Looking for an entertaining and pulse-raising car to take out at the weekend? Well, if you love to drive and fancy treating yourself to a car with impressive performance credentials, here are ten of the best fast cars for less than £10,000.
Whether you’re after a punchy hot hatch or a muscular saloon, you’ll find plenty on offer if you’ve £10,000 to spend – so much so, in fact, that it can be hard to whittle down the array of used high-performance cars down to a manageable shortlist.
Worry not, though; if you’re looking for suggestions or some inspiration, we’ve put together a list of our favourite fast cars that are available for £10,000 or less. But just remember, in any case, to set aside some money to cover upkeep and potential repairs. After all, there’s no point to buying a fun car if you can’t actually enjoy what it has to offer.
BMW 1 Series (2004-2011)
Pros: 130i packs a big six into a small frame
Cons: The styling can be difficult to love
There’s a long-standing recipe for automotive fun: take a sensible small car and cram a powerful engine into it. The Abarth versions of Fiat’s 500 are a classic example of this take, and an absolute riot if you want a small fun car.
If you’re instead looking for something more practical and premium, you’ve still some options in the compact class – such as the factory hot rod that is the BMW 1 Series in 130i specification. The company took its drab but otherwise sweet-driving 1 Series hatchback and then made it infinitely more interesting by cramming a 3.0-litre straight-six engine into its nose.
This, coupled with the choice of automatic or manual gearboxes, turned the rear-wheel drive hatchback from something staid to something serious. Aside from having a sonorous engine under the bonnet, the unassuming-looking hatchback could sprint from 0-62mph in a swift 6.1 seconds.
Adding to its appeal was its availability in both three- and five-door body styles, allowing owners to retain a modicum of more-door practicality if family duties were on the requirements list. Such facets, coupled with its performance and reliability, have made the 130i an ongoing favourite with those seeking an accessible and enjoyable performance car.
Vital statistics (BMW 130i manual): 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, 262hp, 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds, top speed 155mph (electronically limited)
Three problems to watch out for
- Worn-out suspension
- Electric water pump failure
- Tired suspension
Parkers star rating: Four and a half stars
Used price from: £3,000
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Renault Megane Renaultsport (2010-2016)
Pros: Outstanding handling, quick, enthusiast cachet
Cons: Drab interior, dull engine noise
A hot hatch can be a fantastic way to liven up your motoring life, as many provide an appealing mix of stellar handling, punchy performance, sensible running costs and a manageable footprint. They also tend to be involving and gratifying to drive at sensible speeds, meaning you can enjoy the interesting routes local to you without fearing for your licence.
And if it’s cornering capabilities that interest you the most, then look at the Renault Megane Renaultsport 250. This turbocharged front-wheel-drive coupe is an absolute blast to drive, thanks in part to tremendous front-end grip, lots of traction, intuitive controls and powerful brakes. And you’ll always get the nod from passing enthusiasts, as the hot Megane is a highly regarded car – but not one you see that often.
Try to find one that has been looked after, receiving regular servicing and timing belt changes when required, and go for a Cup version if you want something more aggressive and collectable. But either one will be gratifying to drive, and ideal if you’re thinking about venturing on track from time to time.
If you are instead looking for something a bit more relaxed and comfortable, you’re not short of choice. With £10,000 to spend, you could also look at cars such as the VW Golf GTI, Ford Focus ST and Vauxhall Astra VXR.
Vital statistics (Megane Renaultsport 250): 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, 247hp, 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds, top speed 152mph
Three problems to watch out for
- A timing belt that needs changing
- Noisy gearbox or dual-mass flywheel
- Knocking suspension or steering components
Parkers star rating: Four and a half stars
Used price from: £7,000
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Vauxhall Monaro (2004-2007)
Pros: Muscular V8, sleek looks, rare
Cons: More GT than sports car, running costs
Thinking about ticking that V8 ownership box before things such as fuel costs and low-emissions zones make such a thing unfeasible? Well, you could do so in a comparatively inexpensive yet enjoyable fashion with a Vauxhall Monaro.
The big coupe landed in 2004, featuring a 5.7-litre V8 and a six-speed manual gearbox, which delightfully channelled all 333hp and 343lb ft of torque from the engine to the rear wheels. The result was a plush, comfortable coupe that could dash from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds and, flat out, reach 160mph.
It’s no pin-sharp sports car, feeling distinctly hefty and muscular, but it’s a car that’ll put a smile on your face when you squeeze the accelerator. Monaros have never been common either, so you’ll find the subtle two-door coupe garnering a lot of the right kind of attention when it’s parked up. Unlike some alternatives, it’s also a comparatively straightforward car that’s easy to look after and, if you’re so inclined, upgrade.
You do need to buy carefully, though, as they are getting to the age where rust can be a real problem – and, like the other cars here, make sure to get a history check on any example before buying it. It might just help you avoid a nightmare later down the line, should it transpire that the car you’ve got has been wrapped around a tree at some point in the past.
Vital statistics (Monaro 5.7): 5.7-litre eight-cylinder petrol engine, 333hp, 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, top speed 160mph
Three problems to watch out for
- Rust and accident damage
- Noisy differentials
- Tired suspension
Parkers star rating: Three stars
Used price from: £8,000
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Porsche Boxster (1996-2004)
Pros: Sweet handling, neat styling, evocative soundtrack, small footprint
Cons: Finding a properly maintained example worth owning can take time
If you’re after a fast car then a Porsche 911 might spring to mind as a sensible starting point. With £10,000 to spend, however, what you’d probably end up with is a 996-generation example needing at least another £10,000 spent on it.
But if it’s not outright speed that’s motivating your next purchase, and you’re more just looking for a quick, enjoyable and fun car, take a look at a first-generation Porsche Boxster. The compact drop-top Porsche made its production debut in 1996 and quickly established itself a reputation for being a superb roadster, and one that was a delight to drive.
You need to do a lot of research before committing, though. Aside from there being lots of variants, including later 2.7- and 3.2-litre cars, a lot of old 986-generation Boxsters will need an expensive refresh to drive as they should. And, yes, some versions are more prone to suffering from issues that can wipe out their engines, landing you with an unpleasant bill.
As with the other cars here, it is vital to get to grips with the common problems before you make a purchase. But do that, and find yourself an early Boxster in fine fettle, and you’ll have yourself a fantastic compact convertible that should stand you in good stead.
Vital statistics (Boxster 2.5 manual): 2.5-litre six-cylinder petrol engine, 204hp, 0-62 in 7.6 seconds, top speed 149mph
Three problems to watch out for
- Failed hood mechanisms
- Oil leaks or odd engine noises
- Inoperative air conditioning
Parkers star rating: Four and a half stars
Used price from: £3,000
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Audi TTS (2008-2014)
Pros: All-wheel drive, quick, easy to live with
Cons: Not as fun to drive as some rivals
If you want something more modern and tractable, or just plain quicker, you could look at a second-generation Audi TT. Even the basic front-wheel-drive model has a lot to offer, with its low weight and surefooted handling make it easy to exploit its turbocharged performance.
You’re probably in the market for something a bit more evocative, though, which is where the TTS comes in. This hotter variant of the TT, launched in 2008, featured significantly more power, all-wheel drive as standard, and a whole host of other performance- and cosmetic-related upgrades.
The net result was a classy and comfortable coupe that could dispatch the 0-62mph benchmark, in manual form, in 5.4 seconds. If you went for the quick-shifting dual-clutch automatic model, that time would drop to just 5.2 seconds. In either case, the TTS offers a much more engaging and inspiring experience for the driver than the regular TT.
And, with accessible and affordable tuning, and well-chosen supporting modifications, a TTS can be turned into a serious piece of machinery indeed. But even in standard form, it’s a neatly designed and well-built quick coupe that should prove easy to enjoy and own – unlike some older alternatives.
Vital statistics (TTS manual): 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, 272hp, 0-62 in 5.4 seconds, top speed 155mph (electronically limited)
Three problems to watch out for
- Tired clutches in manual models
- Skipped timing belt changes
- Overdue Haldex and DSG fluid changes
Parkers star rating: Four and a half stars
Used price from: £8,000
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Jaguar XF (2008-2015)
Pros: Muscular V8 engines, rear-wheel drive, luxurious
Cons: Thirsty, not that spacious in the back
When you’ve got 10 grand to spend, there are a fair few high-performance saloons available to you. You could go for the niche, such as a Subaru Legacy 3.0R Spec.B, or pick from myriad swift BMW, Mercedes and Audi options.
What’s also worthy of your time, though, is the Jaguar XF – in particular, the ones with V8s. With speed in mind, we’d focus particularly on the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre models, the lesser-spotted 4.2-litre supercharged SV8 and the high-performance supercharged 5.0-litre V8 Jaguar XFR.
An XFR in budget is liable to be leggy or questionable, though, so it’s best to stick to the SV8 and 5.0-litre derivatives with your £10,000. Neither will disappoint in the straight-line performance stakes, with even the naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V8 punching the Jaguar from 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds. The SV8’s even more muscular and interesting, but its advanced suspension system can be costly to fix.
Irrespective of engine, the XF’s a fine saloon to drive, with composed, engaging handling, making it easier to find reasons to take it out for a spin. And then there is its subtle styling, which gives the V8 versions a sleeper edge, and its appealing, comfortable interior. Subsequently, if you want a luxury saloon with some muscle, the XF’s worth adding to your list.
Vital statistics (XF 5.0 V8): 5.0-litre eight-cylinder petrol engine, 380hp, 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, top speed 155mph (electronically limited)
Three problems to watch out for
- Faulty fuel filler cap
- Electrical gremlins
- Tired supercharger belts
Parkers star rating: Four and a half stars
Used price from: £6,000
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Nissan 350Z Coupe (2003-2010)
Pros: Powerful V6, involving driving experience
Cons: Tiny boot, prolific rust, drinks petrol
A lot of performance cars can be disappointingly inert and uninteresting at sensible speeds, making it difficult to extract any enjoyment out of them. The V6-powered Nissan 350Z isn’t one of them, however, and it’s a great choice if you want muscular something and entertaining.
Up front is a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6, which punches its power rearwards through either a manual or an automatic transmission. You’ll want the former to get the best experience, as the latter isn’t good and blunts the raw, engaging experience of the 350Z.
The weight balance of the Nissan is nearly perfect, too, and it’s an intuitive and gratifying car to drive, thanks to facets such as precise steering. The car and its controls can feel heavy, though, but once you’ve acclimatised to it, there’s lots of fun to be had. You can get the 350Z in convertible form as well, widening its appeal further.
Early cars started out with 276hp but the power continued to climb through the 350Z’s lifespan, so aim for a later car if you want more muscle. Keep an eye out for cars with the GT Pack, which adds features such as heated leather seats and cruise control, and watch out for cars that have been neglected. Rust can be a real problem on 350Zs and once it has taken hold, it’s hard to chase away.
Vital statistics (350Z Coupe manual): 3.5-litre six-cylinder petrol, 276hp, 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, top speed 155mph
Three problems to watch out for
- Paint damage and rust
- Clicking rear axle
- Low oil pressure
Parkers star rating: Four stars
Used price from: £5,000
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Honda Civic Type R (2007-2010)
Pros: Good handling, fantastic engine, reliability
Cons: Some may prefer turbo punch, divisive looks
Hot hatches such as offerings from Renaultsport are all well and good but they can be a bit overbearing and hard to live with. And, if you plan to use your car more, their comparative lack of comfort and servicing requirements can make them even more problematic.
But a lot of the more comfortable and easier-going alternatives are turbocharged, which can blunt the fun factor for some buyers. Fortunately, a snappy, evocative naturally aspirated answer lies in the form of the FN2-generation Honda Civic Type R.
Although its 2.0-litre engine only puts out 201hp, it produces it up at 7,800rpm, thanks in part to Honda’s fabled and clever VTEC system, which grants variable valve timing and lift. The race to the redline that ensues, and the noise the engine makes while doing so, is what allows the Civic to deliver so many smiles.
Another thing you’re buying into with any Honda is the firm’s excellent reputation for reliability. The build quality of the FN2 is also very good, thin paint aside, and it’s a practical car for a three-door hatch. Later cars and some special editions also came with a limited-slip differential, bolstering the Type R’s performance further.
Vital statistics: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, 201hp, 0-62mph in 6.6 seconds, top speed 146mph
Three problems to watch out for
- Paint damage
- Noisy engines needing valve clearance adjustment
- Gearbox issues
Parkers star rating: Four and a half stars
Used price from: £4,000
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BMW Z4 Coupe (2006-2008)
Pros: Attractive styling, brilliant engine, good build quality
Cons: Ride can be a bit aggressive for some
If you like the idea of something with six cylinders but a 350Z is a bit crude, and a 130i a bit humdrum in the looks department, you could take a gander a BMW Z4 Coupe. It was launched when the likes of the Audi TT and Porsche Cayman were stealing headlines left right and centre, so it tends to fly under the radar and makes for a great used buy.
The 3.0-litre Si Coupe is the one to go for if you’re on a budget and features a powerful and sublime 3.0-litre straight-six engine. It also looks great, both inside and out, and comes with a decent amount of equipment, including standard-fit climate control.
BMW’s punchy coupe is also a reliable choice, with problems tending to be minor and easily resolved. There’s also the convertible version, if that’s more your speed, and automatic models are available. Don’t discount these, as it’s slicker than you might expect – and it could be a good option if you do a lot of driving in traffic.
Vital statistics (BMW Z4 3.0Si): 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol, 265hp, 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds, top speed 155mph (electronically limited)
Three problems to watch out for
- Cooling system leaks
- Cracked rear springs
- Oil leaks and VANOS problems
Parkers star rating: Four stars
Used price from: £5,000
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Top Buying Tips
Examine paperwork
It’s essential you check the car you’re buying has a comprehensive servicing and maintenance record. The latter is especially important as you’ll want to know what has broken and been fixed – and you can then ask the owner why it needed doing.
Signs of wear
Look out for signs that certain parts of the car have worn quicker or inconsistently compared to others. This can be an indication the car has been abused. Tyres, brakes, pedals and steering wheels are all common points for this. Excessively worn parts that don’t tally with the mileage can also be an indication of clocking.
History check
Carry out a Parkers Car History Check to make sure the car is what you think it is. The check will highlight any recorded accident damage as well as outstanding finance on the vehicle.
Engineer’s report
If you’re not mechanically minded, it may pay to get an independent engineer’s report on the car. Most breakdown companies provide this service and it’ll give you peace of mind that you haven’t bought a lemon. Third-party warranties may also involve an inspection before purchase.
Get online
There are owner’s clubs and forums for nearly every car these days, and they’re a wealth of information for the first time buyer. Watch out for buying guides and FAQ articles, which give you the low-down on what to look out for.
Insurance
Can you afford to insure the car you’ve got your eye on? It’s always best to get quotes before committing to buying a performance car.
