Like many gearheads before you, and undoubtedly many after you also, the decision has been made to acquire a fun sports car for the sunny days ahead, but how do you choose what’s right for you?

New cars have never been so ludicrously expensive, so for many of us, that’s just not an option. Which gems can we find lurking on the used cars market? We won’t be looking at chrome-bumper classics, as they do tend to be pricier– if not in purchase price then at least in upkeep.

Instead, let’s focus on the favorites from the 1990s, all of which now are at the very least, close to achieving modern classic status.

By utilizing data from sources such as Hagerty and Edmunds, we’ve compiled a list of the most rewarding 1990s sports cars for summer enjoyment.

10 Retro Ride – 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Starting Price In Good Condition: $9,400

This is, of course, the most obvious answer. But surely, an obvious answer is the best place to start, right? There’s a reason why over a million Miatas have been sold, and that’s because they’re a great starter sports car that can be used every day, and picked up for cheap.

Pricing

The cheapest of all is the second-generation NB Miata, pictured here. As you can see from the chart above, even the most desirable and performance-orientated models can be had for a fraction of their original asking price.

Related: Here’s How The Mazda Miata NB Compares To Other Generations

9 Retro Ride – 1996 BMW Z3

Starting Price In Good Condition: $11,200

BMWs baby sports car was this handsome little two-seater, which replaced the funky Z1 and sat below proper performance cars like the E36 M3. Rear-wheel drive, aggressive styling, and the option for a sumptuous six-cylinder engine make this a tempting proposition. What’s more, it doesn’t even break the bank.

Pricing

Our advice would be to act quickly if you’re looking to acquire one of these for your bargain summer sports car; good ones are getting hard to find, enthusiasts are snapping them up and ’90s performance BMWs are only seeing prices go one way at the moment.

8 Retro Ride – 1995 Alfa Romeo Spider

Starting Price In Good Condition: $17,100

Sadly, this beautiful sports car was not offered in America, but it will be old enough for importing soon, and it doesn’t mean it can’t be enjoyed by owners elsewhere either.

Pricing

This was the newly-designed model that replaced the previous and aging Spider, which after 30 years in production with little cosmetic change, was well overdue for an update. The rakish styling, raucous exhaust note, and leather-clad cabins provide you with everything you need to feel the excitement of a retro Italian sports car.

We think there are few other cars out there that can provide so much style within this budget, not to mention exclusivity also. When was the last time you saw one?

7 Retro Ride – 1992 Peugeot 205 GTI

Starting Price In Good Condition: $11,000

Steering away from the typical two-seater roadster for a moment, let’s consider a slightly more practical ‘sports car’ – in the shape of France’s most popular hot hatchback, the Peugeot 205 GTI.

Pricing

The mighty GTI has genuine rally pedigree, a revvy 4-cylinder engine that just begs you to thrash it, and even a sports interior, which features red carpets and chunky front seats with huge bolsters to hold you in place. For little over $10,000 you could be rallying around the country lanes in this dinky performance hatch, having extreme amounts of fun at not-so-silly speeds too – a superb option for the keen driver, for sensible money.

Related: Why The Peugeot 205 T16 Is An Underrated Group B Rally Car

6 Retro Ride – 1993 Renault Clio 1.8 16v

Starting Price In Good Condition: $8,500

Very similar to the 205 GTI, we have the Renault Clio 16v – a generation newer and certainly quicker too, this Clio really put Renault on the map for performance hatches. Now, the car pictured may resemble the much more expensive Williams edition, which sported a 2.0-liter engine, but it is, in fact, the cheaper 1.8 16v version – just with the gold Speedline alloy wheels equipped.

Pricing

Yes, they’re rare, so finding one could prove difficult, but if you persevere, this ’90s hot hatch will reward you with buckets of fun, sublime handling characteristics, and more smiles-per-gallon than most traditional two-seater sports cars could ever offer.

5 Retro Ride – 1992 VW Corrado

Starting Price In Good Condition: $12,800

This German offering is ice-cool, with rakish lines reminiscent of the 1980s, but a softer ’90s approach that just makes the Corrado look just right. Either the G60 or VR6 trim lines with prove to be buckets of fun but will suit different driving styles. The supercharged G60 will prefer being thrashed down a twisty lane, whereas the VR6 will be perfect for cruising the highways on a summer evening.

Pricing

Prices have been creeping steadily north for years now, but a decent Corrado can still be secured for very reasonable money, and we think it makes for a great alternative for some of the more common sports and performance cars of the decade. An added bonus is that this stylish coupe shares so much in common with models like the Golf and Jetta, so maintenance and repairs should prove very reasonable also!

4 Retro Ride – 1990 Nissan 300ZX

Starting Price In Good Condition: $12,900

The 300ZX is becoming a rare beast these days, both figuratively and literally. Not only is it a genuinely rare car these days, but it’s also rare in the sense that it’s a stylish, performance-orientated Japanese sports car from the 1990s that isn’t doubling or tripling in price year-on-year.

Pricing

That should raise alarm bells to all considering one, that these 300ZXs may not be so affordable for much longer. Even the 2+2 models will have their values dragged up by the turbos, as they have clearly begun to appreciate quicker. We reckon it won’t be long before good examples soar past their original MSRP, so grab a nice one now while you can. There may even be a profit opportunity when you sell!

3 Retro Ride – 1991 Dodge Stealth RT

Starting Price In Good Condition: $9,000

Arguably no other car on this list has styling that better exemplifies the 1990s than this uber-cool Dodge Stealth RT – just look at that rounded plastic bumper, covered headlamps, and funky turbine-esque alloy wheels. The two-door Dodge certainly looks the part then, but does it walk the walk?

Pricing

Those with a stricter budget will have to settle for the naturally-aspirated RT, but not to fear, not only is it less than half the price of a Turbo, but it still chucks out a very healthy 222 horsepower – more than enough to qualify for a proper retro sports car then! If you’re fortunate enough to reach deeper still into your pocket and can shell out for the RT Turbo, you’ll find yourself in the hot seat of a 320-horsepower missile.

2 Retro Ride – 1996 Subaru SVX

Starting Price In Good Condition: $6,800

OK, we might have spoken a little too soon, claiming that the Stealth RT above takes the title for the ‘most ’90s looking styling’ as this SVX has it all going on, and could only hail from such a time. Full-width lights, dinky wheels, and more glass than a community garden greenhouse.

Pricing

The cool features don’t stop at that either, as under the hood is a rather different choice – a 3.3-liter flat-six, which develops 230 horsepower. Clearly, it’s not just a looker, but a serious performance car too. If you’re after a retro ride to stand out from the crowd, and for less than a quarter of the original MSRP, look no further than the awesome Subaru SVX.

Related: 10 Cool Facts About The Subaru SVX

1 Retro Ride – 1990 Porsche 944 S2

Starting Price In Good Condition: $30,000

Let’s finish up with a serious performer, and although it’s the priciest option by some margin here, we would argue it still represents great value, especially when you take that prestigious badge into account.

Pricing

Pop-up headlights, a low-slung body, and a proper set of sports seats clearly define this 944 as a proper performance car, and it’s not just a looker either; 0 to 60 mph takes just 6.9 seconds and the top speed is just shy of 150 mph – and that’s the naturally aspirated model, too.

If your budget will stretch, this is one seriously cool 1990s sports car that will have you smiling from ear to ear every time you take it out.