Fastest cars under $30k– Can you believe it? Me neither, but it is true.
Buying a vehicle is an expensive affair, especially if you are one of those people who crave speedy rides with top advanced features.
When it comes to finding a car with thrilling speed, one may have to rob a bank (Just Kidding!! NOT) to be able to afford it. This is the reason many people are unable to fulfill their dream of killing their gas pedal and nearly flying on the road with no worries.
“The cars mentioned in the list can spring to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds.”
But not anymore. Yes, I said it. You don’t have to hold back your dream of riding the fastest car as today Locar Deals is here with some of the best brand new fastest cars under 30k 2023 along with best-used sports cars under 30k.
The vehicles mentioned in this article are priced under $30,000, hold good tech & safety features, and can accelerate to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds. The fastest car in the world right now is SSC Tuatara carried a top speed of 300 mph.
So, let us get started and help you find a modest speedy ride.
List of 9 Fastest Cars Under 30K ($30000)
Who would have thought that someday the best cars under $30k will also turn out to be fast cars under 30k? Affordability is the scale through which people make purchases.
So today, I have the nine best fastest cars under 30k for you to explore in 2023. Check out their top features, pros, cons, reliability, safety, and more. We assure you that these vehicles won’t break your bank.
- Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback
- Mini Electric Hardtop
- Chevrolet Camaro 1LT
- 2023 Honda Civic
- Volkswagen GTI
- Mazda Miata Sport
- 2023 Hyundai Veloster
- Dodge Challenger
- Dodge Charger
But before we brace ourselves with this list, let me help you clarify any doubts that you might have about buying fast cars for around $30k.
Why Should I Go For Fastest Cars Under 30k Instead of Luxury Sports Cars?
When we talk about speed, sports cars are the first thing that comes to our minds. It was true until the automobile companies began to realize the fact that owning fast cars should not be restricted to the elites.
The result is now we have numerous automobiles out on the road that might not be considered high-end luxury cars but still are just as fast as them. Imagine owning a regular compact car or a four-door vehicle that accelerates to 60 mph in less than 7 seconds.
But many people still hold doubt as to why they should invest in the fastest cars under 30k instead of reputed & pricey ones. Well, the answer is simple, and I am going to explain it as simply as possible.
Affordability
It is not unknown to anyone that sports cars are one of the most expensive commodities in the world. Some cars have a price equivalent or even more than some countries GDP.
Owning a regular car can be a stressful task so let alone thinking of an extravagant one. If speed is your topmost priority, what is better than going for a ride that offers you what you desire?
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With the fastest cars under 30k, you get a car that offers you thrill & adrenaline rush, but you get no strain on your pocket. Their affordability makes them a good choice.
Customizable
If you think just because a car is affordable it will not have better options then you are wrong.
Now the regular cars too come with customizable options. Automakers’ priority is to provide customers with what they desire.
So if you want specific enhancement in your cool fast cars under 30k, you can have it without any hassle.
High-Performance Ratings
With regular fast cars, you get high-performance ratings. Thinking that only costly is the best is a burial idea.
You will get high-performance ratings for these affordable fast cars. So why waste all your hard-earned money on expensive items?
Reliable
One of the biggest and bitter truths of the automobile industry is that regular cars are somehow more reliable than expensive ones.
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You can buy a sports car that can cost you hundreds or thousands of dollars, but that does not guarantee its fate. You can look up the internet and find how regular cars are stronger and are highly reliable.
Maintenance
Maintenance of the fastest cars under 30k is cheap. You do not have to worry about spending a huge amount of money on keeping them.
However, if you go for a costly car, you will have to find a way to pay for its high-end maintenance. Nothing pricey comes for free, aye. I hope you see how buying fast cars under 30k is a much better idea if you are under a strict budget.
Detail Review Best Fastest Cars Under $30000 (2023 Updated)
9 Best fastest cars under $30K that will make your heart flutter every time you set your foot on the pedal.
Wanting to drive a fast car is a common desire among people, especially the younger ones. But not everyone can go wreckless and buy any car they want.
So if you think of a reasonable car that lets you experience the thrill like a sports car, then our mention of the fast cars under $30K is sure going to make you smile.
Let us get started and explore the fastest cars under $30,000 one by one.
1. Ford Mustang Eco Boost
- Price – $27,205
- Top Speed – 155 mph
- Acceleration (0-60mph) – 5.1 Seconds

The Ford Mustang EcoBoost is one of the fastest cars under 30k that lets you experience speed & power at a price that you cannot resist.
With a starting price of $27,205, this sports car offers you a 2.3 L 4-cylinder base engine that can charge from 310 hp to 330 hp. The tremendous 25 combined MPG makes it a fuel-friendly ride as well.
EcoBoost has a top speed of 155 miles per hour and can accelerate to sixty miles per hour in only 5.1 seconds.
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This car offers a perfect blend of straight-line acceleration, and poised handling, along with impressive interior and user-friendly top features.
Trim Levels Ford Mustang Eco Boost
- EcoBoost
- EcoBoost Premium
- GT
- GT Premium
- Mach 1
Pros:
- Powerful engine choices
- Sure-footed handling
- Intuitive in-car technology
- Decent trunk size for the class
Cons:
- Cramped rear seat
2. 2023 MINI SE Hardtop
- Price: $29,900
- Top Speed: 93 mph
- Acceleration (0-60mph): 6.9 Seconds

Finding a good electric car under 30k is not a tough task anymore, and the 2023 MINI SE Hardtop is here to prove it.
MINI SE comes with an electric engine that ranges 110 mi battery-only, which is less as compared to many competitors.
However, the engine can charge up to 181 horsepower and provide a top speed of 93 miles per hour. It might seem unimpressive as compared to others, but it is excellent in the electric vehicle category.
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Not only this, you can accelerate to sixty miles per hour in 6.9 seconds. The stylish interior, intuitive tech, compact size make this subcompact car worthy among the fastest cars under 30k.
Trim Levels MINI SE Hardtop
- Signature
- Signature Plus
- Iconic
Pros:
- Agile handling
- Fashionable interior
- High maximum cargo capacity
- User-friendly infotainment
- Best car interior under 30k
Cons:
- The cruising range is shorter than other electric vehicles
- Narrow rear seats
- Disappointing cargo capacity with rear seats up
3. Chevrolet Camaro 1LT
- Price: $25,500
- Top Speed: 130 mph
- Acceleration (0-60mph): 4.1 Seconds

Chevy Camaro 1LT is another among the best performance cars under $30k. The ride comes with two optional engines, 2.0 L 4-cylinder & 3.6 L V6 respectively.
With an engine power of 335 hp, you can attain the top speed of 130 miles per hour and the acceleration to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.
Chevrolet Camaro is all about engine power, good fuel efficiency, and deft handling. However, it has cramped and low-rent interior space compared to many rivals in the same class. You can own this fastest car for a starting price of $25,500. It can be referred to as one of the 400 hp cars under 30k.
Trim Levels Chevrolet Camaro 1LT
- LS
- LT
- LT1
- SS
- ZL1
Pros:
- Powerful V6 engine
- Engaging handling
- User-friendly infotainment system
Cons:
- Cramped second rowMixed interior quality
4. 2023 Honda Civic
- Price: $21,250
- Top Speed: 119 mph
- Acceleration (0-60mph): 7 Seconds

Fast cars under 30k are a reality, and the brand-new Honda Civic Sport Touring is here to prove it.
Civic Sport comes with a 1.5 L 4-cylinder & 2.0 L 4-cylinder engine that can power up to 180 horsepower. You get crisp handling, a spacious interior, and brilliant fuel efficiency making it an efficient compact car.
A starting price of $21,250 makes it a catch. Not only this, you get a top speed of 119 miles per hour which is good considering its engine.
It is a good ride for new drivers as well. So if you want a safe car for your teenager, then the Honda Civic Sport Touring will make a good first car.
If you like you can explore the upcoming new Honda Civic with us.
Trim Levels Honda Civic
- EX
- EX-L
- LX
- Sport
- Sport Touring
- Touring
Pros:
- Sporty handling and smooth driving
- Excellent fuel consumption
- Powerful engine
- Roomy passenger and cargo areas
Cons:
- Frustrating controls with optional infotainment system
5. Volkswagen GTI
- Price: $28,695
- Top Speed: 155 mph
- Acceleration (0-60mph): 5.6 Seconds

If the fastest cars under 30k are what you seek, then that is what you are going to get here. The Volkswagen GTI is an impressive sports car that comes with one of the best fuel economies on this list.
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Volkswagen GTI comes with a 2.0 L 4-cylinder capable of powering 228 hp. You get 26 combined MPG making it highly fuel-efficient and easy on your pocket.
With a top speed of 155 miles per hour, you can taste the fun of speed by spending only $28,695 for its base model.
Trim Levels Volkswagen GTI
- S
- SE
- Autobahn
Pros:
- Deft handling
- Muscular engine
- Impressive passenger and cargo space
- Nice interior quality
Cons:
- Unimpressive fuel economy
- The infotainment system can be slow
6. Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Price: $28,695
- Top Speed: 143 mph
- Acceleration (0-60mph): 5.7 Seconds

With an affordable initial price of $28,695 and a top speed of 143 miles per hour, the 2023 Mazda MX-5 Miata made it to our list of the fastest cars under 30k.
With a 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine, you can power up to 181 horsepower. MPG of Up to 26 cities / 35 highways makes it a good ride for the price money.
Out of the three trim levels provided by Miata, the Grand Touring trim is the only one that goes beyond the 30k mark. For the Mazda MX-5 Miata Grand Touring, you will have to pay $31,770.
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The high performance, well-built cabin, and long list of standard features make it a good choice for anyone to consider.
Trim Levels Mazda MX-5 Miata
- Sport
- Club
- Grand Touring
Pros:
- Deft handling
- Energetic engine
- Impressive gas mileage
- Plenty of standard features
Cons:
- Small trunk
- Snug cabin
- Fussy infotainment controls
7. Hyundai Veloster
- Price: $18,900
- Top Speed: 139 mph
- Acceleration (0-60mph): 5.5 Seconds

2023 Hyundai Veloster is a sports car that offers an impressive amount of five trim levels. With a price range that goes from $18,900 for base trim to $28,450 for the highest level trim, you get one of the best sports cars under 30k.
In the all-new Honda Veloster, you get 1.6 L 4-cylinder, 2.0 L 4-cylinder engines capable of producing 201 horsepower. This vehicle also has a good fuel efficiency of 29 combined MPG on this list.
The lively handling, user-friendly, and powerful optional engine are enough to attract your attention. Not only this, with a top speed of 139 mph which offers you the thrill but with the security of Hyundai.
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It is the cheapest car on this list. You can call it the fastest cars under 25k.
Trim Levels Hyundai Veloster
- 2.0
- 2.0 Premium
- Turbo R-Spec
- Turbo
- Turbo Ultimate
Pros:
- Flexible handling
- An eye-catching optional turbo engine
- Intuitive infotainment system
- Low base price
- Big list of standard features
Cons:
- So-so interior quality
- Subpar fuel economy for the class
8. Dodge Challenger
- Price: $29,065
- Top Speed: 203 mph
- Acceleration (0-60mph): 5.3 Seconds

If you are into cars that somehow give a retro vibe, then the Dodge Challenger is for you. With a top speed of 203 miles per hour, this is one of the fastest cars under 30k on our list.
You get four powerful optional engines (3.6 L V6, 5.7 L V8, 6.2 L V8, 6.4 L V8) that can charge up to 807 hp, making it one of the most powerful sports cars under 30k 2023.
It is a top-performer car that comes with user-friendly tech features, a spacious interior, and speedy plus potent engines that will never let you get bored on your journey.
Trim Levels Dodge Challenger
- 2.0
- 2.0 Premium
- Turbo R-Spec
- Turbo
- Turbo Ultimate
Pros:
- The fiercely powered engine line-up
- Roomy second row
- User-friendly infotainment system
- Good trunk space
Cons:
- Less agile than rivals
- So-so interior quality
9. Dodge Charger
- Price: $30,755
- Top Speed: 155 mph
- Acceleration (0-60mph): 5.2 Seconds

When it comes to speed, Dodge is not messing around. Another Dodge ride that made it to our list of fastest cars under 30k is the 2023 Dodge Charger.
The vehicle comes with four optional V6 and V8 engines that can power up to 797 horsepower.
With this mid-size car, you can speed up to 155 miles per hour. The good technological features, spacious cabin and poised handling make it a good choice.
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The price for Dodge Charger goes a little overboard with our price limit of 30k. However, the difference isn’t much, plus the features make it irresistible not to mention.
Trim Levels Dodge Charger
- SXT
- GT
- R/T
- Scat Pack
- SRT Hellcat
- SRT Hellcat Redeye
Pros:
- Incredible engine power
- Easy-to-use infotainment system
- Roomy, comfortable seats
- Composed handling
Cons:
- Disappointing safety score for the class
- Medium internal quality
Alternative: Buy a Used Performance Car under $30K
If you find owning the brand new fastest cars under 30k is a bit much, then you can go for a better alternative of buying the fastest used cars under 30k.
Some people may not like the idea of buying a used car. However, if you are not sure about your choice, then going for a used version is the best decision you can take.
Below I have listed some good performance cars under budget for you to consider:
- 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata- Fastest cars under 30k 2018
- 2018 Ford Focus ST
- 2017 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L V6- Best cars 2017 under 30k
- 2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6
- 2016 Subaru WRX STI
- 2014 BMW Z4 sDrive35is
- 2017 Nissan 370Z NISMO
- 2018 Kia Stinger GT
- 2017 Ford Mustang GT
- 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS
- 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Top FAQ Related Fastest Cars Under $30k
What is the cheapest car with the most horsepower?
The cheapest car with the most horsepower is the 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost. It comes with a 300 horsepower engine and a base price of $27,865.
What’s the fastest car under 30k?
- Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback
- Mini Electric Hardtop
- Chevrolet Camaro 1LT
- Honda Civic
- Volkswagen GTI
- Mazda Miata Sport
- Hyundai Veloster
- Dodge Challenger
- Dodge Charger
Is it okay to buy a used car?
Well, the answer differs from person to person. Some people have no issue going for a second-hand ride while some are about brand new.
To make sure you buy a beneficial used car, research about the seller, car, its condition, test drive, negotiate the price and then finally make the purchase.
What are the best-used cars under $30000?
- 2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata
- 2018 Ford Focus ST
- 2017 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L V6
- 2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6
- 2016 Subaru WRX STI
- 2014 BMW Z4 sDrive35is
- 2017 Nissan 370Z NISMO
- 2018 Kia Stinger GT
- 2017 Ford Mustang GT
- 2016 Chevrolet Camaro SS
- 2014 Dodge Challenger SRT8
Conclusion
Speed is the new prominent feature that buyers look for when buying a brand-new ride. The reason is simple, people living in a world of continuous change need something to match their lifestyle.
I have listed the nine best fastest cars under 30k for you. Read, compare, and choose the one that suits your criteria of an ideal fast car.