Coupes are loved by people who love speed, power, and good handling. In most cases, coupes are small, with big engines and big wheels, and they make their presence felt with the growl of their big engines.
Let us have a look at some top 10 best sports coupes under $10000.
1. 2006 Mustang GT V6
The Ford Mustang is and was one of America’s bestsellers. The GT ruled the roost in convertibles, winning many awards along the way. The 2-door 4 or 5-seater has adequate dimensions to carry adults and luggage comfortably.
The 2005 model came with a lot of power and technology that set it apart from the competition. It certainly is one of the best sports coupes under 10k.
The 4.6-liter 24-valve V8 in the GT pushes out 300Hp, delivered to the 18-inch wheels rear wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission.
A 5-speed automatic is also available.
The power and transmission combine to carry the GT to 60 mph in just 5.2 seconds, and 100 mph in just 13.2 seconds. The top speed is a safe limit of 140 mph.
The Mustang fuel economy scores 18 mpg combined.
Standard features include keyless entry, air conditioning, CD changer, power windows, doors, and mirrors.
The GT Premium comes with the Shaker 500 Audio system, leather sport bucket seats, anti-lock brakes with traction control, and halogen headlamps with integral turn signals.
Ford’s Personal Safety System takes care of safety with dual-stage driver and front passenger airbags, controlled the electronic system.
Also read: 8 Cars that Look Like Mustangs (But are Cheaper)
2. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Miata is one of the simplest but very practical best sports coupes under 10k. It is not your typical brawny coupe, but one that reaches out to many with its simplicity and enjoyable driving experience.
The 2008 Miata is powered by a 2.0- liter engine with an output of 167 horsepower to the rear wheels. Transmission is a 5 or 6-speed manual or an optional 6-speed automatic with steering-mounted shifters.
With a manual transmission, acceleration to 60 mph can be done in 6.7 seconds.
Fuel economy comes in at an average of 25 mpg for the 5-speed manual, and 23 mpg for the automatic.
Three trims are available. They include the base Sport, Club, and Grand Touring.
The top-trim GT comes with leather upholstery, heated seats, and a 7-speaker Bose audio system. Wheels are 17-inch alloys.
More options are included in various packages.
Depending on mileage, the 2008 MX-5 Miata costs up to $10000.
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3. 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP
The Pontiac Solstice GXP comes with a head-turning exterior design and acceptable road performance, riding on 18-inch wheels. It is a rear-wheel drive with a fully-independent suspension.
The GXP is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with an output of 260 horsepower. Transmission is either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic.
The GXP with the manual box can dash to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
The GXP comes equipped with a limited-slip differential, cruise control, keyless entry, and dual exhausts. The audio system includes satellite radio.
An optional package adds a firmer suspension tuning.
In terms of safety, anti-lock brakes and stability control are optional.
You wouldn’t be wrong to include the Solstice on your list of the best sports coupes under 10k.
4. 2002 BMW Z3 Coupe 3.0i
If you like BMW and power in a small package, the Z3 Coupe is your type of car to try. It has got the looks, and the size to attract a crowd wherever you park it. Needless to say, it is easy to park.
The Z3 comes fitted with a 3.0-liter gasoline engine with an output of 225 horsepower. Transmission is a 5-speed manual or an optional 5-speed Steptronic automatic with manuals shift mode.
The small size and large engine combine to accelerate the Z3 Coupe to 60 mph in just 5.6 seconds. If you want to take the speed further, you are stopped at 155 mph.
The Z3 rides on 17-inch wheels. For driving and handling pleasure, you can enjoy a leather-wrapped M-Technic sport steering wheel, anti-lock brakes, and Dynamic Stability Control, among others.
Also read: BMW Z4: Years to Avoid (and Safe Years to Buy)
5. 2004 Chrysler Crossfire Ltd
The 2004 Chrysler Crossfire was built during the marriage of Chrysler and Daimler. The Crossfire borrowed a lot from the Mercedes SLK with which it shares a platform and many other components and technologies.
The Crossfire is a 3-door, 2-seater, rear-wheel-drive coupe, powered by a 215 horsepower 3.2-liter V6 engine naturally aspirated or supercharged.
Acceleration to 60 mph takes a reasonable 6.8 seconds with the manual transmission, which falls within the range of the best sports coupes under 10k.
The top speed is 129 mph, with a fuel economy of about 23 mpg combined.
Transmission is a standard 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic.
The Crossfire Coupe body rolls on 18-inch front and 19-inch back wheels.
Interior features on the single model include dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, and audio with a CD player.
Safety includes antilock brakes with brake assist, traction, and electronic stability control.
6. 2002 Nissan 350Z
The sporty and stylish Nissan 350Z is a 2-door 2-seater coupe that shares the same platform with the Infiniti G37.
The 350Z comes with a 3.5-liter V6 that packs 287 horsepower, capable of shooting the rear-wheel-drive 350Z to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds. The top speed is 156 mph. This is one the fastest among the best sports coupes under 10k.
The fuel economy averages 24.8 mpg combined.
Transmission is through a standard 6-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic.
You can choose from five models. Features across the trims include automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, antilock, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution for the Base model. The next level Enthusiast trim adds HID headlights, cruise control, and a limited-slip differential.
The top trims ride on 18-inch wheels, and invariably add an upgraded audio system, power and heated seats, and a leather interior.
Standard safety features include front airbags.
The 350Z comes with a big reputation for reliability, with a very durable manual transmission.
Also read: Top 10 Best Sport Sedans Under $10k (with Photos)
7. 2004 Chevrolet CORVETTE C5
The Corvette is one of Chevrolet’s most famous products. The 2-door, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe is powered by a huge 5.7-liter V8 engine with an output of up to 405 horsepower.
Transmission is either a 4-speed automatic or 6-speed manual.
Acceleration performance averages 4.5 seconds for 60 mph for the manual transmission.
Fuel economy ratings come in at 13.2 in city driving, and 8.9 mpg highway for the automatic, whilst for the manual transmissions the figures are 12.3 and 7.7 mpg respectively.
Major features include dual-zone automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, antilock brakes, and traction control.
In terms of reliability, common problems include steering column lock, water leaks in the cabin, and the oil pressure sensor.
8. 2004 BMW E46 M3 Coupe
The 2001 BMW M3 Coupe comes with a 3.2-liter engine that punches out 333 horsepower.
A 6-speed manual or automated manual helped to accelerate the stylish coupe to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds through the 18-inch back wheels.
Further acceleration will limit the coupe to 155 mph.
The fuel economy comes in at a combined 19.8 mpg.
Safety features include Dynamic Stability Control, dual front airbags, rear airbags, and Dynamic brake control.
Xenon headlights are optional.
The much sought-after coupe can be yours for less than $10000.
Also read: BMW E46 M3: Maintenance Costs (Calculation)
9. 2003 Infiniti G35 Sports Coupe
Our ninth vehicle on the list of the best coupes under 10k is the Infiniti G35.
It is powered by a 3.5-liter 280-horsepower V6 mated to a 5-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.
The electronically controlled automatic incorporates manual shift mode and is connected to the rear wheels.
Fuel consumption of 26 mpg city and 18 mpg highway.
0-60mph in about 5.5 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph.
Three models are offered. The base, Coupe Leather 5A/T (automatic), and Coupe Leather 6M/T (manual).
The interior features include cruise control, automatic climate control, and a 6-speaker Bose sound system. Various packages are also available.
Safety features airbags, antilock brakes, traction control, and Electronic Brake Force Distribution.
The Infiniti is considered to be spacious compared to similar coupes.
It is also reputed to be very reliable, scoring highly from satisfied users. Mileages of over 200000 miles are reachable without any major repair outlays.
Major issues that have been cited, however, relate to interior accessories and controls, such as the radio, engine-related such as sensors, and the common electrical malfunctions that are inexpensive to repair.
Expect to pay around $8000 for a fairly good Infiniti G Coupe.
10. 2008 Audi TT 3.2 Quattro
The Audi TT 3.2 is a Quattro all-wheel-drive coupe. The stylish-looking Audi TT could not miss the list of the best sports coupes under 10k, because it is one of the best.
Power comes from a 3.2-liter V6 that produces an exhilarating 250 horsepower. The power thrust the Audi TT to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, with a top speed of 155 mph.
Transmission is a 6-speed manual or 6-speed S-Tronic.
Also read: Are Audi TT Parts Expensive? (12 Examples)
Fuel economy comes in at 18 mpg for city driving and 24 mpg for the highway, using the S-Tronic transmission.
The Audi TT comes with standard 17-inch wheels, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, powered heated front seats as standard.
Options add xenon headlights, Bluetooth, 18-inch wheels, and adjustable suspension dampers.
Standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, side airbags, and stability control.
Interior space is conservative.
Whilst space is for four, you need to consider the rear as decorative or for small people on a short haul.
The TT has the looks and performance, but may not be the best in terms of reliability. Be prepared to spend on fixes for the high mileage Audi TT.
Whichever you choose, you will enjoy the power and handling.
