Top 10 Cars for Summer Under $30,000

The U.S., Japan, Italy, Britain and even Germany; they all have something in store for buyers who want performance without going particularly spend-crazy.

From hot hatches to sports coupes and full-on convertibles, there’s nothing quite like having a performance machine to play with in the summer. You might be surprised by the choices under $30,000 and that’s exactly what this list is here to demonstrate. What are you waiting for? Click through and see what your choices are.

It isn’t even close to being the most powerful car in its segment, but that’s done little to deter the blitzkrieg of buyers intent on owning a GTI. They’re stylish, they handle well and with a hatchback to boot, they’re even practical.

2010 Volkswagen GTI First Drive: Video

The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers 200 hp and buyers can choose between either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual clutch transmission. Even the larger five-door models stat under the $30,000 mark, but the base price is $24,995 including delivery.

Sit behind the wheel in a Mazdaspeed3 and you’ll be in for a treat. In many ways, things don’t get much better than this for someone in the market to buy a new hot hatch. It’s mechanical limited-slip differential makes fast cornering a lot of fun, and it has the sort of personality the term “hot hatch” implies.

2013 Ford Focus ST VS 2013 Mazdaspeed3: Video

The 2.3-liter four cylinder in Mazda’s turbocharged street machine makes 263 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. At $24,995, it’s a real bargain too. Still, some people would say you’re better off steering clear of something as aggressive as this.

Loose hands and a lead foot can quickly take you from fun to frightening when the turbocharger’s torque kicks in.

For years, the previous two cars in this list locked horns with little else to challenge them. Ford changed all that this year by finally bringing U.S. buyers a version of the sports-tuned Focus sold in Europe.

2013 Ford Focus ST Review: Video

It isn’t quite as powerful as the Mazdaspeed3, but the 2.0-liter turbocharged four cylinder is still very potent. It offers 270 lb-ft of torque and 252 hp, which is more than enough to soar past speed limits without realizing it.

If you fancy the idea of having a powerful car that people won’t notice right away, this low-flying Ford is a fantastic choice. It starts at $24,495, which makes it slightly cheaper than the Mazdaspeed3.

The Subaru-Toyota lovechild liked by so many is an obvious choice. Toyota was so fanatic in finding ways to save weight that it made the wheel wells out of soft plastic.

Both brands understand that they have something special: a car with real potential to re-ignite driving enthusiasm among young buyers.

2013 Scion FR-S Review: Video

At $25,255 including delivery, the FR-S doesn’t offer the most power per dollar. Still, a few minutes behind the wheel will make it hard to deny exactly how worthwhile this car is.

The Subaru version comes at a premium, but buyers willing to spend more get perks including sport seats upholstered with leather and Alcantara. Oh, and the WRX wasn’t forgotten, just reserved for a list focused on hooning cars in snowy parking lots.

It doesn’t compare to the FR-S or BRZ in driving dynamics, but this is the first convertible to make the list. These are supposed to be summer cars, after all.

2011 MINI Cooper S Review: Video

After delivery, the MINI Cooper S Roadster costs $29,345 and offers 181 hp and 177 lb-ft of torque. Pair that with its small size and tight suspension and you’ve got an urban go-kart like few others.

Last year, Fiat released the 500 Abarth, a performance-tuned version of the sub-compact 500. A successful series of commercials that starred Catrinel Menghia lead to sales success.

Its true that the top doesn’t actually come all the way off, but you’ll be able to open and close the cloth roof at up to 50 mph.

Fiat 500 Abarth Review

Staring at 26,700, the open-air model costs $4,000 more than the normal Abarth, which might make some buyers hesitate. Then again, the car retains more structural rigidity by keeping its pillars rather than cutting them off. The convertible gear also only adds 33 lbs to the car’s curb weight.

Hard top convertibles are rarely affordable, and this car barely squeaks into the list with a starting price of $29,260. Granted, you’re talking big potatoes for a Miata, but think of the alternatives.

If you want a rear-wheel drive car with the same cap on its head, Mercedes will charge you $44,450 for a base SLK 250.

2013 Mazda MX-5 VS 2013 MINI Roadster Cooper S

Chrysler can help you out with a convertible 200 if the retractable hard top is all that matters, but it had really better be the only thing you care about because there are few other reasons to recommend the car.

That brings us back to the MX-5. It’s so light, so well balanced, and with traction control turned off, it’s so much fun to let its bum hang out in a corner.

Some people won’t be satisfied with the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine found under MX-5’s hood. There’s an obvious alternative, too. It comes from Ford.

Take a look at the six-cylinder Mustang if you haven’t in a while. It isn’t pathetic anymore. The 3.7-liter V6 makes 305 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque. That won’t offer as much pull off the line as old 4.6-liter GT models did, but its damn close in horsepower.

Not only that, but a V6 convertible with a six-speed manual comes in at $27,995.

Sometimes it pays to forget about being on pavement, and the Wrangler preaches that gospel like no other. You might be surprised to learn that Jeep will even sell you a base model for $23,290. That price gives you a six-speed manual transmission – you’ll wind up paying $24,610 for a five-speed automatic if that’s the only option box checked.

2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited Review

But Wranglers aren’t about frills, they’re about being able to get away from roads, buildings and traffic jams. Not only can you peel the roof off, but the doors are also made to detach easily. If being outside is your thing, the Wrangler is a no-brainer.

To be fair, the 370Z creeps over the $30,000 mark with delivery, but the brand just chopped $3,100 off the base price. That’s good enough to advertise the storied “Z” car at $29,990.

For some perspective, that’s practically spitting distance from the MINI Cooper S convertible listed earlier. Which would you rather drive?

2011 Nissan 370Z Nismo Review: Video

Wirth 332 hp and 270 lb-ft of torque, the 3.7-liter V6 makes this the most powerful car on the list. If that isn’t enough, just look at it. The 370Z is easily the sexiest product listed here, even if it is starting to show its age.