From athletic grand tourers to rabid hot hatches, these five depreciated performers prove you can still enjoy driving thrills on a budget. But should you take the plunge?
Whether it’s due to supply shortages, the cost of developing new technologies, or just good old-fashioned inflation, new car prices continue to skyrocket. Don’t believe us? A new Honda Civic Type R now starts from £50,000 — a model which was just £30,000 a decade prior.
However, there is a solution: buy used. Thanks to the wonders of depreciation, you can bag some genuinely engaging machines for the price of a few optional extras on their contemporary counterparts.
From V8s to flat-sixes — there’s even a turbo five — these five sub-£5,000 contenders offer irresistible bang for your buck. Just make sure you’ve got a little extra cash squirreled away in case something goes bang…
Porsche Boxster S (986)
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Sure, it’s a little predictable, but how can you ignore a mid-engined Porsche for under £5,000?
Unfairly titled the poor man’s 911 by many when it debuted back in 1996, there’s nothing poor about the Boxster’s driving experience. Straight out the gates you’ll notice the 986’s superb agility and well-weighted steering, but it’s that howling 256-bhp flat six and precise six-speed manual ‘box that’ll keep you coming back for more.
And the cost? £5,000 buys a tidy, sub-100,000-mile example with a full service history. Now that’s what we’d call value for money.