Best used sports cars to buy now
These are the top used sports cars for those looking for some fun but usable second-hand wheels
We all like to have fun, especially on the weekends, and few kinds of motor can give quite the same thrills as a proper sports car. Unfortunately, the most exciting models often carry the biggest prices, but opting for one of our best used sports cars can bring the same levels of four-wheeled happiness, but without the wallet-related woes.
Pick a used sports car with a proper service history and there's no reason to think it'll be less reliable than a new sports car - especially as owners of these desirable models tend to look after their cars carefully. Just be on the look out for examples that have been pushed hard on track.
Best used sports cars to buy
Our expert road testers have had the pleasure of testing every sports car on the market, so you can be sure that every single one delivers maximum driving enjoyment for minimal purchase price. Read on to find our favourite used sports cars, listed below.
1. Porsche 911 (MK7/991)
The list of gongs that the Porsche 911 has racked up in its six-decade lifespan must number in the thousands. The 911’s brilliance is one of those constants, which is why this is the third time in a row that Porsche’s iconic rear-engined sportster is our Best Used Sports Car, in 991 form (produced from 2011 until 2019).
Buy a vehicle that’s capable of close to 200mph and there are bound to be some compromises when it comes to practicality, but despite this, the 911 remains one of the most usable sports cars that you can buy. And when we say sports car, the 911 is really a junior supercar; even the entry-level Carrera with its 345bhp 3.4-litre engine is capable of 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, with a top speed of 183mph. Buy further up the range and 200mph isn’t that far away.
What makes the 911 so appealing isn’t the raw figures, though; it’s how accessible the performance is, as well as the rest of the package. Not only are the cabin design and choice of materials sublime, but so is the whole driving experience. That flat-six engine sounds fantastic, the steering is brimming with feedback, and there’s masses of grip, so you can get the power down without any drama. The ride isn’t crashy, either. And if the idea of having to buy an automatic sports car bothers you, banish such thoughts from your mind, because Porsche’s PDK dual-clutch set-up is one of the slickest transmissions out there.
Running costs will be fairly high in terms of maintenance and insurance, while road tax can be costly too; pre-April 2017 cars are taxed according to their CO2 emissions (at least 194g/km, so £385) but later cars now cost just £190 per year. Choose well and depreciation will be pretty much negligible, especially if you use the car sparingly, as is the case with most of these models.
2. Alpine A110
There’s a school of thought that says you need a big engine and lots of cylinders for stunning performance, but the A110 is proof that this isn’t true. Despite packing only a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine with as little as 248bhp, the A110 is scintillating to drive, thanks to its lightweight construction and brilliant chassis. Plus the running costs are sensible, given the car’s ability to achieve 45mpg.
2. Audi R8 (Mk2)
Driving and owning a mid-engined supercar doesn’t have to mean compromises galore, and the R8 is proof of this. Of course, it isn’t as practical as an A4, but the R8 is just as ergonomically sound and beautifully made, and running costs aren’t ridiculous. It was available only in 5.2-litre V10 form, as a coupé or Spyder, but there were regular or more powerful Plus (later Performance) editions, most of which came with four-wheel drive.
3. Caterham Seven (all generations)
Less is more when it comes to the stripped-back Seven. With roots going back more than 70 years, the quick, nimble and flyweight Caterham Seven offers an almost telepathic link between car and driver. A cramped cabin and lack of comforts mean it’s really only for high days and holidays, but it’s easy to maintain and as frugal as a supermini, while its kerbweight of around 500kg makes for electrifying performance.
4. Jaguar F-Type (Mk1)
The Jaguar F-Type is available as a coupe or a convertible, and both are great. The coupe looks sleeker but the convertible provides open-air thrills and the ability to fully enjoy the sound of the V6 or V8 engines — just be sure to avoid the four-cylinder. The engines are the real highlight and provide incredible performance along with a bold soundtrack. The F-Type isn't for shrinking violets, despite its classy looks. It's fun to drive, though it's not as sharp as a Porsche 911 or even a Cayman to drive.
5. Porsche Cayman (Mk3/982/718)
The Porsche Cayman is a two-seater, unlike the 911, and since it's smaller it makes more sense for those who don't expect to carry more than one other person around. The Cayman is arguably even more fun than the 911 - it's not as quick but the delightful steering, agile chassis and powerful engines mean it's a real driver's car. The Cayman's engine is an interesting one to consider. The 718 Cayman models of recent years use four-cylinder turbocharged engines which aren't as responsive as the six-cylinder cars that came before it - but they are really powerful and the chassis of the 718 is fantastic.
6. BMW M4 (Mk1)
BMW is known for making ordinary cars that are fun to drive, and then turning them into extraordinary cars with its M division. The BMW M4 is one of the best in recent years, particularly if you can find one with the desirable Competition pack, which added more power, different wheels and a better suspension set-up. Not that the standard car was lacking in any area - it's a fast, fun and everyday used sports car.
7. Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe (Mk4)
The BMW M4 isn't for everyone - it doesn't have the most sophisticated image, and the turbocharged engine, while punchy, isn't a delight to use. The same can't be said for the Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe's incredible V8 engine, which sounds like thunder rumbling away in the distance. It provides performance to match the BMW M4 as well, and the Mercedes is just as fun to drive, with an adjustable rear-wheel drive layout and loads of grip round corners. The Mercedes isn't the most comfortable cruiser but it's still usable every day, and has a decent boot.
8. Aston Martin V8 Vantage (Mk1)
The Aston Martin V8 Vantage is an old-school sports car that can be now picked up for as little as £25,000, which is an incredible price for what is a relatively modern used sports car that has an astonishing V8 soundtrack and stunning design. It's a great car to drive, with plenty of performance from the potent V8 engine and the rear-wheel drive chassis. The steering could have more feel, and the auto gearbox isn't the greatest, but if you can live with those, who could resist the way the V8 Vantage looks?
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