The 12 Coolest Used Cars You Can Buy - Subaru WRX Is Cool But Not The Cheapest

What are the best used sporty cars that are cheap and cool? U.S. News says there are twelve that you should put on your shopping list this summer. The 2017 Subaru WRX is a cool sports car but is not the cheapest.

U.S. News says these twelve pre-owned options will fit a budget and make you smile. Check out some cool and cheap picks for your ride this summer. Based on each model's overall U.S. News score, they've presented their choices in ascending order.

U.S. News 12 Cool, Cheap Used Car Picks.

2017 Audi S3 - Average Price Paid: $35,099 | Overall Score: 7.7/10
2018 Toyota 86 - Average Price Paid: $23,922 | Overall Score: 7.7/10
2017 Subaru WRX - Average Price Paid: $25,694 | Overall Score: 7.8/10
2018 Ford Mustang - Average Price Paid: $26,514 | Overall Score: 8.0/10
2018 Kia Stinger - Average Price Paid: $27,930 | Overall Score: 8.1/10
2019 Hyundai Veloster N - Average Price Paid: $27,068 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
2017 Chevrolet Camaro - Average Price Paid: $25,877 | Overall Score: 8.2/10
2017 Fiat 124 Spider - Average Price Paid: $22,184 | Overall Score: 8.4/10
2017 Mini Cooper - Average Price Paid: $17,695 | Overall Score: 8.4/10
2017 Volkswagen GTI - Average Price Paid: $16,706 | Overall Score: 8.5/10
2021 Mazda3 Turbo - Average Price Paid: $33,900 | Overall Score: 8.6/10
2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata - Average Price Paid: $20,904 | Overall Score: 8.7/10

What does U.S. News say about the 2017 Subaru WRX?

Average Price Paid: $25,694 | Overall Score: 7.8/10

"The WRX offers functionality and fun in one package. It has four doors, seating for five, a usable trunk, a lively powertrain, and standard all-wheel drive. Depending on the trim selected, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes 268 (WRX) or 305 horsepower (WRX STI). Buyers can choose a six-speed manual or an automatic in non-STI models."

"The 2017 WRX has a straightforward touch-screen infotainment system. Shoppers can find upgraded models with a larger touch screen and a Harman Kardon premium stereo system."

What sets the Subaru WRX and WRX STI apart from the others?

The 2017 Subaru WRX and WRX STI bring a low center of gravity. Subaru's WRX and STI have a unique quality called balance that sets the sports car apart. As with a professional athlete, it's an important quality and can be the difference between good and great. Scientifically, balance is defined as the body's ability to maintain its center of gravity above its base of support.

A flat-four Boxer engine powers both trim levels and is not offered in any other used sports car under $27,000. The horizontally-opposed design allows the engine to sit low in the chassis lowering the center of gravity and giving the sport-tuned WRX optimal balance and the best driving dynamics. It's what sets the brand apart from all other automakers.

The 2019 Hyundai Veloster N beats the 2017 Subaru WRX in power-to-weight ratio. Still, the WRX's turbocharged 268 horsepower and STI's 305 horsepower are just one part of its synergy that sets it apart. In professional sports, studies show that having improved balance leads to better performance.

It's the same with the 2017 Subaru WRX and STI. It's about synergy, how the car responds to driver inputs, and its overall driving dynamics and stability. WRX and STI bring the best balance of any used sports car listed above. It's cool, but it's not the cheapest, but it's the best choice for performance enthusiasts.

You Might Also Like: The 2017 Subaru WRX/STI Score ALG's “Best Sports Car”; Why You Should Wait for the 2018 STI

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA