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DETROIT — To take some of the trepidation out of buying a used sports car, AOL Autos recently compiled a list of what it considers to be the top models available for less than $15,000.

In addition to being inexpensive, these models are also are "fun to drive" and have distinguishing attributes, according to AOL Autos.

"It can be a lot less nerve-racking to purchase a new vehicle from the local dealership than it is to buy a used one. You know exactly what you're getting," Chris Shunk, of AOL Autos wrote. "You don't have to worry about whether the previous owner forgot to change the oil for 20,000 miles.

"Did the last owner smoke? Not an issue. But at the same time, a good used vehicle can be a much better deal than anything you'll find on the new-car lot. All it takes is a little research, and AOL Autos is a great place to start," Shunk added.

The list is as follows:

2000 Porsche Boxster
Price: $11,995
Price if purchased new: $41,430
Mileage: 56,914
Engine: 2.7-liter six-cylinder, 217 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 3.5 (2001 model)

"Absolutely terrific handling and a high-revving flat-six engine make this a terrific playmate. The convertible top is the icing on the cake," Shunk wrote as the car's "selling points."

2006 Ford Mustang GT 
Price: $14,995
Price if purchased new: $25,140
Mileage: 37,118
Engine: 4.6-liter V8, 300 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 2

"The Mustang is as all-American as it gets, with one of the largest followings of any vehicle on the road today," Shunk wrote. "As a used car, it should prove cheaper to repair because of the widespread availability of parts."

2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Price: $13,997
Price if purchased new: $20,585-$26,520
Mileage: 20,146
Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 170 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 5 

"Pound-for-pound, and dollar-for-dollar, this little roadster is as much fun to drive as anything else on the road. Go-karts wished they handled this well," Shunk noted.

2004 Pontiac GTO
Price: $14,834
Price if purchased new: $31,795
Mileage: 27,418
Engine: 5.7-liter V8, 350 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 2.5

"Lots of power is a good first criteria for a sports car, and the 5.7-liter V8 in the GTO is the same engine found under the hood of many Corvettes. The GTO is also relatively rare out on the road, which will help you to stand out from the crowd," Shunk shared. 

2003 BMW 330i
Price: $13,999
Price if purchased new: $34,800-$42,900
Mileage: 55,166
Engine: 3.0-liter inline-six, 225 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 3.5

"Terrific driving dynamics team up with attractive sheet metal to make the 330i a terrific everyday driver that can be a ton of fun. There's no better deal in the automotive world than driving a 3-Series for Ford Focus money," Shunk stated. 

2003 Honda S2000
Price: $12,994
Price if purchased new: $32,600
Mileage: 50,595
Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 240 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 5

"The S2000 is a fun, high-revving roadster that combines great looks with Honda reliability," Shunk wrote. "Hard to go wrong with that combination in a used car." 

2005 Subaru Impreza WRX
Price: $12,998
Price if purchased new: $25,045
Mileage: 49,591
Engine: 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 227 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 3

"The WRX makes up for quirky looks with its internal beauty, meaning a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and a turbocharged engine," Shunk noted. "Bonus points for the WRX if you live on a dirt road and are comfortable using the emergency brake to execute turns." 

2006 Mazda RX-8
Price: $14,960
Price if purchased new: $26,435
Mileage: 33,914
Engine: 1.3-liter rotary 212 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 2 (2005 model)

"The RX-8 is one of the better-handing vehicles in its price range. Its unique rotary engine is tiny and its power can only be tapped at the high end of the rev range," Shunk stated. "The trick rear-hinged door for backseat passengers makes the RX-8 a sports car with four genuinely useful seats."

2003 BMW Z4 3.0i
Price: $14,990
Price if purchased new: $33,100-$40,250
Mileage: 37,640
Engine: 3.0-liter inline six, 225 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 4 ½

"BMW's legendary driving dynamics are present and accounted for in the Z4, and the deal is sweetened by attractive looks and a convertible top," Shunk shared.

2006 Dodge Charger R/T
Price: $14,995
Price if purchased new: $30,030
Mileage: 39,014
Engine: 5.7-liter V8, 340 horsepower
JD Power Dependability Rating: 2

"The Charger is a large sedan with plenty of power and surprising handling for a vehicle of its size. Toting around the family and having fun don't need to be mutually exclusive," Shunk noted.

The complete story can be read at http://autos.aol.com/gallery/used-sports-cars-15000.