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There’s no denying it. Fast cars are fun to drive. But what if you’re shopping for a fast car on a budget? Is finding one even possible? The good news is that the answer is yes. As a matter of fact, iSee Cars recently revealed its picks for the fastest cars under $15,000. And these used cars? They’ll be sure to provide plenty of thrills without breaking the bank. 

The 2012 Chevy Camaro is a fast used car that won’t break the bank

A red 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, one of the fastest used cars under $15,000
2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 | Chevrolet

If you’re shopping for a fast used car, the 2012 Chevy Camaro is one of the fastest cars under $15,000, iSeeCars reports. It costs approximately $13,574. When first released, it was available with three engines under the hood, including a 323-hp 3.6-liter V6, a 400-hp 6.2-liter V8, and a 426-hp 6.2-liter V8. 

It was also offered with a 6-speed manual transmission, a 6-speed automatic transmission, and a 6-speed automatic with paddle-activated driver shift control. And if you’re wondering how fast the Chevy Camaro is? You can expect this fast used car to move from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.6 seconds, iSeeCars reports.

As for what it’s like to drive the Chevy Camaro? Kelley Blue Book (KBB) took the Camaro SS out for a spin and was able to manage a 0 to 60 mph run in a mere 4.4 seconds. Meanwhile, Consumer Reports (CR) found that “handling and braking performance are impressive” and the “ride is very firm and taut, keeping body motions in check.”

The 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata is one of the fastest cars under $15,000

A white 2014 Mazda MX5 Roadster Coupe
2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images/Getty Images

There’s a lot to like about the 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata, especially if you’re on the hunt for a fast car under $15,000. In fact, iSeeCars reports that this particular used Mazda Miata model boasts a 0 to 60 mph time of just 6.0 seconds and will cost you only $14,498. For used car shoppers on a budget, that’s not all that bad.

The 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata is enjoyable to drive too. As a matter of fact, CNET reports that the used Mazda MX-5 Miata boasts top-notch handling, making it a “joy to drive.” CNET added, “The 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata is an excellent driver’s car that is best experienced without expensive bells and whistles.”

As for what’s under the hood of the 2014 Mazda MX-5 Miata? You can expect to find a 167-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission. 

The 2014 Ford Mustang is a used car that’s as fast as it is affordable

A yellow Ford Mustang on display
Ford Mustang | Dan Kitwood/Getty Images

If you’re shopping for a used car under $15,000, you can’t go wrong with the 2014 Ford Mustang. Costing only $13,764, this used Ford Mustang is as fast as it is affordable. Don’t just take our word for it, either. In fact, according to iSeeCars, the 2014 model can move from 0 to 60 mph in a short 5.8 seconds. 

Though, that shouldn’t be too much of a surprise. After all, the 2014 Ford Mustang was available with two fast-paced engines, including a 305-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine and a 420-hp 5.0-liter V8 engine. Both engines came standard with a six-speed manual transmission, though a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control was available too.

And when it comes to driving the 2014 Ford Mustang? Edmunds reports that behind the wheel of this used Ford Mustang, you’re in for a wild ride. “Within the pony car triumvirate of the Camaro, Challenger and Mustang, the Ford feels the tidiest and lightest on its feet,” Edmunds added.

The 2012 Audi TT will have you moving from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds

An employee unfurls the protective cover of an Audi AG TT automobile displayed on the company's stand ahead of the opening day of the Paris Motor Show in Paris, France, on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012.
2012 Audi TT | Balint Porneczi/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The 2012 Audi TT also found itself among iSeeCars’ picks for the fastest cars under $15,000. Though, boasting a $14,266 price tag and with a standard 211-hp 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood, it’s really no surprise as to why. In fact, iSeeCars reports that behind the wheel of this fast used car, you’ll find yourself zooming from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 5.3 seconds.

According to U.S. News & World Report, the 2012 Audi TT is enjoyable to drive too. Its engine produces more than enough power for most driving situations, and its transmission shifts both seamlessly and quickly. Perhaps the only downside to this used luxury car is that some of U.S. News’ testers “wished that the steering provided more road feel, while others remarked that competitors like the Porsche Boxster offer more thrilling performance.”

As it turns out, Edmunds made similar comments about the 2012 Audi TT. Luxury cars like the  BMW 1 Series deliver “superior driver engagement.” Edmunds reports that the Camaro, Challenger, and Mustang also make for compelling alternatives to the Audi TT.

The 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is the fastest used car under $15,000

A red 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe driving, the 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe is one of the fastest used cars under $15,000
2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe | Hyundai

As for the fastest used car under $15,000? That honor went to none other than the 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe. Costing roughly $12,904, the 2014 Hyundai Genesis Coupe isn’t just fast, it’s a budget-friendly used car that definitely won’t break the bank. Instead, it will have you driving from 0 to 60 mph in an impressive 5.2 seconds.

iSeeCars isn’t the only one singing the Hyundai Genesis Coupe’s praises either. In fact, according to U.S. News, this used Hyundai benefits from a lineup of potent engine options, including a turbocharged four-cylinder that achieves 274-hp or a direct-injected V6 that churns out a full 348-hp. 

While its base engine provides more than enough power, U.S. News reports that the Genesis Coupe’s available V6 “doesn’t offer any true performance advantages.” Consumer Reports made similar comments, adding that while the Genesis Coupe handles with agility and precision, “the car is let down by a heavy clutch and a balky manual transmission that together require extra attention to extract smooth shifts.”

Shopping for a used car under $15,000 doesn’t have to be boring

Shopping for a used car on a budget doesn’t have to be boring. In fact, according to iSeeCars, if you’re on the hunt for a used car under $15,000, there are plenty of fast used cars worth your consideration. 

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