10 Sporty First Cars for Less Than $10,000

Kelley Blue Book Value: $6,914
Engine: 1.6-liter 4-cylinder VTEC
Transmission: 5-Speed
Miles: 80,000

The Honda Civic is one of the stereotypical suggestions for a first car, but don't roll your eyes. It's often picked for good reason. It's got a tough little four-banger, it's not too shabby looking, it's highly customizable (if you're into import tuners), and it's good on gas. Make it the Si trim, and you've got a sporty little coupe that'll make you stand out from the rest of the Civics in that dreaded traffic trap of a high school parking lot.

Kelley Blue Book Value: $8,174
Engine: 4.6-liter V8
Transmission: 5-Speed
Miles: 70,000

There's no way we could make this list and leave off the good ol' Mustang. The signature Ford sports car is seen in packs among high school groups and is a great entry-level vehicle to start learning about American muscle. This year's GT produced 260 horsepower, good for 0-60 in six seconds, so it's enough to get you into a little bit of trouble (or escape it), depending how you drive.

Kelley Blue Book Value: $9,513
Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder
Transmission: 6-Speed
Miles: 80,000

It's hard not to have a blast in a six-speed, rear-wheel-drive convertible, which is exactly what the MX-5 offers. Don't listen to the no-headers-on-their-cars-so-they-sound-really-loud bros that tell you the Miata is a girls car. They've clearly never driven one and don't know shit about cars. If you're still looking for a little more power, you could go with the '04 MazdaSpeed, the first turbo Miata. That will definitely put you over the $10K budget, but maybe by following these tips to talk down the car dealer, you can work out a deal.

Kelley Blue Book Value: $8,339
Engine: 3.5-liter V6
Transmission: 5-Speed
Miles: 70,000

We knew a kid that had one of these, and he absolutely loved it. It's comfortable, it's Nissan's upper-level sedan, it's big enough to haul all your friends around, and they're pretty sturdy.

Kelley Blue Book Value: $8,174
Engine: 2.7-liter V6
Transmission: 5-Speed
Miles: 60,000

The second-generation Tiburon is a bit of a forgotten car. Or, maybe it was never even remembered in the first place. It came after Hyundai broke into the sports car market with the weird-looking first-gen Tib, but was also before Hyundai really took off and started to take hold in America. Regardless, you can get a newer car with fewer miles, if you go with the car less travelled. With its 172hp engine and smooth five-speed trans, you won't be able to blow anybody away, but it'll still be a relatively exciting car to drive around town.

Kelley Blue Book Value: $4,177
Engine: 1.8-liter 4-cylinder VTEC
Transmission: 5-Speed
Miles: 100000

The Integra is basically a dressed-up Civic. It runs on a reliable Honda VTEC engine (hence, why you will still be fine with getting a car with 100,000 miles or more on it) but has a little bit more sportiness to it. The 5-speed GS-R is a really quick little coupe and is a perfect first car to learn stick with.

Kelley Blue Book Value: $8,691
Engine: 3.2-liter V6
Transmission: 5-Speed
Miles: 80,000

Some might be surprised that you can get a Caddy for less than $9,000, but the CTS is a great first ride, if you're looking for a little more spacious four-door. The CTS was the beginning of a cool new wave for Cadillac that left the "old people cars" notion out back with the scrap metal. Plus, with a more sophisticated sporty look, you might catch the eye of that fine ass sociology teacher from third period.

Kelley Blue Book Value: Estimated Cost at Less Than $10,000
Engine: 5.0-liter V8
Transmission: Automatic
Miles: 100,000+

We're using the '85 Monte as a general umbrella for a beginner's project car. Chances are you will not be able to find an '85 SS in great shape, so there's going to need to be some work done. Whether it's a Monte Carlo, a '69 Dodge Charger, or a '79 Chevy El Camino, those kids that took their first drive down the block at age 10 and have been watching their dad fix mom's car since they were allowed in the garage are going to want a car they can build up. Something they can learn from. Although it will cost you some cash in the long run, you should be able to find a decent project for less than 10 G's. Your second purchase? An OEM manual for the car.

Kelley Blue Book Value: $9,485
Engine: 4.0-liter V6
Transmission: 5-Speed
Miles: 70,000

On the higher end of the $10K budget is a '98 Wrangler, a vehicle that will tell all the ladies at high school, "I don't need all that luxury flash like those phonies. I rip tree stumps out of the ground and build sheds for fun." Okay, maybe that's specific to our experiences, but you get the point. Plus, there's absolutely nothing better than a beach day in a doorless Jeep. Just trust us when we say beware of the sand swirls on the highway. BEWARE OF THE SAND SWIRLS.

Kelley Blue Book Value: $7,523
Engine: 5.7-liter V8
Transmission: 6-Speed
Miles: 80,000

It's hard to beat the sports appeal value of a T-Top Z28 at seven-and-a-half grand. It's an extremely fun and powerful ride that has a high cool factor without everybody thinking that your parents gifted you a brand new sports coupe. Although it won't be easy on the pocketbook regarding gas and insurance, the smile you'll notice on your face every time you step into your sweet American ride makes it worth it.