Top 5 Affordable Used Supercars: Exceptional Finds Under $30,000

For many used car enthusiasts, the allure of owning a supercar is often a distant dream, primarily due to their steep prices. However, the automotive market presents a niche where the exhilaration of driving a high-performance vehicle aligns with affordability. This expanded guide explores ten remarkable supercars you can own for under $30,000, a price point that brings the thrill of supercar ownership within reach.

Each model selected for this list promises not only thrilling performance but also exceptional value, making them ideal for those who aspire to experience the unique blend of speed, style, and prestige that supercars offer without the usual financial constraints.

5. 2014 Maserati GranTurismo Sport

Used Price: $28,895

2014 Maserati GranTurismo Sport – With a price of around $28,895, this Maserati model offers a blend of Italian design and engineering. Located in West Palm Beach, FL, it has covered 75,923 miles.

The 2014 Maserati GranTurismo Sport is an exemplary showcase of Italian craftsmanship, merging luxurious design with exhilarating performance. At the heart of this vehicle lies a potent 4.7-liter V8 engine, capable of delivering an impressive 454 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 384 lb-ft of torque at 4,750 rpm. This powertrain is coupled with an automatic transmission featuring overdrive, which contributes to a smooth and responsive driving experience. The rear-wheel drive setup of the GranTurismo Sport ensures a traditional sports car feel, characterized by agile handling and a dynamic road presence.

In terms of suspension, the car is equipped with a double wishbone setup at both the front and rear, enhancing the vehicle’s superior ride quality and handling. The GranTurismo Sport’s exterior design is both elegant and aggressive. Measuring 192.2 inches in length with a wheelbase of 115.8 inches and a width of 75.4 inches, it presents a low and commanding stance with a height of 53.3 inches. The car rides on standard 20-inch Astro Design wheels in silver, complemented by Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tires that ensure excellent grip and handling. Stylistically, the vehicle features a body-colored rear bumper, light-tinted glass, rocker panel extensions, and LED brake lights, with a front design includes a black grille and projector beam high intensity, auto-leveling, and directionally adaptive headlamps.

Inside, the GranTurismo Sport is a haven of luxury and comfort. It comfortably seats four, providing ample interior space with considerable headroom and legroom. The front headroom measures 39.0 inches, while the rear offers 35.8 inches, catering well to taller passengers. The interior is adorned with Poltrona Frau leather seat trim, heated sport bucket seats with driver’s side memory, and a power tilt/telescoping steering column. The car is also equipped with modern conveniences like an integrated navigation system with voice activation and standard features such as cruise control and air filtration.

Pros

• Comfort and Space: The vehicle is noted for its comfortable seating, including a rear seat that is comfortable for adults, which is a standout feature compared to some rivals.
• Amenities: It comes with a range of desirable amenities, including adaptive headlights, Brembo brakes, an adaptive suspension, leather upholstery, heated front seats, satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, and a navigation system.
• Reliability: Several users have reported high reliability and satisfaction with the vehicle.

Cons

• Cost and Depreciation: Some users feel the car is overpriced and depreciates rapidly.
  Average Performance: A user noted that its performance, while good, might not match up to other cars in the same segment, like the Corvette ZO6.
• Outdated Interior: The interior design, while luxurious, has been described as somewhat outdated by a few reviewers.
• Maintenance Costs: Concerns about potentially high maintenance costs have been expressed, although one user noted that many maintenance tasks can be done individually.

4. 2012 Maserati GranTurismo Base

Used Price: $29,995

Priced around $29,995 and located in Wayne, MI, this car has 22,755 miles on the clock, presenting an appealing combination of modern Italian design and engineering.

The 2012 GranTurismo features a robust 4.7-liter V-8 engine. In its base form, this engine produces 433 horsepower, while in the MC coupe and Sport convertible versions, it delivers 444 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain demonstrates Maserati’s commitment to providing responsive and exhilarating performance. The GranTurismo coupe can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 5 seconds, with a top speed of 177 mph. This impressive performance is further enhanced in the MC variant, which can reach up to 185 mph, making it the fastest in the current Maserati production lineup at the time​.

The vehicle comes equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission that includes four operating modes and paddle shifters. One of GranTurismo’s key advantages is the front-mid mounting of its engine, which ensures balanced weight distribution and sharp turn-in responses. This setup contributes to the car’s agile handling without compromising occupant comfort. The interior of the GranTurismo is a testament to luxury, featuring high-quality leather and wood with chrome accents on the dashboard. It offers comfortable seating for four, with Maserati claiming that two adults can fit comfortably in the backseat. The attention to detail and quality of materials like leather and wood exemplify Maserati’s craftsmanship.

The GranTurismo also features a navigation system with a 7-inch screen and a hard drive for storing music. Rear parking sensors come standard, and there are numerous interior material options, including Alcantara simulated-suede headliners and wood trim. This combination of technology and luxury features makes the interior both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

In collaboration with Italian design studio Pininfarina, Maserati crafted the GranTurismo with a distinctive style. The car features a wide oval grille, a long nose, and a short rear deck, creating a sleek and road-hugging profile. The GranTurismo’s exterior is marked by 19-inch wheels (with 20-inch options available), three air inlets behind the front fender, and unique aerodynamic bodywork on the GranTurismo MC. The 2012 GranTurismo is equipped with antilock brakes, an electronic stability system, and front- and side-impact airbags, ensuring a high level of safety for its occupants.

The GranTurismo offers a balance between sporty responsiveness and ride comfort. It is adept at long-distance cruising, providing a quiet and comfortable ride, even with its performance-oriented setup. The American-spec MC variant is tailored for daily use, offering a blend of sex appeal, surreal exhaust notes, and sufficient comfort for long trips.

Pros

• Design and Style: The GranTurismo is praised for its sleek exterior design and luxurious interior, with a focus on comfort and aesthetics​​.
• Handling and Drive Experience: Users have reported the car to be very comfortable for a sports car and fun to drive. It’s also noted for its great exhaust sound​​.
• Reliability: Many users have expressed satisfaction with the reliability of the 2012 GranTurismo, considering it a dependable vehicle.

Cons

• Performance Concerns: Despite its high horsepower, some users have found the car’s performance lacking in certain aspects, such as low-end torque and overall acceleration compared to other sports cars.
• Maintenance and Cost: High maintenance and the cost of ownership have been cited as drawbacks.
• Practicality Issues: Due to its racing lineage and design considerations, the trunk space is somewhat limited, especially in the MC Stradale version, which is reduced to just 6.2 cubic feet.

3. 2011 Maserati GranTurismo S Automatic

Used Price: $29,400

Available in Moonachie, NJ, this car, with 39,228 miles, is listed at around $29,400. It’s a suitable choice for enthusiasts seeking a mix of luxury and sportiness.

The GranTurismo S Automatic is powered by a Ferrari-derived 4.7-liter V-8 engine, delivering 433 horsepower. This engine is coupled with a 6-speed automatic transmission, offering a balance of power and smooth gear changes up to 7200 rpm. The car’s rear-wheel drive system and a turning radius of 17.5 feet add to its agility and sporty driving characteristics. Maserati claims the GranTurismo can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in about 5 seconds, indicating strong performance capabilities. The model features a fixed-setting suspension with stiffer dampeners and a thicker rear anti-roll bar, enhancing its dynamic handling and stability.

The interior offers a seating capacity for four, with a front headroom of 40 inches and a rear headroom of 34 inches. The luggage capacity stands at 9.2 cubic feet, emphasizing the car’s blend of practicality and luxury. The GranTurismo’s interior is highly customizable, offering a choice of six dashboard colors, new leather hues, and new wood and leather steering wheel options. Maserati’s focus on luxury is evident in the high-quality materials used in the cabin, including leather, wood, and chrome accents. The GranTurismo S Automatic also offers a wide range of technological features, enhancing both the driver and passenger experience.

The GranTurismo is a product of a collaboration with the renowned Italian design house Pininfarina. It measures 197.7 inches in length, 75.4 inches in width, and 53.3 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 115.8 inches. The design includes sporty, darker headlight surrounds and aerodynamic extensions at the front end, contributing to its sleek and eye-catching appearance. Equipped with 20-inch wheels for models with the 4.7-liter engine, the GranTurismo S presents an imposing stance. Its aerodynamic design includes a long nose and a short rear deck, enhancing its visual appeal and performance efficiency. The GranTurismo features six airbags, a brake assist system, electronic brake force distribution, and the Maserati Stability Program. These features work together to ensure a high level of safety for the vehicle’s occupants.

Pros

• Stunning Design: The GranTurismo, designed by Pininfarina, is celebrated for its eye-catching and alluring aesthetics, which compete favorably with luxury cars like the Mercedes-Benz SL.
• Ferrari-Derived Engine: It features a Ferrari-derived V8 engine, with the GranTurismo S model boosting horsepower to 434 from 399, providing impressive performance​​.
• Customizable Interior: The interior is highly customizable, offering a range of options in dashboard colors, leather hues, wood and leather steering wheel, and trim.
• Comfortable and Practical: The GranTurismo S is known for its comfortable ride, practical back seat, and overall luxurious interior.
• Strong Performance and Handling: It offers a grand touring experience with robust performance, including a powerful V-8 engine and enhanced handling due to its rearward weight bias​​.

Cons

• Transmission and Gearbox Issues: The six-speed ZF automatic transmission is criticized for being sluggish, with delayed gear changes.
• Maintenance and Reliability Concerns: Maintenance costs can be high, and there are reports of occasional oil leaks and electrical issues.
• Interior Design Quirks: Some users find the interior design lacking in certain aspects, such as non-supportive seats and lower-quality materials in specific areas.
• Performance Limitations: While good, its performance does not match that of pure sports cars, partly due to its heavier weight.

2. 2006 Aston Martin DB9 Volante

Used Price: $29,950

This elegant British sports car, found in Marina Del Rey, CA, is priced at about $29,950. With 58,779 miles, it’s a compelling option for those seeking a balance of luxury and performance.

At its core, the DB9 Volante is powered by a 6.0-liter V-12 engine, producing a robust 450 horsepower and 420 pounds-feet of torque. This powerplant is paired with a ZF six-speed automatic transmission, featuring intuitive buttons for Drive, Park, Neutral, and Reverse, along with a Touchtronic manual mode for gear changes using paddles behind the steering wheel. A conventional Graziano six-speed manual gearbox is also available. This setup allows the DB9 Volante to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, showcasing its impressive performance capabilities​​.

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The DB9 Volante’s exterior is characterized by its long aluminum hood, positioned above Aston Martin’s iconic grille, and side strakes on the front quarter panels. Its body panels are crafted from aluminum or lightweight composites, with magnesium used for the steering column and inner doorframes. The car’s rear haunches are wide and curvaceous, adding to its distinctive profile. Additionally, the Volante’s fabric top, which folds under a hard tonneau cover, is well-insulated, featuring a heated rear window and twin roll-hoops for safety. The design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, balancing performance with the elegance for which Aston Martin is renowned.

Inside, the DB9 Volante offers 2+2 seating adorned with Bridge of Weir leather and available walnut, mahogany, or bamboo wood trim, enhancing its luxurious feel. The car starts with the press of a clear glass button, and its tachometer dial runs counterclockwise with a unique red warning symbol that appears at various engine speeds. The British firm Linn developed the 950-watt sound system, adding to the car’s high-quality interior experience. However, the rear headroom and legroom are limited, making the back seats more suitable for occasional use or storage rather than regular passenger seating.

The DB9 Volante excels in handling, maintaining a strong grip through swift curves, and offering a civilized driving experience. The car’s V-12 generates a rich exhaust sound, and gear changes are smooth, whether using the dashboard selector buttons, steering-wheel paddles, or automatic mode. Despite some limitations in rear visibility and space, the front compartment provides a roomy and comfortable experience. For safety, the DB9 comes with all-disc antilock brakes, electronic brake-force distribution, brake assist, seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and Dynamic Stability Control as standard features.

Pros

• Eye-catching Design: The DB9 Volante is highly attractive, drawing attention from a wide range of audiences. It is considered one of the best-looking convertibles on the market.
• Impressive Performance: Equipped with a 6.0-liter, 444-horsepower V-12 engine, it offers robust performance with a top speed of 180 mph and acceleration to 60 mph in under five seconds.
• Advanced Engineering: The car features an extruded aluminum spaceframe, cast aluminum, and magnesium components, ensuring a high-quality build.
• Exquisite Sound: The DB9 Volante’s V-12 engine produces one of the best exhaust notes in its class.

Cons

• Reduced Rigidity: The convertible design compromises torsional rigidity compared to the coupe version, impacting handling and ride quality​.
• Harsher Ride: On uneven roads, the ride can be harsh, affecting comfort and the car’s sophisticated image​.
• Increased Weight: The necessary structural reinforcements add about 100 pounds compared to the coupe, slightly affecting performance and fuel economy​.
• Interior Noise: With the roof up, wind noise levels are higher than expected for a car with grand touring aspirations​.

1. 2005 Bentley Continental GT Turbo

Used Price: $29,995

With 90,770 miles, this car is priced near $29,995 and is located in Birmingham, AL.

The heart of the Continental GT Turbo is a twin-turbocharged 6,0-liter W12 engine, a configuration that essentially combines two V6 engines. This setup enables the car to produce a formidable 552 horsepower and 479 foot-pounds of torque. It shares some of its drivetrain elements with the Audi A8, but Bentley has fine-tuned it for greater power and performance. The car features a six-speed automatic transmission with a semi-manual mode with paddle shifters, offering a flexible driving experience. All-wheel drive is standard, enhancing the car’s handling and stability. The Continental GT Turbo can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and it can complete a quarter mile in 12.9 seconds at 109.7 mph. Its top speed is nearly 200 mph, making it one of the fastest luxury cars of its time.

The interior of the Continental GT Turbo is a haven of luxury. It features a sensuously styled cabin with exceptional fit and finish, including gleaming brightwork, lustrous veneers, and rich leather upholstery. The overall effect is one of opulent comfort and exclusivity. Despite its luxurious appointments, the interior is surprisingly intimate, with limited rear-seat room, especially when taller individuals occupy the front seats. However, this snugness adds to the car’s exclusive feel, focusing on driver and front passenger comfort. The Continental GT Turbo, designed by Belgian chief designer Dirk van Braeckel, features a refined and elegant exterior that is both modern and reminiscent of Bentley’s classic design elements. The car’s massive construction contributes to its quiet and smooth ride. It weighs 5319 pounds, giving it a solid and substantial feel on the road.

The Continental GT Turbo drives with remarkable smoothness and offers an “otherworldly” level of refinement. Its power delivery is effortless and continuous, providing an exhilarating yet composed driving experience. The car’s handling is characterized by liberal understeer and deliberate responsiveness, appropriate for a luxury vehicle of its size and weight. With such power, the Continental GT Turbo is not particularly fuel-efficient. It requires premium gasoline and has an EPA rating of 11 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway. A weekend of mixed driving can result in fuel consumption of about 10.8 mpg. The Continental GT Turbo comes equipped with a full complement of safety features, including electronic stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes with brakeforce distribution, brake assist, and curtain airbags for all passengers.

Pros

• Luxurious Interior: The Continental GT’s cabin is praised for its high-quality materials, including real wood, leather, and machined aluminum, offering a sense of luxury and elegance​​.
• Impressive Performance: The car is powered by a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12 engine, producing 551 horsepower. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and its performance is often compared to that of a jet, with smooth and linear acceleration​​.
• Quiet and Smooth Ride: Despite its high performance, the Continental GT provides a refined and quiet ride, effectively isolating passengers from road noise and vibrations.

Cons

• Shared Architecture with VW Phaeton: The Continental GT shares its basic architecture with the VW Phaeton, including the suspension setup and some interior components. This has led to perceptions of compromised exclusivity and some criticisms of its design.
• Lack of Agility: Weighing over 5,000 pounds, the Continental GT has been described as lacking agility, particularly in cornering and direction changes, due to its massive construction and weight​​.
• Interior Space Limitations: While the interior is luxurious, there are some practical limitations, including major sight blockages to the rear and limited rear-seat room, especially when front seats are occupied by taller individuals.