A Super Bowl ticket will set you back anywhere from five to ten grand these days, depending on how close you want to sit to the action. I can only assume that number can go about as high as you’d like. And that’s one afternoon of foam fingers, $18 beers, and yelling at referees. Or… It’s a running, driving, insurable automobile.
The used-car market is still weird and frustrating, but it’s not dead. If you know where to look and don’t mind a little personality in your paintwork, there are genuinely fun, genuinely usable cars floating around for the price of a single seat in a football stadium. Some are sporty. Some are practical. One is surprisingly luxurious in a way that feels illegal at this price point. But it’s worth noting, cars falling in this price range are technically out there. But given the state of the market, these will be higher mileage or otherwise marred examples. The beauty of used car shopping in 2026 is that we have access to so many ways to find and buy used cars that anything is possible if you are patient and knowledgeable.
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2005–2010 Scion tC (First Generation)
Cheapest Used Price Range: $1,200–$5,000
The first-gen Scion tC is the king of cheap surprises. Originally aimed at younger drivers, it came loaded with flashy features: panoramic glass roof, alloy wheels, and a loud stereo. Today, these coupes go for as little as $1,200, making them absurdly accessible.
The power coming from a Toyota 2.4-liter four-cylinder generating around 160 horsepower should bring some level of comfort. It’s got front-wheel drive, and the hatchback layout gives you genuine cargo space. You can fold the rear seats flat and haul whatever impulse purchase inspired your visit to Home Depot that day. Toyota engineering means reliability is solid, provided the oil changes weren’t skipped, and it hadn’t smacked too many curbs under some kid named Kyle’s ownership.
The first-gen Scion tC isn’t fast or fancy, but it’s a fun, practical, and quirky ride. For buyers who lost their date to the Big Game and need to do something with that scalped ticket money, it’s a decent option.
2004–2009 Mazda3 (First Generation)
$2,500–$6,000
The first-gen Mazda3 brings the perfect balance of livability and fun. Hatchback or sedan, it’s cheap ($2,500 to $6,000) and dependable, with a 2.0- or 2.3-liter four-cylinder delivering respectable acceleration and strong fuel economy. Steering works, the suspension is there, and the interior has seats. What more can you ask for in a car you bought for $3k or whatever? While it’s hard to argue the early Mazda3 is an exciting car, it has personality, and that is more than we can say for many cars 10x the money.
Reliability is generally strong, though rust-prone areas need extra inspection. Cheap to maintain and easy to find parts, this car is a solid way to spend less than $5k.
2000–2005 Toyota Celica (Seventh Generation)
$3,000–$6,000
The seventh-gen Toyota Celica is where Y2K style is still allowed to live, thanks to our current economy. Prices hover between $3,000 and $6,000, depending on condition. The coupe has sharp lines, a functional hatchback layout, and Toyota dependability under the hood. However, finding one that hasn’t been trashed by a teenager will be quite the trick.
Most models have a 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 140 horsepower; GT-S trims jump to 180 with Yamaha-tuned finesse. Front-wheel drive keeps it manageable, while the six-speed manual keeps things fun. Inside, it’s retro-futuristic: deeply bolstered seats, a driver-focused dash, and very little tech by today’s standards, which is no bad thing. It’s stylish, reliable, and fun — all for less than the cost of most Super Bowl tickets.
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1995–2000 Lexus LS 400 (Second Generation, High Mileage)
$3,000–$5,000
A high-mileage LS 400 is where things get seriously silly. For $3,000 to $5,000, you can enjoy the legendary 4.0-liter V8 producing 260 horsepower in a sedan built like a tank with leather upholstery. We’re talking about leather, real wood, whisper-quiet cabins, and a ride that floats. Granted, finding one of these for cheap will come with a big number on the odometer, but it’s a Lexus. It’ll be fine.
These cars can last hundreds of thousands of miles if cared for reasonably well. Maintenance is more than a Civic, but the payoff is undeniable. Glide down the highway in a V8-powered limousine while knowing your total outlay is less than basically any ticket to the Super Bowl. For sheer value and comfort per dollar, nothing on this list comes close.
1988–1991 Honda Civic (Fourth Generation)
$5,000–$10,000
The fourth-gen Honda Civic is reliability in its purest form. These late-’80s to early-’90s cars are simple, light, and practically indestructible, with prices now sitting around $3,600 to $8,000. Engines range from 1.5- to 1.6-liters, paired with manual or automatic transmissions that will likely outlive you. Honda made sedan and hatchback versions of the fourth-gen Civic. The Sedans are likely cheaper than the hatchbacks, but the hatchbacks are cooler and our official vote, if anyone’s asking.
Driving a Civic from this era feels good. Steering is light, visibility is excellent, and the cabin is intentionally minimal. You can keep it running with basic tools and YouTube tutorials. Fuel economy hovers in the mid-30 mpg range, insurance is cheap, and replacement parts are everywhere.
1995–2005 Mazda Miata (Second Generation NB)
$5,000–$10,000
The second-generation Miata is an absolute guarantee of good times. Even if you look at cars many times more than a 2005 Miata, there is still a decent chance you won’t like it as much as the little prince from Japan. Prices today generally land between $5,000 and $10,000, but the payoff is immense.
Under the hood is a 1.8-liter four-cylinder making around 142 horsepower, which is plenty, seeing how it’s powering a car barely heavier than a refrigerator. Rear-wheel drive, perfect weight distribution, and a manual gearbox are the Miata’s milieu. Parts are cheap, forums are endless, and most mechanics know the platform like the days of the week.
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TopSpeed’s Take
At the end of the day, a Super Bowl ticket might get you a few hours of excitement, overpriced snacks, and a lot of standing around. Or, if you play your cards right, that same money can get you a car. How does that even compare?
These cars prove that fun, style, and being broke don’t have to live in completely separate worlds. Sure, they might have a few quirks, and yes, a few more miles on the odometer, but that’s part of their charm. In a world where new cars are increasingly homogenized, these bargains are little reminders that fun driving should still be joyful and accessible.
Sources: Edmunds, Bring A Trailer, Kelley Blue Book,