The 2018 Lexus RC is the best used coupe under $40,000: NHTSA lists 1 complaint and 1 recall campaign, KBB owners rate its reliability 4.5 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $25,900 for the RC 300 to $31,100 for the RC 350. The 2019 Nissan 370Z follows from $19,000, and the 2014 Corvette Stingray offers 450 hp from $35,100.
Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $25,500 for the TT Coupe (originally $44,925); the TTS Coupe is $27,100 (originally $53,925)
Buyers who want an Audi coupe from $25,500 and a 4.9 owner score
Pick by what you want
Best overall
2018 Lexus RC 350 (XC10)
Cheapest sports coupe
2019 Nissan 370Z (Z34)
Best BMW
2018 BMW 2 Series M240i (F22)
Mid-engine
2015 Porsche Cayman (981)
Most power
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7)
Best fuel economy
2019 Honda Civic Coupe (10th gen)
The ranking
1
2018 Lexus RC 350 (XC10)
Photo: Ethan Llamas / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe quiet reliability pick.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $25,900 for the RC 300 (originally $44,605) and $31,100 for the RC 350 (originally $49,180)NHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA for the 2018 Lexus RC 350NHTSA complaints: 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Lexus RC 350 (all body styles)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2018 Lexus RC 350 4.5 out of 5 for reliability (the score is for that model year across body styles)Power and economy: 19-26 combined mpg; 241-467 hp across all RC trims (KBB)
The 2018 RC is the Lexus coupe with 241-467 hp across its trims and 19-26 combined mpg. NHTSA lists 1 complaint and 1 recall campaign, KBB owners rate its reliability 4.5 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $25,900 for the RC 300 to $31,100 for the RC 350. A count this low reflects a low-volume car, and the 2017 RC lists 3.
Go ifBuyers who want the fewest owner complaints and a luxury coupe from $25,900
Skip ifYou want a V8 or a manual gearbox
Why #1 over #2: It lists 1 complaint and a confirmed 1 recall campaign; the 370Z also lists 1 complaint, but its recalls could not be confirmed.
2
2019 Nissan 370Z (Z34)
Photo: hugh llewelyn / CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe cheapest rear-drive pick.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $19,000 for the Coupe (originally $31,015) and $22,500 for the Sport Coupe (originally $34,745)NHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2019 Nissan 370Z, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsNHTSA complaints: 1 complaint filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Nissan 370Z (all body styles)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2019 Nissan 370Z 4.1 out of 5 for reliability (the score is for that model year across body styles)Power and economy: 20-22 combined mpg; 332-350 hp (KBB)
The 2019 370Z is the cheapest rear-drive sports coupe here, with 332-350 hp and 20-22 combined mpg. NHTSA lists 1 complaint; recalls could not be confirmed because NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Owners rate reliability 4.1 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $19,000 to $22,500.
Go ifBuyers who want a rear-drive sports coupe from $19,000
Skip ifYou want a modern interior or good fuel economy
Why #2 over #3: It lists 1 complaint versus 3 for the M240i and costs from $19,000 versus $27,000.
3
2018 BMW 2 Series M240i (F22)
Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe BMW with the best owner score.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $27,000 for the M240i Coupe (originally $50,145); the 230i Coupe is $16,500 (originally $40,695)NHTSA recalls: Could not be confirmed: NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2018 BMW 2 Series M240i, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recallsNHTSA complaints: 3 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 BMW 2 Series M240i (all body styles)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2018 BMW 2 Series M240i 4.9 out of 5 for reliability (the score is for that model year across body styles)Power and economy: 24-28 combined mpg; 248-335 hp (KBB)
The 2018 BMW 2 Series M240i has 248-335 hp across the line and 24-28 combined mpg. NHTSA lists 3 complaints for the model year; recalls could not be confirmed, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Owners rate reliability 4.9 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $16,500 for the 230i to $27,000 for the M240i.
Go ifBuyers who want a 335 hp BMW coupe near $27,000 and the top owner reliability score
Skip ifYou want a rear seat with real room
Why #3 over #4: It lists 3 complaints versus 4 for the Cayman and a 4.9 owner rating versus 4.7.
4
2015 Porsche Cayman (981)
Photo: Yahya S. on Flickr : https://www.flickr.com/photos/128326674@N06/ / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe only mid-engine pick.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $38,400 for the Cayman Coupe (originally $55,825); the S Coupe is $40,000, which is not under $40,000NHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2015 Porsche CaymanNHTSA complaints: 4 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Porsche Cayman (all body styles)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2015 Porsche Cayman 4.7 out of 5 for reliability (the score is for that model year across body styles)Power and economy: 23-24 combined mpg; 275-340 hp (KBB)
The 2015 Cayman is the only mid-engine car here, with 275-340 hp and 23-24 combined mpg. NHTSA lists 4 complaints and 2 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.7 out of 5, and the base Coupe is $38,400. The S Coupe is $40,000, which is not under $40,000.
Go ifBuyers who want a mid-engine Porsche for under $40,000
Skip ifYou need space for more than two people
Why #4 over #5: It lists 4 complaints versus 20 for the Supra, and a 4.7 owner rating versus 3.0.
5
2021 Toyota GR Supra (A90)
Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York / CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe newest, in 2.0 form.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $37,200 for the 2.0 Coupe (originally $44,085); the 3.0 trims are $46,600 to $49,100, over $40,000NHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota GR SupraNHTSA complaints: 20 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Toyota GR Supra (all body styles)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2021 Toyota GR Supra 3.0 out of 5 for reliability (the score is for that model year across body styles)Power and economy: 25-28 combined mpg; 255-382 hp across 2.0 and 3.0 trims (KBB)
The 2021 GR Supra is the newest car here, but only the 2.0 trim fits the budget: KBB lists $37,200 against an original $44,085, while the 3.0 trims run $46,600 to $49,100. NHTSA lists 20 complaints and 5 recall campaigns, and owners rate reliability 3.0 out of 5, the lowest on the list.
Go ifBuyers who want the newest design here, in the 2.0 trim
Skip ifYou want the 3.0 engine under $40,000
Why #5 over #6: It lists 20 complaints versus 63 for the Corvette.
6
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7)
Photo: MercurySable99 / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe power pick.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $35,100 for the Stingray Coupe (originally $55,345) and $38,200 for the Stingray Z51 Coupe (originally $60,240)NHTSA recalls: 5 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette StingrayNHTSA complaints: 63 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (all body styles)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 4.5 out of 5 for reliability (the score is for that model year across body styles)Power and economy: 20 combined mpg; 450 hp (KBB)
The 2014 Corvette Stingray is the first C7 year, with 450 hp and 20 combined mpg. NHTSA lists 63 complaints and 5 recall campaigns, owners rate reliability 4.5 out of 5, and KBB Fair Purchase Prices run from $35,100 for the Stingray Coupe to $38,200 for the Z51 Coupe.
Go ifBuyers who want the most power under $40,000
Skip ifYou want few NHTSA complaints
Why #6 over #7: It lists 63 complaints versus 81 for the Camaro SS and has more power, 450 hp.
7
2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS (Gen 6)
Photo: Oq10pass / CC0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictCheap V8 power.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $27,900 for the SS Coupe (originally $39,490); the LS Coupe is $15,650 (originally $28,395)NHTSA recalls: 2 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro SSNHTSA complaints: 81 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS (all body styles)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS 4.1 out of 5 for reliability (the score is for that model year across body styles)Power and economy: 16-23 combined mpg; 335-650 hp across all Camaro trims (KBB)
The 2018 Camaro SS Coupe is a V8 coupe at $27,900 against an original $39,490. NHTSA lists 81 complaints and 2 recall campaigns for the model year, and owners rate reliability 4.1 out of 5. Power across the Camaro line is 335-650 hp.
Go ifBuyers who want a V8 coupe near $27,900
Skip ifYou want rear visibility or a roomy back seat
Why #7 over #8: It lists 81 complaints versus 196 for the Mustang and 2 recall campaigns versus 4.
8
2018 Ford Mustang GT (S550)
Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe easy V8 coupe.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $25,200 for the GT Coupe (originally $37,780) and $28,800 for the GT Premium Coupe (originally $44,270)NHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Mustang GTNHTSA complaints: 196 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Ford Mustang GT (all body styles)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2018 Ford Mustang GT 4.7 out of 5 for reliability (the score is for that model year across body styles)Power and economy: 16-25 combined mpg; 310-526 hp across all Mustang trims (KBB)
The 2018 Mustang GT Coupe costs $25,200 against an original $37,780, and the GT Premium Coupe is $28,800. NHTSA lists 196 complaints and 4 recall campaigns for the model year, and owners rate reliability 4.7 out of 5. Power across the Mustang line is 310-526 hp.
Go ifBuyers who want a V8 coupe from $25,200 and a 4.7 owner score
Skip ifYou want fewer than 196 NHTSA complaints
Why #8 over #9: It lists 196 complaints versus 345 for the Civic and a higher power ceiling.
9
2019 Honda Civic Coupe (10th gen)
Photo: Kevauto / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictThe economy pick.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $19,700 for the Si Coupe (originally $25,255)NHTSA recalls: 4 recall campaigns listed by NHTSA for the 2019 Honda CivicNHTSA complaints: 345 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Honda Civic (all body styles)Owner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2019 Honda Civic 4.7 out of 5 for reliability (the score is for that model year across body styles)Power and economy: 32-36 combined mpg; 158-205 hp across all Civic trims (KBB)
The 2019 Civic Si Coupe is the economy pick: KBB lists $19,700 against an original $25,255, with 32-36 combined mpg across the Civic line. NHTSA lists 345 complaints and 4 recall campaigns for the 2019 Civic across all body styles, and owners rate reliability 4.7 out of 5.
Go ifBuyers who want the best fuel economy and a low price, from $19,700
Skip ifYou want the fewest complaints (NHTSA counts every 2019 Civic body style)
Why #9 over #10: It lists 345 complaints, but NHTSA counts every 2019 Civic body style, and it has the best fuel economy here.
10
2018 Audi TT Coupe (8S)
Photo: Damian B Oh / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Answrs VerdictRanked last on unconfirmed data.
Used price: Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price $25,500 for the TT Coupe (originally $44,925); the TTS Coupe is $27,100 (originally $53,925)NHTSA recalls: 1 recall campaign listed by NHTSA for the 2018 Audi TTNHTSA complaints: NHTSA lists 0 complaints for the 2018 Audi TT, and also 0 for the 2017 and 2019 models, so the count could not be fully confirmedOwner reliability: KBB owners rate the 2018 Audi TT 4.9 out of 5 for reliability (the score is for that model year across body styles)Power and economy: 22-26 combined mpg; 220-400 hp across all TT trims (KBB)
The 2018 Audi TT Coupe costs $25,500 against an original $44,925, and owners rate reliability 4.9 out of 5, the top score here. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 0 complaints, but it also lists 0 for the 2017 and 2019 models, so the complaint count could not be fully confirmed and we ranked it last.
Go ifBuyers who want an Audi coupe from $25,500 and a 4.9 owner score
Skip ifYou want NHTSA data you can lean on
How we ranked these
We ranked used two-door coupe model years sold in the US that KBB lists under $40,000: NHTSA owner complaint counts first, then recall campaigns where NHTSA's recall lookup returned a count, then Kelley Blue Book owner reliability ratings, with used prices from KBB. NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2019 370Z and 2018 M240i, so they get no credit for recalls. The 2018 TT lists 0 complaints, but so do its neighbouring years, so we treated the count as unconfirmed and ranked it last; none of the picks is ranked first on a count we doubt. KBB reliability scores are per model year and cover every body style of that year. Complaint counts also cover every body style and favor low-volume cars. Counts were read from the NHTSA API and prices from KBB when we checked, and prices change weekly. Model years differ (2014 to 2021), and mileage matters as much as year. For new coupes see our Top 10 Coupes at /cars/best-coupes-2027/, and for the BRZ and 86 see /cars/best-subaru-brz-and-toyota-86-model-years-2027/. Facts are taken from each maker's own published information; check the official site before you buy.
Questions people ask
What is the best used coupe under $40,000?
By NHTSA and owner data, the 2018 Lexus RC: 1 NHTSA complaint, 1 recall campaign, a 4.5 out of 5 KBB owner reliability rating and KBB Fair Purchase Prices of $25,900 for the RC 300 and $31,100 for the RC 350.
What is the cheapest used coupe here?
The 2019 Nissan 370Z Coupe, with a KBB Fair Purchase Price of $19,000; the 2019 Honda Civic Si Coupe is $19,700.
Which has the most power?
The 2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray has 450 hp, at $35,100 for the Stingray Coupe and $38,200 for the Z51 Coupe.
Which have confirmed recall counts?
NHTSA's recall lookup returned no results for the 2019 370Z and the 2018 BMW 2 Series, so check by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The lowest confirmed counts are 1 for the 2018 RC and 2018 TT, then 2 for the 2015 Cayman and 2018 Camaro.
KBB Fair Purchase Price of the featured coupe trim (USD) at a glance
2019 Honda Civic Coupe (10th gen)$19,700
2019 Nissan 370Z (Z34)$22,500
2018 Ford Mustang GT (S550)$25,200
2018 Audi TT Coupe (8S)$25,500
2018 BMW 2 Series M240i (F22)$27,000
2018 Chevrolet Camaro SS (Gen 6)$27,900
2018 Lexus RC 350 (XC10)$31,100
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7)$35,100
2021 Toyota GR Supra (A90)$37,200
2015 Porsche Cayman (981)$38,400
KBB Fair Purchase Price of the featured coupe trim (USD), as published by each maker. Picks without a published figure are left off.
