A fast and fun car doesn’t have to require a big budget – there are plenty of ways to enjoy your time behind the wheel without having to resort to an overdraft-troubling monthly payment, from hot hatches to small convertibles and sports cars.
Admittedly, the days of hot hatchbacks being real bargains, or two-door-roadsters being piled high and sold cheap are long gone. That’s why we’ve had to stretch this list of cheap fast cars in both directions – some of the models on it aren’t particularly fast, and some aren’t particularly cheap. They are, however, performance-focussed, brilliant fun and cracking value, factors we reckon are more important anyway.
Of course, there’s no point buying a car cheaply if it then bankrupts you trying to make the most of it – so everything on this list offers reasonable running costs as well as a decent reliability record.
Scroll down to see the best cheap fast cars on sale today. You can click the links below to jump to your favourites.
The best cheap fast cars in 2024
Volkswagen Up GTI
Pros: Compact, chuckable size
Cons: Not very fast, dull engine noise
0-62mph: 8.5 seconds
Economy: 50.4-51.4mpg
The Volkswagen GTI name is the most recognisable in the hot hatchback business, and the Up is the smallest of the breed. It’s a rare example of a city car that’s been given the hot hatch treatment, and we’re big fans of the way it’s been done.
The Up GTI isn’t going to set any records, but it’s impressively nippy for such a small machine – and it’s hugely fun and packed with character. It’s tiny enough to make light work of slogs in crowded cities, but comes into its own when you put your foot down. It also looks great, with its wheel-at-each-corner stance, red highlighting and tartan seats. Top-notch value seals the deal.
Price new: From £15,275
VW UP GTI lease deals | VIEW OFFER
Ford Fiesta ST
Pros: More fun than some £50K sports cars
Cons: Not as boldly styled as last car
0-62mph: 6.3 seconds
Economy: 40.4mpg
A former Parkers Car of the Year award is nothing to be sniffed at, but what do we like so much about the Ford Fiesta ST? Well, it’s certainly quick, with 200hp in a comparatively small and lightweight body meaning great performance. It’s also practical – you can squeeze five adults in, it’s as easy to park as any Fiesta, and it’s cheap to buy and run.
The best part, though, is just how much fun the Fiesta ST is to drive. Whether you’re nipping through town or enjoying a great piece of road, it’s utterly sublime – responsive, satisfying and incredibly capable, as we found out during our long term test. If your budget can’t stretch to this model the previous Fiesta ST was also superb, and is one of the best fast cars under £10,000.
Price new: From £22,775
Ford Fiesta ST lease deals | VIEW OFFER
Mazda MX-5
Pros: Perfect balance of perfomance and handling
Cons: Not much headroom for tall drivers
0-62mph (1.5-litre): 8 seconds
Economy: 44.8mpg
A leading name for affordable drop-top motoring since the 1990s, the Mazda MX-5’s fourth iteration is its best yet and remains one of our favourite cheap sports cars. Opt for the 180hp 2.0-litre petrol engine and this dinky roadster has more than enough pace to satisfy the keen driver.
You can get an RF model, with a folding hard-top, but we prefer the simplicity of the cheaper soft-top roadster. A small boot and cosy interior mean you’re not likely to use an MX-5 as your only car, but as a tool for the weekend getaway or simply something to cruise around in on a sunny day, it can’t really be beaten.
Price new: From £23,800
Mazda MX-5 lease deals | VIEW OFFER
Ford Focus ST
Pros: Can use it every day, exciting steering
Cons: A bit everyday to look at
0-62mph: 7.4 seconds
Economy: 52.3-53.3mpg
As you can find out by reading our long-term report, the Ford Focus ST is a great example of the hot hatchback breed. These cars really can do it all – acting as practical shopping trolley during the week and B-road blaster at the weekend.
With 276hp on tap, the Focus ST really is no slouch – 0-62mph takes less than six seconds, top speed is a remarkable 155mph and Ford’s trademark chassis prowess means it drives like a dream.
Price new: From £29,955
