11 Best Cheap Drift Cars In 2025

These are the best cheap drift cars for maximum sideways fun with minimum investment, and you’ll likely be surprised by some of the prices.

nissan 350z drifting smoke screen

You can click on a specific car/section below or scroll down to read the whole article.


Introduction

If you’re anything like us, you probably spend far too much time consuming drifting content on YouTube. Let’s face it – it’s hard to resist the tire smoke and the sweet tune of screaming engines.

We’ve been guilty of this since the early days when we’d enjoy our favorite 90s JDM content on dial-up internet file-sharing platforms (after about three weeks of downloading!)

Since then, the drift scene and the sheer amount of free, easily-accessible content online have both changed significantly.

Just a few years ago, you could find an ex-loved, low-mileage BMW E36 from your friend’s grandma with a full history for just a few hundred bucks.

Fast-forward a few years, and supply and demand have seen the unwelcome rise of ‘drift tax’ and, for the more desirable cars, ‘JDM tax’.

For those unaware, drift, JDM, or scene tax refers to the continual escalation of prices for potential drift car platforms.

If it has a semi-decent front engine and puts the power down on the rear wheels, you can count on the price being significantly higher than it would’ve been just a few years ago.

One of the positives of cheap drift cars is that they’re often vehicles that were potentially destined for the graveyard but were instead given a new lease of life and possibly their most enjoyable (or, more likely, painful) years!

Let’s be honest here. The cheaper a car is, the more inclined we are to push it to its limits, whether that limit is the redline, walls, your buddy’s door, or all three!

This has led to a decline in the number of ideal RWD cars available over the years. Many have been damaged beyond repair, while others have become too rusty to justify fixing.

At the same time, the drifting scene has grown phenomenally, with more people looking to take up the sport than ever before. And let’s be honest, we don’t all have Formula DRIFT budgets to throw at our builds.

However, don’t give up hope just yet. That’s exactly why we’ve created this guide – to help you find the best cheap drift cars right now. Believe it or not – there are still bargains to be had!

Let’s look at the current market to help you decide which cheap drift cars suit your needs and budget.


Best Cheap Drift Cars

Everyone’s idea of a cheap drift car budget will be different. So, to start with, we’ll focus on the cheapest drift cars money can buy.

After that, we’ll check out some slightly higher-budget drift car options if you’re considering spending a little more for something more modern or exciting.

We’ll list the current prices on the market in 2025, but remember, cheaper isn’t always better. Getting a decent example can often be worth paying a little more unless you’re confident with carrying out repairs/fixes yourself.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Nissan 350Z

Price: From $4,000

In recent years, the 350Z has become the most popular drift car among Drifted’s fanbase, and it’s easy to see why.

It may not be the cheapest option, but the combination of stunning looks and the opportunity for roof-down skids makes it easy to see why it’s such a sought-after choice.

There’s no question that The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift helped boost the popularity of the 350Z. Despite this, it’s remained a cheap drift car and undoubtedly deserves a spot on our list.

With respectable power being produced from the stock 3.5-liter VQ35DE V6 (or later-model VQ35HR), an LSD in most trims, and a solid six-speed manual gearbox, the 350Z was practically born to drift as soon as it left the factory.

Not only is the 350Z capable of proving itself when it comes to drifting, but it’s also an excellent choice for a daily driver (assuming you don’t need too much space in the back!) and generally more reliable than most of the alternatives in our list.

With its drift-ready capabilities, sleek styling and interior, and modern-day conveniences such as AC, the 350Z could be the ultimate choice.

The only major downside of the 350Z is the lack of rear seats. If you often need to carry back-seat passengers, this could be a potential deal-breaker!

With the introduction of the Nissan 370Z, prices are now more impressive than ever, so this could be the perfect time to grab a bargain.

If you decide to purchase a 350Z, visit our 350Z tuning guides section, where we’ll help you choose the perfect upgrades.

Lexus IS/Toyota Altezza

lexus is300

Price: From $5,000

The Lexus IS was sold in the U.S. market, while the same car was sold in Japan as the Toyota Altezza.

Although Lexus is typically known for its luxury conveniences rather than drifting abilities, this is a fantastic chassis that can be had for a bargain. However, the luxury comfort will likely be a thing of the past once you’ve slammed it on coilovers and fitted a bucket seat!

If you’re looking for an IS, we highly recommend the IS300. It provides capable power in stock form from the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE engine (the N/A sibling of the infamous 2JZ-GTE), producing around 215-230 horsepower.

If you’re considering upgrading the power further down the line, we’ve compared the best IS300 turbo kits to help you build the perfect NA-T 2JZ.

Are you unsure whether turbocharging will be worth it? Well, let’s say there are plenty of turbocharged 2JZ-GEs out there pushing out 700+ horsepower!

We’d avoid the (temptingly) cheaper automatic options on the market unless you can conveniently source the conversion parts for a manual swap. Otherwise, you may well regret it later.

While manual conversion kits are available for the IS, they can be costly, and some parts are becoming discontinued.

With the right modifications, the IS, particularly the IS300, has excellent potential at a bargain price and is one of the strongest contenders in our list.

For those in other markets or with a smaller budget, the IS200/Altezza AS200, with its 155 horsepower inline-six, can also drift well despite its lower power output.

The JDM Altezza RS200, with its awesome high-revving 210 horsepower 3S-GE BEAMS engine, is another excellent option, but unfortunately, it’s not likely to be found for a bargain!

BMW 3-Series (E36/E46)

bmw e46 wide arch drift car

Price: From $2,500

Over the years, the BMW 3-series, particularly the E36, has become the love/hate car of the drifting scene.

With immense popularity in its prime, there was once a huge selection of various E36s available on the market at bargain prices, and drifting enthusiasts ensured that they’d live their final years mostly spent on the limiter.

This is undoubtedly one of the best value-for-money choices, and OEM and aftermarket parts are extremely easily sourced.

However, we’ve personally grown a little tired of seeing bashed-to-hell missile E36s over the years, which has made them a bit of an eyesore.

Admittedly, once you’re behind the wheel and enjoying what this fantastic chassis offers, that’ll most likely soon be forgotten. The near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and rear-wheel-drive setup make it predictable and stable even at the limit.

Just don’t expect the photographers to climb over one another to get photos of your beat-to-hell E36!

Over time, the E46 has become more reasonable than ever, making it a more tempting proposition. While slightly heavier than the E36, it didn’t lose its impressive ability to hang sideways during the generation switch.

If you’re lucky enough, you may even be able to find a reasonable E9x series that could do with a few simple repairs, depending on your budget.

Although these are much more modern, they’re still very capable with the right modifications. Expect your pockets to empty a little quicker than you’d like, though!

Although the most desirable option in each generation is undoubtedly the M3, its value constantly increases, and we doubt you’ll find a bargain these days.

Ensure you opt for the straight-six engine variants (M50, M52, M54). Weld the diff, grab a bucket seat and hydro, and you’ll be good to go.

With five seats and the ability to be a comfortable and reliable daily driver, BMW’s 3-series will certainly tick most people’s boxes. The only thing lacking is the originality factor!

Be sure to check out our E36 tuning guides if you decide to make this your weapon of choice.

If you’re looking for something a little more original, make sure you also consider the slightly chubbier 5-series! After shedding a few lbs, it could potentially be a serious bargain contender.

Mazda Miata/Mazda MX-5/Eunos Roadster

mazda miata nb drifting

Price: From $4,000

Yep, you guessed it – the Miata returns!

Although it probably doesn’t come as a surprise, this small and humble two-seater roadster is not only a bargain, but it’ll also provide you with heaps of fun for a fantastic price.

They’re not the most powerful cars on our list, nor are they particularly easy to drift due to their short wheelbase layout. The snap oversteer tendency makes them challenging (but rewarding) to master.

However, once you get the hang of them, they’re up there with the best for all-around drifting experience – plus, you get the wind in your hair in the process. (Assuming you have a roll cage, of course!)

With its 50-50 weight distribution and front-engine rear-wheel-drive configuration, it’s one of the top budget drift platforms.

We like the early 1.8L variants for a budget drifter, and there are plenty of supercharger and turbocharger variations for each generation on the market if you think you may have a few extra bucks to splash later on.

There’s also a factory turbo offering for a little extra cash – the Mazdaspeed NB is the only turbocharged variant ever produced.

If you keep it stock, expect a lot of clutch kicking and foot-to-the-floor, balls-to-the-wall type driving, and in return, you’ll be rewarded with the biggest, cheesiest grin you’ve ever experienced!

However, consider upgrades like a limited-slip differential, coilovers, and extended steering lock knuckles for better drift performance.

One of the main downsides with these can be rust, so depending on which state you’re purchasing from, we highly recommend taking a thorough look underneath in case it may have some imminent costly repairs looming.

Pay special attention to the rocker panels, chassis rails, front fenders, and trunk areas, where rust commonly develops.

We’ve compared a huge selection of aftermarket parts for the Miata, so make sure you take a moment to plan your future upgrades.

Infiniti G35

infiniti g35

Price: From $3,000

The G35 is another popular choice at Drifted. Simply by looking at it sitting sideways with a smoke cloud pouring out the back, it’s easy to see why.

Despite the premium badge, G35s can now be found surprisingly cheap – often for less than $5,000 for decent examples.

The G35 is nearly identical to the 350Z, but it’s a little more friendly if you’re looking for a daily driver since Infiniti has loaded it with luxury comforts. Although, let’s be honest, you’ll probably be ripping those out anyway!

Its 8″ longer wheelbase provides more stable drifts but slightly less snappy transitions than the 350Z.

Despite being a little heavy, the VQ35DE V6 engine (260-306 hp) offers plenty of power and tuning potential.

Look for manual transmission models, and consider weight reduction to improve handling. Most 350Z drift modifications work perfectly on the G35, including coilovers, angle kits, and limited-slip differentials.

Avoid the AWD variants (G35x), as these aren’t suitable for drifting unless you like AWD drifting. Also, watch out for oil consumption issues in “rev-up” engines.

If you’ve spotted a bargain G35 in the wild, we recommend grabbing it immediately!

Our Infiniti G35 Guide outlines everything you need to know about this fantastic car. If you decide it’s the ideal choice, there’s also a huge selection of aftermarket upgrades.

Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S/Toyota GT86

Price: From $9,000

Until recently, these epic lightweight sports coupes weren’t considered cheap drift cars. However, now that they’re getting a little older (and with the launch of the newer GR86 model), earlier variations are becoming surprisingly affordable.

The spiritual successor to the legendary AE86 has been dominating podiums in drifting competitions across the globe in recent years and is arguably the ultimate drifting platform you can still buy used right now.

However, there’s a small downside – the competition-spec ones certainly aren’t running stock power.

While the naturally aspirated 2.0L flat-four (producing around 200hp) is okay for beginners, most serious drift builds involve turbocharging the stock FA20 engine or swapping in something more powerful like a 2JZ, VR38DETT, or even a V8.

Supercharger kits can bump power to around 270 hp, or turbo kits can push them well beyond 300 hp. But admittedly, once you’re on the quest for serious power, they won’t be such a cheap drift car anymore.

If you’re looking for a long-term build that you can keep improving, this chassis could be the perfect option. We’ve got plenty of guides to help you along the way, too!

Mazda RX-8

mazda rx8 drifting

Price: From $4,000

The RX-8 is one of those hidden gems in the drift scene – a car you can pick up for absolute peanuts these days, often for less than $4,000 for decent examples.

Why so cheap? One word: ROTARY!

While we absolutely LOVE these high-revving engines (that 9,000rpm redline is pure music), they’re notorious for reliability issues.

The Renesis engine’s apex seals typically fail around 80,000-100,000 miles, so be sure to check the service history carefully.

They’re awesome for drifting when they work, with a responsive, smooth power delivery and that distinctive rotary sound. But when they don’t… your wallet feels the pain.

If you’re interested, we’ve included more information on the rotary engine in our in-depth RX-7 Guide.

For this reason, we wrote this RX-8 motor swap article to summarize the potential of this incredible chassis with a more reliable powerplant under the hood.

Perhaps you’ve found a bargain shell with a dead engine? Or one that’s had an LS swap? These are surprisingly common and often the most cost-effective way to own an RX-8.

If this is the case, you could well be on to a winner! Although they can be a handful, they also have a lot of potential, and plenty of aftermarket upgrades are available.

Mercedes C-Class

mercedes c class drift car

Price: From $4,000

Although this may seem like an unlikely choice, that’s the beauty of it!

Most drifters aren’t looking for Mercs, meaning they’re not suffering from bonkers price inflation. You’ll also benefit from an awesomely rare drift car – win-win!

The downside here is that most of these typically luxury cruisers have an auto gearbox, with the manual being much rarer.

The 5-speed manual is most sought-after for drifting. However, if you end up with an automatic, a transmission swap is always an option further down the line, but expect to pay the price.

If you want to be truly unique, you can also go down the diesel route and strap a giant turbo to it in true Euro-style.

Some enthusiasts have even built high-horsepower diesel drift monsters using the C-Class platform – check out some Turbo Diesel Builds videos on YouTube for inspiration!

These are certainly not among the most common cars, but use that to your advantage and grab yourself a bargain!

Ford Mustang

Price: From $5,000

Okay, we’re going to hold back on the jokes here. If you’re looking to shock the crowd, why not consider purchasing yourself a Mustang?! (Sorry, we couldn’t resist!)

Jokes aside, the Fox Body Mustangs are extremely cool in their own right, providing a true dose of ‘Merica, whilst also providing the rarity factor when it comes to drifting events.

The modern-day Mustang has been extremely successful in Formula DRIFT for James Deane, Vaughn Gittin Jr., and Chelsea DeNofa.

While their FD-spec wheelie-poppers are a far cry from cheap drift cars, that doesn’t mean there aren’t more affordable alternatives.

You can find Fox Body Mustangs with under 100k miles for around $5-6,000, which is a steal for what you’re getting – a lightweight chassis with a big V8 and decent aftermarket support.

We highly recommend trying to get your hands on one of the V8 options, but the V6s can often produce capable power to be kept sideways.

If you can deal with being the victim of endless crowd-based jokes at the track, you could use their reputation to your advantage to bag yourself a bargain!

Nissan 300ZX

nissan 300zx blue 180sx battle cheap drift cars

Price: From $9,000

If you’ve considered a Nissan 300ZX for your next cheap drift project but perhaps have been persuaded otherwise by your buddies or someone on social media who tells you it’s a bad idea, we recommend reconsidering.

While the 300ZX isn’t a traditional choice for drifting, it offers a unique opportunity to stand out.

Although it was once a real bargain, it’s been hit with scene tax since. However, given that it can still be found for under $10k, it’s worth considering for the rarity factor if you have a little more to spend.

With 283-300 hp produced from the Z32s twin-turbocharged VG30DETT 3.0L V6 powerplant in stock form, we’ve seen several builds that achieved the 500 hp region while maintaining reliability.

If you’re looking for a cheap drift car that’ll turn heads on the streets and stand out at the track, the 300ZX is one of our favorite cars for proving the naysayers wrong as you rub doors before leaving them lost in your smoke cloud.

While it might not be as agile and nimble as other choices, it’s a more than capable chassis for most circuits.

Lexus GS300

lexus gs300 cheap drift cars

Price: From $4,000

Want to take the whole family drifting? Look no further than our next choice – the comfortable yet powerful Lexus GS300 luxobarge.

Coming from Toyota’s posh cousin, the GS300 is undoubtedly comfortable. There’s nothing quite like drifting around corners while sitting (well, sliding) on comfortable leather seats!

But let’s be serious for a second. If you want to unleash the drifting potential of the GS300, you’ll need to strip some of this fancy weight out. That means saying goodbye to the gorgeous wood trim pieces and other fancy accessories.

Under the hood, the second generation (1997-2005) came with several engine choices, with the naturally aspirated 2JZ-GE inline-six being the most popular choice. You can consider turbocharging the existing 2JZ-GE (creating an “NA-T” build).

For those looking for even more power, consider the JDM Aristo, which features the holy grail twin-turbo 2JZ-GTE from the Toyota Supra MKIV. With the 25-year import rule, early-model Aristos with the twin-turbo setup are now legally importable to the US.

This was only available in the Japanese market Toyota Aristo (the JDM equivalent of the GS300), not in the US-market Lexus models. Given that the Aristo can sometimes be found for under $10k, they could be another great consideration if you have a little extra spare cash!


Higher Budget Alternatives

You’ve probably noticed that we’ve missed many of the ‘obvious’ drifting choices in this guide. That’s mainly due to the drastic changes in the market over the years.

With soaring desirability and decreasing availability, many of the most loved drift cars, particularly the JDM offerings, have become out of the budget drift car range.

However, some of you may have a budget that can stretch a little further.

While it’ll likely seem expensive initially, you may also want to consider a pre-built, fully specced drift car rather than the time, effort, and money it’ll take to build your own.

Sometimes, it’s worth spending that little extra cash at first if you can afford to do so, particularly if the car already has some expensive goodies attached to it or if it allows you to get a newer, cleaner example.

Here are some additional considerations if none of the above cars are tickling your fancy so far:

Nissan Silvia 180SX/200SX/240SX (S13/S14/S15)

nissan silvia s13

Price: From $15,000

The S-chassis is possibly the most iconic drift chassis of all time, but the prices have soared in recent years.

Prices vary wildly, but expect to pay around $15,000 for some of the cheaper 240SX offerings and $50k and beyond for a clean Nissan Silvia S15 Spec R JDM import.

Our jaws dropped when we saw this totally stock 119,000-mile Nissan 240SX S14A fetch over $31k last year. Bonkers.

Nissan Skyline R33

nissan skyline bnr33 drifting

Price: From $12,000

The R33 is the cheapest and possibly the most common variant of Nissan’s Skyline family. If you can take the ‘boat’ jokes on the chin, these can be a potential winner!

Prices for R32s and R34s have soared in recent years. You can forget about getting a GT-R unless you have around $30k-100k to spend, in which case you’re in the wrong guide!

Lexus SC/Toyota Soarer

toyota soarer

Price: From $10,000

There are still the occasional bargains floating around for these awesome 1JZ-powered drift weapons, so keep your eyes peeled.

Honda S2000

honda s2000 ap1 drifting

Price: From $14,000

A stunning modern-day two-seater roadster with a revvy VTEC (yo) engine. It’s not the most refined platform for drifting, but if you’re willing to stretch your budget, it’ll provide heaps of fun.

Toyota Corolla AE86

white ae86 trueno drift car

Price: From $25,000

What’s not to love about the humble AE86? You’re unlikely to get Keiichi Tsuchiya’s weapon of choice for a bargain now, and it will need some upgrades if it’s still in stock form. It could be a great investment for the future, though.

Mazda RX-7 FC & FD

Price: From $15,000 (FC) or $35,000 (FD)

Although the RX-8 can sometimes be had for a bargain, the RX-7s have sealed their places in the history books and often come with a premium price tag, despite (typically) still having the rotary under the hood.

If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to find a cheap FC, but we don’t expect the FDs to go down anytime soon.

Toyota JZX/Chaser/Cresta/Cressida

toyota chaser jzx90 with tyres

Price: From $10,000

We absolutely adore these luxury barges from Toyota, and if you can get your hands on one, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

These came with the highly sought-after 1JZ engine from the factory (besides the Cressida), and the earlier variants are eligible to import into the U.S. as long as they’re over 25 years old.

With a 1.5JZ upgrade, these are the ultimate VIP drifters. And you know what they say about more doors!

Toyota Supra (MK3)

toyota supra mk3-cheap drift cars

Price: From $10,000

With MK4 prices skyrocketing, you’ll have to settle for the slightly older, yet capable, third generation unless you have $40k+ (or $230k!) to spend.

Pontiac GTO

pontiac gto drift battle

Price: From $12,000

The GTO was once a cheap drift car contender, but just like JDM tax, those that left the factory with LS engines have also seen a significant price increase in recent years.

This long-wheelbase chassis features a more than capable powerplant lurking under the hood. Based on the Holden/Vauxhall Monaro on International markets, this features the awesome LS1 or LS2 engines in stock form, capable of 350 and 400hp respectively.

If you’re looking for some GTO inspiration, those with a good memory may remember Rhys Millen winning the Formula DRIFT Championship in 2005 in his Pontiac GTO build.

They’re certainly not the lightest choice in our list, but the power potential is there, and with some weight-saving and suspension mods, you could well be onto a winner.

A murdered out GTO could also make a perfect street sleeper.

Chevrolet Camaro (Gen 5)

chevrolet camaro gen5 cheap drift cars

Price: From $12,500

The fifth-generation Chevy Camaro offers a great mix of price and performance for those looking for an American muscle drifter.

We recommend going for the SS for a mix of performance and value, which left the factory with the 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine, which produces up to 426 horsepower and has plenty of aftermarket support.


Cheap Drift Car Essential Additions

Once you’ve got your cheap drift car, you’ll want to consider some essential items to unleash its full potential within your budget.

Therefore, before you get too carried away by looking at cars, here are some basic features to make your drifting experience live up to your expectations.

Welded/2-Way Differential

welded differential

We won’t discuss differentials in-depth here since we’ve already created the perfect guide to explain everything you need to know.

As a quick explanation, having an LSD in your car will completely transform its capabilities when it comes to drifting.

Alternatively, a welded differential is the cheaper option. It involves opening the case and welding the parts solid internally so they can no longer function normally. This will allow both rear wheels to spin simultaneously, letting you execute a “proper” consistent drift.

Welding your diff or fitting an LSD avoids the embarrassing ‘one-wheel peel,’ which is typically followed by an inevitable trip face-first into the wall and a lot of embarrassment when your buddies’ video goes viral!

Hydraulic Handbrake/Hydro/E-Brake

Whatever name you decide to give it – get one!

We all like to think we’ll get behind the wheel and be the next drift king, where a simple clutch kick, stomp of the throttle, and a brake pedal are all we need, but a hydro is an extremely helpful tool to have in your drift car, regardless of your skill levels.

There’s a huge range of options on the market to suit any budget, and we’ve compared all of the best choices available in our hydraulic handbrake guide.

Bucket/Racing Seats

bucket seat racing driver

Once you’ve mastered the basics and head to your first real drift day at the track, you’ll likely regret your decision if you don’t fit a racing seat.

Perhaps you’ve got a luxury barge for drifting with some nice leather seats you don’t want to part with? Believe us when we say the only benefit you’ll see is a faster trip into the passenger seat mid-corner!

Bucket/racing seats offer increased safety, support, and additional protection. The various subframes on the market (or DIY alternatives) can also improve the seating position.

If you’re on a budget, you could replace the driver’s seat for the time being and give your passengers the option of flying around the car or waiting until you can afford to upgrade theirs!

In our ultimate racing seats guide, we’ve also compared the cheapest (to the best) bucket seats to help you choose the perfect option for your budget.

Fire Extinguisher

nissan silvia ps13 burnout

Don’t be that “it’ll never happen to me” guy who later has to beg his buddies for GoFundMe payments on social media because he thinks that their cheap drift car wouldn’t need a fire extinguisher.

These can be had for very little money, and since drifting often pushes a car to, and sometimes beyond, its limits, this is a necessity.

As you’ve probably guessed, we’ve got a guide for the best choices here, too. So, look at our best car fire extinguishers article and grab yourself a bargain.

Roll Cage

nissan 350z rollcage

If you’re practicing in an open parking lot, this might not be immediately essential unless you severely lack talent and are likely to hunt down that single lamppost!

However, we highly recommend fitting a roll cage for tandems with the homies or putting your skills to the test as you scrape the walls at your local track – or if you have a convertible, of course!

These can improve handling while increasing your car’s safety and structural integrity. A crash that could potentially write off your cheap drift car could be saved with a roll cage, and, in the worst-case scenario, potentially your life.

There are often off-the-shelf options, or if you know someone good with a welder, they may be able to fabricate one for you – but make sure they know what they’re doing. Safety definitely isn’t worth saving a few bucks over.

If you’re a 350Z owner or considering copping one soon, you’re in luck, as we’ve created a 350Z roll cage guide just for you!

Tires

shredded tyres

Drifting is all about burning rubber, so paying attention to the tires you use is important.

You’ll soon become very familiar with these black circles, and the good news is that most of the cheap drift cars in our list will only require some part-worn street tires to get you started.

Although semi-slicks dominate the tire game in competitions, they’ll provide too much grip for a low-powered car, leaving you struggling to spin up the rear wheels.

Skills!

crashed bmw e36

As a complete beginner, you’re likely to be lacking in skills. So, we highly recommend looking at our how-to-drift article, which will be the perfect place to (clutch)kick-start your drifting career!

And don’t get discouraged – we all have to start somewhere!

Also, don’t forget that Drifted.com is here to guide you through your journey in drifting.

Additional Safety Gear

With more tracks than ever requiring additional safety gear, you’ll probably need to consider upping your safety game before you know it. Check out our handy guides below to up your safety (and style) game!


Conclusion

We hope you’ve enjoyed our top picks for the best cheap drift cars in 2025. Although prices fluctuate slightly, most should remain fairly consistent for the foreseeable future.

Don’t let anyone tell you that drifting on a budget isn’t fun – it’s often the best way to learn.

After all, there’s no worse feeling than buying the car of your dreams, only to realize that you don’t have as much talent as you hoped on your first outing at the track!

Our primary consideration when buying a cheap drift car would be the condition.

Sometimes, it’s not worth saving a couple of hundred bucks if the car has likely been bounced off the limiter for several thousand miles. At the same time, it may already have all the parts needed to head straight to the track.

One of the main positives with a modified, cheap drift car is that you could drive it into the ground and swap your modifications over to a cleaner chassis later, which you hopefully don’t intend to wreck quite so quickly!

If you’re not ready to purchase your first car yet, VR sim drifting and other drifting games that you can play anywhere, such as Drift Hunters MAX, are perfect for improving your skills for when the day comes.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this guide and that it’ll help you choose the perfect cheap drift car to enable you to keep drifting fun!

Thank you for reading our Cheap Drift Cars guide

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Photography credits

We thank the following entities for the use of their photography in this article:


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author avatar Written by

Joe is an avid writer and car enthusiast. When he's not cruising the streets alongside his friends in his Nissan Silvia S15, he's drifting on his VR racing simulator.

Joe's passion for cars is always on display. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the automotive industry, he hopes his writing conveys his excitement and knowledge of cars and games.

Joe's work has been featured on many platforms including drivetribe.com, 180sx.club, carthrottle.com, smartdrivinggames.com, smartbikegames.com, databox.com and ceoblognation.com.

When he's not behind the wheel or at his keyboard, he's likely daydreaming of his ultimate ride - the legendary Lexus LFA.

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