8 Reliable manual sports cars are not just a myth — they’re out there, and some have racked up over 200,000 miles without losing their edge. Whether you want a fun weekend toy or a dependable daily driver with a manual gearbox, these cars prove that reliability and driving fun can go hand in hand.
From affordable icons to under-the-radar sleepers, these 8 sports cars with manual transmissions prove that reliability and driving joy can go hand-in-hand — even beyond 300K+ miles.
And yes, it’s not just the Japanese brands holding it down. America and Germany showed up, too.
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1. Mazda MX-5 Miata
Used Price: $10,818
It’s not just a cliché — the Miata really is always the answer. Lightweight, simple, and nearly bulletproof, early NA Miatas (1989–1997) are still going strong decades later.
- 1.6L or 1.8L inline-4
- 5-speed manual
- Over 900,000 miles on the highest-mileage example
This little roadster is reasonably priced to run, easy to maintain, and endlessly rewarding.
2. Honda S2000
Used Price: $28,572
Think high-revving redlines mean high-maintenance? Not with the S2000. Its 9,000 rpm F20C engine is legendary — and surprisingly tough.
- 2.0L or 2.2L inline-4 (AP1/AP2)
- 6-speed manual (one of the best ever)
- 200K+ miles is common; 300K+ not unheard of
It’s a JDM icon that thrives on track days and twisty roads without becoming a money pit.
3. Porsche 911 Carrera (997.2)
Used Price: $49,375
Yes, a Porsche made this listing. The 997.2 (2009–2012) fixed the feared IMS bearing difficulty and brought strong reliability to the 911 lineup.
- 3.6L or 3.8L flat-6
- 6-speed manual
Near 300,000 miles reported on well-maintained examples
It’s not cheap to service, but if you’re hunting for a reliable European sports car with a manual gearbox, this is the 911 to get.
4. Toyota GT86 / Subaru BRZ
Used Price: $19,988
Looking for a modern, reliable sports car under $20K with a stick? The GT86 and BRZ twins bring you classic rear-wheel-drive fun with Toyota/Subaru reliability.
- 2.0L flat-4, 200 hp
- 6-speed manual
- 100K+ miles is typical; 140K+ with minimal drama
Great balance, cheap to maintain, and backed by a solid owner community.
5. Nissan 350Z
Used Price: $13,333
The 350Z’s VQ-series V6 has earned its “indestructible” reputation — and the six-speed manual is a tank.
- 3.5L V6, up to 300 hp
- 6-speed manual
- Redditors report 500K+ miles on original engines
For under $15K, you get big power, rear-drive grip, and a tough-as-nails drivetrain.
6. Toyota MR2
Used Price: $13,591
Mid-engine fun and Toyota reliability? Yes, please. Whether you go with the ’90s SW20 or early 2000s MR2 Spyder, both deliver smiles per gallon.
- Naturally aspirated inline-4s (5S-FE, 1ZZ-FE)
- 5-speed manual
- 430,000 miles reported by one owner
- Lightweight, weird, and wonderfully reliable — a rare combo.
7. Chevrolet Corvette C5
Used Price: $20,238
Want V8 grunt and serious mileage potential? The C5 Corvette (1997–2004) offers both. Its LS1 engine is one of the most durable ever made.
- 5.7L V8, 345 hp
- Tremec T56 6-speed manual
- 773,000+ miles logged on one example!
Parts are cheap, torque is endless, and maintenance is easier than you’d expect for a 170-mph car.
8. Toyota Supra MK4 (Non-Turbo)
Used Price: $76,091
Everyone talks about the twin-turbo Supra, but the naturally aspirated versions are true long-distance champions.
- 3.0L 2JZ-GE inline-6, 220 hp
- 5- or 6-speed manual
- Over 520,000 miles recorded on a stock motor
The overbuilt 2JZ engine makes this ‘90s legend one of the most durable sports cars of all time.
Final Thoughts: Reliable Sports Cars DO Exist (With a Stick!)
Whether you’re shopping for a $10K weekend toy or a $75K future classic, these reliable sports cars with manual transmissions prove that fun doesn’t have to mean fragile.
And with many of these already hitting 200K–500K+ miles, you can drive them hard — and drive them home.
10 Manual Sports Cars That Are Surprisingly Cheap to Maintain
Best Japanese Sports Cars for Long-Term Ownership
High-Mileage Cars That Are Still Fun to Drive.
Also Read: 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid Review: Stylish, Spacious & Still a Bargain — But MPG Takes a Hit