If we had to describe a rear-wheel drive car in three words, they would be FUN, PASSION, and DRIFT.
Let's face it; not everyone is a fan of front-wheel drive. In fact, one of the chief complaints I've heard over the years is that "front-wheel drives understeer." Therefore, most front-wheel drive cars can not bring you a good driving experience, especially driving on continuous curves! On the other hand, rear-wheel-drive cars are known for their legendary handling and, as any J-turn aficionado will tell you (I just made that up by the way), you get the best driving experience when your drive a car with rear-wheel drive.
We all enjoy driving, but if you are like me, you might not have the money to buy a new rear-drive car. So what can you do? Well, there are many alternative solutions that fit a budget; although they may be a little old, they still provide decent driving pleasure!
Here's a list of the ten best rear-drive cars (in the US) you can get for under $12,000.
The Z3 is essentially a Mazda Miata with a more premium badge and a good powertrain. But back in 1996, when the first-generation BMW Z3 debuted, they were very unreliable. As a result, prices plummeted in the used market. Now you can buy a good-condition Z3 for only about $5,000!
The Z3 is one of BMW’s last analog sports cars. That means it has great handling and a fun-to-drive nature, but you’ll have to put extra money into repairs and maintenance because it’s not as durable as newer models. However, as long as you buy a Z3 in good condition, it will be a great bang for your buck, considering its low price right now.
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The Pontiac Solstice is known as the American Miata, as it’s Pontiac’s first two-seater since the 1988 Pontiac Fiero. The Solstice is an underrated RWD convertible that went unnoticed by many simply due to the brand’s declining popularity and image at that time. But it has a wonderful 2.4-liter Ecotec engine that puts out 177 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque.
On the road, it feels like a go-kart with its easy handling, good weight balance, and comfortable ride. Of course, not everyone will appreciate how it looks, but if you don’t mind that, you can get one of these for about $6,000 and enjoy yourself.
The 2002 Pontiac Firebird WS6 is an underrated muscle car and one of the most underrated Pontiacs ever made. Its 5.7-liter LS1 V8 engine, a Borg-Warner six-speed manual transmission, and 305 hp make for great performance figures, including a 0-60 time of under six seconds (5 seconds), and it can complete the quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds.
They're also cheaper than we expect new, with some models costing as little as $7,000. Moreover, they have some cool design features like pop-up headlights and a convertible roof. So open the roof up, jam the throttle, spin the wheels, and have some fun!
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The Miata has been around since 1989, and there are more than a million of them on the road today. You can get any generation of the Miata from the used market. They're all great RWD sports cars. However, the first-gen NA Miatas are getting more appreciation with time, so their prices are constantly increasing.
The second-and third-generation Miatas are still very affordable, so affordability will not be an issue. In addition, mechanics who work on cars tend to be familiar with Miata. The Miata's a safe and easy choice for those who want to drive something fun but practical.
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The Mazda RX8 is a great car. It sounds fantastic, and it looks great, too. It's comfortable for a sports car and fun to drive. The reliability is below average but not terrible, which is why we only recommend this car for people who are willing to put up with some repairs.
You can get a well-maintained RX-8 for less than $6,000. You can use the remaining money on engine upgrades or even install an LS V8 or UZ V8 engine, and voilà! The front mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive powertrain and its charming looks provide you with an enjoyable favorable ride.
You’ll find some real sleepers in this list. The Lexus IS220 is one of them. On paper, it doesn’t look like much, but once you experience the hidden beast beneath its hood, you’ll realize it was worth including on this list.
Do you remember the legendary 2JZ engine that powered the Toyota Supra? Well, this ordinary-looking family car has got one of those engines. Along with the bullet-proof engine and massive power, you also get Lexus’s standard reliability and affordability. We think it's a complete package!
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The 240SX used to be the go-to budget Nissan sports car for enthusiasts. But its increasing popularity and limited availability rendered it no longer affordable. But worry not because the 350Z has now taken its spot. For those looking to experience the thrill of driving a Japanese sports car, the 350Z is now an affordable option.
The 350Z is a very reliable sports car that has a forgiving chassis and driving dynamics. The potent 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engine makes more than 300 hp, so that it can handle some basic performance mods or tuning. You can find a great used 350Z for less than $10,000.
The MR2 became an instant classic when it arrived in 1984. It was the first mid-engined Japanese production car, and this novel configuration gave it superb handling. In its final generation, launched in 1999, it was so good that it was often compared to the Lotus Elise.
The MR2 Spyder, like the Elise, is not a very practical car. It does not have much storage space, and the trunk is shallow. However, it makes up for its shortcomings by being a fun-to-drive roadster that is perfect for curvy roads or track days. You can find many MR2 Spyders under $10,000 on the used market.
Don't let this car pass you by. This is one of the best deals on the used market right now. The M3 E36 has been an amazing sports car since its debut. It’s powerful, appealing, and easy to work on. Some might even say it’s a perfect project car!
The E36 has a 3-liter I6 that makes 240 hp and around 230 lb-ft of torque. That power is plenty to have fun with, whether you're cruising or carving corners. BMW aimed for more comfort with the E36, so it's just as great for long trips as it is for weekend track days. The best part? You can have one for about $10,000-$11,000!
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When we ask car buffs to name Nissan's best sports cars, they'll probably mention the GT-R, Skyline series, 350Z, and 370Z. Some might also include Silvia, 240Z, and the 240SX. However, few will remember the 1991 300ZX – one of the finest JDM cars ever built.
The 3-liter 6-cylinder engine made 222 hp and sent all the power to the rear wheels, giving the driver a ride like no other. For about $12,000 or less, you can have it all. But if you managed to find a twin-turbo model, it would cost more, but you'd get 300 hp with an underrated look and big power.
RELATED: Here Are 10 Cheap JDM Cars: Drift, Thrills & Reliability
| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Volkswagen |
Germany |
| #2 |  Toyota |
Japan |
| #3 |  Stellantis |
Netherlands |
| #4 |  Mercedes-Benz Group |
Germany |
| #5 |  Ford Motor |
United States |
| Rank | Company | Country |
|---|---|---|
| #1 |  Michelin |
France |
| #2 |  Bridgestone |
Japan |
| #3 |  Continental |
Germany |
| #4 |  Goodyear |
United States |
| #5 |  Sumitomo |
Japan |
