Looking for an entertaining, pulse-raising used car to take out at the weekend, or even use every day? So are we, indeed browsing the classifieds for the best cheap fast cars is one of the Parkers team’s favourite past times. We constantly find cars we love that are eye-catchingly affordable and we’re going to look at some of them here.
There’s a massive selection of fun, high-performance cars available at prices that won’t break the bank. So much so, there was some debate among the team about which ones to include. Ultimately, the vast majority of them are great buys, though there are some duffers to avoid, which we’ll also cover.
What do we mean by cheap?
For this list, we’ve found what we think are the 10 best fast cars available for less than £25,000. Then we’ve split them into pairs at each £5,000 increment up to £25,000 – so we’ve got the best cars for less than £5,000, less than £10,000 and so on.
Again, there were dozens of cars we could have chosen, but we settled on ones that were particularly outstanding in their class and are available in good condition for the budget, from Parkers used cars for sale.
A used car’s condition and service history are always important when buying a fast car, but they’re absolutely critical with a fast car. There are other general principles on what to look for, which you can read about towards the end of this article; we’ll also cover specific things you need to look out for with some of the cars listed.
We should also note a cheap fast car isn’t necessarily cheap to run. Some of the cars on this list can cost a small fortune to maintain properly, but it can be money well spent in the long run. Especially as, if you buy wisely, some cars are unlikely to decrease in value and may even go up.
So, let’s now get into what we think are the best cheap fast cars, starting with:
The best fast cars under £5,000
The ultimate in affordable fun
The 160hp, 2.0-litre version of the MX-5 is the one to go for, ideally in soft top form, though the folding-hard top Roadster Coupe is just as fun and a bit more refined with the roof up. There are loads of trim levels, none of them lavishly equipped, but we’d look for one with heated leather seats.
The NC MX-5 is fundamentally robust, but there are some things to look out for. The synchromesh on second and third gears can wear out, making it difficult to change gear – a gearbox rebuild may be necessary. And this generation of MX-5 can rust quite badly, particularly underneath the car’s rear end. If you find one that’s rust-free, invest a few hundred pounds in having it fully rust-proofed.
To find out more, read our full Mazda MX-5 (2005-2016) review
Pros
- So much fun to drive
- Generally reliable
- Lots to choose from
Cons
- 1.8-litre version is a bit slow
- Can and does rust at the rear
Fun and funky little hot hatch
This generation of Cooper S was available with Convertible, Coupe and Roadster bodies, there was even the option of a diesel, but we’d keep it simple with a petrol hatch. There were so many personalisation options no two examples are exactly alike and there are lots to choose from, so you can afford to be picky in finding one you like.
We’re not aware of any fundamental issues the R56 Cooper S has. Rust doesn’t seem to be a problem, the 1.6-litre ‘Prince’ engine is pretty robust if properly maintained. The key is finding one that’s unmodified and has been well looked after.
To find out more, read our full MINI Cooper S (2006-2016) review
Pros
- Surprisingly quick
- Chuckable handling
- Big boot – with the back seats folded
Cons
- Blends into the crowd
- A lot of knackered ones about
The best fast cars under £10,000
Yes, you really can have a Porsche for under £10k
At this price, you’re looking at the 207hp 2.5- and 223hp 2.7-litre models; there’s the odd 3.2 S available, but we’d make sure it has a cast-iron service history before committing. Any Boxster is best with a manual gearbox – the Tiptronic auto feels really lazy. There are examples of the second-gen 987 Boxster available, as well, but they’re a bit too cheap for our comfort.
Even a cheap Porsche can cost quite a lot to maintain properly. Fortunately, there’s an army of specialist garages that charge reasonable labour rates, but parts can still be pricey. Engine IMS bearing failures are well known; check its been replaced in any car you’re interested in. Water ingress can cause electric roof and immobiliser failure as well, but they’re easily rectified.
To find out more, read our full Porsche Boxster (1996-2004) review
Pros
- Pin-point handling
- Engine sounds fantastic
- Very high build quality
Cons
- Several known failure points
- Not especially fast
The best hot hatch of the last decade
Three trim levels are available: ST-1, ST-2 and ST-3. You may as well get the latter as it comes with heated seats. Tuning company Mountune produced some desirable Ford-endorsed power upgrades and they’re the only modifications we’d consider acceptable. You can just about get a Mk.8 ST within our budget, but the ‘wet’ cambelt (which runs through the oil sump) is prone to failure.
There are a lot of Fiesta STs about so you can afford to be choosy. If you find one in very good condition and keep it that way, you shouldn’t have any issues with it. Just keep an eye on the bodywork. These Fiestas are getting to an age that the bodyshell’s galvanisation is wearing off, so rust could start developing, particularly behind the side skirts.
To find out more, read our full Ford Fiesta ST (2012-2017) review
Pros
- So much fun to drive
- Usefully practical
- Still a great daily driver
Cons
- Really good ones hard to find
- How long will rust be kept at bay?
Best fast cars under £15,000
The rally fan’s favourite
The model range is bewildering but, at £15,000, you can get a 280hp WRX STi, or the desirable RB270 limited edition that paid tribute to rally world champion Richard Burns after his tragic passing. There are many flavours of Japanese domestic market (JDM) import on the market as well; if one catches your eye, research exactly what its spec is before committing.
Completely unmodified cars are quite rare. If you get one that’s been modded, make there’s a cast iron paper trail for the work and research the reputability of the companies involved. The UK market 2.5-litre engine is known to be less robust when tuned than the JDM 2.0-litre. Also keep an eye out for rust – Subarus of this age aren’t especially well protected.
To find out more, read our full Subaru Impreza WRX (2005-2008) review
Pros
- Sure-footed handling
- Characteristic soundtrack
- Actually quite practical
Cons
- Confusing model range
- Drinks fuel
A small hatch with big power
Both M135i and M140i are available with three or five doors; there was also a choice of manual or automatic gearbox. The latter is more common and arguably no less fun to drive. There’s so much torque from the engine, with the manual you only really need third and fourth gears.
As ever, the key here’s finding an example that’s in good condition, unmodified, and has a comprehensive service history; these cars haven’t finished depreciating and are starting to fall into the hands of less than careful owners. But they’re fundamentally extremely robust mechanically and the rest of the car is built to a high standard. Find a good one, look after it and you’re unlikely to have any trouble from it.
To find out more, read our full BMW M135i/M140 (2012-2018) review
Pros
- Old-school powertrain
- Huge speed
- Surprisingly friendly in everyday use
Cons
- Lots of thrashed ones about
- The least practical mid-size hatch
Best fast cars under £20,000
The last old-school hot hatch
We very nearly gave this slot to the brilliant FK2-generation Honda Civic Type R, but it’s hard ride and manga styling count against it. With the Megane, you should avoid the clunky EDC automatic gearbox and ideally get one with the Cup chassis pack, which noticeably sharpens the driving experience.
We haven’t heard of any weakness in this generation of Megane RS – the engine is shared with Alpine A110 where it’s proving to be very reliable. The infotainment system is user friendly but its long-term reliability is an open question. The main danger here is getting one that’s been mercilessly thrashed on track days.
To find out more, read our full Renault Megane RS280 (2018-2020) review
Pros
- Hard-charging engine
- Super-agile handling
- A viable family car
Cons
- Terrible dual-clutch gearbox
- Not many around
200mph for less than £20k
At this price, you’re looking at an early coupe with 50,000-plus miles. There were so many combinations of colour and trim available you’re unlikely to find two exactly alike. Surprisingly, there’s quite a lot of them about, but it’s very much a case of buyer beware.
It’s absolutely critical you buy a car that’s in good condition and has a comprehensive service history – reputable collector car dealers are the best source. Perhaps surprisingly, there are no fundamental flaws in the Conti GT, but anything that does go wrong will cost a packet to sort out – even at a Bentley specialist. Indeed, day-to-day running costs are pretty ferocious – you’re doing well to get 20mpg out of it.
To find out more, read our full Bentley Continental GT (2003-2011) review
Pros
- Immense turn of speed
- Immense luxury
- Immense comfort
Cons
- Immense size
- Immense running costs
Best fast cars for under £25,000
The definitive sports car
£25,000 buys a pre-2010 Elise S2. There’s a lot of models to choose from, often with only subtle differences between them, and it takes some research to work out exactly what’s what. The best all-rounder, though, is the 111R which has a 190hp version of the 1.8-litre Toyota engine fitted to most S2s. It also has welcome creature comforts including leather seats and electric windows.
Most Elises have been well looked after by enthusiast owners, but don’t take that for granted. Your best bet is to buy one from a reputable Lotus specialist, ideally a car well known to them, and have them look after it for you. Such specialists aren’t on every corner, so be prepared to travel.
To find out more, read our full Lotus Elise (2000-2022) review
Pros
- Incredible handling
- Reliable Toyota engine
- Surprisingly easy to live with
Cons
- Very little luggage space
- Interior can feel spartan
One of the great cross-country cars
We seem to be in the phase of the RS4’s life in which the bad ones are being weeded out. There are still some priced below £15,000 but we’d avoid them; £25,000 is near the top of the market. Everyone wants the Avant estate so it carries a premium over the saloon. The cabriolet has its place but it’s less of a driver’s car. The desirable ‘wingback’ seats significantly reduce rear leg room.
Condition and service history are more important than mileage with RS4s; avoid ones that have had enough owners to fill a football team. The standard computer-controlled suspension is a known failure point; most owners replace it with high-quality ‘coilover’ mechanical suspension made by KW. Rust is an issue in lesser B7 A4s, so keep an eye out.
Pros
- Epic engine
- Point-to-point turn of speed
- Properly luxurious
Cons
- Running costs are high
- Some dodgy ones still out there
Top fast car buying tips
Check out the tyres
You should always check to see how worn a used car’s tyres as they can tell you a lot about its general condition, which you can read about in our guide to tyre checking. But there’s something else to look for with a fast car’s tyres – that they’re a quality brand. Tyres have a huge impact on how a car feels to drive and cheap tyres can make the driving experience worse. They can also indicate general maintenance has been scrimped on.
Examine the paperwork
A comprehensive service history is vital with any used car you’re thinking about buying, particularly when it’s fast. Look for evidence of regular, diligent servicing, and that high-quality parts have been used in maintenance and repairs.
Signs of wear
Fast cars can wear through suspension, brake and steering components quicker than regular cars. When you take one for a test drive, feel for unresponsive steering, a soft brake pedal and saggy suspension, which can indicate the car’s worn out. It’s helpful to read period reviews of beforehand to get an idea of what it’s supposed to feel like.
Avoid modified cars
Fast cars are often modified in some way, and the quality of modifications varies wildly. There are lots of companies that really know what they’re doing and produce high-quality upgrades, but there are at least many who don’t work to the same standards. As a general rule we’d avoid buying a modified car because they can be a minefield. But, if you’re thinking about getting one, ask see evidence of the work done (such as invoices) and check out the companies and components used to make sure they’re reputable.
History check
Get 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. You can also search its registration number online to see what comes up – owners’ club posts, auction listings and so on.
Engineer’s report
If you’re not mechanically minded, it can pay to get an independent engineer’s report on any car you’re thinking about buying. It’ll describe in detail the car’s condition and any issues it may have. Most breakdown companies provide this service but, with a fast car, it can be better to engage a specialist mechanic, dealer or member of the owners’ club who really knows the type inside out.
Get online
There are owners’ clubs and forums for just about every car, and they’re a great source of information for the first-time buyer. Look out for buying guides and FAQs, you could also go to events and meet existing owners.
Insurance
Always get insurance quotes before committing to a purchase, especially as fast cars usually attract higher premiums than regular models. The insurance comparison websites can be a good source however, if the car’s only going to be used occasionally, you might get a better deal from a specialist performance and classic car insurer.
FAQs
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What car’s quick but should be avoided?
There are relatively few genuinely bad fast cars, but they do exist. The Vauxhall Meriva VXR, for instance, can barely contain its power and feels pretty wayward on the road. There are other fast cars that are really good but used examples can be a liability because they’re often unreliable and rusty, and attract neglectful owners, or a combination thereof. The X308-generation Jaguar XJR is a case in point.
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What’s the fastest reasonably priced car?
It depends on your definition of ‘reasonably priced.’ However, if we take the cars included in the list above as reasonably priced, by far the fastest is the Bentley Continental GT. A 560hp luxury grand tourer, its top speed is listed as 190mph, but it can breach 200mph with tailwind. You can get one in good condition for around £20,000 – you can’t go faster for less.
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What cars have 300bhp in the UK?
As recently as 20 years ago, 300bhp was considered a huge amount of power – only the very fastest cars had that much. Now though, it’s often considered the minimum for a car to be even slightly fast. There are so many 300bhp cars in the UK we can’t list them all here; of the cars on the list above, the BMW M135i/M140i, Bentley Continental GT and Audi RS4 have more than 300bhp.
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Which car can go 0-60mph the fastest?
It’s a contested question as some car manufacturers use a rolling start when testing their cars’ 0-60mph time. The very fastest cars on sale today can reach 60mph in under three seconds, but most of them are mega-money hyper cars. Cars get less fast as you come down the price spectrum, though you don’t have to spend that much to get a car that’s pretty quick – half the cars on the list above will get to 60mph in under six seconds.
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What is considered a fast 0-60mph time?
There are now regular family cars capable of doing 0-60mph in under four seconds, such as the latest Tesla Model Y Performance. 20 years ago, there was only a very small handful of supercars that fast. Generally speaking, though, any 0-60mph time of less than 7.0 seconds is pretty quick, less than 6.0 seconds is definitely fast, less than 5.0 seconds is really fast.
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