The 5 Best Used Sports Sedans Under $30,000

To call the S4 civilized isn't an insult. In fact, it's one of the best sports sedans that melds the worlds of comfort and real performance so well. The 333 hp and 325 lb-ft supercharged V6 is smooth and powerful, and all of it stays planted with the quattro all-wheel drive system. Step inside, and you'll find yourself awash in one of the best cabins of its time. Standard equipment for the Premium Plus (base) trim level include 18-inch wheels with summer tires, sunroof, automatic xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, foglamps, automatic wipers, tri-zone automatic climate control, heated 12-way power sport seats with driver memory, leather and faux-suede upholstery, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth, a dash-mounted MMI electronics controller and a 10-speaker stereo with single-CD player, iPod interface, satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack.

No need to get the mad M3 here when the 335i's twin turbocharged inline-6 is one of sweetest engines in existence with its linear torque band and powerful acceleration. But it's not all about ballistic power. The 335i gets great mileage, almost approaching the 320i's 4-cylinder efficiency. The exterior is way sexier than the 5-Series from the same year, and the interior is luxurious and slick. The 335i comes standard a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, ten-way power-adjustable front seats, adaptive and auto-leveling xenon headlights, automatic high beams, sunroof, a 60/40-split-folding rear seat, driver memory functions and a rearview camera., leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, a leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a trip computer, Bluetooth, the iDrive electronics interface with a 6.5-inch display, and a premium sound system with a CD player, HD radio, an auxiliary audio jack and an iPod/USB audio interface.

The IS F isn't shy about its robust V8 power. The massive hood bulge and dramatic body work are external displays of the 416 hp and 371 lb-ft of torque under the hood. Lexus's first attempt at going after the Germans might seem like a bit of overkill, but the results are undeniable. It's ready to crush any apex and go toe-to-toe with muscle cars with its serious thrust. The interior is sporty and luxurious at the same time, and the quality can be felt by all occupants. There are sports sedans that are more comfy on the daily commute but few are this thrilling. Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels with high-performance tires, Brembo brakes, xenon headlights, heated and leather-trimmed 10-way power-adjustable front sport seats, driver and front passenger memory settings, dual-zone automatic climate control, a 13-speaker audio system with six-CD changer and auxiliary audio jack, keyless ignition/entry and a moonroof.

For the 2015 model year, Subaru totally reworked the WRX, making it more civilized, less polarizing in its styling and losing the venerable hatchback with only the four-door remaining. The increased power from the turbocharged 4-cylinder is ample with 268 horses and a 0-60 time under six seconds. The chassis is stiff for heroic turns, but the suspension can be a bit jarring at times. It's a great all-seasons car that will thrill its driver to no end, and comfort compromises aren't significant enough to dissuade potential buyers. Standard WRX equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels with summer tires, cruise control, full power accessories, automatic climate control, sport front seats, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, 60/40-split-folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped shift knob and steering wheel, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a 4.3-inch central display, a rearview camera, a six-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio and a USB/iPod interface.

Like a shrunken S-Class, the CLA is beautiful to behold. Rarely does a smaller version of a luxury flagship look this good. Though it can get pricey when optioned out, the CLA still looks more expensive than its asking price, both inside and out. The sinewy and sleek exterior is complimented by one of the nicest luxury interiors in the industry. It's a blast to drive, and it handles wonderfully in spite of a bit of a harsh ride with the sport suspension. The CLA 250 4Matic comes standard with all-wheel drive, 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, keyless ignition, eight-way power driver seats, driver memory settings, leatherette premium vinyl upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, ambient interior lighting and a 60/40-split-folding rear seat. Electronics features include a 7-inch central display, the COMAND interface, mbrace2 telematics/smartphone integration, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, USB and auxiliary audio jacks, and a CD player.