Just because a driver is limited by their budget doesn't mean that they have to settle for a boring car. In fact, shopping the used car market will give drivers years of options when it comes to vehicle selection.

Popular Mechanics recently listed the most fun used cars for under $3,000. These vehicles might not be running as well as they were new, but if buyers can find a model that's in relatively good condition with reasonable mileage, they can get a great deal on some truly enjoyable cars.

The BMW E30 was a high-end luxury vehicle in its heyday, but drivers searching the used car market will now be able to have these vehicles for less than $3,000. That price range typically means that drivers will be targeting cars from the late 80s or early 90s. For many models, finding running vehicles in this condition can be tricky, but BMW has a large number of fans who continue to support the older vehicles and keep them in good condition. Drivers should try to find an E30 with a 6-cylinder engine. If they find an E60i, they should jump on it quick, as these models are rare but offer increased performance.

The Toyota MR2 was a budget vehicle even when it debuted, with specs that, at the time, challenged high-end sports cars with its 145 horsepower. At the time, that was about half of what many Ferraris could produce. These vehicles can't compete with many modern entry-level cars in terms of pure power, but they still have the sports car handling that made the model famous.

When is a Mustang not a Mustang? When it's the Ford Probe GT. This car, built by Mazda and featuring front-wheel drive, was originally slated to be a Ford Mustang. But Mustang enthusiasts couldn't handle a non-American vehicle that didn't feature rear-wheel drive. Still, the mid-nineties Ford Probe is a fun-to-drive muscle car that boasts a 164-horsepower V6 engine.

The news source points out that drivers who don't pay a lot for their car are less likely to worry about it. Still, drivers should be sure that all the proper maintenance work has been performed so that they can avoid buying a lemon. If drivers already have a primary vehicle and simply want a car to fool around in, any of these vehicles could represent an enticing option.