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Chances are, buying a sports car isn’t a rational purchase. More than perhaps any other vehicle, buying a sports car is about emotion rather than thought. That said, there are sports cars that hold their value better than others, which may make them a better choice. And while many sports cars suffer from immense depreciation (we’re looking at you, BMW M6), these four will be easy to sell for a good chunk of money when it’s time to upgrade in a few years.

1. A Subaru BRZ holds value better than any other sports car

A blue Subaru BRZ, which makes people wonder why BRZ stands for.
Subaru BRZ | Subaru of America, Inc.

While its sister car, the Toyota GT86, isn’t on this list, the Subaru BRZ is. We’re guessing that has something to do with the interior of the Subaru version. Or it could be Subaru’s loyal fan following. Either way, the BRZ handily beats out its competition where depreciation is concerned. Despite a higher price point than its Toyota sibling, the BRZ is one sports car that is able to hold over 80 percent of its initial value. Deprecating just 18.2 percent in five years, a BRZ is the safest sports car to buy on a budget.

2. Chevrolet Camaro

Front angle view of red 2023 Chevy Camaro, cheapest new sports car, but iconic American model will be killed
2023 Chevy Camaro | Chevrolet

Quickly we make a u-turn into muscle car territory for the rest of the sports cars on this iSeeCars list. Why they hold value so well is a mystery, as American cars typically don’t rank high in this category. It probably has something to do with that emotional purchase thing we talked about earlier. Loving a muscle car is about loving the feeling it gives you, and forgetting what the accountant has to say about it. Both the Camaro and Mustang lose just 22.2 percent of their value over five years, and we can’t say you don’t get your money’s worth with either.

3. Ford Mustang

This Stealth Edition 2022 Ford Mustang has a usable trunk and an optional SYNC 3 infotainment system.
2022 Ford Mustang | Ford

The Mustang is probably the most popular of the choices on this list, and for good reason. There are Mustang models ranging in price from just over $20,000 to $75,000. There is a flavor for every budget, and the Mustang does well to keep value over time. EcoBoost models are incredibly reliable, while the 5.0-liter V8 options are both exhilarating and keep running well into six-figure mileage numbers.

4. Dodge Challenger

2022 Dodge Challenger | FCA

It feels like the Dodge Challenger has been mostly the same for a decade, but that doesn’t mean they have any less of a following. In fact, the Challenger fandom may be stronger now than ever. That surge in popularity along with several halo models that call attention to the family make the Challenger an easy choice for cheap speed. 

These four sports cars avoid the stereotype and hold their value over time

It isn’t easy to find a sports car that won’t put an accountant on notice, but these four should at least placate the number crunchers when it’s time to sell. Avoiding depreciation as new models and technology are emerging at record pace isn’t easy, but these four cars do the job well. And while none of them are going to turn a profit, any sports car that can hold 75 percent of its value is worth checking out.

Related Avoid Depreciation with These Five Affordable Cars That Hold Their Value

Avoid Depreciation with These Five Affordable Cars That Hold Their Value