10 Best Used Sport Sedans

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Checking out the best used sport sedans is a great way to spend time. On the one hand, this is a chance to go beneath the skins of exotic German machinery (yes, it’s possible to be exotic and German at the same time). On the other, it’s an opportunity to study the more affordable alternatives and appreciate how engineers can create something special from what was originally meant to be utilitarian transport. Sport sedans can’t be too big. Weight, the enemy of performance, needs to be kept in check. We need them nimble. Even when they’re compact, though, they can still bridge the gap between needing a car that can accommodate the family and desiring something that can deliver thrills on those solo drives when the timing is right. Just because they’re sporty doesn’t mean they’re uncomfortable, unreliable, or noisy. In many ways, a sport sedan could be the best possible choice. Just be careful when splashing around in the used market. Don’t get something that has been abused by previous owners, perhaps crashed and repaired. And be wary of modified cars. Some aftermarket stuff might have suited the buyer, but might not suit you. Common sense and an expert inspection will go a long way. If the budget allows, consider a certified pre-owned (CPO) car that would have been checked out by the dealer and given a useful warranty. Another upshot is that you get a great-driving car while someone else took the initial depreciation hit.

Audi S4

Some sport sedans tend to go for the “look at me” approach, with a big rear wing and flared fenders. But the S4 is far more understated. A hot version of the A4 is always welcome, though. The most recent generation debuted in 2010, without the sonorous V8 from the previous generation. Instead, it comes with a supercharged V6 delivering 333 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque. That power hits the ground through Audi’s tried and trusted quattro all-wheel drive system. The good thing is that this model is quicker than the V8-powered car, as well as more fuel-efficient. The S4 goes about its business with precision, smoothness, speed, grip and refinement. It also has one of the best cabins in its class, with excellent materials fashioned into attractive shapes.

BMW M3

We could mention virtually any BMW 3 Series and it could be considered a best sport sedan. But the M3 is the sportiest of the lot and to drive one is to fall in love. BMW virtually invented the whole concept of a sport sedan, and when the first M3 coupe came along in 1985, it was immediately hailed as a brilliant machine. Since then, we’ve seen another four generations of M3, including this E90 version that departed from tradition and went with a V8 instead of the usual inline six-cylinder engine configuration that’s a BMW hallmark. Still a great car, though. Made from 2007 to 2011 (the coupe stayed in production until 2013), its 4.0-liter V8 makes 414 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Which really is enough for anyone who doesn’t spend all their time on a track. And the numbers are only part of the story, it’s how the steering reacts, how the suspension feels, how confidence-inspiring the brakes are. Every detail adds up to a truly wonderful drive.

BMW Alpina B7

That thing about sport sedans having to be light and compact? Not a hard and fast rule, it turns out. What is hard and fast, especially fast, is the B7 from Alpina, a German tuning company that does to BMW cars what radioactive spiders do to mild-mannered young newspaper photographers. The thing that’s hard about it is locating one. This is a 7 Series with super powers, capable of turning the surrounding scenery into a liquid mush, thanks to a gargantuan 500 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8. It’s breathtaking how a car this large and heavy can suddenly torpedo forward: zero to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, top speed of 170 mph. But it isn’t just about straight-line speed. Somehow, this 4,564-pound giant can take corners like a gazelle on Red Bull. BMW imported it into the United States from 2011 to 2015. It was official and therefore eligible for the usual warranty.

Cadillac CTS-V

With the CTS, Cadillac made a world-class car capable of hanging wheel-to-wheel with rivals from Europe like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. With the CTS-V, it made a sport sedan that’s crazy fun. The second generation went from 2009 to 2014. If you want an earlier model, the first generation spanned 2004 to 2007. Still a great car, but only came with a six-speed manual transmission. The idea is inspired: take a premium sedan with a great chassis and give it a Corvette engine, then tweak the suspension, steering and brakes to match. There’s a mighty 556 hp and 551 lb-ft of torque to play with, thanks to a supercharged 6.2-liter V8.

Dodge Charger R/T

The R/T badge (meaning road/track) has been around for long enough to acquire a heritage. So has the Hemi name, which is applied to the muscular V8 engines that propel cars made by the Chrysler group. Under the hood of this midsize sedan is a 5.7-liter Hemi making 370 hp and 395 lb-ft of torque driving the rear wheels. Sounds all-American, right? Cars are a global game these days, however, and the Charger is based on an excellent Mercedes-Benz E-Class platform, a result of the (failed) marriage between Daimler and Chrysler. But the kids are still good and this version of the Charger is particularly lovable, even though it’s getting old. The current generation has been around since 2006. All-wheel drive is optional. Even though the SRT8 Charger has more power, there should be a better selection of R/T models on the used market.

Lexus IS F

Just as the regular IS wants to be a BMW 3 Series, the IS F wants to be an M3. Actually, Lexus decided to take things further and give the F a 5.0-liter V8 that delivers 416 hp and 371 lb-ft of torque — more output than the M3 of the time. It sends this power to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Made between 2008 and 2014, it’s a quick car, hitting 60 mph from standstill in just 4.7 seconds. And on most roads, the firm suspension is super-capable and grippy. It’s mainly on the track where the F doesn’t seem as convincing as an M3. But then again, this is the Lexus brand’s first foray into true sport sedan construction and it’s done a fine job.

Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Just as BMW has its M division, Mercedes-Benz has its AMG arm. It used to be an independent tuning company that specialized in preparing Mercedes-Benz cars for racing, but is now under the company’s wing. The thing about AMG cars is that they have hand-assembled engines, each one bearing a plaque with the builder’s name. And then there’s the suspension, beefed-up brakes, sport seats and dedicated cabin decoration that all lead to a magnificent driving machine. The C63 AMG is a compact sedan with 451 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque from a 6.2-liter V8 engine. That’s the previous generation to the current C-Class (look for a 2012 model). This engine has been discontinued now; grown men wept when told of its demise. No turbo, just wonderfully responsive power at high revs, making the engine sing. Or there’s the Black Series with 510 hp and 457 lb-ft, but that’s pretty much a collector’s car.

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Sometimes you have to feel sorry for the United States. Sometimes there are amazing cars on sale in dealerships around the country and buyers don’t have the first clue about them. In Britain, this turbocharged, all-wheel-drive, four-door rocket would be on every male teenager’s wish list right there above the acne cream. Derived from the unassuming Lancer compact sedan, the Evolution was forged in the heat of extreme motorsport. In this case, rallying, another source of thrills criminally neglected this side of the Atlantic. It’s kinda noisy and rides firmly, so not particularly family friendly, but the handling is scalpel-sharp and acceleration is glorious. There have been several generations, all given Roman numerals. The first to hit the States was the Evo VIII (2003), the last was the X. This went on sale in the U.S. in 2008 until 2015. It has 291 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque, and makes every trip a joyful experience.

Subaru WRX STI

Along with Mitsubishi, Subaru has thrilled European motorsport fans with its adventures in the world of rallying. There have been several versions of the compact Impreza winning world championships, and the expertise derived from this dedication, hard work and talent has seeped into the road-going WRX STI. It comes with all-wheel drive as standard, along with a turbocharged engine. The interesting thing here is that the engine configuration is a flat four; instead of four pistons going up and down, two go from left to right while the other two move from right to left. It means a lower center of gravity, which is one thing all sports cars need. This unit pulls 305 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque from 2.5 liters of displacement. The car also deploys limited-slip differentials at each end for tenacious grip. This is a performance bargain.

Volkswagen Jetta GLI

The humble Jetta is not so humble when it’s a GLI model. Basically, everything an enthusiast loves in a GTI (the hot-hatch version of the VW Golf) is molded into sedan form. And for a compact sedan, it’s surprisingly roomy. But let’s concentrate on the hardware. Volkswagen was one of the first companies to bring 2.0-liter, turbocharged, four-cylinder engines to the mainstream. The unit here delivers 210 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque (in 2014 spec). Compared with the regular Jetta, the suspension is lowered and tuned for sportier responses, and an electronic differential is installed to keep those driven front wheels biting the tarmac. The GLI is affordable and its fun factor is accessible. It’s an ideal runabout with a bit of mischief when required.