$18,250 – 22,800
Another Toyota that captured attention for its aesthetics is the second-generation MR2. This time it borrowed design queues from the Ferrari V8 cars, in particular the 348 TS (though today it more closely resembles the F355 GTS, which would arrive midway through the MR2’s lifespan). From its inception, the MR2 was designed to be a run-about (Mid-ship Run-about/Rear-wheel-drive 2-seater), offering good fuel economy in a youthful package. But with its relative light weight and mid-engine layout, it couldn’t help its aspirations as a sports car, especially with noted figures like Dsn Gurney helping to tune its handling. The turbocharged models of the MK II were the performance stars, with 200 bhp on tap, but the 130-hp 2.2-liter 5S-FE offers plenty of fun for $20,000 less in today’s market.