The original Supra was known for it’s brutish acceleration (and lets be honest, thirst for petrol) being as fast as a 911 for much less $. Cornering was a bit more of an issue, but not for Aussie city dwellers.
The beauty of the GR Supra is there aren’t many around, so it’s a cert as a future classic. Less than $100k and money well spent!
#1 Volkswagen Golf R
Price Range: Starting at $56,990
Topping our list is the Volkswagen Golf R. It’s a hot hatch that combines practicality with exhilarating performance. With all-wheel drive and a potent turbocharged engine, it’s a fantastic value for money. One of the original hot hatches, fast Golfs have always been in fashion, and have always been loved – for good reason. Like those boxy Golfs from the 80s, you know the Golf R is a future sports classic, and at that price you could probably stretch to two.
These sports cars under $100,000 offer a range of driving experiences, from raw power to precision handling, ensuring there’s something for every enthusiast in Australia.
Some are so far under $100k you can buy one for your wife as well.
Got something else in mind? Prove us wrong – that’s what the comments section is for!
I came across this website by chance thanks to Google. I was curious to see what other people think about best cars under $120,000. I think you got most of them right. But for me the obvious omission is the Honda Type R which you left off the list. IMHO better than the Golf R (though that is an excellent car too). The Hyundai i20N/i30N and Corolla/Yaris GR are also contenders. Also, nothing wrong with the Porsche Boxter. It is every bit as good as a Cayman. Incidentally I had oz racing wheels on an Audi A4 many years ago. They looked amazing. That MX5 looks fantastic in your photo
Thanks Steve, yes some great suggestions and you’re right about the new Type R – I’ve owned numerous Honda Type R (Integra DC2) and the original VTEC Civics and CRXs so know how great these Hondas are.