WHEN it comes to buying a used car there are plenty of wallet-friendly options out there.
From £4,000 automatics to £5,000 family cars, you don’t need to break the bank to get hold of a decent motor.
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However, where this logic tends to hit a snag is the world of performance cars.
If you want speed, power, handling and luxury you usually very much get what you pay for.
That is until now, as motoring experts at Autocar have put together a list of high-end cars you can pick up second-hand and in good nick for a stunning £3,000.
From a razor-sharp Toyota convertible to a highly economical hot hatchback, these models are perfect for a bit of track day fun on a shoestring budget.
Audi TT
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Speaking of track days, where better to start than with the Audi TT?
The model had a lot to live up to when it burst onto the scene in 1999, being named after one of motorsport’s most prestigious, and dangerous, events – the Isle of Man TT.
Fortunately, most petrolheads would likely agree that it did just that as it blazed a trail to become one of the German brand’s most iconic models.
These can be had for as little as £2,500 while still in excellent condition, making the TT a real bargain.
Sadly, the model was discontinued in 2023, so get your hands on one while you can.
Skoda Fabia
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Skoda isn’t often thought of in the same sentence as “performance cars”, with the market dominated by brands like BMW, Audi and Porsche.
But the Czech manufacturer is no slouch and the Fabia in particular can touch 140mph.
On top of that, for a hatchback, its surprisingly roomy, with dimensions similar to the TT.
However, its true edge lies in just how cheap it is to run.
The Fabia is among the cheapest cars to insure in the UK, with some versions sitting in the same class as Fiat Panda or VW UP despite offering much more under the hood.
It’s also extremely economical, managing up to 56mpg when driven cautiously.
Ford Fiesta ST
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The Fiesta was the best-selling car in the UK for 12 years straight, including the entire 2010s – and that was not without reason.
Debuting in 2012, the ST redefined the fan-favourite model with a sportier edge, while maintaining its practicality and economy.
With a top speed of up to 144mph, it can really clip along but isn’t too garish to potter around town on the weekends either.
Toyota MR2
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The Toyota is the only convertible option on the list and is perfect for long summer road trips with the top down.
More in the traditional sports car mould in terms of styling, it has a bit of retro charm about it as it dates back to 1984.
Production ended back in 2007 but there are still plenty of mid to high-mileage examples around for very cheap.
There are even rumours that the model could make a comeback so now’s a great time to try out the original at a bargain rate.
Volvo S60
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Taking a turn now to the executive car class, the S60 could on first sight easily be mistaken for a Mercedes E-Class or BMW M-series.
The good thing though is it can be had at near half the price of those rival models, with some dropping as low as £2,400.
The turbocharged five-cylinder engine has more than enough grunt to get you where you need to go.
It was even used as a police car by various UK forces between 2001 and 2009, so they’re hardly slow.
That being said, the interior provides a little touch of extra luxury and comfort than some of the more sport-focussed models on the list.
VW Golf GTI Mk5
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In many ways the poster car for cheap but sporty motors, the Golf GTI holds a special place in the hearts of many petrolheads.
Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson is even known to have bought one if you needed any more assurance of the model’s quality.
With near 200 horsepower and a 146mph top speed, the Golf GTI is the original achievable performance car.
And since they are so popular, there are loads of them about at good prices.
Plus, since they are so well-built you can plump for a higher mileage model with peace of mind and get some extra money off.
