Test drive: 2022 Toyota GR 86
The 2022 Toyota GR 86 is the third generation of a surprising sports car survivor. Fox News Autos Editor Gary Gastelu takes it to the track to find out why.
It’s a seller’s market, but buyers looking for a fun car still have a chance.
Prices for new and used vehicles have hit record levels this year amid the ongoing parts and supply issues caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The average price paid for a new model was over $40,000 in September and most used ones were selling for more than $30,000.
Those figures cover the full span of vehicles, from subcompacts to full-size trucks, but, believe it or not, there are still a few sports cars that start at less than the average price of a pre-owned ride.
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Toyota just announced the base price for the 2022 GR86 at $28,695, and its not even the cheapest one available. Here’s a look at the five lowest-priced sports cars you can buy today, with “sports car” defined in this case as a rear-wheel-drive two-door that offers a manual transmission.
The Subaru BRZ is essentially the same car as the Toyota GR86, but with a slightly different attitude. Both of the lightweight 2+2 coupes are powered by a 228 hp 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder from the Subaru parts bin, but the BRZ is tuned to ride and handle more like a GT than a track car.
The GR86 comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and cloth upholstery that makes it the perfect template for tuners to go to work on.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost: $28,400
The Mustang may be better suited for a V8, but the EcoBoost’s 310 hp turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder makes it the muscle car of this bunch.
Mazda MX-5 Miata: $27,825
The Miata has been the quintessential affordable sports car for over three decades and the latest version continues the tradition with its tiny, two-seat convertible body and peppy 181 hp 2.0-liter four cylinder engine.
Chevrolet Camaro: $26,195
The Camaro battles the Mustang for pony car supremacy with a 275 hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, but it hasn’t helped in the sales race, where the Mustang lineup leads the Camaro’s by over 2.5 to one.