Performance cars are famous for being luxury purchases, but not all Performance Cars are expensive and there are many that can be found under 40k. In fact, often car enthusiasts buy more than just one performance cars simply because it’s their passion or they have a desire to add more to their collection.

Most people believe that performance cars cost at least a hundred thousand dollars to buy. In reality, however, that is not necessarily the case. This category also includes the more budget-friendly “hot hatches” – classically styled muscle cars and high-powered luxury car models. These cars can cost as low as twenty thousand dollars, although depending on options and condition the value can spike your bill back right up if you don’t spend smart.

If you are looking to buy your first performance car and you are afraid of breaking the bank, this article should greatly help you budget and plan ahead, as we show you some of the best models you can buy for less than forty thousand dollars.

Ford Fiesta ST

The 2014 Ford Fiesta ST is one of the biggest bargains in the performance car market. The sturdy model gets sold for around $22-25,000 only, plus or minus a couple of thousand bucks for associated fees. Still, that is a very low price to pay for a six-speed manual gearbox operating on a 197-horsepower four-cylinder engine. That is a lot of power for a small-framed car. This front wheel-driven ride is also known for its topnotch handling and grip design, making it among the most recommended quality purchases of the decade.

While it’s literally a performance car based on what it can do, the Ford Fiesta ST can be a little lacking in the looks department. A lot of prospective car buyers looked the other way upon seeing the car’s stock standard model, which isn’t really an eye treat. However, the money saved buying this car can better be put to use looking for a customizable body kit to fix its aesthetic issues. With today’s wide array of designable body kits, you should be able to improve the car’s face value to your heart’s desire while still spending considerably less.

Toyota 86

The Toyota 86 is similar to the Ford Fiesta ST in that what it lacks in physical appeal, it more than makes up for in performance. The model especially stands out in drifting and driving corners attributes skilled drivers would love to have at their command. The Toyota 86 was created with an absolute mechanical balance, making it easy to drive even at high-speed bursts in short distances.

The Toyota 86 also boasts of an optimized handle and extremely light clutch pedal. The easy access provided by the clutch between the transmission and the power allows the driver to make quick turns and speed changes without compromising control.

The interior of this model, unfortunately, possesses the same qualities as its exterior. The steering wheel is adjustable only at the tilt, and the vertical seat can prove to be challenging if adjusting to a tall driver. However, these are minor setbacks compared to the car’s driving advantages. Just make sure you test drive the model a few times before committing to a purchase, as it takes a little getting used too before one gets comfortable with its make.

The Toyota 86 is also one of those cars that looks awesome with a bodykit and fortunately there are many Toyota body kits to choose from if you want to make your ride look more aggressive.

Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo

Unlike the Ford Fiesta ST and the Toyota 86, the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo was initially noticed because of its eye-catching design. The car had strong athletic features that screamed machismo, coupled with an edgy and beasty frame. The aesthetic value of this model comes all the way into its interior, and the refreshing three-door design serves as the icing on the cake. The unique charms of this car easily made it one of the top-selling models of its time.

Fast forward seven years later and the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo remains to be a popular buy among muscle car enthusiasts on a budget. The reason is simple: the car’s overall performance is just as good as its aesthetic design. The model is installed with a six-speed manual gearbox, too, connecting to a 1.6-litre turbo engine producing solid torque with legitimate horsepower. With new add-ons like an LCD touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity and a reverse camera, there’s no reason to doubt that the $30,000-Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo is still among the best performance cars in both value and cost.