If you're looking for a budget-friendly and approachable sports car as your first car, a Miata is a good pick. Even the newer, current crop of MX-5s is relatively attainable. But if you're on a tighter budget or prefer something that isn't too shiny (for fear of wrecking it!), then look for Miatas from the 90s and 2000s. These can be found for much less money on the used market (most of them are under $10,000, with more well-used ones coming in closer to $5,000). On top of that, these early Miatas are simple and cheap to maintain and service. Running costs, such as fueling up or getting new tires, are also affordable, as the Miata is pretty easygoing. In addition, it's fast, but without being too fast to a point where it's dangerous as you're getting used to driving for the first time, so you could still have fun.