The best cheap fun cars from under £5k to over £10k

In a world of big, heavy SUVs, sometimes all we crave is a cheap, fun car to put a smile on our face. Thankfully, the used car market is full of affordable sports cars that will deliver just that – so long as you know what to look for.

We’ve put together our top picks for second hand fun cars, ranging in price from as little as £2,000, up to more serious metal costing £10,000 and more. There are hot hatchbacks, summer soft-tops, as well as a few proper sports cars to get your heart racing, so there should be a fun car for everyone no matter your budget. Plus, some have the potential to become future classics if you hold onto them long enough, so their values could increase if you keep them in good condition.

Of course, buying a used sports car does carry some risk – reliability will no doubt be a key concern for buyers, but we’ve made sure to pick a selection of cars that aren’t notorious for breaking down. Used car warranties exist, too, so this might be worth investigating before picking up a fun car bargain. Like every used car purchase, we also recommended carrying out an HPI check and a test drive before handing over any cash.

You can find many examples of the cars listed here for even less than we’ve suggested, however we’d advise against plunging for the cheapest one you can find. Many affordable sports cars have lived hard lives, with previous owners who have skimped on maintenance costs – always check for a good service history and read our top tips for buying a used car if you want to get the best deal.

Under £5,000

Even a budget of £5,000 can net you a truly fun car. We’ve picked our favourites, including three convertibles, a hot hatchback and a coupe.

1. Mazda MX-5 (1998-2005)

Any list of cheap fun cars wouldn’t be complete without the Mazda MX-5. It’s Japan’s take on the classic British sports car recipe of the 1960s, with two seats, a folding fabric roof and not much else. While it's certainly best suited as a second car, importantly, the MX-5 is great to drive – its low weight and rear-wheel drive mean that there are few cars as fun to thread along a country lane. A relatively small engine, simple mechanicals and wide part availability make the MX-5 fairly cheap to run, too.

We’ve picked the second-generation MX-5 for this list, as this model currently offers the best value-for-money on the second-hand market. Prices start from as little as £1,500, but we recommend spending around double that to avoid a ropey example. Nearly all MX-5s suffer from rust issues, so be sure to thoroughly inspect the wheelarches and sills for bubbling and flaking paint.

2. MINI Cooper S (2006-2013)

When the MINI Hatch was relaunched by BMW in the early 2000s, it was an instant smash hit. Buyers were enamoured by the supermini’s charming styling and nimble handling, both traits that carried over to the second-generation Hatch. The Cooper S model took things a step further, with a 173bhp turbocharged engine delivering punchy performance to match its agility. Nearly 20 years later, a Cooper S Mk2 can be picked up for around £5,000, making it one of the hot hatchback bargains of the moment.

As with any used performance car, there are things to watch out for. Small things like imprecise gear shifts and minor oil leaks are common but fairly easily rectified, while the most serious issue to watch for is a rattling timing chain. This can be expensive to fix if it goes wrong, so a complete service history is essential. If in doubt, bring along an expert to inspect the car. Post-2010 models used a slightly different engine and are less prone to this problem, so we’d recommend looking at these if your budget can stretch.

3. Toyota MR2 (1999-2007)

A rear-wheel-drive, mid-engined two-seater sports car with sprightly performance, sharp handling and reasonable running costs, all for less than £5,000 – it’s pretty hard to beat the value offered by the third-generation Toyota MR2. Built between 1999 and 2007, the last MR2 lost the earlier models’ pop-up headlights, but gained a folding soft-top and a focus on driver thrills; the result is a lightweight, sharp and agile sports car that’s lots of fun to drive. It’s not as practical as some cars on this list (there’s a tiny front cubby and some space behind the seats, so it’s no grand tourer) but few can match its value today.

A well cared-for example with less than 100,000 miles on the clock can be had for just under £5,000. Watch out for rust, check for signs of dampness in the interior and pay attention to service history – reliability is generally good, but some common issues exist, including engine problems caused by disintegrating exhaust parts. We recommend a good set of correctly sized matching tyres all round, too.

4. Audi TT (1998-2006)

Want a true design icon that won’t cost a fortune? It’s difficult to think of a car that better fits the bill than the original Audi TT. It’s fun, fast, and still looks the part even after all this time thanks to Audi’s gradual, evolutionary approach to design.

The TT was presented in concept form in 1995, but when it reached production in 1998 the styling had barely changed, and its svelte lines and affordable price tag were transformative for Audi as a brand: while known for its quality products and appreciated by enthusiasts for its rallying exploits, it was the TT that made Audi cool in the eyes of the general public.

The car’s popularity back in the late ‘90s and early 2000s means the market is now awash with inexpensive used examples. The TT’s mechanicals are fairly straightforward, with all but entry-level cars using Quattro all-wheel drive. Most are powered by a 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder although a small number have a 3.2-litre V6, examples of which tend to fall just outside our budget.

TTs do have some common issues, with coil packs being a weak point, but the wide choice means you can afford to take your time and find a well cared-for and regularly serviced car, and – given that style will no doubt play a part – in a colour that you like.

5. Mercedes SLK (2004-2010)

That’s right, you can pick up a sports car with a three-pointed star on the bonnet for less than £5,000 if you look hard enough. The second-generation Mercedes SLK never quite had the razor-sharp driving experience to compete with the Porsche Boxster, but its more relaxed approach to two-seater convertible motoring will be just what some buyers are looking for.

Don’t take relaxed to mean slow, however – SLK 350 models use a 3.5-litre V6 engine with over 270bhp, giving it more than enough poke to trouble today’s hot hatchbacks. Even the base SLK 200K is nippy enough, but both are better suited to cruising than attacking a B-road. Features like the smooth automatic gearbox and folding hard-top give the SLK an air of luxury that you won’t find in something like a Mazda MX-5.

Being a Mercedes, you get a high quality interior with the latest and greatest tech that 2004 had to offer. It’s worth hunting for a model with the optional Airscarf system – this blows warm air onto your neck when driving with the roof down, so you can enjoy that wind-in-your-hair feeling all year round.

£5,000 to £7,000

Spending over £5,000 opens the door to some great cars, which no doubt will add some fun to your commute. All but one are hot hatchbacks, but if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, you’ll be able to find excellent, low-mileage examples of the previous four cars.

1. Honda Civic Type R (2007-2011)

The latest Honda Civic Type R has rightfully earned a spot in the hot hatchback hall of fame, but a £50,000 price tag puts it beyond the reach of most drivers. For literally a tenth of that sum, you could drive away in its grandfather, the Civic Type R FN2. Launched in 2007, this generation of Civic Type R divided opinions with its spaceship styling, but we think it’s aged rather well, especially when compared to the boy-racer models that followed.

Arguably, the even older Civic Type R EP3 from the early 2000s is a more engaging drive, however, they tend to be more expensive and feel more spartan inside. We think most drivers will struggle to notice the difference along a B-road, and the FN2 gets the same zingy four-cylinder engine that happily spins up to 8000rpm.

Thankfully, it’s an engine known for its durability, and many will run beyond 100,000 miles with few issues, although the timing chain and tensioners should have been replaced before this milestone. We still recommend opting for a lower-mileage example with a full service history for added peace of mind.

2. Volkswagen Golf GTI (2005-2009)

After the disappointing Mk4 Golf GTI, the fifth-generation model represented a fantastic return to form for Volkswagen’s iconic hot hatch. It got all the basics right – powerful 2.0-litre engine, poised front-wheel-drive chassis and sporty styling – while positioning the sportiest car in the standard Golf range as a classier alternative to more boisterous rivals. Good examples still look great today and make for fantastic everyday transport.

As little as £5,000 can buy a high-miler in decent health, but it makes more sense to aim for a pampered example with less than 100,000 miles if you want to minimise costs in the long run. You’ll need around £7,000 for this, although it is possible to spend more for a showroom-condition example or a special edition model.

The Mk5 Golf GTI is generally reliable, but there are few foibles to watch out for alongside the usual age-related concerns: the engine is quite noisy but a rattle may be a faulty fuel pump, while uneven rear tyre wear points to suspension that needs adjustment. You can read our full Mk5 and Mk6 Volkswagen Golf used buying guide here.

3. Suzuki Swift Sport (2011-2017)

Unlike the high performance, turbocharged hot hatchbacks of today with supercar-rivalling speed, the Suzuki Swift Sport is a car that prioritises fun handling. It’s lightweight – around 1,000kg – which means it can make do with just a 134bhp four-cylinder engine. It’s an engine that loves to be revved out, working with a slick six-speed manual gearbox to deliver a fun driving experience without the need to break the speed limit. 

The pliant suspension is well-judged for our patchy UK roads, and makes the Swift Sport a comfortable car that you can use every day. Fuel economy is respectable too, with around 44mpg achievable when you're not flooring it. Like the majority of Japanese hatchbacks, the Swift Sport was built to last, and there are few reliability issues to worry about – just make sure it’s had recalls for leaking brake fluid and a rear axle bolt completed, and a full service history won't do any harm, either.

4. Peugeot 208 GTi (2013-2018)

The Peugeot 208 GTi is a pint-sized supermini that packs a hefty punch. Channelling the ethos of its forebear, the iconic Peugeot 205 GTi, the 208 GTi is something of a bargain these days, with early examples costing around £6,000. Under the bonnet you’ll find a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine, producing a stout 197bhp – enough for a 0-62mph time under seven seconds. The steering feels darty at first, but the suspension is more than capable of keeping up with quick direction changes, which adds to the sense of fun along a B road.

As one of the newer cars on this list, the 208 GTi is perfectly usable everyday, with a well laid out interior and a pair of supportive front seats. The i-Cockpit dashboard design places the gauge cluster above the small steering wheel and takes some getting used to – be sure to try before you buy.

5. Alfa Romeo Spider (2006-2010)

If ‘fun’ to you is more about looking good than going fast, then the Alfa Romeo Spider will be right up your strada. It’s hard to believe that the Italian soft-top came out in 2006 �� its sharp styling still looks just as dramatic and contemporary today, especially in the right shade of Alfa red. 

The Alfa Romeo Spider is based on the Brera hatchback – which is arguably even better looking – meaning that most models are front-wheel drive and use either a 2.2-litre petrol, 3.0-litre petrol, or 2.4-litre diesel engine. They’re not all that fast by today’s standards, but the Spider isn’t a car you want to drive hard. It’s the ideal weekend cruiser, ready to soak up the sun no matter whether you’re in Tuscany or Telford.

You’re unlikely to find a car quite as characterful as the Spider for under £7,000 and it shouldn’t be as tricky to own as Alfa’s notorious reliability reputation would have you believe – so long as you service it regularly. One of the hot hatchbacks above will no doubt be more engaging to drive, but it certainly won’t turn as many heads as the drop-top Alfa.

£7,000 to £10,000

These cars just sneak under the £10,000 mark and are just as fun to drive as many new cars on sale today. We’ve picked four that we think are worth considering.

1. Ford Fiesta ST (2013-2019)

Ford has offered hot Fiestas for almost as long as the Fiesta itself has existed, but only in recent years has the car genuinely been a class-leader. The car that turned things around was the second-generation Fiesta ST, sold from 2013 to 2019, based on the sixth-generation Fiesta. It was truly the complete package, with striking styling, an engine that put it right in contention with rivals, and a chassis that had the measure of almost any hot hatch on the road.

This ST is a real pleasure to drive. The 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine produces 180bhp and feels every bit as quick as you’d expect, but it’s the detailed steering feel and agile chassis that really made the Fiesta a class-leader. 

The ride can be a little firm for some but the payoff is high levels of grip and sharp turn-in. They’re relatively solid little cars, though hot hatches like these get used hard, so check the history carefully for evidence of less-than-careful use – well used examples can certainly be had for less than this price bracket, but we wouldn’t recommend this. There are a lot of reports of STs of this generation being stolen too; if you buy one, it may be worth investing in extra security measures.

2. Porsche Boxster (1996-2004)

Yes, you really can find a ‘proper’ Porsche sports car for under £10,000. It was only a few years ago that you could have picked one up for half that sum, but enthusiasts have cottoned on to the bargain Boxster. Even today, it still represents excellent value, and serves as an affordable gateway to Porsche ownership.

There’s much to recommend the Boxster, even if it can be relatively expensive to run. Its curvy 1990s styling is ageing well, in part thanks to Porsche’s policy of gentle evolution, so even the very latest 718 Boxsters don’t look dissimilar to an original 1996 car. They handle beautifully too, and while the early 2.5-litre cars aren’t rapid by modern standards, they still perform well and the flat-six engines sound glorious when revved. Be extra vigilant when buying and budget for potentially expensive repairs and servicing (Boxsters of this age have a few common engine issues), and you’ll own one of the decade’s greatest sports cars.

3. Renault Clio Renaultsport 200 (2009-2012)

While the Renaultsport name may have been dropped from Renault’s new car lineup, the used market is full of excellent models from the performance division’s illustrious past. Our pick is the Renault Clio Renaultsport 200, the sporty supermini from the late 2000s. It arrived along with the facelifted Clio III, and packed a 197bhp engine and revised chassis setup that made it one of the most talented hot hatchbacks to date.

A ‘Cup’ variant was offered, bringing a stiffer chassis for improved handling. These are often regarded as the finest to drive, although the softer ride of the regular Clio Renaultsport makes them better suited for tackling our pothole-ridden roads. Either way, the Clio Renaultsport 200 is a performance bargain at under £10,000, and you’ll struggle to find a more engaging hot hatchback for the money. If you decide to take the plunge, be aware that many Renaultsport Clios have seen action on track – check with the previous owner that their example has stuck to the public road and that the service history is up to scratch. 

4. BMW Z4 (2009-2016)

If your idea of fun is less about hitting apexes on your favourite B road, and instead about cruising along with the roof down and music up, the second-generation BMW Z4 could be the bargain second-hand buy for you. It follows the traditional sports car layout, with two-seats and rear-wheel drive, but has a well-appointed interior and sophisticated folding hard-top roof for added refinement.

The Z4 has never been the most overtly sporty car, but for many drivers, its softer ride and relaxed steering don’t detract from the sense of fun. There’s a wide choice of engines, from the entry-level 154bhp four-cylinder, up to a rapid 340bhp six-cylinder, although you’re unlikely to find the latter at this price point. Fortunately, the smaller engines are much more affordable to run, meaning you can spend more time out on the road with the roof down, rather than at the fuel pumps. Z4s of this age are generally reliable, but pay attention to hydraulic fluid leaking from the roof mechanism and faulty fuel injectors.

5. Audi TTS (2008-2014)

Spot of déjà vu? Yes, this is the second time the Audi TT has appeared on this list, but the 2008 TTS is a very different animal to the first-generation model. It sports a bigger, more grown up design, and rides on a completely different platform, making it a far more capable sports car. Throw in a punchy 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with 268bhp and Quattro four-wheel drive, and you have a seriously quick machine – the coupe will go from 0-62mph in just 5.4 seconds.

The Porsche Boxster will be sharper to drive through the twisties, but Audi’s ‘Magnetic Ride Control’ helps keep everything in check, while big tyres provide ample grip. You can choose between the four-seater coupe – although those rear seats are really only for small children – or a two-seater convertible, and there are a few automatic models on the market if changing gears manually isn’t your thing. The convertible isn't quite as quick or as sharp to drive as the coupe, but that will be a tradeoff worth making for those who want to top up their suntan.

Over £10,000

Stretching your budget beyond £10,000 unlocks some genuinely brilliant performance cars. All can be had for under £15,000, which begs the question – why spend more?

1. Toyota GT86 (2012-2021)

It takes bravery to challenge the Mazda MX-5 at its own game, but that’s exactly what Toyota did in 2012 with the GT86: another affordable, fun-focused sports car. Sure, it lacks the MX-5’s folding roof, but the ‘86 makes up for that with handsome looks and room for four inside – just. It’s more powerful, too, with a flat-four engine producing 197bhp. 

As with the other cars on this list, the GT86 isn’t about straight-line speed. Throw it into a corner and it responds eagerly – helped by a perfect 50:50 weight distribution – while skinny tyres mean that more confident drivers can explore the limits of the GT86’s grip at safe speeds. Whether you drive it fast or slow, the GT86 exudes fun, and with used prices starting from around £10,000, it’s something of a bargain.

Toyota is a brand famed for its bullet-proof reliability, but the GT86’s mechanicals were actually largely designed by Subaru. That means there are some things to watch out for, including small oil leaks and rusty subframes. Check the service history for regular oil changes – it’s worth spending a bit extra for a pampered example to avoid big repair bills in the future.

2. Renault Megane Renaultsport (2010-2016)

The Renaultsport version of the third-generation Megane was one of the best large hot hatches of its generation and went down a storm with performance-car enthusiasts. It was in its element on a twisting B-road; a 2.0-litre petrol engine with 247bhp was enough for 0-62mph in 6.1 seconds, while sharp, agile handling and a sublime suspension set-up belied the Megane’s roots as a family hatchback. Two versions were available: Cup and Sport. The former has less standard kit but more in the way of sporty chassis tweaks, while the latter came with more creature comforts.

Prices start at around £9,000 for earlier examples with higher mileages, but a budget of £11,000-£13,000 will secure something with a mid-five-figure mileage and good history. Look for a model with the Cup pack fitted – these are more fun to drive and hold their value better.

Renaultsport cars have a good reputation for reliability, but it pays to look out for signs of track-based abuse. Those supportive Recaro seats can suffer from worn bolsters, too, which are an expensive fix.

3. Mazda MX-5 (2015-present)

The only car on this list that you can still buy brand new today, the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 makes a hugely appealing used buy, too. It still looks just as sharp as it did when it launched around a decade ago, and there are few cars on the road that are as fun to drive – aside from other MX-5s, of course.

As time moves on, most cars tend to become heavier and more complex. The same can’t be said for the MX-5 – the fourth-generation model is actually smaller and lighter than the car that came before it. That pays dividends through the corners, with a sense of agility that’s hard to match at this price point. The suspension is soft enough to take the edge off harsh bumps but it still clearly communicates what’s happening under the tyres.

£10,000 can get you behind the wheel of an early example with the smaller 1.5-litre engine and folding soft top. Stretch your budget a bit further, and you’ll find examples with the punchier 2.0-litre motor, along with the ‘RF’ folding hard-top model that enhances the MX-5’s daily driving credentials.

4. Nissan 370Z (2009-2021)

The Nissan 370Z won’t be for everyone, but it’s certainly an option to consider if you’re looking for a fun sports car between £10,000 and £15,000. Its 3.7-litre V6 dwarfs many of the other engines on this list with a chunky 326bhp to match, and delivers quick acceleration and plenty of noise from the exhaust.

Some drivers may find the firm suspension setup distracting down a bumpy road, but the 370Z will still leave you with a smile on your face after a string of tight corners. The gearshift is slick and mechanical, the power delivery linear, and the steering communicative – it’s a properly old-school experience in a sharp, modern suit.

It was hard to recommend the 370Z towards the end of its production life as rivals had become more sophisticated and were often not much more expensive. However, time has shone a new light on the Japanese two-seater, and it makes far more sense as a used purchase at around £13,000. Convertibles tend to be cheaper, while the coupe offers a tauter driving experience. A major service was due at around 54,000 miles, so make sure that this was carried out if you’re looking to pick one up.

5. Honda S2000 (1999-2009)

They don’t make cars like the Honda S2000 anymore, and that’s a real shame. A two-seater convertible with a manual gearbox and a naturally-aspirated petrol engine that revs out all the way to 8,800rpm – it’s a recipe that serves up endless fun. The S2000 may be one of the oldest cars on this list, but collectors have started to pick up on its desirability, and prices have been climbing as a result. Early examples start from around £13,000 today, but spotless cars can command double that.

At the centre of the S2000’s appeal lies its VTEC petrol engine. This 2.0-litre four-cylinder – later increased to 2.2-litres – produces around 240bhp, which is more than enough to motivate the sub-1,300kg S2000 along at quite a lick. It’s also an engine known for reliability, with some S2000’s having racked up mileage figures well into six digits. Combine that dependability with a thrilling driving experience and handsome looks, and it’s no surprise that the S2000 was a regular top 10 finisher in the Driver Power owner’s survey back in the day.

Want a performance car that's usable everyday? Read our list of the best hot hatchbacks on sale...