There is no getting around the fact that sports cars are luxury items. They are associated with wealthy, frivolous owners. Not everybody can afford a brand new Ferrari or a powerful Nissan GTR – these beasts remain a pipe dream for the average speed enthusiast. There are, however, a whole range of great sports vehicles that regularly go up for sale under £10,000. Here are a few of the best budget second-hand sports cars you will likely find on the market.
Mazda MX5
The most affordable car on this list also happens to be one of the best. The Mazda MX5 debuted in 1989 at the Chicago motor show. It was an instant classic. The small, bare-bones roadster evoked the classic nippers of yesteryear like the MG Midget. The MX5 had a modest engine but performed well thanks to its lightweight and great aerodynamic performance. Looking and driving great? What isn’t to love? Older generation MX5s are still available at well under £10,000 at dealerships like Crossways Garage. Take one for a test drive, and you’ll soon see why the MX5 is the best-selling roadster of all time.
Audi TT
Love it or hate it, you can’t deny that the Audi TT is a millennial classic. The bulbous-looking sports car is luxuriously furnished and performs surprisingly well. Moreover, it is economical enough to drive every day, and yes: you can get a second-hand example for under ten grand.
Mercedes SLK
Mercedes is one of the best-known luxury car brands in existence, so it might surprise you to learn that you can get a Mercedes sports car for under £10,000. The SLK is a mid-range sports vehicle with a performance that just outstrips the Audi TT. It was designed with largely the same market in mind. Their abundance (read: success) means that they are relatively cheap on the second-hand market.
BMW Z4
The Z4 is a rear-wheel-drive convertible that packs a punch. Out of all of the cars on this list, the BMW is almost certainly the best performing vehicle. £10,000 Should easily be able to purchase a first or second-generation Z4, which is surprising, as not too many of these cars ended up on UK roads in comparison to the other cars mentioned in this article. As usual with BMW vehicles, this car is rather luxuriously furnished and is comfortable enough to be used for long rides.
Toyota GT 86
The Toyota GT 86 is an affordable sports vehicle released in 2012. It does not generate a huge amount of power but does feature a low-slung engine that makes cornering a piece of cake. These cars have only just started popping up for under ten grand, built for exploring the back roads at a healthy pace. The interior of the ’86 is not quite as fancy as the German cars on this list, but it is certainly good enough for any passengers you’ve got, if your main desire is a good driving experience.
